Twenty Nineteen Highlights

A picture glimpse from a few top moments in 2019.

 { Basketball }

Charlie began playing for McLendon Athletics last fall and continues to play on the select team. He loves the sport and works hard at becoming better. 

 

{ Graduation to Pre-school }

Our oldest graduated from Ebenezer Christian School and youngest began preschool this fall. 

{ Guitar }

Charlie continued to gain skills playing guitar and had the opportunity to play at his school chapel leading worship. His collection of pedals and instruments has grown quite a bit this past year. Myriam started guitar lessons as well!

{ Tim & Addi traveled to Cambodia in June. }

After graduation, these two flew overseas as Tim gave our daughter a first hand look to the ministry we support; the Life Giving Network. Eyes wide open, Addison experienced many firsts on this trip including the Great China Wall, smelly "fresh" markets and visiting the Killing Fields. 

{ Great China Wall }

{ Barbershop International Convention }

Tim and Charlie had the opportunity to share the stage together in the same place Tim won in 2005 with Realtime. Charlie had no nerves about singing in front of thousands of people and looked incredibly handsome as our little Man Cub sang tags, took in the events and road tripped with Grandpa Doug to Salt Lake City on the front end. 

{ Reclaimed book launch in August! }

{ Tim turned 40! }

Yep. My Love turned forty and celebrated with a motorcycle trip with buddies. I still brought poop emoji cupcakes and a toilet paper roll cake into the office to celebrate this huge event. My turn is coming this next year. 

{ Bryce Canyon with new running friends. }

{ Elements Hospitality Team }

I was given the title of coach as a dozen runners from the office ran the Grand Circle Trailfest accomplishing personal goals, team adventures and emotional finishes. It was such an honor to run this again and see others do something amazing.  

{ Drivers Permit }

Addison is doing a fine job learning the ways of the road. I prefer in town driving and tense up slightly when she drives over 35mph. Drivers Ed is complete and now works to fulfill all 60 hours of practice driving. 

 { Last child potty trained. }

This was sweet relief. Took some coaching but we have finally arrived in the point of parenting where no diapers are being purchased. 

{ Boat trip with Papa & Nana }

Other Highlights:

 Ministry travel

Almost finished house plans for a remodel in 2020

Summer swimming pool

Hysterectomy  

& the simple fact that we survived another year together. 

Happy 2020.

Summer 'N' Motion Wk. #6

Last week was a little bit of everything. 

I managed to finally kick the ear and sinus infection before my flight to North Carolina - thank goodness! Baylee is still trying to grow her two front teeth and all the kids have turned into part fish with the summers best purchase killing our grass in the back yard. Worth it. 

The week began with Charlie hanging with his buddy James and then again the next day celebrating another friend with the worlds best slip in slide. Seriously, this was a hillside covered in black tarps, soap and running water along with a dozen boys ready to have fun. 

Myriam continued her swimming lessons while I packed a suitcase for the She Speaks Conference. 

I'm so thankful Tim's job is flexible enough to stay home with the kids while I travel. He definitely earned husband of the year award as he tackled Little Irish and her ability to NOT want to be potty trained. Huge win as Tim conquered the little stubborn attitude with potty treats and stickers working towards the big reward of the desired Paw Patrol school backpack. 

And adding to the list of accomplishments, Tim took the kids on bike rides, trips to the park, picnics and explorations searching for crabs, shells and soaking up the salt smell at Birch Bay State Park.

Having the peace knowing all is clean and well at home allows for a sense of ease when traveling. 

As for She Speaks, God blew me away with His faithfulness and goodness allowing for my team to pray over women, listen to their stories and offer resources through Reclaimed Ministry. 

I went last year with a proposal and enough bound books to show publishers.  I knew no one but left with life long friends who have given me such encouragement and community over the past year. Throughout the year, God opened doors to share the heart of the ministry with other churches across the states. 

This year, I went with two friends who represented Reclaimed and acted as assistants during the Proverbs 31 Ministries hosted conference. I'm not sure I've processed all that happened this weekend and know I'm not the only one processing the fire hose of teaching that was provided. Jamie Ivy, Bianca Olthoff, Wendy Blight and Lysa TerKeurst were our keynote speakers wont only brought the Word of God but challenged our hearts to pursue the call God placed within us. 

The call of being a vessel of hope to women broken from marital betrayal. 

Can't wait to share more about the weekend!

Here's a little more from the past week... four more weeks until school starts!

{ In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. }

{ Potty training treats & bike rides to Cookie Grandma's. }

Summer 'N' Motion Wk #4

{ Cousin Crew }

Our first family trip to Lake Chelan was on my eighth birthday with extended family camping in the sites right next to us. For many years we crammed into a tent trailer with Dad's old blue panel truck making the haul over the pass. Grandpa and Grandma Van Dyken had a motor home that resembled a space ship but had a guaranteed stash of hot chocolate for us kids. 

Years have passed, kids have grown, some years missed due to teenage jobs and school responsibilities, and a couple even missed because that's how life is. The park remains the same; traditions still in place even though many have left us making huge gaps in the memories. 

I think the hardest part of this year was having to board our puppy. She was certainly missed. 

 { Camp life. }

 { Lakeside }

Most days were spent watching Uncle Jason teach Charlie how to properly cannon ball or the kids keeping busy in the massive sandbox. Myriam was consistently in the water on average 4-5 hours a day with myself taking advantage of any floating time with those willing to relax on the lake. The parents sat and read books with all the kids snacking most of the day long. 

We were blessed to use our friends' boat this year and double blessed when our friend Bruce took us up the lake tubing, rock jumping and finding a hidden rope swing that brought great entertainment. You could hear Myriam giggling from the shoreline as she was being pulled behind the boat! 

The entire family - Uncle Mark, Aunt Cheryl and boys Trent, Chad and girlfriend Kirsten (now known as Christmas), Mom & Dad, Uncle Jason, Auntie Lindsay and kids Talan & Ashlyn along with all six of our tribe - we're treated to the waterslides as well for an entire day of floating down the lazy river and managing to get Papa & Nana on slides too! 

{ Being lazy together. }

{ Trent, Charlie & Chad cruising in the tube. }

{ It always feels much higher than it really is. . . }

{ From zero to one hundred . . . Bruce turned our ride from calm to crazy in seconds! }

{ Charlie's first rope swing. }

 

 { Splurging with sweet treats. }

 { I hate that kids grow up but I'm loving growing up together with this one. }

{ It's a sassy kind of bench warmers. }

 { Reunited. }

It's always welcomed to leave on vacation, but there is something sweet about coming home.  

The wash machine hasn't stopped running since we got home and planning for next week begun with the fridge restocked and ready for whatever comes our way. 

Summer, you've been really good to us so far!

Summer 'N' Motion Wk #3

{ It's been a cold kind of week. }

{ The Irish meltdown }

Some days Little Irish is awesome. Other days she's hot and tempered dropping wherever she is to make a point of stubborn flare that drives this mama crazy. She managed to save her french fries during this meltdown. 

{ Summer Epic Fort }

I always know when a fort is being constructed because every chip clip, hair clip and clothes pin disappears. This was so big it even had a map before it was assembled with private rooms and all. 

 

{ Papa & Nana did their job well. }

Papa & Nana came to the rescue watching all the ladies with part of the family in Salt Lake City this week. Before the fun activities could even take place, naps were assumed to restore all levels of energy. Tim and I are incredibly blessed to have such an active family that intentionally stays connected to our kids. My parents are, and have always been, quick to say yes when we need breaks. They did not disappoint this week!

{ 4th of July Shenanigans }

The ladies had a picnic at Lake Whatcom with the Van Dyken family then headed to the boat for a sleepover with the fireworks over Bellingham Bay as their lullaby. 

{ Celebrating Ashlyn's 6th birthday at the Fairhaven Spray Park }

{ Charlie road-tripping through Yellowstone }

Grandpa Doug and Terhi invited Charlie to travel with them on their way to Salt Lake City. The kid loved the road trip and all the many stops along the way. Yellowstone Park being the highlight! He even got to meet our high school biology teacher, Mr. Kredit - a favorite teacher of many. 

{ International Barbershop Competition }

This was a cool week for the guys. Tim won International with Realtime in 2005 in this very place making the opportunity to share the stage with Charlie quite special. I must say . . . they were the most handsome men there! Charlie learned quickly that tux shoes are uncomfortable and barber-shoppers stay up late singing tags. Tim was demoted as the best tenor and replaced with his childhood idol, Kipp Buckner. To make the moment even sweeter, Uncle Ryan and Grandpa Doug shared the stage as well. 

Thank you for the music . . . a statement that couldn't be more true. 

I was able to join the guys mid-week having special one-on-one moments with Charlie 

and a long delayed flight home too. 

{ Waiting for the flat tire and brakes to be replaced. }

Almost home and ready for a week in the sun . . . coming up next, Lake Chelan!

Ah Chew... Bless You

The symphony of sneezes are in full swing in our home. The itchy nose where you just can't seem to reach, watery eyes and repeat sneezes are the first indicator things are ready to burst into color and sounds of lawn mowers becoming the normal outside back ground noises. 

It appears all of us, to some extent, have been fighting seasonal allergies and getting 

worse with every year passing. 

Even with the annoying symptoms of allergies, we still find time to play. 

The ladies have had a few days of fun together exploring Boulevard Park, feeding the ducks at Whatcom Falls, catching up on homework while the younger two burn energy off at Perch & Play, rolling down hills at the "Red Park" and meeting the needs of our taste buds with gelato and bread sticks. There's also been fitting room fashion shows which is quite comical I may add. One of those years where Addison has shot up resulting in nothing working for summer attire, Myriam not quite tall enough to fit Addi's hand-me-downs and Baylee on her own needing a few fill-in items to prepare these princesses for summer. Thank goodness not all will be teenagers at one time or we'd need to find some money tree seeds somewhere. I love watching each relationship grow, challenge and inspire the other. 

A while back, the ladies were playing together and one made the remark, "Hey, we all have a different Tummy Mommy." Hearing that made my heart stumble a bit, but also soar, knowing God knew our family dynamics long before I was ready to step into this role as Mom to all three. There are frustrations, struggles, joys and lots of laughter with each one. Each daughter has something special about themselves making them unique in their own way. Having these special girl dates makes them that much more special simply because God saw each of them needing one another. 

{ Fairhaven Explorations }

 

{ Whatcom Falls & Cornwall Neighborhood Red Park}

{ Morning running buddy. }

Rocking Into My Tenth State Race

{ Reclaimed Ministry Small Group Training }

I love how God connects people. 

This past October I was in Alabama for a women's retreat where I met Christie and many others from My Springs Church in Mississippi. After spending a weekend together, I was intrigued by Christie's story and then invited to run with her at the New Orleans Rock and Roll 1/2 Marathon. 

 It was just a year ago that Christie and her husband Gabe woke up to the smell of smoke raging through their home. With nearly nothing on their backs and being eight months pregnant with their third child, Christie and her husband grabbed their older two kids and raced outside. The home, a family estate with generations of memories, devastated to the foundation. 

And yet, Christie still smiles. 

A hero in my book. 

This past weekend I was able to stand in their newly constructed home, be greeted with huge hugs, given the full home tour by sweet Annabelle, and was witness to God's faithfulness to this sweet family after processing an incredibly challenging year. 

My friends, from My Springs Church, introduced me to fried pickles, catfish, hushpuppies, chicken and okra. My grease lined stomach sadly missed out on the fried Oreos! But not to worry... after a little ministry work and Reclaimed Small Group Training, Christie and I drove to New Orleans to run that race she had so graciously invited me to. Due to a bum knee, Christie was only able to run the 10k, but that didn't bother me. I was happy to accomplish another state goal and cross another finish line to gain my tenth state towards my 50 by 50! And by far the most flat race only climbing a grand total of 23 feet. Refreshing after that last race...

It was after the race I continued my fried foods tour and experienced the deliciously powdered beignet. Amazing. Olive Garden's dessert has no leg to stand on over the real deal! Thanks to both Christie and her friend Lauren, I was able to see much of the landscape in the land of beads, jazz and parades before boarding my flight home to the land of snow, winds and school cancellations. 

Thank you to those that greeted me with such love and open arms in Collins, and to my running buddies that allowed me to cheer, encourage and maybe push them through the finish line. 

{ Christie & Lauren: hosts & running buddies. }

{ Celebrating the 10th state. }

{ Race is done..time for Cafe Beignet! }

Fall Mash Up

I love fall. 

I love the scent of crisp, autumn leaves crunching under my feet and the 

warmth of a caramel apple cider between my fingers. 

I have no complaints about being stuck inside under a blanket, nose deep in a book. 

There is a sense of pressure to get all the outside activities completed before the months long of rain settles. The kids have had their first teacher conferences and I'm happy to report all grades and assignments are right up in the A's. Charlie is starting his AA basketball and continues to take guitar lessons. Addison enlightens us daily with her artistic abilities as she always has a sketch in process. Myriam gains more awards weekly with the most recent of being "the quietest kid" at The Good News Club. As far as Baylee goes, well, she's counting up to 60, telling me her phonic sounds to letters and still refuses to be potty trained. We recently sold The Mill Inn to YWAM North Cascades which is a huge win for both parties. We are thrilled to see the local base expand and grow as God cultivates a generation of Jesus followers providing more space to house 

missionaries coming to town. 

Here's a little more insight into what's been happening in our home:

Addison had a class hike up at Chain Lakes which turned out to be a little wet and quite a bit chilly. I'm not sure I've gained a trail buddy but Addi did great as she was groups ahead with her friends leaving Mom to chat with others in the back. You really can't fail on any hike up at Mt. Baker!

{ Lynden Dutch Treat: Myriam Princess Belle & Charlie a runner }

 I hate Halloween. I grew up not being involved in anything outside of handing out candy to the older kids coming to the door with pillow cases full of cavities. Once in a while our parents would lend their firefighter, nurse or sports player outfits to knock on a few doors up and down our street. I think out of punishment for not getting along or attempts to save money, my parents bought my sister and I one clown outfit as Traci was in one leg and myself in the other. We didn't get very far but certainly lends to a good laugh now! 

While Addison was hanging out with her friends this year, Charlie and Myriam took to the downtown shops for a little harvest fun. 

{ Sweetest m & m ever. }

 

It pays for Daddy to have good relationships with all his sub contractors and customers in places where they do Chicago deep dish style pizza the right way. What a treat to receive two frozen Giordano's pizzas from Doug! One piece alone and you think you were about to burst from the intake of cheesy deliciousness. Needless to say, the kids have been having leftover pizza for lunch all week.