Rest

Memorial Day weekend has been busy, yet restful. More birthday celebrations on Friday, at the Canal with Malia and Peter on Saturday, and time with family until now. It's almost 9pm and I'm not ready to say goodbye to the weekend. It's been filled with reading (finished the Help), cooking (made my favorite couscous salad today), exercising (took out the bike, hiked to a hidden lake, walked the Clear Creek Trail) and sewing (worked on a quilt and finished some burp cloths). And now my mind is wandering to the start of the school day tomorrow, ecosystems in Biology, cooking in Chemistry, Gas Laws in Physical Science and then judging a 7th grade English project later in the evening. I'm dreading the busyness of tomorrow...it's sad that the day is dreaded not because of the events, but because of the sheer number of obligations packed into short amount of time. I'm definitely feeling the burn out and thankful that we only have 2 more weeks of school. I'm hoping the weekend has given me just enough energy to fly through finals with cheerfulness and grace...the secret...pray without ceasing :)

Had to show off the pants I made him for his birthday :)

Grandma got him his very own house...with a door that he loves to open and close!

Owen turns 1!

Being an Aunt is one of the best in this world. I love laughing, playing and cuddling with my sweet little nephew. He is growing up so fast...holding his own spoon, taking steps on his own, signing milk, talking incessently, eating toast (a walker thing for sure) and throwing mini tantrums when he doesn't get his way. He is spoiled with love from all around the family, this kid is blessed beyond measure. I'm excited to see how he grows this next year...you can see the wheels turning in his head...he is dying to get those words out. I can't wait for our talks on the phone some day!

Kendra's Cookie monster cake!

Daddy making him laugh :)

Birthday month

This birthday month has been different from all the rest. I now share it with Owen and he basically steals the show. Fine by me...because this is the first year that I've started to feel "old." I know 28 is still young, but it's a little too far from 21 and a little too close to 30.

Luke and Owen came over on Friday to stay for the weekend, while Kendra was visiting a friend in Minnesota. Chris and Jennie came over on Saturday night for dinner. I didn't do the cooking this year, unless you consider the coconut cupcakes...yum! We also had fun learning to play Dominion, a strategy card game that has quickly replaced Settlers of Catan.

After church on Sunday a couple of my best girlfriends, Meg and Malia, came over from Seattle for brunch. Meg even brought over one of her famous birthday desserts. This time it was a yummy chocolate oatmeal cinnamon gooey delicious cookie with sprinkles! I'm so blessed to have such loving friends :)

It feels like the year has gone so fast. I want life to slow down...I guess it comes down to being intentional to enjoy each day for what it is.