playtime is almost over...

It's been a wonderful, casual and relaxing week with Laura home. We played and laughed and talked and just enjoyed having her here. I let a lot of things go this week in order to spend time with the girls. And now it's crunch time! Amy graduates in just 2 weeks and we have family/friends rolling in before that. Suddenly I have a million and one things on my to-do list and instead of growing shorter, it gets longer every time I sit down to prioritize! We'll have every bed filled and even a couple of girls sleeping on the floor. So much to do...so little time! So if you pass me on the street and I seem a bit focused, just smile and remind me it will all get done. This will be a time to celebrate Amy's accomplishments...not stress out if I missed a dust bunny. Meanwhile, I'm going to put things off just a little bit longer until we take Laura back to Golden to work on campus for the summer. Surely 2 more days won't matter in the grand scheme of things...will it?!!

Laughter is good for the soul...

In 1988 when Laura was born I used to shop for adorable little outfits for her at Target. This November she'll turn 21 and guess what? We're still shopping for her in the girls department at Target!!! After trying unsuccessfully at Kohl's, Penney's, and Old Navy today to find khaki skirts, capris, and pants for her summer job, we were hugely successful when we discovered girls size 12's with adjustable waists at Target! Laugh if you will, but there's nothing like the price of children's clothing for a 20 year old! And shoes...oh yeah, size 2's! What a deal!!! The best part of all is that Laura and I always laugh A LOT when we shop. Did I mention how much I love having her home for a few days?

Guess who's almost home?

We received a call today from Golden..."will you please come up and pick up some of my things?" Laura had been trying to work it out so that she could move from one dorm to the the next without having to bring everything home for a week, but things just didn't work out. So Brian and I headed up and loaded up the car with Laura & Ian's help. Tonight she has lots of loose ends to wrap up..paperwork to fill out...etc. And tomorrow she comes home for a week before going back to start her summer job on campus. I suspect it will take her all week just to sort thru things! Surely we don't have to load all of this back up next weekend to go back!

"smokey"

Bethany (or "Smokey, as I like to call her these days) has had an incredible time working with the female firefighters this week as they recruit new campers for Summer Heat. She's more confident with each passing day. Speaking in front of high school kids she doesn't even know has been a really great experience, and I'm so proud of her for stepping out of her comfort zone. At her age (or even now), I seriously doubt I could have been so bold even if I'd tried. I'm in awe of what an amazing girl she is! I don't know what her future holds...only God does. But I know He's holding her in the palm of His hand. For today, that's enough. And if one day she decides to become a firefighter or a paramedic, He'll still be holding her!