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 This year's cakes were challenging, but I'm really happy with how they turned out.

Garage Glow Stick Dance Party!

(The garage was the only place we could black out all the light from outside

 and have enough room for a small crowd - you work with what you got.)

This party was so much fun.  I think we'll definitely be doing this again.  

MAY

Life is full.  I like it that way.

I got SPOILED for Mother's Day.

Our bedroom NEVER seemed clean.  We finally realized it was because so many things didn't have a "home."  We decided it would help if we got a bigger dresser.

So in honor of Mother's Day, we took a trip to the Disneyworld of furniture stores.  IKEA

Always a fun outing, but not gonna lie.  I wouldn't label it a restful way to spend the day.  All that walking calls for a little refreshment while Dad gets the van.  <3

Speaking of van, it made things just slightly on the crowded side for the trip home.

My love did a GREAT job of putting it together.  The task would have been tortuously daunting for me.  A terribly unpleasant endeavor.  I'm awful glad he is so good at this sort of thing.

I think it looks beautiful.  It inspired us to spruce up the rest of room.  Our bedroom has finally become an inviting place, instead of a clutter-catcher.  I love it.  

The girl's Virtual Academy hosted a field trip at The Dancing Brush.  3 little artists, it did not make for a cheap outing.  But I think the girls enjoyed it and they worked really hard on their projects.  

May is also the time for the annual Viking Vest.  

Ran the 1 mile road race with Miss K.Rae and her friend.  She did great.  She worked hard and we had a good time.  

You can't have a small town holiday without a parade.  

This year the girls walked with their girl scout troop.

Calming His Child

I've heard this saying:

"Expecting a trouble-free life because you are a good person,

 is like expecting the bull not to charge you because you are a vegetarian."

Sometimes people we love die.

Sometimes children are never born.

Sometimes the sick stay sick.

Sometimes the blind stay blind.

Sometimes legs never get to walk.

Sometimes children never learn to talk.

Sometimes people don't get married.

Sometimes people get divorced.

Sometimes "the bitter cup" is not removed.

Numberless sermons have been devoted to why this is.  At this time, my desire is not to further discus the "why."  (Though I did share some thoughts 3 years ago in my Silversmith post.)  Suffice it to say, I understand the need for, and blessings that come from, a "refiners fire."

However, this understanding created an obstacle in my prayers to God.  As we have struggled with our challenges, I've dropped to my knees, face wet with tears of fear and desperation.  Truly believing that if I am to receive any help, guidance, or relief, God is the one to turn to.

But as I've tried to seek this aid, I've found myself stuck.  Unsure of what to ask.  Thinking to myself:

What if this is not to be healed?
What if the purpose and benefits of this trial far outweighs the pain?
What if deliverance is not what's best?

So . . . . . what do I ask for???

Last night I finally found an answer to this question.  I remembered this saying:

If this "storm" is not to be "calmed," than I can ask God to "calm" me.
I can ask for peace.

I've seen answers to prayers explained like this:

I think this is true.  Some circumstances (usually beyond our current understanding) require a 2 or a 3.  But I also believe, there are a few things, to which the answer can always be "yes." I believe one of those things would be, a sincere and humble plea for peace.

In our tiny little corner of this great big world, our storm is still ever present; but He calmed his child.  My tears of discouragement and helplessness dried, and our little family was able to continue to face our challenge, climb our mountain, and sail our storm, with hope.  Now my tears are tears of gratitude to my Lord.

CAMPING TRIP 2016

Happy kids, happy times, happy memories.

Parking lot picnic.  Not our first.  And I'd say, hopefully not our last.

Biased maybe, but I think that's a really great picture.

Dungeness Spit
The kids loved it here.  I loved it here!  It was beautiful.  I can't wait to go back.
But . . . on this particular day, it was FREEZING!

Cold, wet, tired, hungry, but happy.  Time to go home.

Favorite Museum With Some of our Favorite People

DISCLAIMER: I get no credit for these pictures.  I only took a few and they weren't that great.  My friend took lots of pictures and sent them to me.  She got some great ones.  These little people have made some great memories together.