Horses!

This past week the kids and I went to Oregon to visit family. The kids had a blast on my mom's farm, as always. But this time we did something a little different. We all rode horses! As a kid, I used to ride all the time. I loved it. And now, so many years later, I miss it. There were a few years recently when I couldn't really ride, either because of being pregnant or having very small children who needed my attention all the time. But I realized recently that it would be a wonderful idea to start riding again. My sister still has a few horses which are very well trained. So...even though it's been YEARS since I've been on a horse, I still feel somewhat confident on them. One evening my sister, my niece, and I went out and saddled up the horses (well, actually my niece rode bare-back, which I think is pretty neat). We rode a few times around the field while the kids watched with Grandma. We mostly walked, but we did trot and even gallop for a short time. It was a great time of riding to get back into it. The kids enjoyed watching, but really wanted to get on the horses themselves. So after several times around the field we got off and let the kids ride. They LOVED it! Last summer Ellie tried riding once, but once she got onto the horse's tall back she was frightened and didn't want the horse to move. And Parker had never been on a horse. But they both enjoyed it so much this time. It was already past there bedtime, so the rides were fairly short, but they both wanted to stay on longer. It was such a fun time, and we've decided to make this a tradition whenever we go stay with my mom. Someday I hope to be able to have a horse or two, but for now we're so thankful to my sister for sharing hers with us when we come to visit.

Moving

For the past 5 1/2 years my husband and I have lived at a Bible Camp in central Washington, where he works doing maintenance and running the paintball program, among other things. Jared has worked and lived here for 7 years. This is where we have lived since we got married. It is a beautiful place to live and a great ministry. However, my prayer for a while now has been for change. Right now we live in a house with another family. We live downstairs and they live upstairs, and we share a porch, entryway, and laundry room. I am thankful for the house and the neighbors we have, but it's not easy sharing a house. Also, we live about 25 minutes from the nearest town, which is sometimes a little lonely. We have generator power, which often doesn't work real well.

So....when God opened the door for us to move north of Seattle, to another Bible Camp, I was thrilled! We were not looking for another job, but just happened across this one. In every detail, it has felt like this is where God is leading us. We will for sure miss this place, where we started our lives together and started our family. I'm sure we will come back to visit. But we're so excited for this new adventure, and to see what God has in store for us. We will be moving in September. We will be in a 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house (we are very excited, as right now we're in a 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom). We will live only a few short minutes from the nearest town. We will have regular power. And Jared will be working with outdoor ed. groups, which I think he'll really enjoy. It will be a nice break from doing maintenance. We really feel like this will be a wonderful opportunity for our family. I am so thankful for a God who listens to our prayers and who cares so much!

Lake Chelan

During the summer our camp goes to Lake Chelan once a week for "Lake Day." Of course, the kids and I try not to miss a Lake Day. We love going! It's a chance for us to see Jared, during a season when that's somewhat rare. Plus, it's just really fun. The water is great for swimming; there is a huge grassy area where we like to play, eat, and take rests; and there is a great playground. Not to mention all the camp staff, who make the days very fun for my kids. They love Ellie and Parker, and Ellie and Parker love them, too. We have had two Lake Days so far this summer - tomorrow is the third. Last week there was extra room on the camp bus, so the kids and I rode on the bus. I was a little nervous, but the kids did great, and had a great time! At first Ellie was a little afraid of all the noise that the big kids were making, but soon they brought out a guitar and sang praise songs, and my kids sang right along! Ellie and Parker didn't know the words to many of the songs, but still they sang loudly! Last week Jared brought our sailboat to the lake, and Ellie and Parker got to take their first ride on it. They did great, and loved it! It will be so much fun when they're a little older and we can all sail as a family often. Lake Days are a fun time for all of us, and I think the kids will have wonderful memories of these great summer days!