A Whole Lot of Random

How's summer going for you all? I hope you are having as much fun as we are! In fact, it's all going so well that I'm struggling to sit down and write out a blog post. I've about decided that, while I'm be around this summer, I may be around a little less than I am the rest of the year. This is just such a prime time of the year for all kinds of other things... and things that are really important (you know, like that family and all those friends!).

Anyhow, how about a little taste of what we've been doing lately? Our highlight so far this month was probably 4th of July weekend. We took several families we are friends with and headed up to my husband's family farm. Years ago when he was just a little kiddo his Dad purchased this piece of land and he grew up going out there, helping out, playing, fishing, etc. It's got a lake that is great for fishing and has great places for hanging out to grill up a great meal and maybe, just maybe shoot off way too many fireworks! Yes, we did all of that last weekend and had such a good time. We had three families together with a total of 8 kids between the ages of 16 and 4. I can't even begin to tell you how great it was so see all these big kids playing with the little kids -- hanging out with them, trying to teach them to fish, etc. Very cool!

We're also in the midst of swim lessons. Both Josh and Abby are taking their first swim lessons ever this summer. Josh loves water but, for some reason, has always been fearful of taking lessons (I think it has something to do with the big 'ole swimming pool as opposed to the backyard waterslide and other smaller versions of water fun). A few weeks ago, though, when we went swimming with all his cousins he started getting a little braver. He hasn't turned back since and both he and Abby are having a blast with these lessons. And, I must say, I'm having such fun watching!

Let's see... what else is going on? Oh, yes! Look over there to the right and you'll see I've put up a new poll for charities. Since I was able to send $25.00 (actually, I think it was $26.50 to be exact) to St. Jude Children's Hospital last week from the money raised by running the ads on my blog, I've now put up a new poll for who gets the next check. Place your vote now and we'll see where it will go. If you've got one that you love, but isn't on the list just leave it in the comments and I'll get it added.

In closing, I'd like to ask that you continue to pray for my aunt and uncle. As I shared with you several weeks ago, my uncle has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I'd like to ask that you pray for his health. However, I'd also like to ask that you pray for both of them as they walk this road together. Please pray they would feel God's presence with them in a very real way and that they would be able to just turn it all over to God... that they would put their trust in Him and allow Him to guide them and comfort them during this time.

And, now I'm off to get the rest of the "weekday stuff" done so I can move on to the weekend. We've got plans for relaxing (hmmm... I've got that on my mind alot lately, huh?), date night for hubby and I, followed by church on Sunday with more of that relaxing thing going on.

Oh, and I almost forgot, I've got to figure out how to cook salmon, too! What, you say? Well, Josh has recently become a huge fan of The Food Network. Our standard Saturday morning lately is for the two of us to curl up on the sofa together and watch his favorite Food Network shows that we've recorded during the week. He particularly loves the ones that are a type of competition (Chopped, Iron Chef, The Next Food Network Star). A few weeks ago the weekly winner on The Next Food Network Star had her recipe published in Good Housekeeping. He would have nothing until we got that magazine so we could get her salmon recipe. I've never cooked salmon before, so we'll see how this goes.... should be fun! :)

Have a great weekend!!