Thank you!

Thanks for all the encouragement to keep blogging. I'd totally deny that I'm an approval addict and say how now I'm totally cured of my insecurity and pride and competitive nature... but obviously, that'd be lying.

I DO like blogging--when I have time. May was an insanely busy month and I won't bore you with the details. (However, if you'd like to see for yourself, click here!)

But I do want to keep sharing fun things about the kids. And, I will...right after this 'introspective reflection': I'm realizing more and more this year how competitive I am. Not athletically, of course. (Stop laughing those of you who know me from highschool!!!!) But in every other way. I don't think that's something that will go away by not reading blogs. I really think that is a life-long struggle that I will have--something I'm having to give to the Lord often. And discontentment? Also a huge struggle right now. ___________________________________
(insert deep thoughtful response and answer to previous problems here)

As you can see, I don't have the answer to that. I'm just really focusing this summer on trying not to drive Joel insane with my issues. :-)

Okay, the kids:
We've been enjoying the summer weather!

Swimming



Working



Playing with our cousins, Addilyn and Asher (who are here for the WHOLE SUMMER!!!!)
(okay, that one is Aunt Nee-Nee!)


And to end with Ollie's 'quote of the day':
"Mommy, do you know what I'm dressed as today?"

"No, Ollie--what are you dressed up as?"

"A silo."

Not that you REALLY cared...

but I have been taking a break from blogs. I didn't really intend to take a break from BLOGGING...but it just happened that way.

Two weeks ago we were driving home from Indiana and I was complaining to Joel...talking about some things that I'm actually quite jealous about. (won't share those details) But he (probably half-way jokingly) said: "Maybe you should stop reading blogs." He then went to sleep (I was driving, mind you) while I was left to ponder and stew. He was probably right.

I started blogging 3 1/2 years ago as a fun way to keep our family far away updated on what was going on in Kansas. When Ollie came, it was a natural way to show off pictures. But now, with all these talented photographers and writers...it has felt like such a competition for me. I HAVE to have the best pictures...HAVE to have the most interesting stuff. And I will (of course!) only post things that make my family and I look like we are all put-together.

That has been a bit of a frustration for me in the last year...feeling like it's another competition. But when Joel said that, it made me realize that, for now, I really do need a break from reading blogs. I personally just have a really hard time being content when I spend so much time reading about others lives. Horrible, isn't it?

So I've made it 15 days without reading a single blog. And actually, I don't miss it. Oh, my mouse naturally tries to click on that bookmark while browsing the web each day...but I really don't miss it. At least not yet. And until I'm ready to read them with a more self-less heart...I'll stick to other things. Because for me, discontentment is something I really struggle with. So if something REALLY important comes up--please let me know! I, for now, won't be reading about it on your blog!!! :-)

Chicago

Mmmmmmm.....deep dish pizza at Giordano's

and the El.

Fun, fun!

I think he's bored...

So, a week or two ago, (when it was QUITE warm, mind you...) Ollie said he was going outside. He put on a hat, jacket, jeans, boots, and gloves.

I asked him if he was SURE he needed all that on...and he assured me that he did. Whatever.

A few minutes later, he asked if I would get him a sled. "No." I said. It was seriously 80 degrees out!

He asked me to come watch him a couple minutes after that...and this is what I found:

The Emerging Church: Good Or Evil?

Okay, so I normally don't get into politics or deep theology on my blog...and for good reason. But a friend sent this article about the 'Emerging Church' from Christianity Today, and I thought it was well-worth reading.

There is a lot of controversy over this movement. Some people think it's evil. Some people think it's great. If you are wondering where you fall on that spectrum, or if you've never heard of it and would like to know more, please read. It's well worth the read.

Oh, and the author is the one who wrote this incredible book--one of my new favorites!

And WE thought it couldn't be done!

Yep, you guessed it. Lily's hair can OFFICIALLY be 'done'. Not much in the front, mind you--but look at these DARLING piggies she can now sport!!!

More Potty Talk

Ollie's newest past time is sitting on the toilet. And reading.

Thanks to some friends, he now has a fascinating new book to read: