I'll take easy

Not too long ago I was pondering on the time of life I find myself in and where my family is headed at the moment.
Kids moving up to middle school and many other areas of life.
I thought I felt a bit inspired to print out a saying to put up in our entryway that says, "I can do hard things."
I thought I would help inspire my troops when the way seems difficult.

Since the moment I put that sign out there, I feel like everything I have encountered has been harder than usual.
This afternoon a water pipe broke under our house.
Luckily Chris discovered the source and fixed us up in a jiffy, but as I walked by that sign...I had the thought that I'd better take it from it's frame and rip it into tiny pieces.

I mean, I'd rather have easy, thanks so much.
I wasn't trying to ask for it.

Still, I recognize that I can't complain.
I have more blessings in my life than I could have ever imagined.
And I have loved ones facing much greater difficulties.

And wonderful family.

Speaking of wonderful family...


Some pictures from a recent family reunion.
We got together at a park for one quick day with Chris's side of the family.
We were driving longer than we were actually there.

But totally worth it.
We were so glad to be there with some of our favorite people.


We had a yummy lunch and a fun tour of the zoo.



Great grandma was so sweet to give each of the kids a crisp new $5 bill to ride some rides with.




And, the always competitive candy bar games.


Since it has been 20 years since grandpa passed away, some time was set aside to share memories of him.


Having never had the chance to know him, it was great to hear the fun glimpses into his life as recalled by his children and grandchildren.
It was funny how he sounded like a different person in the stories told by his children of how he was strict and always looking after them - versus his grandchildren who described him as just a big softy.

But everyone definitely had a tender place in their heart for him.


And that's what family is all about.