Week 28--Joy and Pain Coexist

Monday, July 5th

Randomly, for no particularly reason, 7/10 of us went mini-golfing on a Monday afternoon.  Odd because when I threw it out as a possibility for Father's Day, my kids laughed me out of the room.  So, I planned to take Rocco and Renna- the two that still like my ideas- and put it in the family group chat just to let others know, and sure enough, people were interested.

Uncle Lee is very Uncle Lee and Aunt Bonnie is very Aunt Bonnie.  We deeply appreciate each one just the way they are.  I also love that Uncle Lee knows we appreciate Aunt Bonnie's Aunt Bonnie-ness and will randomly text a photo of a pie she made, her garden, a bouquet she arranged, or a Christmas tree she decorated, etc.  His caption was: AB at her finest.  And I responded: And UL at his finest noticing... They've been married 44ish years and she still captures his attention through the blinds, and he still notices her.

One month after the wedding, the bride, Amanda, posted a few wedding photos that Maddy was in.

Tuesday, July 6th

Lisa arranged a day of fun for the Orzoleks to remember Michael on his 1-year Glory Day.  It's still a very raw, difficult, confusing, devastating loss for the family and so much will just never be reconciled this side of heaven.  But we are trusting in God because that is what we do.  We know His very nature is goodness and kindness.  

Wednesday, July 7th

The Cool Kid Club

My afternoon spot:

Highly anticipated hockey game...and dogs being completely and utterly obnoxious through the thunderstorm.  Bauer's the worst.

One happy girl!

Thursday, July 8th

She's comfy like this.  I actually have memories of my Mom sitting in a similar position to watch t.v.

Friday, July 9th

Still adjusting to dropping him off at youth group.

They recognized all the graduating seniors.  Can we just hit the pause button because I feel like this is all happening too fast!

Saturday, July 10th

Manchester Country Club which is 1/2 mile from our house just switched ownership and completely renovated- now Geno Auriemma owns it and he knows how to get things done.  Corey Wry manages it, so we've tried it 2-3 times.  It overlooks the reservoir we drive by 217 times a day and their outdoor patio is on the 1st tee.  The menu is simple club food but extremely delicious with interesting twists.  Colombo and I had exactly 1 hour, so we snuck over for a quick lunch.

He rolled up his sleeves to rescue the friend of the neighbor.

In anticipation of Vacation Bible Camp the following week, the song team, including Trevor, performed one of the Camp songs in the weekend services.

Late to the party, but I started Chosen.

Bowling and laser tag for the TBQ crew.  Their amazing leaders, Lisa and Katie, are so good about rewarding them for their efforts.  It's been a really tight group since it's conception.

Sunday, July 11th

I watched Trevor online.  Later, we attended a training meeting for VBC and stayed for a couple hours to help decorate the building and prepare for Monday morning campers.  Mason A. joined us for pool and Daddy's dinner and ended up spending the night.

Week 27b--4th of July

Thursday, July 1st

So helpful.

Renna was the lucky recipient of an extra ticket for the US Women's National Team send off game with the Albano's.  She was glowing!!!!!  Loved every second, even the part when they got drenched!  

Friday, July 2nd

I had a very difficult day.  So difficult, in fact, that my red, puffy eyes couldn't be completely hidden from the kids.  They noticed and cared even though it was too big to burden them with the details.  Renna left me the sweetest note on my bathroom sink.  Being named Mom of the Moth certainly made me smile.  The inside contained more loving words...and the correct spelling of month.

Apparently for a dancer, this is a comfy way to sit.

Off to youth group in coordinating outfits!  #3 driving #5 to youth group makes me feel very old!

It's down to just this sweet girl on Friday nights.

We stayed extra long and ordered dessert so we could watch the first period of the game before heading home for the second period.

Saturday, July 3rd

C4's been playing drums in youth group for years, but this was his first time playing in the big service.  He was sooooo nervous about it.  He practiced all week, but was still feeling less than confident when he left Saturday afternoon.  We invited Ninny and Papa to service to watch and we all agreed he was aMaZiNg!  It's such a joy to see him up there!

Sunday, July 4th

I watched both services online while I cleaned so I could see C4 play again.

Colombo scooted the kids over to the church picnic for a couple hours so I could have a quiet house to prepare food for the evening.  By all accounts, it seemed to be tons of fun with food trucks, kickball, volleyball, and even an animal demonstration.

We hosted a gang (some I knew, some I did not) for pool, cookout, Spikeball tourney, and fireworks. 

Love Lisa's pictures!

When this crew decided to start a game at 11p, I put myself to bed.  They just run on a different clock!