Blessed beyond measure

So, I have not blogged in while, so I thought I would put something together. In thinking about what I wanted to write, I remember our recent trip to Boone, NC and Johnson City, TN. The trip was to celebrate the 4th birthday of my nephew. It ended up that Kaylyn, Matt and I went up a day early to help Wendi get things ready for his party. It was not a huge affair, but as most birthday parties go there are just lots of details to manage, and with an active four year old a couple extra sets of hands always come in handy. Everything went off beautifully and a wonderful time was had by all. In fact, it ended up being one of the nicest trips my kids and I have had in a long time. One the party details were done, and the party was underway, everyone was able to just relax and enjoy.

We spend saturday at the lake house of my sisters in-laws (John and Julie Seward), positioned with a beautiful view of Lake Rip Shin, it was the perfect day. Nice and warm, and partly cloudy. We spend most of the day paddling around in their canoes. Yes, you read that right. Me, the scared of deep water, who gets motion sick spent hours on the lake paddling around and floating. It was marvelous! And the best part, was that I spent it with my kids (Mike, Brianna (yes I count her as my own), Kaylyn and Matt). Then we spent saturday night together in the home of  Sewards.

It was only after the weekend was over that I realized what a treasure it was. I got to spend time with my sister and my nephew, working in the kitchen and running errands. And I got to spend time with all three of my kids. Just relaxing, and laughing and playing together. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if James had been there too.

Now, my family is not perfect and my kids are not perfect either. They have made mistakes in their growing up years, and I have made mistakes in my parenting. But overall, I am blessed beyond measure. My children are trying hard to follow Jesus, and make good choices, and do well in their lives in whatever they believe God has called them too. And while it may not quite be what we thought it would be when they were young, I would not have it any other way. Their life experiences have made them who they are, and they are pretty great.

Thank you Jesus for the blessing of my family, I certainly don't deserve it!