We love you mom and Jon so much! Thank you for all you do for us! We always have such a great time with you both. The boys love coming to the farm, taking baths in the big tub, rocket ship park, and the beach. Manistee feels like home because so much of our childhood was spent there. It is a surreal feeling to know that my children are playing where I used to play. It seems like yesterday the Smith's, Tacia's and Van's were playing there! Mom hope your birthday was great! Love you all and can't wait to hang out for the week! p.s. Doug conquered the rocket ship! It was his first time there! can you believe it? Because he works so much in the summer he had only heard about it! He had a great time and a good laugh!

Enjoy each day!

Life goes by so fast. Seasons change. Enjoying each season of life you are in, is the challenge. Yesterday some friends came over to pick up furniture, the husband is suffering from cancer. They spoke of driving to his next chemo treatment with his children ages 6 and 1 because it would be during the 4th of July and they were going to go to an amusement park and watch fireworks. He said, "We might as well make the best of it!" My immediate thought was joyful suffering He is living each day like it is his last! He spoke of still being able to work and I know I can't have the grace for this situation, but Iwondered..... would I be like that? There are times now I wish I could rush away. There are situations now that I don't want to be in, and I know I am not joyful about them. As I am raising my boys, I am constantly reminded to enjoy each day. Trusting in God with the season you are in now, and enjoying each precious breath and every new day is the key. We need to let our kids be kids. Keep their innocence for as long as you can. Let them dance in the rain, make mud pies, have ants in a a soda bottle for a pet ........even when you are so grossed out. Stop cleaning.....how important is the floor if you are not sticking to it. Pray for patience, be slow to anger. Life on earth is short.......eternity is forever. Thanks Nicole for the song idea.... I love our chats and being able to encourage one another to not miss this!