a love note...

Dear Summer,

I have many hopes and dreams when I think of you.  For the most part, I am just plain excited to spend time with you, it has been a while and last time we were together I was not in the best form to enjoy you at the fullest.  This year I am about 30 pound lighter, and that being said, I have someone new to introduce to you.  He is wonderful.  

I plan to usher myself into your space with some nice, long runs.  You know, the kind that will tone my jiggly parts up so that I can be dressed appropriately and not make you uncomfortable ( I know you don't care for parka's).  These runs will often include a jogging stroller filled with two baby bums.  It will also often include my fitter-half, aka, my hubby.  If you could tell your friend, Spring to give us some nice warm days to prepare for our time with you, I'd forever be in your debt.

A nice place to enjoy cold strawberry-cucumber inspired water and conversations with you and other good friends will be my wonderful back yard, equipped with a new kiddie pool, lawn chairs and a mess of outdoor toys.  The new "Fathers Day" BBQ will also enhance our experiences together. As you well know, we've been preparing for your warm nights with smokies and burgers already.

Oh don't worry! We will definitely meet up weekly at our Bottle Bay stomping grounds.  Baby #1 has big plans to "go under completely" this year in the glorious lake (that you will warm, right?), and Baby #2 gets to experience the first splash in Lake Pend Oreille.  He will love it.  I can't wait to get back on my water ski and remind myself I'm getting older, but still "got it." 

I long for your sweet starry nights, warm evening breezes, toes in the water while sitting on the dock. The sounds of the hum of a boat motor, children laughing, the excitement of the first fish being reeled in, marshmallow roasted and tent pitched for the season.  Oh how you love me! :)

Summer Evenings on the Lake....

Iced coffee, garage sales, crafting, and spending time slowly absorbing each ray of sun you have to offer.  Oy! I am so eager for your arrival.  

Just wanted you to know you are heavily anticipated and thought of often.

Your #1 Fan,

Kristine

Catching Up...

6 months! The little man in my life is already 6 months old! Oh how he has changed me and wrapped me around his sweet fingers. :) Funny how all through my pregnancy I couldn't imagine a boy, what it would be like to hold him in my arms, nurse him and yes, change his diaper...how would a little boy work? How would he fit into the family?  Oy! He has not only my heart, but his daddy's and sisters hearts also, he has them safely tucked into his tiny boy denim jean pockets. hehehe baby booty in tiny jeans, is there anything cuter?

Playing at Grandma & Grandpa's on his 6 month birthday

A little bit of Sunshine to bask in....

Life is sweet right now, after a year of many stretching situations, lessons, emotions and such.  Addison is a  such a little girl, no longer showing any signs of  "baby or toddler" but that of a school girl these days.  Pushing back, pushing boundaries, talking back, learning, questioning, embracing and loving hard.  Cruz is sleeping longer stretches at night, laughing and interacting with his sister who he adores and dancing (yes, dancing literally) when he hears music or clapping.  He loves music....we may have a little musician on our hands...we shall see. His chubby legs and sweet shoulders beg for never ending kisses which he has no problem receiving. :)

First Dentist trip was a HUGE SUCCESS! :) She loved it!

Some transparency: I find myself seeking balance in my life and shunning the voice in my ear ever so often that tells me I am inadequate at being the wife and mother I am supposed to be with the perfectly behaved 3 year old, 6 month old that is sleeping perfectly through the night... amazing dinners on the table of my spotless kitchen table each night.....as well as a professional woman with it all figured out down to the most intricate detail- when it comes to my time with my job (even though much of it is done from home). To be ahead of the game and  exceeding expectations only I have put on myself...I know that I am doing my best a both and enjoy both immensely... however the reality of there only being "so many hours in one day" is definitely where I find myself.

Yes, life truly is good and I am happy.  Despite the doubt that creeps into my head from time to time I know that God has equipped me with everything I need to do all He has placed before me, in my home ministry and in my church ministry- they are both the ministry of my life.   I am looking forward to the summer season that offers sweet down time with the ones I love the most .  Memories to be made on the water and under the sun.

So as for the delay in the world of blogging, wow, 2.5 months have passed since I last found myself sitting before my computer notepad writing down my thoughts for you to read.... all 7 of you *wink.

An early April sunny day, missing daddy in this pic, he was taking it! :)

More to come, some more on life, and then more on some crafting, playing, growing and such.

Cheers,
Kristine