Lately I have been reading about the origin of hymns and the people who wrote them. Today I came across a short verse written by Fanny Crosby that humbled and encouraged me. What courageous spirit. If I can choose to live my life with half of her character... May it be so.

Oh, what a happy soul am I!

Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be

How many blessings I enjoy,
That other people don't;
To weep and sigh because I'm blind,
I cannot, and I won't!

Written by Fanny Crosby at the age of 8.

Sometimes you just have to elicit a little help.

Swimming Lessons

The boys completed their first session of swimming lessons. They really enjoyed the water and all the attention they got from their teacher. It was really neat to watch Caleb blossom as the week went by. He "graduated" to the next level and had so much fun in the process. Now, if we could only get a pool and thwart some of this heat, life would be grand!

Old and New Friends

Last weekend we had a visit from my friend Mikki and her husband Ben. The boys took to Mikki right away and have been talking about Ben since he left. There is nothing like spending time with an old friend who knew you "then" and still loves you "now."

Marching along the trail

Sporting Mikki's hat

Enjoying the cooler air

Tuckered out

Our little garden's first showing

Houston is where the Heart is...

Last week I was able to go to Houston, Texas to visit my dear friend Michele and her family. I got to meet her beautiful son Josiah for the first time and love on him a little bit. She spoiled me like crazy and made sure my time was very restful. Here is to awesome friends! Love you Michele!!!

Cabe trying to steal away in my luggage

Helping me pack

Beautiful boy

Josh, Michele and Josiah

Happy Father's Day Dad!

A little trip down memory lane...
I love you Dad!

Happy Father's Day B!

Wedding Weekend

This last weekend our little family traveled to Portland for a friends wedding. I had the honor of being a part of the wedding, so I spent the weekend with the bride and Brandon took on the challenge of full time dad duty. He survived with a little patience, a good sense of humor and help from Uncle Jake. We all survived the busy weekend. Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Playing with his new soccer ball, compliments of Uncle Jake

Mid tackle

Breakfast time

Brotherly Love

Two handsome Hiesters

The beautiful Bride

Having fun with the girls!

The Family

Memorial Day Fun

A hodgepodge of pictures from our weekend...

in no particular order...

Mowing the lawn for Grandpa!

Taking pride in his lawn mowing skills

Giggling together

Playing in the Lake

Looking a little worn out from all the splashing

Resting a bit on our hike

Caleb helping Zach make it to the end of the trail

Put me down mommy... (The things I have to do for a picture)

Looking cute with Daddy