July Randomness...

 

I hope that you all have been having an incredibly wonderful July! This month has flown by, as this whole year is doing. To catch up on a few things in my busy, perfect, amazing, blessed life:

Fans are VERY fun to talk, sing, and laugh into. Try it several times a day with different songs. It’s good for your health. Try Carter’s song: “Sweet dreams are made of peas… travel the world to disagree…” =D He was making me laugh SO much! It was great to hear his sweet voice again after over a week without him! 

 

Also, scissors + McKenna= bangs and looking even more like Mommy than before. She cut her hair while I was out of the room in about 3 minutes without a mirror. She really looks very cute, though she says she doesn’t like them. It could have been much worse…

 The little pool in our backyard is one of the BEST things ever! We play in it about daily—sometimes more! “Can we go swimming?” is one of the first questions I’m asked in the morning. It’s the perfect place to pretend you’re a sea lion in training, thrown overboard in the middle of a lake searching for land, or be “Kung Fued” by the kiddos. The sunshine so lovely, the sky so huge, and the kids so happy!  

  

Aunt Chas had her surgery and is doing well. She has become such an important part of my life. I feel like I’ve known her forever, though it’s been only months… and only weeks here. Her smile and her laugh make me so happy. Uncle Daniel is one of the coolest guys. He rides with Darren on Tuesday nights. I love it when he comes over; any time I see him. He’s always got a great smile on his family. Their sweet girlies are the same. Funny, happy, sweet as everything. I adore their family, our family. <3

 They spent the night with us, which was so much fun! Then Lynn and her kids gave Aubrie, Rylee, McKenna, Carter, and me one of the best days ever! Good tennis lesson for the girlies, wonderful lunch, and then the awesomest pool ever~ even a waterslide! It was great to get to know them all better. It is neat to realize I’m learning the area…

 Every day with good health is a blessing that I used to take for granted. In the past few weeks I’ve found myself thinking how blessed I am to be able to pick up the kids, run up and down the stairs, go for long walks, drive anywhere I want. It’s a gift. And something we have to use wisely. I’ve also found myself trying to let the things that don’t matter, “don’t matter” to me. It’s been good. Not saying I’ve got it right all the time, but it’s something I want to keep up and continue to get better at. Take the time to notice all that God has given to us and how pretty and perfect He made everything. 

 

This week being back with the kiddos, back at home with my Hecks, has been wonderful. I sure did love to be with my Ga family for a week, but I missed my Missouri life! Good to come home! I’ve realized this is home. Ga is home… Heaven is going to be perfect. No more goodbyes or missing anyone. I read Pollyanna while I was on our trip. Couldn’t help but think of my Aunt Shauna. Her example, her love of life, her happiness and focus on God and her family play a big role in my life. It is helping me grow closer to God every day.  

The sweetest moment was the day I came home. As I was leaving at the end of the day, the kids waved at me and said, “I love you!” It was the first time they’d said that on their own, not just in response to my telling them I loved them. It made my WHOLE… year?? 

 

Been missing my family at Concordia… sure do love them all. Looking forward to being home for a while in a few weeks, but am loving the traveling as well. Next week begins our Colorado trip. It’s been years since I was there. Sure am looking forward to the time with friends and seeing new places. 

 

Good to have some time at home. Super-awesome girlie time with my Candice, pictures and clothes, supper with the family, movie… just all being at home at once. And having our Nathan here! We’re missing Ashley, Madison, and Hallie but thankful for the fellowship and encouragement they are giving and gaining on their trip...

Have I mentioned that I LOVE our life?? Hug everyone you love and tell the world about Jesus. We don’t know when our last day will be. <3