I cannot possibly include everything from the months I've missed blogging, but, if a picture really can speak 1000 words, then I think directing you to the left side of the screen will give you a good start. I plan to include links to our pictures each month on our blog so you can see how Luke is growing and what we're up to as a family.
The past six months have certainly brought some changes to our home.
March was a month of construction at our house. We finished off the last of our unfinished home including: one bathroom and two bedrooms in our basement. It has been wonderful having the extra space and it was nice to sort through the "stuff" we accumulated over the past six years.
April was a month of change. I joined Weight Watchers at work to deal with the weight I had gained in the past year, especially after abdominal surgery last fall. Brent started P90X, an at home workout, as a new challenge to his workouts. And, Luke, started logging miles on the "big boy" bike he got for his birthday in February. We were on the move and excited for spring!
Mid-April changed our focus when Brent lost his job. We didn't lose momentum in the changes we had begun, but we did alter our focus. We were reminded how very blessed we are to have each other, the support of family and friends, our health, and the list of the "priceless" could go on and on. We were reminded that we are not in control and of the everyday blessings we so often overlooked in the busy-ness of life.
May was a month of internal focus. We had a quieter, more flexible schedule that allowed us to spend a lot of time together as a family. We spent lots of evenings outside together in any variety of activities: biking, running, walking, and/or rollerblading. It was wonderful change of pace! Brent also started an masters of business administration (MBA) program online with a focus in health care administration.
June was a month of fun! We signed Luke up for a week of sports camp through Community Education where he learned more about soccer and t-ball. The class was a parent-child class, so Brent and I were able to join in the fun and we also brought two friends from Luke's daycare to the camp each day. Luke LOVED the class and likes to set up drills in the yard with Brent's sports cones like the teacher did in class:)
After the week of sports camp, we started Vacation Bible School (VBS) at church. We all got to participate this year since Luke was old enough to join the preschoolers and Brent and I were helpers. The theme was High Seas Adventure and Luke LOVED every minute!
The week of VBS was also the week of Rochesterfest. Since we were busy with VBS, we didn't get to many of the events, but we got to our new favorite: Breakfast on the Farm. Each year, the breakfast is held at a different farm outside Rochester. The breakfast is good, cheap, and you get to eat in the great outdoors. But, the best part is experiencing the farms with Luke. He loves the tractors, animals, hayrides, and checking it all out up close and personal:) This was our third year going and I hope Luke will want to go for many years to come. The other annual event we like to see is the Rochesterfest parade, but this year it was cancelled due to thunderstorms:(
The first week of July was a continuation of the fun when we got to see some great friends from across the country and around the world! Luke, Holly, and Jael Erickson were in town from Baltimore for the week. It was beautiful weather and we got to spend time at the park, at Thursdays of First, and had a few get togethers with friends while they were here. I also got to Amanda and Mike Keller who were in Minnesota for a few weeks before heading back to China where they teach English. There is nothing better than the company of life-long friends:)
The rest of July we've mostly spent hanging out with family. Luke has gotten a lot of fun "cousin time" with Annie, Ethan, Mekhi, and Annalise, including a couple sleepovers and a few trips to the pool and beach. We also took quite the hike with Bridget, Grandma, and Grandpa last weekend on the Douglas Trail to Pine Island. Bridget is walking in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser in August, so we joined her on a training walk as she prepares for the 60 miles of walking she will do during the three day walk. Luke also got to a Honker's game with Grandma and Grandpa and I know they'd like to make another this season.
Last, but absolutely not least, Brent and I celebrated our seventh anniversary on July 26! We spent a day in the Cities walking the Mall of America and having dinner. It was nice and relaxing and fun to get away for the day. I am so blessed to call Brent husband:)
So, where are we now? I'm enjoying my new half time schedule at work (as of July) and the extra time with Brent and Luke that it allows. Brent continues his MBA program and recently started his third class and also continues his search for work opportunities. As for Luke, well I thought a list of some of his current favorites would give you a good idea of what he's up to:)
A few of Luke's favorite things:
- Workbooks - He LOVES doing mazes, dot-to-dots, and word finds
- Identifying letters and the sounds of letters on anything he sees (signs, books, TV, etc)
- Playing video games on the computer with Brent
- Scooby Doo - You can almost bet that if Luke is picking the movie, you'll be watching Scooby Doo:)
- Riding his bike
- Riding in the jogger while Brent and I run - He's such a trooper to ride along so content
- Swinging - First place he heads at the park...he learned to pump this year too!
- Playing air guitar and drums - He jams while we have music on at home and during church along with the band
- Talking about his 5th birthday party - Apparently since he's four and a half he needs to start planning:)
- Building with Legos
- Building train tracks
- Building tracks for his matchbox cars
- Watching Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel cartoon)
I'm beat after reminiscing the past six months:) I hope you're all doing well and enjoying your summer! See you online soon!
