Our ALMOST Up North Life: July 2010

Thursday, July 29, 2010

1st Camping trip of Summer

This was definitely a camping trip to remember....

It was Christmas in July at Interlochen State Park.

Here the kids are waiting to see Santa...and for their candy he was throwing out!

Dave and Matt in front of the camper.

I love this picture!

Erica and Bianca

Best Buddies...

Santa finally arrived...in shorts!

Beach fun...swimmer's itch and all :)

Duck Lake

So...despite Dave's bad back, a few cases of Swimmer's Itch,

a few temper tantrums from tired kids AND parents, and the

usual bug bites and kids covered in dirt...we had a good time!

Blessings,

Trish

Friday, July 23, 2010

Camping

Signing off for the next 5 days to go camping with good friends. Hoping for great weather but mostly creating great memories.

Blessings,
Trish

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Walking with God

I have been reading a book called Walking with God by John Eldredge. I haven't finished it yet but have been struck by a few things already. I love the following...

"It's not what he isn't giving but what he IS giving. We can get

so locked onto what we don't have, what we think

we want or need, that we miss the gifts

God is giving."

He also writes...

"We are created to enjoy life. But we end up worshipping the gift

instead of the Giver. We seek for life & look to God

as our assistant in the endeavor. We are far more upset

when things go wrong than we ever are when we aren't

close to God."

I keep asking myself, "How many gifts have I missed?" I pray that

I can be more open and grateful for what He is giving me.

One more thing...

"As long as our happiness is tied up to the things we can lose,

we are vulnerable." - John Eldredge

I hope you all stop today and enjoy the gifts He is giving!

Blessings,

Trish

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Two of my good friends are back for a visit. One moved to North Carolina and the other to Georgia. It is so good to have them back in Traverse City. We met up downtown for dinner and had a great time along with great food!!! So thankful to have some time with you Jenell and Staci. I'll miss you both!

Just being silly :)

Take time today to tell the friends in your life how much they mean to you!

Blessings,

Trish

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Finding joy...

in the simple things...

Friday I decided to try canning Bread and Butter pickles for the first time. All that work for only 3 quarts! Promised Dave I will can dills next. The cute towel I found on Etsy...love it!

The boys waiting in line for the train bounce house at Heritage Days in Kingsley. Love seeing Ethan being a big brother!

Ethan wasn't too sure about this slide but once he went down we couldn't get him off it!

Mister Serious at the moment.
Look at the sky...definitely joy in that...

and this face :)

Hope your weekends have been filled with JOY!

Blessings,

Trish

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Enjoying summer!

I still can't believe it is the middle of July! Where has the time gone? I love summer and am trying to savor every single moment. I feel so blessed because we have had the most beautiful weather so far and have made some wonderful memories. Here are just a few of my favorite summer things...