Summers at Lake Zoar

Ty and Wil with best pals Ella and Jack, Summer 2012.

I love when the boys ask "Are we going to do this again this year?" It usually means a tradition has been born—something they look forward to as the next season approaches. Certainly, the Outer Banks is one of those traditions and as of this year, I think we can add Lake Zoar to the list of summer favorites. 

Brooks' lake house is a little boys' paradise of rope swings, fishing, canoes, jet skiis and water sports. Brooks has opened his home and his heart to my children, my family and my friends since we first began dating.  Everyone including the kids love spending time on beautiful Lake Zoar because of all it has to offer, but mostly because of the wonderful vibe at the lake. This is no doubt a product of Brooks laidback approach to life in general. Of all the things I adore about Brooks, his ability to live in the moment is by far my favorite thing about him. I have much to learn on that topic, but I am willing and able!  Hopefully, I'll have many more summers at the lake to complete my education.

Immersed in the love of God!

The older I get the more I find that I am open and even reliant on God's timing in my life.  This past weekend was a perfect example of this as we had Ty and Wil baptized at ages seven and eight.  After many conversations with Pastor Holbrook, it became evident to both John and I that baptism at any age is about recognizing the call of grace in our lives. 

The service of celebration that took place in the Fishkill Creek at Hopewell Reformed Church was both powerful and simple.  God's love was all around us as the boys took their baptismal vows; and we along with our church family committed to spiritually nurture and raise them in the Christian faith.  It was clear as we stood side-by-side in the shallow water that this is what God had intended all along. 

We are so grateful to be a part of such a healthy and spirited church and to have the opportunity to raise our sons in this faithful community.  God bless!

Rub-a-dub-dub, three boys in a tub!

And they said it wouldn't last! I received a lot of friendly warnings from well-meaning folks before adopting Shilo, but I felt strongly that my boys would thrive with a dog in the house. Well, a year and a half later, I am pleased to report, that Shilo has become an indispensable part of our family! My boys spend hours every day playing with and happily taking care of our amazing and spirited bulldog! I am proud to say, that my seemingly endless requests to feed, groom and walk Shilo are never met with groans or rolled-eyes. Shilo receives kisses when the boys leave for school each day and it's like "Christmas morning" when they are reunited each evening. Adopting Shilo has been an extremely rewarding experience. I am grateful for the many blessings in my life.