just another picture or two

We had a great time at Avila Valley Barn on Saturday! We met some friends there, and the boys had a blast as always. This picture is so incredibly sweet! I got a little teared up when I saw it. I just love that our friend captured a fun moment. (Thanks, Ron!)

Some Avila Beach Fun

time

I absolutely love spending time with my boys outside! It reminds me how important time is with them...just playing...laughing...getting creative...pointing out the life around us.

The years seem to be going by so fast, but every day is so important. Someone told me yesterday that they were having a conversation about me with one of the pastors from Columbia. This pastor thought I was "so young...maybe 16 years old?" The food I had in my mouth when I heard that almost went flying across the room. Wow...13 years just got knocked off of me! I was shocked that someone thought I could be that young!

These moments in life are so important! What is time anyway? Experiences, seasons, longing, finding, maturity, birthing, dying. It is all important. And at the end of it all, what really matters? That you found Life in those moments, you found redemption, freedom...you found the ability to trust our Father, who we cannot see, but we can experience every moment of these days, that we become more and more like Him!

And I believe the best days are still ahead!

"But I trust in you, O LORD!

I say, 'You are my God.'

My times are in your hand!"

~Psalm 31:14-15~

a grateful heart

I am so thankful for my amazing family! My own little family, and the extended family as well! I take them for granted so often, until I hear about people's stories of estranged family members and those relationships that cause serious pain within a family. I am grateful for the working out of our many relationships so that it is a joy to be together! And although we don't always agree on everything, there is an underlying understanding of a deep love and appreciation of each other.

Levi finds his way underneath the coffee table...all smiles.

My cousin Rebecka had 3 days with her family, and went back to her duty in the Navy.

I hadn't seen her in over 3 years!

Matt and Caleb read one of Uncle Greg's kids books.

Levi and his Great Grandpa Trine

Jackson shares his pacifier with Levi. They are really good at sharing!

love love love

The amazing birthday cake Buela made for our trip to Fresno.

The California Ens cousins, (missing Connor and Isaac in Thailand)

Caleb's birthday party at our house. He loves the water (right now calling it "a-go"...)

the ens boys

another senior amongst us

We went out to celebrate my dad's birthday, he turned 55 on August 5th! It was so fun to have our whole family there, which seems like a rare thing now-a-days. I'm so grateful to my dad for choosing to give life to 5 children, never backing down from the call to raise up his children as unto the Lord. It's the best gift a father could give to his children!

After seeing so many 5's in the last couple sentences I wrote, I'm remembering that the number 5 symbolizes GRACE. Dad, may you know the Lord's abundant grace for your life this year!

Dad (Granddad) & Caleb

sisters and brothers

The Whittingtons

Levi & Jackson are only 3 months apart, and they're already fond of each other.

family-full weekend

Here's some more pictures from our weekend with our families.

Grandma Wright (my dad's mom)

Cousin Sarah...

Aunts, Debra and Kristi...

Aunt Melinda, Sarah, and Grandma...


From the time we spent with Matt's parents...
At the beach


At Marie Calendars...

At Avila Valley Barn, so many new animals were born only a month ago! Caleb loved running back and forth between all of them!

my cousins' baptism

I just want to say that I loved seeing my cousins, aunts & uncles, and grandma this weekend! I was so impressed with my little cousins who decided to be baptized in Avila Beach. I think the last time I saw them was several years ago, so this was a treat to see them growing into young men who are choosing to serve the Lord! It's just so cool. So here's some pictures from the event...

My cousins...Jaron & Joey...

good ol' family pics

I thought I would add some fun pictures we took recently. We visited Matt's family for Father's Day in Fresno, and the others of my family about a month ago. Enjoy!

Levi's already attempting the piano.

Levi with Buelo and Buela in Fresno.

Uncle Sam and Uncle Pat with Caleb. Caleb loves his uncles!

Nana with Levi, just hanging out.