Trying To Look Like Jesus

It came from my best friends' mouth, the word "backslidden". "Faithful are the wounds of a friend".  I never considered myself to be backslidden, ever. Sad, yes. Depressed, sure. Bitter, probably but, backslidden, never! It was a hard truth to swallow and I didn't accept it at first. I sat with a friend and I was explaining how the last two years I had been struggling spiritually but couldn't quit figure out why.   Friends had left the church. There was division, confusion, hurt feelings, bitterness. My daughter had just left home and so I was dealing with that too!  It began small, like sin usually does. First I stopped going to prayer meeting. Then, some Sunday nights, then most Sunday nights, then all Sunday nights...what!? But that's ok because I was still going to Sunday school, and Sunday mornings and Wednesdays...oh, wait, I started missing Wednesday nights too.  I thought it happened all at once but no, it was subtle.  ...

My daughter got married April 23rd of this year and so of course I had to throw her a bridal shower! I chose a vintage, floral theme which she loved and invited family and friends who have or were a big part of her growing up. We had a nice turnout and she was thrilled to have gotten so much of what was on her registry. It was a great day. The sweets table Favors and prizes Three hermanas Both games were so fun. Played the bubblegum game and guess the brides' age Maid of Honor and BFF Bride to be and her abuela Unfortunately my mother in law became very ill and passed away before Brooke got married. Although it was a day filled with joy and laughter, my thoughts kept going to my MIL. She was sorely missed and still is.

This year both my kids decided to bake something. Noah make a devils food cake and Lily make an apple crumb cake. They were delicious but didn't place:( Maybe next year. Noah played basketball this year after taking a break for two years. Lily getting ready to make her move in volleyball. She's a natural. Our jamberry's for tournament. Noah's hangout for tournament between games; the candy room:)

 We had the vacation of a lifetime, for us anyway. Usually we're able to go cabin camping or day trips somewhere but this year we stayed at Camelback Resort. It's a ski resort with an indoor waterpark. It was so awesome! It was the best vacation we've ever had. There was something to do for everyone. There was also an indoor mini golf.     And indoor rock climbing and rope courses. The kids had a blast! I was so happy Brooke was able to come with us. It may be her last vacation with us before becoming Mrs Shuff:)   The kids enjoying the massive arcade. This was the view from our bedroom!   Of course Noah bought his game console.  Here's daddy and daughter getting ready to shred on the slopes!! When we came back from vacation that night was our church's teen takeover night. Lily sang with a group and Noah preached and did a phenomenal job!! 

Well, another year in the books. I officially have two high schoolers in my home. Lily will be a freshman and Noah a junior. I'm trying to be mindful of how quickly time flies. There are so many moments that I wish I could bottle up then take out, open up and live all over again like: Brooke's wedding, celebrating Noah's birthday at Hershey Park, inside jokes, late night talks, the goodnights and I love yous.  But, alas, that cannot be, so I write and remember that way. When I reread my blog or journal entries it's almost like reliving it. I'll need to be more faithful and write or I'll forget it all. So much happened this year. Although we had a tough year with the kids grandmom dying, so many fun, memorable things happened too that I will need to write about with pictures of course:) Until next time. My athletes