I just counted. We're 7 weeks down since school got out, and there are 4 weeks left of summer break. I really don't know where the time goes. Summer break used to feel like centuries when I was a little kid. I keep reminding myself that to my littles, it likely feels the same way to them. ❤️

I'll give a little summary of our summer so far. If you follow me on socials, some of it may be repetitive picture-wise, but I'll include thoughts here and there.

Let's start with my Summer High & Low. Low first...

My greatest source of frustration right now: My Facebook account was hacked. I'm not sure if I'll be able to get it back. FB has made it virtually impossible to be helped, which is extremely frustrating. I could get into 900 ways I'd improve their broken system, but honestly, I think it comes down to that they just don't care enough to fix it. We'll see how it unfolds for me, but it's not looking good.

Honestly, getting rid of FB has been something I've often thought about, anyway. I really don't think I'd miss the platform. However, a few things-- first, I've been on it since 2005. I've built up over 2k friends and connections, and it's a really great way to stay in touch with people. I've also posted copious pictures and albums since then, which makes for a great place to go grab a past picture or re-live some of my best life experiences (trips, weddings, babies being born, etc). Not to mention that my personal account is linked to my photography business page on FB, which also no longer exists without my account, nor do the countless additional connections I have beyond Instagram. So bidding farewell would not come without its losses.

I'm in a waiting game right now. Ryan did figure out one way to submit a form (that's unavailable to those of us in the US 😒), so we'll see if that works. If it doesn't, my Facebook chapter might be over. I'd likely have to create some sort of new account to be able to access important groups and information on FB, but as for being a big "posting presence," the jury's still out.

And now for the high...

Trip to Destin, FL

We planned this special trip with Ryan's family almost 2 years ago. His parents graciously invited us all on a family trip to FL to help them celebrate their 50 year wedding anniversary.

It was such a great time! Super blessed and thankful for this family. I always marvel at what a miracle it is that my kids have cousins their age. A decade ago, this wouldn't have seemed possible. But what a sweet & special gift from God to allow this to be true. There's a lesson in there-- never think you have your future figured out. God likely has a way better plan.

We enjoyed staying together in a 3 story house with a pool that was just blocks from the beach. The golf cart drove us back and forth each day (thanks to Joel, our trusty chauffeur!) Beach days, swimming in the pool, delicious shared dinners, games, shopping, dinner out with just the adults, and a beach photo shoot filled our time.

A destin favorite...

Brunch Rec

One morning, our little family went out to breakfast at a place called Bistrology. The drinks & food were AMAZING. Loved the presentation, with the most delish concoctions. When I look for places to eat brunch, I always consider a few criteria... a) atmosphere / quality of pics

b) menu selections + MUST have coffee drinks :)

c) ratings & reviews

This place was great in all 3 areas. Click button below to see their website & consider it if you're visiting the Destin area!

4th of July

We had a great 4th! It snuck up on us, since we just got back from vacation a few days prior. We did attend the 3rd of July event in Morton, which is always a nice family-friendly affair. (I ended up spending most of that evening in Prompt Care with severe stomach pain... it was either very bad gas, a kidney stone, or combo of both. At any rate, it was miserable and thankfully over within 24h) . We enjoyed Peoria's Fireworks on the 4th. Love their show. All 3 of my kids went and seemed to enjoy it!

Everyday Faithfulness

That's where I am right now. Honestly, it feels boring. And at times, a little thank-less and underwhelming. Today, I was driving and found myself praying to God, "What is the point in life right now? It feels so mundane."

And then it struck me.

THAT'S the gift. That exactly is the reason to be grateful. Thousands would wish for a "boring but blessed" circumstance rather than the current trial or tragedy they're encountering. What a sweet reminder of God's grace in my life... that right now, I sit in a space of reprieve. There doesn't always need to be fireworks for the gentle flame of faithfulness to be effective. Sometimes, just showing up daily and doing the thing-- thanking God for my gifts, getting into the Word, owning my sins and repenting of them, serving my husband, instructing my kids & being their Mom, and living out the tasks God has given me dutifully (and with a "happy heart," as I often remind my own children 😜)-- that is what shapes the life.

There will be times where it feels quite ordinary. It doesn't mean God isn't at work. A few weeks ago, the Spirit reminded me that glorifying God with my life doesn't have to mean moving to Africa, writing a book, or speaking to the masses. (Although it might. And that's good, too). Sometimes, it's just being faithful with what I've been given... today. Which is a loving husband, a roof over my head, duties to fulfill as a Mom, 3 healthy children, a photography business, and the list goes on. Even in that starter sentence alone do I find a myriad of reasons to rejoice. What does the Lord have for me today? It's a great question to start each day with. Each day is the Lord's, and beginning with an open heart creates space for the moments, the souls, and the circumstances that He has for us. Often, I find myself too caught up in my own flurry of busy-ness to notice what He'd like me to do.

Therein is the treasure: living life on purpose, WITH purpose, even if it's just another day at home. Showing up with steadfast faith to serve the Giver of our gifts is the best place to be.

Sourdough

I learned how to make sourdough bread this summer! I had no idea I'd like it so much. I'm not sure why but I love taking care of my starter and feeding it :) Does it feel like a pet, maybe? At any rate, it's been fun getting the hang of making bread & using discard for other fun recipes! Do you have any good ones? Send them my way!

New Glasses

Phoebe got glasses! They're super cute on her, so what a shame that she barely wears them 😜. We're still working on it. She also scratched them on Day 1 (both lenses- severely- with hand cuffs) so we have new ones coming in. I'm hopeful the non-scratched lenses will be better to look through & she will warm up to them once fixed.

Swimming

Trying to relish in all of the fun summer swimming opportunities. Just a few months ago, I was counting down the days for hot enough weather & now here we are. How quickly we become accustomed to the new way of life, until a new season comes & it's taken away. Enjoying every minute up at Country Aire pool, our friend's pond in Tremont, & any other water-related activity!

Paci Pact

We gave up pacis... for about 4 days. Tried for "rip the band-aid off" style & bought her a new stuffed kitty as a replacement. It worked for about 10 minutes. Nap & bedtime were miserable... hours of crying. So our new pact was this: paci ONLY at nap & bedtime, with the goal to removed completely by age 3. Hopeful that being a bit older plus a later bedtime with older sister can help ease the transition at that point. You reading this, Phoebe??

Family Time

Something that is easy to take for granted! However, it's not lost on me that this isn't everyone's reality. So sweet to be able to spend such special time with family. Whether it's cousins visiting from AZ or a "Kaiser family day" together worshiping, eating, and relaxing... little slices of ultimate fellowship we will have someday in Heaven when ALL those we love are reunited! Until then, living out the legacy those who went before us have left for us ❤️

Thanks for reading!

That's all I have for now! My hope was to make more frequent "personal" blog updates, but I foresee that as I get busier with photography, that may not be as possible in every season. My goal will be quarterly updates at the minimum... more if I can swing it. :)