As to Mike and me, there isn't much to tell. We are the ones who pick up the slack around here, pay all the bills, do the laundry, cook the meals, and make sure the kids' activities are funded. Half the time we are more sleep-deprived than we ever were when the kids were little, but it probably doesn't help that we are almost twenty years older than we were at the time. However, we try not to whine too much because we know that the "days of thunder" are coming to a close.
Due to the extreme busyness of the summer, we didn't get to do as much as camping as we'd liked. The camper made one trip to Lake Beauty for Family Camp over the 4th of July, one trip to Lake Andrew to stay at Mike's sister and brother-in-law's place, and it made another trip to Osakis to set up camp on property that my parents had just purchased up there. We're hoping for a bit more camping action next summer.
Other than seeing the Gulf for the first time and traveling out of the country, Mike also experienced another first this summer. He ran two road races. Yes, you heard correctly; he ran. All four of us ran the Memorial Day 5K, and then, Mike, Nick, and I ran the Foot Lake 4 (Erika was at Serf Camp). It was quite an accomplishment, and I'm very proud of him.
Even so, I am most proud of his sense of adventure in going to Ecuador. Twenty-one years ago, I would never have guessed that Mike would one day leave the country on a mission trip, but God has been faithful and growing Mike into the man that he is today. Just tonight, we were at a sort of Ecuador "reunion," and Mike was already talking about returning. It just makes me smile because a) it's cool to see him to passionate about the topic, and b) I feel the same way! It was definitely a life-changing trip.
Speaking of life changes, I resumed my exercise regime again this summer. I trained quite a bit this summer by running as well – not because I enjoyed it, but mostly because it was a good way to challenge myself and be healthy. So, to motivate myself, I occasionally signed up for road races. In addition to the two I already mentioned, I also ran the Raymond Harvest Festival 5K, which was, surprisingly, a very scenic run around the golf course in Raymond. I plan to run that one again. (On a personal note, I beat the "old fart" who had passed me at the Foot Lake 4. . boo yah!) I also ran the CCS 5K, which was not so fun. Unfortunately, the course was largely gravel, which isn't that big of a deal; however, it was raining on that particular day. I was drenched and mud-caked by the time I reached the finish line, but I ran my best time. Go figure. If my joints can hack it, I plan to do more running next summer, and I might even get brave enough to try another triathalon.
For me, this year was an alternating series of highs and lows. The highs centered around achievements, the satisfaction of challenges, and of course, Ecuador. The lows centered around the ever-changing structure of our family. With Nick becoming more independent and straining toward adulthood, I really struggled with letting go and allowing him to make more decisions. This summer was definitely a tug-of-war with regard to brokering the power in our relationship. However, one day, God's still, small voice broke through the noise in my head, and I heard Him say, "Has this kid ever given you any trouble? Has he ever given you reason not to trust him or to doubt him?" Of course, the answer was no, so I understood what God was getting at.
Things are definitely better, and I'm hoping that I am a little better prepared when my "baby" gets to the same point. God has blessed us with great, God-loving kids, a strong marriage, a home, food on the table, an awesome family, amazing friends, life-changing experiences, and in all, a blessed life. When I consider all this, there is nothing left to say other than "thank you." It's been a great year, and thanks for being a part of the blessing!
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