Small-town 4th of July

 How does one put such a day into words? It was a day jam-packed full of activity. If you've never been to Seward, NE on the 4th of July you are really missing out. I've been in Seward the past 4-5 years, but I have always been working shaved ice or participating in the musical...never really enjoying the wonderfulness that comes with it all.

The day started early with a trip to the edge of town to cheer my brother on in the run. He was fun to watch and completed the 2-mile run in 11:13, placing 6th overall and 2nd in his age group.

Phillip, along with a couple other guys from church, played in a 3-on-3 basketball tournement. Fast-paced basketball was what this was. The guys hardly had a break as they battled their way through the tournament. The MAC ballers, as they called themselves, didn't make it too far into the bracket, but they sure were fun to watch!

Spending time with friends and family was an all-day thing! Running back and forth between events, sharing laughter and happy moments--I love you people!

Wissmann's sang the night before and also on the 4th. It had been a while since I actually heard them sing. And Rachel has always raved about Seward and I no longer wonder why...I love it!

Watching and cheering through the competitions, looking through countless craft booths, watching the parade, smelling the deliciousness of funnel cakes, bustling through the crowds, seeing the sky light up with firecrackers, walking and spending time with friends. Small-town America--I LOVE!

Psalm 56:3-4

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 

In God, whose word I praise, 

in God I trust; 

I will not be afraid."

A putt-putt birthday

I love surprises. I love spontaneity. And I love doing fun things at the random drop of a hat. 

(but if you you've read my blog at all you've probably gathered that already *smile) 

And so I was pleasantly surprised when Phillip, on my birthday, came into my room and said he wanted to take me Putt-putt golfing!

Now you have to understand that this little place in Omaha holds great memories for us all. And it goes way back. When my dad was little he used to go there with his brother and play mini-golf all. day. long. So yes, Dad is really good at this 'sport' and beats all of us every time:)

But this time our father wasn't with us and so the competition was a little more even. We split into 2 teams...and this was my team pictured below. And let it be said right now that, on the first round, I beat Phillip! Ha! Yes, he is my little brother, but he is always beating me. Not that everything in life becomes a competition...not at all;) It's just that in order for him not to start feeling bad, him being a guy and all, sometimes I have to 'let' him win. But don't tell him I said that...not sure that would go over very well. And most likely he would try to share his side of the story...let's just keep this between you and me...to promote sibling peace.

Anyway, we had a blast out there putting those little golf balls around. Joe, Esther and John were on a team, and my sister showed some pretty good talent. 

[Esther, maybe you should consider this as a career instead...]

Yes, my brother has an iPhone. No, this is not mine. Yes, I want one. Yes, they are amazing. No, this is not going to turn into a post about how cool the iPhone is. Yes, they are truly cool though.

But I just had to post this picture to prove the 698th reason that I need an iPhone. 

[Thank you, Phillip for the wonderful birthday treat!]

A Charlottesville's adventure

One particular Saturday sticks out quite fondly in my memory. It was one full of excitement and loaded with the unknown. One where two girls set off in the car with a vague destination in mind; Charlottesville, VA.

We plugged in 'Charlottesville downtown mall' to the gps and set off--in the convertible with the top down. It was a nice 45 min. drive in which we talked a lot, laughed bunches, sang with the radio, and discussed where our adventure would take us. Even if the mall turned out to be a bust we still had a blast on the way:)

Any doubts of a good time were quickly squelched as we stepped into the delightful realm of a pedestrian, outdoor, shopping mall. We were enchanted. Strains of live music drifted through the breeze. The busy hum of voices, the sound of feet walking across the cobblestone, the warm sunshine on our faces, and rows and rows of the cutest little shops, made the atmosphere very engaging.

The names of the shops were very creative and the signs were even more so.

And of course we had to stop in at the Bookshop. :)

Positively 4th St.-- what an amazing name, and the sign...yeah, I loved it!

A giant chalk board was at the end of the main line. 

To emphasize Freedom of Speech anyone could write anything on this wall.

Clever sayings, names, thoughts, it was so cool!

yeah, she pretty much defines "cuteness"!

And of course a shopping trip wouldn't be complete without a cool coffee drink!

So if ever you have the urge to go to an unknown place and have an adventure--DO IT! 

Life is too short to be normal! 

DC with Grace

While I was out in VA, Grace Waldo decided to come out and visit! It was so much fun. She had never been to Virginia before or to D.C. for that matter. Here are a bunch of pictures from our adventure!

[Grace, thanks so much for coming out!]

I just loved these pop bottles:) 

The White House

Someday I look forward to visiting my brother here! And being able to take my picture INSIDE the fence:)

Mr. and Mrs. Adorable

Mrs. Obama's garden

 A special event was going on and they had valet parking and were personally escorted to the door...*wishful smile*

Mr. and Mrs. Amazing

The Metro

Yeah, talk about yum!!

No one has truly experienced life until they've tasted Pinkberry:)

 We were so tired that when Grace said to pose and smile this is all we could muster!

The Good Life

We walked our feet sore, talked, laughed, walked, had a picnic, smiled for the camera, walked, and simply enjoyed spending time together!

Bethany

Happy Birthday, Bethany!!!

Life is double the fun when you're around. Getting silly with you always results in special memories. Hunting for beads has never been so thrilling, and I don't feel weird squealing with excitement...because you are doing the same thing:) Living with you and your incredible husband was more fun than words can express. And our talks...yeah, I love calling you sister!

Love you, Bethany!

"Blessed is the one who FINDS WISDOM,

and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace."

Elise

Happy 3rd Birthday, Baby!

Elise, my niece, is such a joy. Her sweet smiles, hugs and giggles never fail to make me do the same!

And Baby, I pray that you will serve God with such a passion that all the hosts of heaven stand back in awe of what God can do in a surrendered life.

You smile lights my world, may it bring light into the darkness and lead others to the knowledge of God.

I love you, Elise!

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him..."

Psalm 37:7

Anna

Happy 20th Birthday Anna!

 I am sure that most of you were thinking "Wow, Anna is wishing herself a happy birthday, and you were probably not that surprised. Because that's the Anna we know, and love! But I have good news... she is becoming more Christ-like, and learning to not talk herself up to high. So this is actually Esther reporting. *Smile* Okay... now on a more serious note!

Where does one begin when trying to describe what Anna means to them? This is not an easy task! Anna is my best friend, my favorite sister, my inspiration, my encourager, and my biggest fan! She is one of the few people who can make me laugh at any given moment! She is a great example of someone who gives God everything in every situation! When she went to VA for 2 months... it was hard for me to survive!  I did not have my best friend there to tell me what to do, or that I was doing just fine. I am not a skilled writer like Anna, so it is hard for me to put into words how much you mean to me!

I love you so much Anna!

(I tried to pick pictures that I think capture MY Anna! I love this one it is so her!)

 When people ask me how I can survive with 7 brothers? I always tell them I love having that many brothers! I could not imagine my life without each one. But I think that the reason I can survive with so many brothers, and not hate them is because there is Anna. We have each other. I have MY Anna!

So Anna has been doing random facts for birthdays, so here are Anna's 20 random facts:

                     Broke her leg when she was 5 months

                                      Love language: Gifts, and Words of affirmation

                  She really wants a Pink Motorcycle

          Makes super good cheesecakes

                                  Was named after her late Grandma Wittmann

 She greatly enjoys writing

                         Has to sleep with a little pillow at night

                        Has taught with CEF for almost 7 years

               Went through a tree on a dirt bike

           Is the favorite sister

                                                              Has a great desire to go to Haiti and work in an orphanage                                                    Can sew pretty much anything without a pattern

                                     Has lead over a dozen children to the Lord

                          Can really "dish" it out

 Spiritual Gift: Service

Has hundreds of books

                                                                   Views creating conversation as a fun challenge, and is good at it

                 Loves to pick out cool ties for guys 

 Knows how to swing dance

                                         Totally lives out her life verse (on bottom of post)

Now for her birthday I would like each of you to leave a comment and share something you appreciate about Anna, or a funny story, a memory, or something like that! :)

"I say to myself, the Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him."

Laminations 3:24-25