Lake Buchanan

It's taken us two years (summers get so darn busy!), but we finally made it up north to Erin's parent's lake home for a little R&R girl time recently. Take.me.back.now. Loved this place!

How could you not?!

It was for Erin's (far right) big 26th birthday, so there were gifts, lots of food and cheers around.

Trisha did some serious navigating for us.

I totally vegged out. It was fabulous.

BFF

Wouldn't mind enjoying this every night........

And this every morning while reading my book and drinking my coffee.

We had a wonderful time. So happy we could finally make it work for all of us to go!

I'm free next summer guys! *smile

Multitude Monday

Counting my way to 1,000 blessings...

#381...Rest.
#382...Photo shoots at the perfect farm location.
#383...Unexpected blessings.
#384...Foot rubs. Long ones.
#385...New recipe success.
#386...Making it through a crazy but fun weekend.
#387...Being there for friends.
#388...Skyping with the fam in Mason, OH.
#389...Mums that will soon open.
#390...Getting rid of cable...lots of new free time.

If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm. Psalm 37:23

Multitude Monday

Counting my way to 1,000 blessings...

#371...The chocolate milk after all the chocolate Cheerios are gone.
#372...Zipping around on a pontoon with some girlfriends.
#373...Youtube videos that make me giggle. Like this and this.
#374...Coming home to the hubby after being gone all weekend.
#375...Sisters-in-law who care. (You know who you are...*smile)
#376...Making plans with friends we haven't seen in far too long.
#378...Good hair days. (C'mon...you know you appreciate them.)
#379...Awaiting good news.
#380...A healthy baby boy! Welcome to the world, Landon Jacob!

The age of understanding and acceptance comes to different people at difference times. - Unknown

"Come now, and let us reason together" says the Lord. Isaiah 1:18.

10 Random Things I Did This Week

1. I made my own version of Chobani Greek Yogurt. Despite being ah-mazing, my hubby won't allow us to buy them at $1.79 each (sad face) so instead he suggested I mix sugar-free jam with my vanilla greek yogurt and what did I get?! Sarahbani Greek Yogurt! Don't forget that greek yogurt is a muscle building snack *smile.

2. I had a photo shoot with not-so-baby Kate. I LOVE being behind the camera, and had so much fun. She whimpered through most of it, but her crazy and hilarious parents still managed to get a few priceless grins out of her. I was reminded that my back is not in good shape, and moving from knees to standing over and over is tough on this 27 (almost 28!) year old body.

3. I googled "2010 Iowa State Fair Queen" because I couldn't wait to see which county queen won. Once a fair queen, always a fair queen. I just love the Iowa State Fair Queen contest where I met two of my best friends.

4. We lost power so improvised and enjoyed a three-course meal on the grill. Three-course because nothing was done at the same time.

5. I went to Body Combat at Gold's gym after not attending a class other than yoga for over eight months. I couldn't move for the next two days, but I wouldn't want to meet me in a dark alley.

6. I quickly made a chiropractor appointment (see #2 and #5) because my low back pain was in high gear. He recommended wearing a medicated patch to bed.

7. I woke up and could bend and left my legs to put pants on. Praise Jesus!

8. I saw a bird trip. I didn't know birds tripped. It was hilarious and sad at the same time. He wasn't paying attention and stumbled right over the curb. I wondered if he was embarrassed.

9. After being discouraged, I spent a couple hours on my photography blog, which greatly lifted my spirits.

10. I went shopping for a friend's birthday, and may or may not have bought the same thing for myself (shhhhh.)

Hidden Haven Resort

For the first time in 20+ years, the Sinclair family went to a new resort near Grand Rapids, MN. We will always love Pine Ridge, but Hidden Haven had us at check-in. What a difference updated cabins, clean beaches, free firewood, rental pontoons, ice cream socials, dishwashers and room enough for everyone to sit for dinner makes! We had a great time with the entire family the first weekend in August, and per usual, it was tough to leave. The great fishing happened the two days after Tom and I had to leave (lack of PTO - boo) but there was plenty of other fun activities while we were there.
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What kind of activities? Well, let me show you..

Cousin pictures! Noah - 9.5, Hayden - 5, Jacob - 2.5 and Weston  -1.

Fishing. As much as you can fish with a 2.5 and 5 year old.

Science experiments with grandpa.

Tubing. So fun!

Hydro-biking and kayaking.

Tom went down the slide!

Hayden went down the slide!

More kayaking.

Canoeing.

Beach playing.

Sand castle building.

Truck playing.

High-fives all around!

Happy boys.

Reading.

More reading. Same book.

Making out.

Relaxing by the fire.

Chatting and drinks.

Ice cream social - yum, ICE CREAM.

Adult relay races. 

And not that it's a big deal or anything, but me and my partner, Laura, may or may not have won this event. I wouldn't say it was because of our speed, but perhaps because two other teams dropped their water balloons being held between our backs. But that is neither here nor there. I won a race! That is awesome. 

(See us on the right.)

The winning water balloon toss between Robert and Laura (she must be good luck!)

Time with Hayden.

Time with Jacob and Weston.

Time with Noah.

Sunset water skiing.

Relaxing in our big cabin.

Sadly, after our family pic, it was time for Tom and I to say good-bye *tear.

We managed to pack a lot of fun in five days. Already looking forward to next year!

Multitude Monday

Counting my way to 1,000 blessings...

#361...Having lots of things to work on and lots of room to grow.
#362...McDonald's drive-through. I hate to admit it, but sometimes it's so good.
#363...Me and the hubby working towards the same goal.
#364...Great ideas that come to fruition.
#365...A beautiful Sunday morning that feels like Fall.
#366...Being loved despite my sin.
#367...Relief for the city of Ames, IA.
#368...Early birthday presents.
#369...Catching up with the in-laws.
#370... Re-prioritizing.

In the quiet, in the stillness
I know that You are God
In the secret of Your presence
I know there I am restored

When You call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

In the chaos, in confusion
I know You're sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do Your will

So when You call I won't delay
This my song through all my days

There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring Him praise

All my delight is in You, Lord
All of my hope, all of my strength
All my delight is in You, Lord, forevermore


Beautiful song....None but Jesus, Hillsong

Live to bring Him praise,