June Highlights: Rodeo Parade

June Highlights: Mount Evans Wildlife

June Highlights - St. Mary's Glacier

Chris' Father's Day Photo Book 2012

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Kindergarten Graduation

Paige graduated from Kindergarten earlier this week. The class sang songs and each student told what they had learned that year. We were so proud of Paige, who didn't have an ounce of stage fright!

"My name is Paige Jackson. In kindergarten, I learned how to read and write".

Paige with Dad 2012

Dad with Grandpa and Aunt Heather 30 years earlier

Blue Jeeps, Brushing Teeth, and a Big Boy Haircut

Tyler loves his blue jeep...and so does Paige.

Tyler says "I drive!" even when we are taking the big blue Jeep.

He loves to do whatever his big sister does...

And he did great during his first haircut!

Gratitude

So I am reading this book by Ann Voskamp called One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are...and it has convicted me of how ungrateful and unappreciative I am of the everyday blessings I experience in my life. And while I might take notice of these gifts, I usually let them pass me by or focus on the struggles and nuisances of life instead. By calling these blessings out, by naming them, I am fully aware of their existence and more thankful to God for this one short life we live.

I have always wanted to do more writing on this blog, but seem to only have time to post pictures. So I have decided to start posting my list...short, sweet, one-liners on what I am thankful for on this blog. So without further adieu...

1. Flying above the clouds (in an airplane) at sunset
2. Garlic knots from Luna
3. "Chic-let" white teeth of a 5-year old
4. Tyler's voice on the phone saying "Hi! Mommy"
5. Friends from high school who just know you and, as soon as you say hello, you pick up where you left off.
6. Laying in the sun
7. Chocolate covered almonds
8. Pictures on the iPhone
9. A husband who takes care of everything while I am away
10. The birds singing outside my window at dawn
11. A job with the freedom to work wherever
12. A fresh coat of paint
13. Picnics on the porch
14. Homecomings
15. Scripture that sinks into your soul and motivates you to change for the better
16. Uncontrollable laughter about poop
17. The chance to start everyday new
18. Water that splashes out of the tub (which indicates a super fun time was had in the tub)
19. Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker version of "Stuck on you"
20. Bang Bang Shrimp

To be continued...

Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world. Sarah Ban Breathnach