So, we haven't been so good at blogging lately. Sorry for anyone out there that actually reads out blog (mom, a cousin here or there). It's just been that life has kept us busy and away from the computer. That is a good thing, right? That reminds me, we saw the movie The Surrogate a few weeks ago. It is about people that never leave their homes. They each control a robot with their mind and live their lives through these robots. It actually turned out to be a decent movie and it got me to thinking...don't we all have somewhat of a "surrogate life" on the internet? We say things online we wouldn't say in real life, even though we are thinking them. Some of us post on facebook, some write blogs, others indulge in chat rooms, others instant message. Whether we are interacting with people we know or don't know, I'm sure we all type things we wouldn't say face to face. Things that are easy to type, difficult to speak. Some comments are probably more daring, more crude, more loving perhaps. But the point is we all do it to some degree. For instance, I am writing these thoughts to share with you on my blog, but I probably wouldn't say any of this to your face unless the time and place presented itself. Anyways, I recommend you watch the movie.

Now, back to life keeping us busy. Summer is upon us. It is already hot and toasty in Oklahoma. Nearly too hot and toasty to enjoy the outside. When did I become such a sissy? We are enjoying our flower garden in the backyard, but only in the early morning or late evenings. My hydrangeas are starting to bloom and my lilies are already in full bloom. The tiger lilies are blooming with new buds forming as we speak. The veggie garden is starting to take shape: green beans are climbing, squash, cucumber, and zucchini plants are all growing big leaves. The tomatoes are struggling, but I'm not giving up hope. The weeds are slowly trying to take over each and every day. If it wasn't so hot I'd do a better job of keeping those under control!

Elsie amazes us almost daily with a new sound or skill. This evening as she was fighting sleep she looked up at me and discovered she could make a new noise by blowing her tongue against her lip. It was so funny we were all laughing and then I almost started crying because she is so precious. God's work is amazing. How he created her...it really is incredible. I can't wait for the days when she and I can make projects together, go on nature walks, and bake. But then I remember how amazing these days are! I don't want to miss them because I am too busy looking forward. These moments, right here and now, are incredible blessings I want to remember forever.

I'll try to better at keeping the blog up to date. But know this...if it's been awhile, it's because we're out there...living life! The real one, not the fake one we create/indulge on the internet. A few months ago we did a media fast, which meant no TV, internet, computer, Xbox, movies, etc for one week. It was life changing for us. Since then our time spent "online" has drastically diminished and usually doesn't occur until after Elsie goes to bed. There is too much great stuff going on in the real world we don't wanna miss. I can only encourage you to do the same. Just try it and see what happens. I know you'll be happy you did.