life as of late

It has been a little crazy around here lately. Last week, my mom and I were blessed with the opportunity to make a really quick road trip to the Midwest to visit some friends and family. Although our time was short, I was so encouraged by the time spent with family and friends. (A special thank you to all of you who went out of your way to meet up with me and/or allowed me to stay with you. Such a blessing!)

After returning from our trip, my family began the process of moving to a new home close to our neighborhood. My parents will be hosting three international boys from China this school year and needed a little more room for them (three boys!!….if you think about it, you can pray for my mom, haha.). Therefore, the past few weeks have been full of house remodeling, packing, moving, and all the joys that come along with that. :) It truly has provided some great family bonding times, though….nothing like painting and pizza to bring a family together! :)

During the course of this transition, one of the international boys who will be staying with my family arrived early for extra ESL tutoring. Steve is quite the character and has brought much laughter to our household. I’ve had the opportunity to tutor him the past week. I discovered that he loves to share about China and Chinese customs. (in fact, the phrase “in china” may or may not have become a running joke in our family….now I know what my family must have thought when I first came home…. “in china this, in china that…”  lol :). I’ll often ask Steve why Chinese people do/have a certain custom…..to which he will often reply “No why.” This response just cracks me up every time. Can’t bring myself to teach him to say “no reason” yet. :) I’ve also discovered that he likes baking….so I’ve done my best to teach him “baking vocabulary”….while baking cookies and chocolate cake. Its been a fun (and delicious!) tutoring experience to say the least.

Anyway, that is the rather short and hasty summary of my life as of late. Although it has been a little busy, it has been wonderful. I’ve just loved spending time with my family and treasuring this time with them. The summer is just flying by, and I’ve already begun the mental countdown to my departure. :( I’m scheduled to leave August 16^th…..and its coming quick! Thankful for this time at home. :) 

Steve with his DOUBLE-LAYER chocolate cake! so proud. :)

a dolphin tour with the family...possibly one of the cheesiest (& best!) highlights of summer