Busy, busy, busy

So I have been meaning to update my blog for quite some time, and just never seem to get around to it! Life has been a little busier than normal here the past few weeks. Last Tuesday was Ava's last gymnastics class for the session. She has improved so much during this class, and had a fabulous instructor. We are going to take the summer off, and I think maybe look into swimming lessons for her. Andy has been taking a class at Bethel Seminary, and it is finals time. He is working on his final paper, as well as wrapping up the preaching class he has been taking/teaching, and continuing to do home improvement projects here and there. The latest was replacing 2 basement windows. We are also approaching wedding season! We are wrapping up premarital counseling sessions with 3 couples over the next few weeks and then weddings begin. This weekend we are heading to Iowa to visit Grandma and Grandpa O'Rourke and other family. We are looking forward to being back in the promised land for a weekend! On Tuesday, my sister Lauri is flying in for her 40th birthday! (Had to say the age Lauri, sorry! :) We are so excited to spend some time with Aunt Lauri and celebrating her birthday with her!

Ava and Luke have been outside enjoying the HOT weather the past few days! We went from long sleeves and jackets to shorts and tank tops in one day. Yesterday it was 97 degrees here in the cities! Minnesota definitely is a land of extremes. Something I love the most about being a mom is when you come across your kids doing something that just melts your heart. Yesterday I walked outside and Ava was pushing Luke in the swing and trying to teach him how to pump. It was very sweet. It is so nice when they enjoy playing with each other without throwing sand or pulling hair.

The other night I just had to laugh when Ava prayed before bed and said "Dear Jesus, help me and Luke to be good kids and for Luke not to push me or kick me or pull my hair or sit on my head when we are on the trampoline and help him to share more. Amen." I pointed out that sometimes she does mean things to Luke, so don't you think maybe you should ask Jesus to help you not do those things to Luke? She told me that Luke does meaner things, so maybe she'll pray those other things tomorrow night. Priorities, right? :)