Summer. It's on its way! When I think of the summer months I look forward to so many things:

• Seeing my friend Caia marry her lover in West Virginia.
  
• Finally getting to see my sister Jana again and meeting her boyfriend Sammy for the first time! Sammy was recently approved for a 10 year, multiple entry visa! PTL!
• Turning 30!
• The birth of my new niece or nephew.
  
• Reaching our 5 year anniversary.
• Going to the zoo- several times, I hope.
  
• Vacationing with family in the Outer Banks.

The list could go on, but one possible event is missing. Seeing Jesus with my eyes. Sunday morning the church sang, "Then with golden harps we'll sing, 'Glory, glory to our King!" and I realized how little I anticipate this event. More certain than any of my summer plans is the reality that Jesus is coming back. I will see him, perhaps to the exclusion of these other plans. As Grandma Martha used to say, "Lord willing we will. . ."

Some snapshots from the last few days:

Maria surprised us by driving from Lancaster and bringing her happy self to Larisa's baby shower. I love the next picture of Mom and Larisa full of joy at the shower.

Tristan shrieked happily as he ate his first Hank's frozen custard cone. We don't have a picture of the broken down car on the way home. The alternator gave out and we had to walk the last several blocks.

My niece Kylie gave her first dance recital. She was so pretty and happy. Very cute to see those little girls dancing around the stage in front of a large audience.

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works." Titus 2:11-14