Well, dd13 returned from DC today.  Her flight was cancelled so she returned a little later than planned (which stressed me out).  She had a wonderful time.  She came back bearing gifts for all.  She brought me a beautiful bookmark and a journal for keeping sermon notes.  She took notes in some areas of interesting things she learned.  She also came home with a list of famous people she'd like to look up.  I think traveling agrees with her.  I'm going to have to get used to that.  She took a ton of pictures and decided that flying is pretty cool after all.

     I was so pleased at dd's "re-entry" to the family.  She gave everyone their gifts, showed everyone her pictures, and then she played with her brothers, took ds3 potty, and helped clean the kitchen.  I'm so thrilled to see the reunion between my children.  They do love each other after all.  I need to remember that next time a war breaks out here.

     My mom arrives this week.  We are having a cookout on Saturday.  I am feeling very positive about this visit.  Our times together keep improving.  It's interesting to see where God has taken me on this journey of reconciliation with my mom.  When I was 15, I was an angry, hurt, devastated, bitter, cynical girl.  Now, I am more hopeful, but realistic.  The past two years especially have seen some good things.  I should take some time this week to pray about this.

     Have a great July 4th!!