Oregon college visits...

While Landon was at camp Chris, Ashlyn & I went on some adventures in Oregon. Chris found the sweetest little VRBO for the three of us to stay in while we were there. It was easily the nicest house on the street with a gorgeous shade garden in the front yard, charming interior & reclaimed decor. Chris knows my style so well...


Ashlyn has shown interest in going to college in Oregon for some time now. After our family vacations in 2013 & 2015 she realized that she loves the climate, the mountains & the beaches in Oregon. So we decided to take this opportunity to visit some colleges so that she could get a better idea of what she likes & what she doesn't like in a college campus. We had a short list & mostly visited private schools but we definitely found some gorgeous schools over the course of the week.

Lewis & Clark College...







Pacific University...






Willamette University...



Corban University...


Oregon State...

It's hard to believe that in just two short years we could be helping her move into the dorms at one of these schools. While no solid decisions were made we definitely got a better idea of what she is looking for in a college. We ruled some out & talked about the pros & cons of each one that we saw.

Man, does it ever feel like I am getting a fire hose of lessons on "learning to let go" right now. God only blesses us with our kids in our homes for a little while. Of course, there are those seasons in life where that "little while" seems long & hard but I wouldn't trade them for the world. I was just talking to my mom the other day about how when I think back on just ten years ago my heart aches for that time that is now passed. I didn't fully appreciate that season & now it is gone.

Please don't get me wrong, I love the stage that Ashlyn & Landon are in now. I feel so incredibly blessed to have the unique relationships that I have with each of them. I could easily get swept away in selfish thoughts & put my hope in my kids & my time spent with them. But true contentment lies in being satisfied in Christ alone & trusting in Him for all things, including my kids' pasts, their presents & their futures. I am thankful for God's grace & the truth of the gospel giving me hope in the everyday moments. I am thankful that He revealed my mistake & that now I am doing everything I can to appreciate these days.

I trust in the plans that God has for Ashlyn & no that matter where she goes to college, God is good.  He is kind & His love has no limit.