7/31

 

I was thinking this morning about summers a few years ago and how they compare to this year.

The toys look a little different and are fewer in number. I'm not outside watching them every minute. There are no more training wheels. We haven't blown bubbles. Sidewalk chalk has been used once or twice instead of daily.

It's still a lot of fun, this parenting thing, but the pace at which things change sometimes leaves me a bit dizzy!

7/30

Once upon a time, she had her first day of kindergarten...two weeks from today, it will be her first day of middle school. And so it goes...

7/29

Feeling all sorts of nostalgic today.
Warm and fuzzy.

7/28

On Friday night, our friends went all out with the Harry Potter party. There was even a potions class. It is so great to have friends who get you, really get you.

7/27

When the fair is in town, we must go for a couple of rides, a funnel cake and some sno cones. We must.

7/26

A dip in our friends' pool this morning put a perfect cap on her joyous birthday week. "Best birthday ever," she said, yet again. I hope she feels that way every year. We sure do know how to celebrate!

7/25

We've got a fun little trip to Omaha planned for today and tomorrow. Then, come Monday, my mind must return back to school. I don't officially start until August 11th, but I have to get a lot ready and a couple of days just won't cut it.

I'll be shifting gears, preparing to start a new position, and getting my mind back into school mode. I'm ready and excited!

7/24

Bee woke up to an owl in her bed. He brought her an invitation to Hogwarts. 

Now that she's eleven, she knew it was time. And then there it was, like magic. The best part is that we are actually headed to Omaha to see old friends, who are throwing a fantastic Harry Potter party!! 

7/23

Today I visited both of my grandmothers with my mom and kids. I'm so glad that my kids get the chance to enjoy time with an older generation, to realize the value in wisdom and love from our elders.

I snapped this photo from my grandma's wall. She has all of us, framed and archived from a different time. It's always warming to go and see that some things don't have to change.

7/22

I've been reading a ton this summer about saying "Yes" and being brave. About taking a leap.

I'm just waiting to hear what the question will be. I've got my Yes ready to go!

7/21

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We've got an eleven-year old in the house! She's starting middle school, moving to a new bedroom in the basement, and continuing to grow (despite my request to the contrary to at least SLOW DOWN). 

Fun awaits, I can feel it.

7/20

Loving summer with a splash!

7/19

In an ultimate act of optimism, our tank has fish again. May they live long, happy lives. It won't take much (6 days) to outlast Otto and Olive.

7/18

I love the sound of agricultural irrigation. It makes summer sound like summer. 

7/17

 

A day at the pool is great insurance that the children will sleep well tonight. 

7/16

Yesterday, I sat at a local park, people watching (six of the people I was watching were the kids who were with me...). 

I saw a ton of fishing poles. Young people spending the afternoon at the pond. Skateboards. Rollerblades. I saw kids running, laughing, playing. There were grown ups playing too, laughing at the group of boys with me, who were enjoying the extremely loud fart sounds that they could make on their wet arms.

There was no breakdown of society. I didn't see a single kid with an electronic device. Just a bunch of people enjoying a summer day.

Kids are still kids. They still know how to run and play and laugh.

I saw joy. You only have to look to see it.

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7/15

 

It's July 15th and my feet are cold. MY FEET ARE COLD! My kids are going to swim lessons at 11 and it should be about 65 degrees out. On July 15th. 

Personally, I love it.

7/14

A three-year old nephew's visit meant that we definitely needed to get out the Geotrax, which my own kids hadn't played with in a while. It's so much fun to listen to them having fun and playing. 

7/13

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I taught Sunday School today. We ended up a little off topic and read about Balaam and his donkey who spoke. The kids were so fun, thinking up all of God's mighty acts. We decided that the talking donkey makes that list. I'm so happy to be allowed the chance to talk to kids about faith, to share my love for God in such a positive way.

It was a wonderful way to start our week!

7/11-7/12

I spent Friday and Saturday learning about transporting students. Level 1 Pupil Transportation training. I was dreading the whole thing, and 11 hours is a long time! I passed my written test and now just have to get the guts to go drive for the DMV. Yikes! I just have to remind myself that doing things that are out of my comfort zone will keep me young. Right?!

7/10

I've surpassed 2007, when I posted on this blog 176 times. I hit 186 yesterday.

My intention as of 1/1 was to post something every day. I've not successfully posted my own photos each day - sometimes posting images that inspired me on that day.

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My intention as of today is to finish the year with 365 posts, one per day this year. It may be the last time I do this, but I wanted to give it a go.

Contentment.
Balance.
Mindfulness.
Simplicity.

Those are words that I seek and crave to make descriptions of my life. I'm not there yet, but I am on my way.

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7/9

some thoughts on contentment

7/8

A few days near the river at Mahoney State Park were the perfect summer setting. Just lovely. 

7/7

7/6

7/5

7/4

7/3

I know that our "real" summer will come, that the heat and humidity will eventually arrive. For now, it has been a wet, cool summer. I love being under a blanket on July 3rd. It's relaxing, slow paced, and fun - this summer. My main goal right now is to "delight" in all things and live in the moment. The moment is so good, it deserves to be savored.

7/2

7/1

The four-day stash. The question is, will there be any left by the 4th?!