It's cloudy and cool out. The windows are open and there's a slight breeze.  I love it.  For some reason, having the windows open lifts my spirits.  I feel  a little dizzy from all that's going on- or getting ready to go on.  We're starting school next week.  I'm really excited about all our "stuff."  We're trying something new this year- Classical Conversations. It seems to be a rigorous program and good for my own accountability.  I have to say, though, that I'm a little nervous about it.  Not for the kids' sake but mine!
Trying to enjoy these last few days before we get started while trying to finish up a few things around the house.  Now that's a laugh.  Will I EVER be finished with anything around the house?  I doubt it.

Lucy's just about to crawl- not sure how I feel about that.  And she's decided that she loves men.  She will go to any man whether she knows him or not.  But if a woman tries to hold her, she tightens her arms down and holds on tight.  She's so funny. And sweet.





Samuel's had a couple of cute things to say lately.  He was pretending to take my picture yesterday and told me to "Smile happy!"    He also seems to have growing up on the mind.  This morning he asked me "When am I going to grow up Mommy?"  Also, at the beach, "Little boys with big daddies and big brothers can go in the big waves."  I wonder if he's just feeling little lately...

We're Back

We are back from the beach.  All in all it was a great trip.  We had our moments for sure.  I guess you can't load up six people in the car and leave their sin natures behind can you?  But it's all an opportunity for growing in grace and learning together.
We always take this beach trip with my family.  I love those guys.
Some highlights:  sea-shelling, boogie-boarding (even Sammy!), reading, bumper boats, fishing, puzzles and games, ice cream, dinners together, Jack finding a real shark's tooth, introducing the kids to "The Sound of Music," kites, Kayla losing two more teeth, etc...
I really think I could live at the beach.  I love the smell of the sea air, the sound of the ocean.  I even love all those crazy colorful beach houses.  I don't think I'd have one, but they're fun to look at.
Anyway, here's some pictures.  Believe me, I could put on a whole lot more but I'm restraining myself.

This and That

I have really great friends.  One in particular is all about parties.  She gives her kids fun parties.  Reasonable but fun.  She loves to celebrate her birthday and everyone else's.  She told me she'd pick me up and we'd go out for a birthday dinner.  She didn't tell me there'd be other girls there!  There were flowers, yummy food, and great company.  Such a blessing.

In other news, all of our school curriculum is in!  Can I tell you how much I LOVE going through those boxes???  So much fun.  One company actually sent my order plus someone else's.  I ended up buying  a few of those things, too.  I guess we'll get started in a couple of weeks.  I enjoy the planning and organizing.  Feeling pretty hopeful about this year.  Third and first grades.

And tomorrow we head out for the week.  First we'll go see some good friends then on to the beach!!!!!  I can feel the sun and hear the waves already. Looking forward to some good family time.  I don't think I'll be posting from there so I hope everyone has a great week!
p.s.  SO thankful for the blog book Brian gave me.  Jack was reading through it one night this week.  I heard him laughing every now and then.  At one point, he was actually laughing so hard he was crying.  I love that we can look back and enjoy some family history.

It's My Birthday!

Drumroll please..............It's my birthday!  I love birthdays.
I think the kids have been even more excited than I have.  They've been asking for days, "How much longer?"
So this morning I opened presents and cards.

From Jack- homemade friendship bracelets. 
From Samuel- a Heath bar
From Kayla- lots of cards and even some birthday money
A travel coffee mug from everyone
and............my blog!  2008 printed out like a yearbook 
Hands down-  Brian gets husband of the year!!!  WOW!
What a great gift!!!  It's kind of like a piece of our family history. 
I love it!!  Thanks everyone!

Stories and Groundhogs

I have noticed that I'm beginning to think in blogging language.  Meaning, I am starting to think in stories.  Not always, but often.  Sometimes I notice patterns from authors I read a lot of.   Interesting how what you read can shape your thoughts.  A good reminder to be careful what you read!
Anyway, our family has found "the groundhog way."  There's one path leading home that takes us by a field where, if it's the right time of day, we'll spy groundhogs.  Lots of them.  Sometimes upwards of 20.  The van slows down.  Little voices begin to fill the van.
"I see one!"
"No!  Three!"
"Four!"
"Where???"
"By the hay bales!"
And then Daddy whistles.

 Did you know that if a groundhog hears a whistle, it just might pop it's little head up and look around?  It's true.  I didn't know that before a couple of weeks ago.  As funny as I think it is to be driving along at about 5 miles an hour whistling for groundhogs, I really love that Brian has that little known fact tucked away with who knows how many others.  Love it.

Serious Sam?

The most frequently asked question concerning Sam is some variation of:

"Is he always so serious?"  (or quiet. or calm.)

All I can say is

absolutely,

most definitely,

 NOT!

I meant to empty the dishwasher of the day's dishes, get a jump-start on tomorrow morning's chores.

But the evening was so inviting.

Forgetting the dishes, I went out back.

The air was cooler, fresher after an evening of stormy weather.  The light in the sky different, almost eerie.

The colors seemed to pass as quickly as the camera snapped.  

A calming end to the day.