Category Archives: {F}un

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 11

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I checked a few things off my never-ending to-do list today, and delivered some materials for an upcoming program. It’s surprising how this simple act, driving to this familiar place, talking with my daughter who rode along with me, enjoying one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches we’ve ever had at an outdoor picnic table would feel so gloriously…normal.

This time spent driving was spent talking and connecting. She shared some of what she hopes for with friends, school, and the future. She helped me shop for an upcoming work project asked if she’d be able to help.

After our afternoon commitments, she got her first official makeup lesson. I watched her — this beautiful girl — and I was awestruck. At the way she is growing up and into herself right before my eyes, and the privilege it is to travel through this life with her.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Days 3-7

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I’m so very thankful for coffee and sleep.

I know – so very cliché, but truthfully, I indulge far too much in one of these and not nearly enough in the other. It’s a bit of a dance. There were a few things going on in the world this week and somehow, I crashed out this week more times than I posted.

But I’m undeterred.

I’m thankful for grace and am learning to be a bit more compassionate.

I’m thankful for meal planning that helps take the guesswork out of dinner prep, and what’s more, our pickiest of eaters devoured the beef enchiladas for dinner last night. AND complimented me on them! 😳 I know – so much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for the glorious weather this week and evening walks with my husband.

I aim to do better this coming week in finding those little slices of each day to unpack as I continue to appreciate these moments.

30 Days of Thankfulness: Day 2

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I’ve had a few things, simple things, hanging over my head for a while now – and today, I checked them off my list. I think one thing that has been so tricky about this time has been losing the little rhythms of life that keep things moving. Today felt a little closer to that old rhythm – the very best way.

Tonight, we all did bit of divide and conquer which means, we had dishes and Disney songs upstairs and the construction of the new speed bag and heavy bag set downstairs. There was homework help and heart-to-heart talks.

To top it all off, we ended the night with an hour-long game of hide-and-seek — with the whole house fair game, spooky music, and no lights on anywhere. Between the nervousness of hiding in the perfect spot, or moving to a better place without getting caught we all had some great fun and good times.

I have a million other things I {should} be have done tonight. Reading, writing, research, work, and I am likely going to do some now. But that hour of anticipation, of presence, of togetherness, is worth the even later night or earlier morning and the inevitable deposit losses from my face plant into the open closet door!

Here’s to more nights of games —

Hide and Seek,

Capture the Flag,

Flashlight Tag,

and Chicken in the Water (a.k.a. Soup)!

Summer Projects

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Last winter, the kids and I went to a silent auction in town. One of our middle school students was facing a major medical condition and the community rallied around them in support. 

We bid on horseback riding which we did last August, and a 3-pack of model cars. This week, Garth got them out to tackle one and Calder loves the focused work and special time with his Dad!! 

I’m also happy to report that our student has seen a full recovery and is doing very well!! 

First Full Week of Camp

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This shot captures his cool exterior as he was prepping for his first full week at church camp. He’d been awake far too long the night before with nervous anticipation, and could hardly eat breakfast on the drive north. He pecs around the restaurant, then in the car vacillated between playing on his phone or sleeping – neither activity seeming to provide the right level of distraction or comfort. 

On Saturday – we picked him up and I was too amazed to take a picture – he seemed older, more confident and had made several new friends. Sure – his belongings were haphazardly packed and I learned he thought he lost his toothbrush Monday night, so we still had some evidence of his 9-ness, but the change in his actions was fantastic! 

He’s already ready to return! I pray for the wisdom and strength to be the mom he needs and to give him this same opportunity to be more independent at home.