Summer, B & W

Just us christening summer with some back yard camping and a trip to the nature center to investigate bugs and other vermin.

Last Day

Thanks so much for all the well thought-out comments and emails re: my last post. They really gave me a lot to think about and offered some great perspectives. I'll be sticking around here for some time yet, I think.

And joy of joys! My girls are home for the summer. I am always surprised by how happy this makes me every year. Everything just feels so much better when our time is unscripted and we get to go wherever and do whatever we want. Our creativity blossoms, the good times roll, and ironically, we all get along so much better when it's just us all day every day. (Gah! Home schooling is so tempting sometimes!) Not that we don't still have our moments, but our own pace does seem to help everyone chill out a little.

Here are my school girls on their last day of school:

Bunny ears. So sisterly. (And a random scooter in the pics. Very nice.)   

Here they are on their first day of the school year. My but they do grow quickly.

So very happy to have them back all to myselfishy-self. Do you love summer break as much as I do? Or can you just not wait for school to start again? Do you ever think about homeschooling? Do tell.

Emme Finally Got to Bust Out The Goggles Appropriately

First day in the kiddie pool and a couple little people I know were pretty pumped.

 Little do they know Hell's fiery inferno is about to unleash on Memphis for the next 3 months.  

Oh, the sweet bliss of ignorance.

And tonight while I sit in my well air-conditioned bedroom I am pondering this blogging thing. It sure feels like a dying art. Is anyone out there? Do any of us really have time to read more than a hashtagged quip on a filtered phone photo? Is that why social media has gone the way of twitter/instagram/facebook? 

I've struggled to find any meaningful interaction with those sites. (I even posted on facebook last week. Then felt so awkward about it. Did my college roommate's ex-boyfriend really "like" that my daughter brought me breakfast in bed? Well that's kind of weird. Which I think makes me kind of weird too for posting it. But then a lot of people I like "liked" that, and that was nice. I'm over thinking this, right?)

But I admit I also feel archaic when I blog. Maybe I just don't know when to say uncle. I've been known to keep my pillow cases far past their prime. I hesitate to stop, though! It's quite deeply satisfying for me to know I have at least one source of history of our little lives here. Don't know what I'd replace that with. And I really enjoy reading more about your lives, what you're really thinking and going through. Some sweet folks I've really only gotten to know well through your blogs, but I feel connected to you, and inspired in my mothering and marriage to do and be better. That's certainly meaningful to me.

I would really love to hear your thoughts about this! Have you moved on from blogging? What do you use to stay connected with those you care about? How have you made it meaningful? Have you moved away from social media altogether for the most part? Am I missing something that makes those other outlets awesome? What floats your boat?

Much thanks for your input.

Halelelujah!

Not a misspelling. Hale-lelujah is what we always cheered when I was growing up when someone in the family did something great. (If you didn't know me pre-2004, it's a play on my maiden name.)

This time my parents did something great. These globe trotters have been to Kenya, New Zealand, Kiribati, Mexico, and most recently Australia on missions for our church. Last week they made it to Memphis, and we were so glad to have them.

Most days went a lot like this:

My kids were so thrilled just to sit on grandpa's lap or next to grandma on the couch and watch vidoes of ninja cats on youtube or read their favorite books together. My parents are way more hip to hilarious online videos than I am. The girls went to bed one night saying, "Did you see that cat?! It was like clear across the room and then when he opened the door again, it was like right there!!! Hahahahaha!!!!!" I loved seeing the girls bonding with them over peals of laughter.

We also went to the zoo. . .

and went disc golfing in the woods. . .

I have an appalling lack of photos to go along with these outings. I was just enjoying the company, which is probably good. I don't know why, but it means a heckuva lot to have my parents come see me and see how we live and how we're doing and to know they think we're doing alright. Like I did a good job cleaning my room or something. 

Anyway, Mom and Dad, we were so happy to see your beautiful faces and hug you tightly. 

Come again soon.

Olivia is 4

If you've been anywhere in the vicinity of this girl, you'll have heard about her pending birthday for the last six months or so. (Isn't that the most important thing on a little girl's radar?) At last the occasion arrived. Here are some moments from her big big day.

Breakfast in bed-

  "Happy Birthday Olivia. Moo."

Olivia wanted "a rainbow glow in the dark party with the cousins and Josh," so that is what she had. We put on some dance music and boogied with our glow gear. We like ta boogie.

 Olivia has been bringing me lighters and practicing singing the song and blowing out the flame for weeks, so she was in great wish-making shape when the time came.

Olivia's besties enjoying cake after the dance party.

 This sweet spunky little lady just keeps getting better. We love you Birthday Girl.

Peace

 This message helped this morning, after going to bed feeling anxious/sad about this crazy world.
 Prayers, Boston.

If you need me, I'll be here:

This is what peace looks like to me.

Waiting

Waiting. No matter what it is you're waiting for, it can really stink.

Last week we trained that potty girl, indeed we did. She was awesome.

I call it divine intervention, because I'd rather have my toes nibbled by zealous weasels than go through another potty training like some of the ones I've been through, and I think heaven knows that.

And I am grateful, because one time it took two years of waiting, and worrying, and wondering if it was ever going to be over, and more waiting. It started to define my day, and it started to define our relationship. And it hurts now to think about how upset it made me and how very little perspective I had about it all, and how I might have made my child feel because of that. And sometimes that is a pattern with me.

Thank heavens for chances to make those things right. I'm working on that.

 

I don't want any more days or moments or relationships to be defined by my inability to wait patiently.

So here's to waiting for all those things we're waiting for.

(Emme tuckered out by a long day of hard work, and waiting.)

On a lighter note: until yesterday, Emme preferred going sans-undies and wearing dresses to have quicker access to the potty. In such attire (and non-attire), and waiting til the timing was just right, she observed Caleb lifting Olivia on his feet in the air for an airplane ride, then promptly bum planted on his face when there was nothing he could do about it but scream a muffled scream. 

Oh the things we never knew we'd get to experience as parents.

Conference Highlights

Oh how I love general conference weekend. Uplifting and inspired messages, our traditional conference donuts, and church in my pajamas in the living room with my kids making crafty messes on the floor in front of the tv. So so good.  I am looking forward to reading and watching the talks again in quiet moments over the coming months.Loved this one about strengthening our marriages. And of course my always-favorite speaker did not disappoint with this talk today. I needed that. 

Conference weekend is like my reset button. I am reminded of what really matters, focused back on the Savior, and filled with hope and conviction.

A few photos from our weekend:

Malan's conference chalk art-

 Caleb's method for staying awake while watching conference (poor guy does NOT get enough sleep, really ever.)

Emme's chalk dominoes.

Olivia in a box.

If you were able to watch, I hope you found the tidbits you were looking for.

And if you are seeking peace and truth in your life, these messages are a wonderful place to start.