Do you hear crickets chirping?

I do!

Ok, so my big plans to blog this summer was a complete failure.

But, that doesn't mean that the summer was a flop. Quite the opposite, really. We had a fantastic summer. The girls and I kept pretty busy, yet still found time to slow down and enjoy the time together.

It's back to the books now. Not just for them, but for me as well. I am studying to be a dialysis technician and look forward to entering the workforce - hopefully soon. I sent my oldest off to 4th grade this year. And my middle child started preschool.

I'll post more of an update later. But, for now I'm off to study under the shade of my favorite tree and watch my girls climb and play on their swingset.

Busy - Busy - Busy

This is the last week of school for my oldest daughter. Third grade is coming to an end and she couldn't be more excited. This week has been full of fun activities at school, girl scouts and of course here at home.

Summer weather has set in for good and pool time has become a staple around here. With that comes LOTS of laundry - a mother's work is never done, right? Along with all this time spent at the pool invites BBQs! Our family loves to grill anything and everything.

But, tonight I was not in the mood to grill out. So, I whipped up some awesome enchiladas. Done the lazy way and presented as a casserole instead of little rolled up, proper enchiladas. :) My daughter reminds me : "Who cares what they look like.... they're awesome!" I sure love to hear that!

What do you like to make for dinner during these long hot evenings?

Flapping

Flapping. Flapping. Angerly -- Warningly Flapping.
Flapping. Flapping. Eagerly -- Greetingly Flapping.
Flapping. Flapping. Excitedly -- Gleefully Flapping.
Flapping. Flapping. Willfully Flapping.
Soaring.


We have a little robin's nest near our front door. Although we can not see the little babies, we can hear them flapping and moving around in there. Soon enough, they will be able to soar. Today, the girls and I came up with this little poem. Children are so much fun. They see life in such a pure, new light. It's refreshing.


This one is by my 9 (and a half!) year old:
Flapping. Flapping. Flapping Birds.
They can only flap, for they have no words.

Inspiration.

That's a big word... with big meaning.

I find inspiration in so many places, people and events. Actually, I am surrounded by inspiration. If I allow myself the time to reflect, there is always something that hits me about an encounter I've had or a situation I was in that particular day. Now, keeping the focus on that inspiration and what it takes to apply it to my life in an on going way is my problem. I get comfortable in my ways and it's hard to change.

Recently, I was inspired by a woman I met at church. She is about to give birth (any day now!) to her third little boy. She has a full time job working with the children at the church and has lots of other volunteer jobs as well and has been in and out of the hospital on a weekly basis lately. While we were talking she must have been interrupted 15 times in the 20 mins we had been standing there. Yet, each and every time she responded with kindness, patience and love. Then she would return to me and our conversation with ease.

I found it to be such a beautiful attribute. And one that I will strive to incorporate into my own life.


So, what has inspired you lately? I'd love to hear the story!

Summer is near...

Yes, as if you didn't already know, summer is around the corner. Our local schools aren't out yet. But, soon enough they will be! All the neighborhood kids will be playing together and having a great time climbing trees, catching frogs, and finding all kinds of mischief.

This blog is my attempt to keep sane and on schedule - which is always something I struggle with when summer hits.

Thanks for joining me here and feel free to comment or ask questions.