Oh Summertime

Helping dad plant grass

The late nights, the popsicles, the dinners out with friends, baseball, rodeo, warm mornings on the porch drinking coffee…I don't what I like the most.  I love all of it…every single bit.  It's officially here.  The kids wrapped up their school year, t-ball is under way, the new driveway has children riding up and down it all throughout the day.  The dogs seem happier, popsicle wrappers lay about.  We sleep with the windows open and the last thing I hear are the croaking of frogs and prayers in my head.  I know He hears them too. 

We leave to Louisiana in about a week.  We get to sleep in for the next few months.  Speech is on the back burner.  So is math and reading.  The kids get to be kids, and run around half dressed, mostly dirty and totally free. 

We had the most fabulous weekend.  Rance surprised husband and I both at his progress in riding skills.  He did an awesome job at the rodeo.  We had our last t-ball practice before the big game tomorrow.  We went to dinner and hung out with friends, and bedtime was not a concern.  We planted shrubs in front of the new house.  We still need a weed eater, but who cares.  We have shrubs!  We ate a mouthwatering lunch at our favorite wholesome Mexican restaurant, Zia's.  There was no rush to get home for naps.  We read three chapters out of Winn-Dixie even though it was past 8:00.  It was 9:30 actually.  I tucked in sun kissed kids after lathering them with lavender.

Trigg and Ivor, being rodeo rats

Pearl, our pet walrus

Planting shrubs

We hung the American Flag today!  

I am more relaxed than I have ever been.  Life is good, and I am writing this all down so I remember, God gives us rest.  He answers prayers.  Things change.  Hectic times pass.  We pull through.  It's up to us how we spend our time, but we each get the same amount in our day.

Lola, the muskrat serial killer

It  helps that Ann Voskamp has reminded me to count my gifts from God…each and every one.  So far I am on #103. She has made me realize that when we are thankful we can't be angry or sad or upset.  We can't have the two emotions at the same time.  So with every little piece of this wonderful weekend I was careful to stop, be thankful and enjoy, live in the moment, take it in.  Eucharisteo.

Oh summertime…I am so glad your here.