"A" Game

Something about the fall season looming has me on my A game. Summer was hard for me this year. We had fun no doubt, but most of the time I felt like a wanderer. I wasn't organized with scheduling or meals, half the time I would forget that I had committed to something, but fall, fall always gets me on track.

For instance, I was able to scrap all the above ingredients together and create something that my husband told me was amazing. I was able to look past the crazy mess in Trent's room and simply find joy in catching my little one in the act of her latest accomplishment.

I enjoyed the scene of puzzles at the dining room table and little ones crawling at my feet while I baked oatmeal raisin cookies for my first graders lunch. Finding joy, I'm really discovering the joy again...

I enjoyed our summer, I did. However, amidst the morning walks, water fun and family road trips I often caught myself grumbling. Complaining in my spirit and out loud of how much work everything is these days. I had to constantly remind myself the moments are precious and fleeting and that even when sunscreen gets in their eyes or they insist on buckling themselves in the car, the time is still short and I should be thankful for all of it.

After some intense prayer on Monday night, I awoke Tuesday and I felt the heaviness in my spirit had been lifted. I wasn't searching for joy, I was feeling it. The irritated screams of my youngest brought me laughter and the mess of play dough made me nostalgic. I'm back on my A game.

{i adore the freckles on her nose}

{i adore the way he LOVES yogurt}

{i adore her playfulness}

Good thing I really got my groove back because someone special was starting first grade and needed her mama to pack the perfect lunch, help decide which new outfit to wear and braid her golden strands into beautiful braids. I love her, I love her so much. I can't believe we're already here.

She had a great first day. To celebrate Grandma treated us all to ice cream...cotton candy ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and gummy bears. Love that that was her choice, it reassures me she that she's still little.

Hope you're all having a great week and that you're on your A game as well!

Summer's End

My Honey has been home a total of 18 hours in the past two weeks. I miss him. A lot. So do the kids.

He comes home tomorrow. After that we have one more day of summer vacation and then my big girl starts first grade. I can hardly believe it. Time flies.

It's been a great summer as far as summers go. We've had a good balance of activity and downtime. I feel like that's the great juggle for moms...activity and downtime. Not wanting our kids to miss out and yet realizing we can relax sometimes because they don't know if they're missing out or not.

It's true. Here's how we balanced our time with Daddy gone.

Hitting up the beach and getting soft serve ice cream in all our sandy glory.

Playing in the backyard.

Walking to the school to turn in our proof of residency. Baby sis INSISTS on walking sometimes.

Celebrating Grandma at Swami's for her birthday.

{love this boy}

Swimming in Grammy and Grandpa's pool.

Look who's floating all by herself...

And the best thing about swimming...it leads to early bedtime...

Our summer is coming to a close. I'm grateful for all the time I've had with my children this summer. I'm glad I get to be with them and know what makes them tick. Our lazy days together have been a gift. 

I'm ready though, ready for the crispness and routine of fall. I'm ready to swap out late morning pancake breakfasts for after school baking. Bathing suits and flip flops for corduroys and new tennies.

Well gotta get. Tonight we celebrate my brother's birthday and I have some cupcakes to ice...

I'll be back later this week for my big girl's first grade debut...until then, blessings~ Lisa

Family River Trip (minus Sarah)

I find myself short on words, yet still high on the great memories made this past weekend. We had a lot of fun. We had a lot of laughs. We had a lot a few mixed drinks.

I love my family. I love that we are close. I love that we got to take this trip together. I will let the photos speak for themselves.

Lastly, while we were there my parents celebrated their 33rd anniversary. We are so blessed by the example they have set. 

Mom & Dad, thank you for choosing each other every day. Our family has reaped the blessing of your faithfulness to marriage. 

It was a great trip.