skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The weekend was great. Still felt like summer with temperatures almost near 100. A trip to the Farmers Market filled our tummies and our refrigerator with all kinds of fresh produce. After a week long trip to Norway our Dad came home for a whopping 36 hours (he had to catch another plane early this morning). We enjoyed his presence and attention immensely. Spencer scored another goal in his soccer game Saturday. Lilly had her first game of the 2009/10 season. This photo depicts her "game face". Today most of the family wore the same face. I think the novelty of "back to school" is over. We are tired. We need more sleep. I have no idea how to implement an earlier bed time. It just feels impossible to me. One child has massive headaches, another has an overload of homework and yet another is just plain overwhelmed with it all. I'm hoping that a good nights rest will help us turn our so called lemons into lemonade.
When I was born my oldest sister was 16 years old. Technically speaking she was old enough to be my mother. Our mother had the two of us share a room for the first two years of my life. This created a sisterly bond...mostly a bond my sister remembers because she would get up with me in the middle of the night. I don't ever remember living in the same house as Valene. I was just too young. Growing up I always wanted a sister to share a room with, but my sisters were married and living in homes of their own by that time. The wonderful thing for me was that even though my sisters were much older they were and still are interested in having a relationship and friendship with me. Valene had 9 (yes nine) children of her own. They are all grown and married now. She has a lifetime of amazing experiences and wisdom. I rely on her a lot.
When we were living in France Valene came to visit with three of her dearest friends (the oh la la ladies). Each of these women is equally amazing as my sister and in the one short week they stayed in our home I grew to admire and adore them. Today they surprised me with a lunch visit. Not only did they come to my house, but they brought an amazing lunch (bbq chicken salad - homemade rolls & French pastries - delish!). Marilyn brought her French memories book and read us her entries. The stories & photos brought back such special memories of a time and place that literally changed my life. Although I rarely see these women they too have imprinted a change in my heart to be positive, keep learning, laugh A LOT & stay spiritually grounded.
It's the last day of summer vacation. The kids are roaming the circle, playing with friends and enjoying one last afternoon of freedom. We have gone school shopping and coordinated carpools for the 2009/10 school year. Personally I'm not ready. I could use another week or two with my kids.
My mother has always wandered around her house wiping away finger marks. She likes the look of a clean streak free house...especially the back sliding window/door. I also like a clean home, but little finger marks have always made me happy. They are a sign of life and action. The "little" fingers in our family are all growing bigger now. Tomorrow marks the first time in 15 years that I won't have a child with me at lunch time and during a big portion of the day. Lilly's fingers can now write notes and draw lovely pictures, Clara's fingers can now play real songs on the piano and sew articles of clothing, Olivia's fingers can now play classical violin music & bake bread and Spencer's fingers can now palm a soccer ball and fix flat tires on bikes. Watching them grow and progress is one of the greatest joys of my life. It's also a little bitter sweet. I've so enjoyed the little years and the small steps along the way. Just wish it didn't fleet into memories quite so fast. Here's to looking forward to tomorrow and to cherishing the past.
The weekend was great. Still felt like summer with temperatures almost near 100. A trip to the Farmers Market filled our tummies and our refrigerator with all kinds of fresh produce. After a week long trip to Norway our Dad came home for a whopping 36 hours (he had to catch another plane early this morning). We enjoyed his presence and attention immensely. Spencer scored another goal in his soccer game Saturday. Lilly had her first game of the 2009/10 season. This photo depicts her "game face". Today most of the family wore the same face. I think the novelty of "back to school" is over. We are tired. We need more sleep. I have no idea how to implement an earlier bed time. It just feels impossible to me. One child has massive headaches, another has an overload of homework and yet another is just plain overwhelmed with it all. I'm hoping that a good nights rest will help us turn our so called lemons into lemonade.
