Where did the summer go??? And where did my baby go???

Wow. Two more weeks and school will be back in session. I don't know what happened to the summer! I had all these fantastic ideas and projects I wanted to do and pitifully we have just completed one. We got the exterior of our house painted. Well, I should say one and a half. We are redecorating my daughter's room and that project is at least in progress. I was going to do so much more though. And now, all at once I am back to school shopping for clothes and supplies (oy-vey- is that a post within itself!) and I'm left wondering where June and July went!

Maybe I'm in disbelief because then I have to come to terms with having a fourth grader. I am still in denial over that one. LOL! Fourth grade is the first year I remember vividly. I remember my friends, my teacher, my school, the clothes I wore, the music I listened to. I remember the car my mom drove, the car my dad drove. I remember parts of conversations I had with people. I even remember my ballet recital choreography! So to think of my son being at the age where events, conversations, surroundings, and people will make such a lasting impression is a bit strange. Partially because I don't want to screw up, but also because he is passing that naive, innocent stage of his childhood and entering into the real world. It's been slowly happening already, but I know there is really no looking back now. It's always a journey, this parenting thing. You learn as you learn as you go. And hope you don't mess up royally.

Fourth grade...man. Where did my little three pound preemie go?

Beware: MAJOR sappiness ahead!

This post is liable to make some people nauseous it is so sappy. But I was thinking this morning of all the good things in my life, so I thought I'd write it down. Like so many people do, I often take things for granted. I can get so caught up in my worries, frustrations, and fears, sometimes forgetting to remember all the amazing blessings I do have. When I think about things that I am so incredibly thankful for, the first thing that comes to mind is my family.

I have the most amazing husband. He loves me despite my many shortcomings. I am in awe of his love for me and our children. He is so patient, honest, kind, humble, and strong. He sets an incredible example for our kids and an incredible example for me. I don't know anyone who works harder or is more of a master at balancing things in life. I feel so lucky to not only have him as my best friend and partner in life, but to watch my kids interact with the most extraordinary father possible.




So then, there are my kids. Holy cow did I hit the jackpot with them. I have such tremendous children. They teach me more than I teach them. My son is this amazing being, full of kindness, sensitivity, compassion, intelligence, and love for everyone. He is a thinker and doesn't forget a detail. He exemplifies what a good friend should be. He makes good choices, he works hard, he is open to new ideas, and loves to make people feel good. I am so proud of him and the young man he is becoming. My heart grows ten sizes when I think of the extraordinary person he is.


And then there is my daughter. She is a precious piece of art. She is so smart and witty already at six years old. She amazes me with her creativity and her confidence. She finds such pleasure in small things that can go unnoticed to most. She loves life, loves to laugh (even when no one else is laughing), loves to create, and loves to keep life simple. Her smile lights up a room and her independence lights up the world. My heart dances when I think of the beautiful person she is.

Then there is everyone else in my family. And I mean everyone. How I wound up so blessed with such tremendous people in my life is beyond me. My parents are phenomenal. Generous, loving, supportive, and fun. The same adjectives can be used to describe my in-laws. I still can't believe how much love there is between our two families. It really and truly is like one big family, as it should be. My parents and in-laws love each other and are such good friends. They all make sure we celebrate holidays and celebrations together. Even if it means getting on a plane and flying somewhere for Thanksgiving or a birthday. Hubby and I are constantly reminded of what is important in life by our parents example.


And did I mention I have a FABULOUS sister too! :-) She was my first baby. I, being the older sister, can't remember a time where I wouldn't step in front of a speeding bus for her. She is this smart, funny, strong woman who is beautiful on the inside and out. And then she married this very sweet guy who is caring, thoughtful, and kind and they had this precious, precious little girl who has red hair! I feel so fortunate to live so close to them and be able to watch my niece grow and be there to help out my sister when she needs me.

And if that isn't enough, I have extended family: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, that are all tremendous people and so many friends that I consider my family as well. I am so blessed. When I think about my family; immediate, extended, and close friends, I know I will never be alone in life. There is always someone to love me, care about me, and support me. That is so overwhelming.

It's easy to get caught up in things that aren't going right, or things that you want to change. But it is so important to look at the big picture in life. As my grandpa says..."as long as you have your health and your family, you don't need anything else." One thing I will never be without is family.

GIMME MY CHANGE!

OK- rant here...don't read on if you don't want to hear my whining.
I recently celebrated a birthday (sigh) and got so many GENEROUS gifts. I really have the most amazingly generous family, but that belongs in a love fest post, not this rant. So anyway, I got some gift cards to some of my favorite stores. I go to one store and come up a dollar and change short of my gift card. And I don't get the change. Now do they sell anything for a dollar and change at this store? No. Do I understand the point behind the policy is to make you come in and buy an item for $10 and use the rest of your gift card but still owe eight dollars and change? Yes. Do I think it is highway robbery? YES! I get the point behind the policy. I understand they are in the business to make a buck. But is it right? I don't think so (my dad is so rolling his eyes right now). It's stealing in my opinion. My loved ones did not put $50 on a gift card with the hopes that the store would pocket a dollar or two from it. And I'm not going to buy something I don't want just to go over my gift card amount. That's ridiculous. I think the stores (like Ann Taylor for example) that give you the change if you come under $5 of the gift card amount are right on and I will only buy gift cards from stores who have that policy. In this day and age I need every dollar I can get in my pocket to buy groceries and gas! I would love to see how much stores make a year from unused gift card money. Someone paid them upfront for their products and they are keeping the unused portions for themselves. I don't know- I just think it's ridiculous. And it makes me mad. But I digress....

Rain, Rain, Go Away...

Ugh, Florida in the summertime equals RAIN. Every afternoon the clouds roll in, the skies get dark, the thunder looms in the distance, and before you know it you've got a Florida thunderstorm right on top of your house. Then, as the clouds move on, you're greeted with the lovely, thick, sticky humidity that lasts through the night and into the next morning. I love Florida. Sigh.

Thunderstorms can be such a damper(haha) for families trying to enjoy their lazy days of summer. You can't play in the pool, can't ride your scooter or bike, can't shoot hoops, can't go to the park, can't jump on the neighbors trampoline. It is a prescription for whiny children who want to climb the walls. Some afternoons are rough. But some afternoons an explosion of creativity takes place with my housebound children. Like today. My oldest found a couple old boxes and before I knew it he was cutting and gluing and taping. Then the little one comes along and adds her flare and before I know it they have created a hospital, complete with sick yellow people, and are acting out these fantastic stories and having a ball. It's making the long, gloomy afternoon so much more bearable for all. They're getting along, using their brains, and having fun. Gotta love it!

The Power of a Pool

OK, I confess. I am a horrible Floridian...there are so many reasons I don't fit well with Florida (that's a whole other post), but one reason in particular is the fact that I don't like pools. And in Florida, pools are a way of life, especially in the dreadfully hot summer months. But I don't care for them. I don't like being in them, and now that we have one, I have found that I hate taking care of them. Who knew what a royal pain pool care could be. But anyway, as much as I don't like pools myself and the upkeep drives me crazy, I have to admit pools are a God send when you have a 1st grader and a 4th grader during the lazy days of summer. Pools seems to have magical powers with kids. First of all, they never seem to get bored with the pool. That is amazing in and of itself seeing how my kids get bored with everything(Mama Jane would have some words for them!). They will sulk at the idea of playing this game or doing that activity, but given the opportunity to jump in the pool, it is greeted with enthusiasm and jolly smiles every time. They can go for a dip in the morning and be chomping at the bit to get in again after lunch. Day in and day out, it never seems to get old. But the most baffling power the pool has with my kids is it's ability to get them to like each other for more than ten minutes! It's amazing how well they play together in the pool. Don't get me wrong, my kids do like each other and have the ability to play really well together, but as they get older they are disliking each other almost as much as they are liking each other. But when they get in the pool, they're best friends. They create, they encourage, they laugh, and they have fun. I can honestly say I don't think they have ever had a fight while in the pool. It's unbeleievable.
So while I am not a lover of pools, I am all for my kids splish splashing this summer. And wo-hoo for me, they're old enough now that I don't have to get in with them! Score! :-)