What I Learned in July (and a Few Days in August)

1.  Slowing Down is a Really Nice Thing to Do

I bought Hubby rocking chairs for the back porch for his birthday.  Does this mean we're old?  He mentioned he wanted some more patio furniture and I noticed he had been sitting in the porch swing with some regularity so I suggested it and we shopped together for something we both liked.  We've enjoyed them some together in the evenings, but I've really used the rocker in the mornings!  We were home quite a bit in July and we had some beautiful weather - especially mornings.  We even had rain to watch and enjoy.  A normal time on the porch went like this:  Sit and watch the going-ons around me, just be, and ponder; let the dog back in and then let her back out less than a minute later to sit on the porch near me or lay in a flower bed; check the weather for the day; read something in Proverbs, Psalms, and the New Testament - pray while I'm reading it; pray for pressing situations; check Facebook and make a response or two; pray for friends on FB; sit and be a few minutes more and then go inside to face the day.

This morning I was thinking about this slowing down thing.  I watched bees for a while.  Many of them flew around the crepe myrtle and then the huge-est one I've ever seen flew around the grass and then the porch.  I was really thankful that I wasn't a flower!  Today was my last day of slowing down - Monday I "report for duty".  Once we I was telling Hubby how much I've been enjoying the porch I asked him how I could keep doing it once school started.  He suggested getting up earlier.  Eeeewwwww.


2.  I can snorkel!!

I cannot swim.  Well for any substantial length of time and I absolutely do not like getting my face wet!  I'm not sure exactly what I was thinking (except I knew he'd enjoy it), but I booked a kayak, snorkel, beach time excursion for Hubby and I when we went on our just the two of us cruise.

I made it completely clear to guide that I was a non-swimmer (maybe I was thinking he'd let me out of this part).  The guide said that wasn't a problem - he brought a ring and I held on the whole time!!  I only had a little bit of panic when I saw how far away from shore we were getting and my life vest wasn't blown up.  Hubby quickly fixed that.  As soon as learned how to blow the salt water out of my mouth through the snorkel life was good.  I saw all kinds of fish and they swam right under me!  We saw a conch, some stick looking crab, coral and the opening of caves.  My favorite part was watching Hubby dive down to take a closer look!  I'm so thankful I didn't let fear get in the way - of this or the kayaking.  We also enjoyed some time on the beach and eating the best mango ever!

Cozumel

3.  No two summers look the same.

I guess I'm feeling this summer ended more quickly than I remember last doing.  And I didn't complete as many items on the summer bucket list (though Aunt told me I should include the do kind of items like cleaning out the closet).

But here goes, this is what I DID complete:  read Captivating, complete extra work (two projects), tour the new apartments in town, run again (just a bit), pick blueberries, Parade of Homes (just two houses), clean out the game closet, and read 10 books.  I did drive some with M. and give the dog more attention (we took her to the dog wash each time we picked her up at the kennel too), but not nearly enough to count.

If you'd like to see the actual list, click here.  Mentioned in that post were a mission trip and football conditioning and Hubby's new position.  Trip went great and L. made it to conditioning (except when he was gone or I forgot and slept in).  Actual practice starts Monday.  Hubby has made the transition - his work replacement is here now with his family and settling in the job.  Hubby has participated in some recruitment and conferences for his new job and is gearing up for the fall semester.  It's been a welcome transition for me to - to have him around the house some in the mornings!

We got to see my niece and nephew a couple of times (quickly) in Texas.

The boys saw their Albuquerque grandparents and went to Durango.

Things I Learned in June

1.  I learned even more about phonics and some new strategies to help readers.  I had the privilege to attend a week long workshop for Structured Language Basics.  I'm looking forward to using it in my classroom and am going to take further training with it over the school year.

Before having dinner, Aunt and I visited a doll museum at a local library.

Although I had to be away from home a week (the one that was being offered in my hometown was going to be while we were away on vacation), Hubby came to visit me one night and Aunt came another for her birthday.  Plus I got 2 books read AND I made a very quick trip to Texas one night to see my niece and nephew.

2.  I learned I can conquer fears and still have a lot of fear.  I did an aerial park with Hubby and the boys.  The obstacles I did were about 25 feet up in the trees (they went on to do higher and more difficult ones without me) and we were tethered the whole time and I survived!  We did things like walk across hanging logs and ropes and grab on to this triangle wood thing and swing to the next platform.  I must say, I was so nervous that I was nauseous, but like I said, I survived.  However, I gave my last hour to my sister in law and took her zipline ride.

M has a cousin, M!  He's 8 - and he finally got tired of waiting for me!

This was after Hubby came across on the wood triangle swing.

Not too much later, I found myself taking the chairlift up the mountain with my nephew and riding an alpine slide down.  We could see Mt. Rushmore from the chairlift!  Here's where the fear comes in: before starting the slide they cautioned us that if we didn't brake around corners, we could flip the sled. So, what did I do? No, not flip, but I used the brake entirely too much!  Next time though, I'll cruise fast and furious down the mountain.  It got me thinking how I use the "brake" in my life when I'm scared. Hmmmm.......

That's it, just two things - after all, I am on summer vacation!

(Normally, when I do these particular posts I link them up at Chatting at the Sky.  However, Emily is on a bloggy break this summer.  Check out her writing though. Emily and Anne at  A Holy Experience are two blogs I try to read somewhat regularly.)

Fun in San Antonio

My family traveled infrequently when I was a little girl.  Perhaps that is why I enjoy it so much now.  Hubby and the boys had been to Sea World twice, but this year we decided that would be our Christmas destination and Aunt's Christmas present.

I must say, even getting to and into Sea World is much less stressful with teens than when they are three and five.  However, it's also not quite as magical. (Don't get me wrong, I still like traveling to the same spot - we've been to the Outer Banks three times now.)  The boys weren't as cooperative to pose for pictures and there wasn't anything they were seeing for the first time.  Mom to the rescue!

We had rushed to the aquarium part so we could see the sharks before that part of the park closed.  The manna rays were near the beginning and I made a silly face and told M. that it was my impersonation of the ray.  He snapped a picture with his phone.  Ah ha!  A connection point.  As we went through he got me on camera doing a piranha, fish, and shark.  I'm not sure where L. was when we were doing all this.  He was probably hiding, hoping no one would notice that I was his Mom.

Later M. begged to post a picture.  I don't think so!!! After much pleading, I finally agreed to the piranha. What do you think?

One Thousand Gifts - Vacation and End of Summer

1596  Family trusting us with their son, my nephew, for a week of vacation
1597  The taste of salt
1598  A beach to go with the humidity
1599  A complete night's sleep
1600  Running and screeching from little ones as the waves roll in
1601  A breeze
1602  Discoveries
1603  Little hands
1604  Nephew saying something was wrong with the crabs because they were walking sideways
1605  Entertaining dinner conversation from the cousins
1606  L and J driving on the beach
1607  Watching the pelicans fly just off shore
1608  My teenage son holding my hand walking from the boardwalk to the van
1609  Watching the lightning bolts striking just beyond the Sound
1610  Family to help guide our boys
1611 Transportation down the coast
1612  Photographs
1613  Being well enough to sleep
1614  Ice cream truck stopping RIGHT in front of the beach house
1615  History and learning new things - the person who took the famous photo of Orville and Wilbur Wright's first flight was a surfman at the life saving station we visited.
1616  A less stressful start to the school year
1617  90% of summer bucket list complete
1618  Everyone pitching in to have the house ready to be shown
1619  Both boys having friends to do something with on a Friday evening
1620 Hubby's help with beginning of the year craziness
1621  Perspective
1622  God's hand
1623  Watching the sailboats framed by the trees at the lake

Ranger Lakes Family Getaway

(I know this post is mostly pics. Please bear with me.) About a month ago, we met Hubby's Mom, Brother and Family at his other Brother and Family's home outside Denver.  After some preparation (but not much - Bro 1 and Sis had outdone themselves getting ready for this trip), a dozen of us made our way to our camping destination. (This picture is missing Mom and Bro who were in "town" getting supplies and Another Sis (Pink) and Babe. Well, me too - the photographer.)

 

We camped at Ranger Lakes and spent quite a bit of time there fishing.  Even though at times it felt like all it did was rain, we really did have nice breaks to get outdoors. Pink, Babe, M and I went for a short hike on the last day. A squirrel pelted us with acorns!  I really had wanted to see a moose - there was evidence at the campsite and on trails.  We had to settle for just hearing them.  My disappointment didn't last long.  How could it, with all this gorgeous scenery?

A "real" Christmas Tree

I know it doesn't look like it by the picture, but L. caught lots of fish.  I love this candid picture below.  It doesn't get much better than fishing in the mountains with all your cousins!  I do hope they do something like this together when they are adults.

Hubby loves to fish and loves his family!  This was a much needed reprieve for him (well, everyone).

I didn't actually get a fishing license.  I was completely content though sitting here, watching my family, taking pictures, thinking and just being.

Babe celebrated her first birthday on our trip!  It was tricky getting this part done around rain and napping!  We gave her a Little People van.  I have bought so many vehicles for my sons and nephews, it just seemed fitting that she have a pink one.  Later in the day we were all excited to see an amazing birthday gift given by God...a triple rainbow! (Sorry no picture here.)  We had seen doubles before, but never a triple.  Since our elevation was so high, the bow seemed like it was RIGHT THERE in our campsite! We could see end to end of the first one - even sent the littles out to find the pot of gold!  Ok, I know that's silly.  We truly marveled at God's promise of the rainbow and our Wonderful Creator Who still makes and keeps promises. How wonderful for a 1st birthday and for our family to share!

All that fish we caught has to be cooked, right?  This picture shows fried-the night before was grilled.

M & L are really growing up quickly!

Can we go back next weekend?  I prefer the mountains over the beach any day, but I'm glad my family can enjoy both in one year.  I love being together!  I love my family!

Summer Bucket List Wrap-up

Although the calendar doesn't say it yet, summer is over....the picture above even shows it.  I decided since I made a summer bucket list, that I would give the update.  The ones in italics are done!

1.  Sleep in...a lot!
2.  Go to a drive-in
3.  Read a book with paper pages
4.  Flint Creek with friends from school
5.  A conference or two
6.  Sell our house
7.  Pick blueberries and blackberries
8.  Pick other fruit too
9.  Fly a kite on the beach
10.  See the wild horses
11.  Snuggle with my niece
12.  Go to a museum (or two)
13.  Eat breakfast at the donut shop
14.  Connect/Catch up with friends
15.  Do something with my blog
16.  Restart my gratitude journal
17.  See fireworks
18.  Make something homemade
19.  Finally go to the Flying Pig
20.  Celebrate our wedding anniversary

Some were a little different than I envisioned.  Different good:  I thought I'd end up running over to a local museum to catch number twelve, but we were able to stop at Nauticus in Norfolk on the way home from the beach and saw the Wild Horse Museum when we were in Corolla.  Also good: We saw fireworks more than once.  The ones we saw from a rooftop downtown with friends were especially enjoyable. Different not so good:  Flying kites on the beach wasn't what I remembered!  I had to run more than what I cared to while on vacation and the sand was hot!

Mermaid outside of Nauticus.  You can see the Battleship Wisconsin int he background if you look closely.  I have a picture of one of the boys behind a mermaid cutout (the kind you put your face in) and the other boy buried in the sand at the beach and maid to look like a mermaid.  I will spare both of them from having those pics posted!

We celebrated on 18th anniversary by going to dinner and looking through our wedding albums.  We still plan to go to Eureka in the fall.

Our house is still on the market.  When we put it there, our family was three "list it" to one "love it".  Now that months have passed we are two to two and there's a little indifference even there!

So summer. is. over. It has been one of the most enjoyable summers that I remember.  This is largely in part to our cool temperatures.  It made just normal every day life wonderful.  Usually, we have multiple days (20+) over 100 degrees (and of late, pushing 110). This summer we had maybe two days over 100.

I'm thinking I should be making a fall/winter bucket list!

Dreams in Bloom

This is beach post, but how could I resist this title or face??

On our beach vacation, some or all of us went to the beach every day.  We went several times a day at all different times of the day.  I'm not much of a beach person, but I must say, I enjoyed it the most this time out of any times ever!

When the kids weren't playing in the surf, they were burying each other in the sand making characters - a skeleton, hockey player, body builder, even a mermaid!  For the adults - it was easy to entertain the kids, it was done for us.  So we relaxed and read.  Not all on the beach, but I finished four books on vacation.  I also enjoyed collecting shells and watching hundreds of giant sand crabs on the beach at night with Hubby.

Since we went to the beach often, I got to experience high tide and low tide for the first time.  At low tide, I collected shells.  At high tide, my sis-in-law and I kept moving our chairs back until we were sitting in water anyway!!

It was a wonderful time away and with family.  I especially enjoyed watching my sons, niece and nephews enjoy themselves so much!

Reindeer Pictures

This past week at school, I read The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett.  If you haven't made it a part of your Christmas reading for your children, you should.  It's a wonderful story with a sweet message about being gentle instead of bossy.  We used it to analyze the main character, Teeka; found common and proper nouns in the text;  did a logic exercise to line up the reindeer; and made an art project of a reindeer head.  I told my class I'd show them my reindeer pictures so here is my way to easily do that.  When I was uploading the pictures, I realized that I must have been enamored by the reindeer because I had a lot pictures of them!  We were in a national forest in Ketchikan and while the boys were ziplining through the trees, the girls took a little forest tour.  This animal spot also had a bald eagle and owl.  The last picture in this set has info. on reindeer.  Merry Christmas and Happy Reading!

 



On the Home Front - October 27

A peek through my window…. very sunny, but very chilly.  It looks great!

 

What’s going on this week… for me – nothing much but, work.  I will be taxi for M helping at Trunk r Treat and for L going to his second week of wrestling practice.

 

What “the boys” are doing… they are probably still in the air.  Hubby is flying them to Dallas to be with cousins.

 

On my mind… how nice it is to sleep in and to sit here now and blog.  I’m hoping to get some things done in the house and am weighing when I need to do schoolwork.  Some today so I can stop thinking about it or just as much as I can tomorrow so I have a day off?

 

On my bedside table…  I read a book during Fall Break, but now I can’t find my Kindle!  Maybe it’s in Hubby’s car or will show up today!

 

I am richly blessed…  to have Hubby’s help, support and prayers.

 

I’m praying for… Aunt’s chemo treatments.  Week one of five down.

 

Our home…  Guess I have another decision to make.  Concentrate on laundry/finding Fall clothes or everything else?  Perhaps my desk?  It looks worse than my desk at school!

 

Menu planning… Planning?  Not much anymore.  I made chili last night.  It was good, but everyone agreed “Keep making your Mom’s recipe”.  There’s BBQ pork in the fridge to have on a “busy” night; breakfast for dinner on a night Hubby won’t be in; and chicken for Bread Crumb Chicken.

 

A photo or two…

Fall Break T rip to Kansas City