July 6, 2011

During our hours of drive time last week, I read a couple books I enjoyed:

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo, Learning & Just Beyond the Clouds by Karen Kingsbury.

Nothing like a good book (or three)to pass the time--when I wasn't looking out the window at the beautiful scenery!

I also continued with our read aloud to the kids: The Penderwicks.

In between the reading, I had time to do a lot of thinking.

I felt horrible canceling our annual Fourth of July Barbecue.

I love celebrating the fourth in our community.

There is always so much noise and joy and a good, old town feel.

However, this year being alone with my family. . . 

my husband and four kids made me desire more of that.

I craved not losing that feeling of togetherness.

I craved not being caught up in party preparations.

I craved not disappointing others with my decision to stay.

Because when it was all said and done,

as important as traditions are, when it comes right down to it--

traditions will be what we (my collective family) make them.

I can live with that.

If we hadn't stayed I would have missed out on a great opportunity of fellowship with other families we met at the beach.

I would have missed out on the beautiful fireworks display Pismo Beach puts on.

I would have missed out on a variety of foods we all brought to the table.

I would have missed out on what was best for my family for this year.

Now I better get back to the laundry and a PTA Summer planning meeting.

Duty calls.