Extraordinary Days Filled With Summer Ways

The days pass by and I'm really trying to enjoy them.  I'm trying to keep my phone in the car to stop acting as if everything is urgent.  Because the only urgency I have in the summer is to enjoy these kids of mine.  It is hard to believe that in two weeks, one of them will hit double digits.  I swear I remember her birth as if it was yesterday...

Last week we found ourselves at the neighborhood pool early each day.  Nessa did her first private swim lessons--who am I kidding?  Her first ever lessons!  We skipped the mom and me ones last summer because whenever she was in the pool, I was with her--and she was comfortable so I didn't see the need paying money or spending the time with an instructor.  Worked well for both of us as she willingly went into the pool each day and loved her teacher this year.  See, sometimes mommy really does know best!  She loved the water.  She mastered the crab walk and blowing bubbles; however she could have taken or left the whole going under water thing, but my brave girl never cried.  

And I videotaped way too many minutes but I like this one because it served as evidence to dad that although she didn't like going under water, she did it. And she did it well, my girl.

This week I've found myself with a couple hours a day while the kids are enjoying VBS with many of the kids from our GMG group.  It feels foreign to me, this whole having time to myself thing.  I realized that even though Nessa was in school two days a week, I occupied those hours working in the classroom or facilitating book club/prayer group, so I never ran my errands kid-less.  I'm amazed at how much I've been able to accomplish kid free. . .but I'm so used to doing everything with them, I feel like I'm trying to get too much done instead of just enjoying the me time.  Tomorrow I am enjoying some me time with friends, so I am looking forward to it.  And Friday Ernie is off so we will enjoy some us time kid-free.  All is right with our world.

Mean mom still has the kids sharpening up on their skills and they love me for it...at least that's what I tell myself.

The park has been good to us.  The heat has been bearable and I must admit that one park date lasted seven glorious hours.  Glorious because there was no fighting or complaining or crying.  I think that is a world record for us.

Another day water balloons kept them entertained.

And our life wouldn't be complete without more dentist or doctor appointments.  However the lungs are clear so that was a great visit to receive the news!

Drama concluded with a banquet complete with certificates, trophies, and an evacuation because the fire alarm went off for a half hour.  Fun times, I tell you!

And finally, the kids were surprised with a gift from grandpa.  To say they are thrilled is an understatement.

Oh, to be a kid again--I used to have a play house that I just loved in the back yard.  I am so excited the kids have this creative space to retreat to--which means they will definitely want more time at grandma and grandpa's house.  Camp Sausedo should occur.  Just saying, dad: )

And today, a few of us met with the principal about character education and building our school community.  I'm still praying my Anything prayer, trying to be still and really listen to His spirit, fill my days with fun and laughter. . .and completely enjoy the extraordinary summer days that are flying by.