20 September

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

19 September

                             

There are no words to tell you how scary this was, no number to count the number of times we cried and prayed, no words to describe the relief we felt when your fever finally came down, and when you were willing to try to go to school for just an hour.  No words to describe how it felt day after day when our  hopes that "tomorrow" you would be better would be squashed. Life has been on hold.   It's not just one of those illnesses that you get up the next day, jump off the couch and are ready to go.  It's going to take time,and baby steps.   It has been a long haul, but today, even if it is just for a little while, our cup runneth over.  Our smiley, happy, energetic little boy will be back soon.  

17 September

Wow, this month sure is flying by.  Mostly b/c I have been wishing the time away until my boy is better.  Today he rode his bike a little and actually asked for a snack...yes!  We are on our way.  Early this morning We had this girls' first team meeting at her new school.  The report was awesome.  Mrs. K says that she wants to learn, works really hard, wants to do well in school, follows the rules and is very polite!   She has grown leaps and bounds from last year.  It is amazing to see her rise to the occasion for the independence that 3rd grade has required!  She is going to soar!

16 September

Since T's boy sibling playmate has been down for the count, him and B have been playing so much together, the favorite being front yard football (Patriots shirts required).   It has been so great for her (sometimes he lets her get the ball and she's pretty tough if you ask me!) He's a really great big brother to her.  It's so fun to watch them.    Love, Love this.

15 September

Saturday night, Little boy decided he wanted to go out for Pizza, and of course if it meant he was going to walk around and eat we were game! So we went to our favorite flat bread and he made it pretty much through the meal eating one whole piece of his very favorite pizza in the world until his head was on the table.....sigh.  At least it's progress.  Sunday we painted the shed, and cleaned up and donated the rest of the stuff from the yard sale.  We might buy a few new pieces and a new carpet for the living room with the money or save the cash for Christmas shopping.  We will see!  The important lesson learned is to be super conscious of what comes into our home, b/c it is just so much work to get rid of unneeded stuff!

14 September

Today, project clean out the house phase 2. Have a huge yard sale......it went pretty well, although it's a lot of work. We made like $230 so far. Bs former kindergarten teacher took her out for a girls day. I love that she is such a gift to so many people. And as for Lu, he's the same. Still exhausted, weak and in bed. I would do anything for him to feel well again, anything. 

13 September

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Not sure if he will be going back to school anytime soon but he did make it to the open house, and even cracked a little smile....

12 September

New Jobs, new roles.  What I'm learning.

His new Job started in July.  This fall he's going to be traveling every other week.  So, every other week I'm a single Mom.  It's hard, and rewarding and fun and exhausting.  I'm learning to ask for and accept help (not east for me) and I'm so , so grateful for friends who check in, drop by with food and for awesome babysitters.  The first week was the first week of school.  I was all in, did too much and was so,  so tired by the end.  There was so much adjustment all around and schedules that were uncertain.  I wanted the job of two people to be done perfectly by one person.....pretty much impossible.  I'm learning that if there is a chore that needs doing I need to do it right away,  Letting the dishes and the laundry pile up totally overwhelms me.  I don't feel the least it guilty about using paper plates, every night.    I'm learning that when all three are calling my name and I can't do it all, that really, really, stresses me out.  I'm learning that sometimes if I lose it just a little, it's ok (they have heard all the curse words already on the bus, right?), they will forgive me and learn not to push and demand so much.  I'm learning that the best thing is to go to bed just after they go to bed.  I'm learning that i get really, really anxious about one of them missing the bus, because I couldn't possibly drive them to school and get back for the next bus.  I'm learning,  I'm certainly not perfect and I'm tired and grumpy at the end of the day.  I'm learning that I have to, HAVE to have a little time to myself each day, even if it's only 5 minutes.   Especially, when there are so many demanding questions from one sixth grader.  Throw major Sickness, broken toilets, missing work and falling off a bike into the mix and I have to remind myself to breathe and pray.  There's a reason to why I'm being challenged like this right now.  It's so the rest of the year seems so amazingly easy....right?!?!?

11 September

Lu Update:

Yesterday, my boy went to the doctor. He's still so weak and wants to spend most of the day in bed. His fever is pretty much gone now though and he's going to get stronger each day, slowly. Today, he got up and asked to go to lunch! it was the first real meal he has had in almost 2 weeks! Grilled cheese sandwhich and a huge brownie......then it was home for more resting.......

10 September

This girl, right now is totally rocking the third grade ( thank god bc one kid crisis at a time is enough!). She got 100 on her first spelling test. She's keeping track of herself, her schedule and her homework! She's totally obsessed with knowing the weather and her weather apps. She's loving that we rearranged her room a bit to make it more of a bigger girl space, with all the things that she 

loves.  Love this.

9 September

This weekend and today....I have three measly pictures to show for it.

While our little boy still lay in bed with fever and weakness.....we lay too.  And watched movies and listened to music and tried to comfort as best we could.  He's mad at the world right now and I don't blame him. He says, "Mom, I'm all done being strong and brave..."  So that was my cue to force him to get up a little today as his fever goes down a little because at this point it's more about the not eating and constant laying in bed that's causing him to feel badly more than the illness.  This has been the worst, but I'm hopeful that it will be over soon.  We've canceled school, and all activities and adjusted out expectations for this fall, big time.   We will still get out and do all our fun fall stuff, , it will just be starting a little (a lot) later than usual.  In between resting and relaxing and comforting, we've been cleaning, out the attic, basement, bedrooms, every drawer, cabinet  and nook and cranny.  Cause if we can't control when illness comes and goes, we sure can control how our kitchen drawers look!   We have filled half out garage for donations and a yard sale (not sure how one family accumulates all this stuff!)  But Since I'm a fan of only keeping whats beautiful, nostalgic, or useful.  It all has to go.  Progress on both fronts.

6 September

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

4/5 September

Right Now......
Middle School is in full swing.  He LOVES it and it shows.  He's taken on new responsibilities and freedoms.  There's no having to walk in a line everywhere at school.  Books are coming home, he's organizing himself, He's making his own lunch and setting his own alarm, walking to the bus by himself.  Homework and practicing are getting done without reminders.  I got him the boys guide to becoming a teen, a friend recommended it.   He's taking on some new chores at home.  He's gone from not telling me about anything to telling me EVERYTHING.  Constantly chatting about his views and opinions and asking questions.  Always asking questions (most of them I have to Google)..... so curious.  He is totally thriving and happy and I'm so proud of him.  This is big, I could get used to this.

I picked up a new read, saw it on someone's blog and it looked good.  An Adventure story I can get get lost in.  /the fleece pants came out tonight as temps dip into the 40s.  I'm not ready even though I love the crisp cool noights and everything about fall.  I'm not ready for summer to end.  My Girl, She's totally thriving in her new school.  She's so excited to show me every day what she brings home.  She's doing homework.  Her teachers have expectations for her, she's learning, and they are all over it.  It's amazingly refreshing to be so hands off for the first time.  She is totally thriving and happy and chatty and I'm so proud of her.

 My Boy is on day 5 of a fever, stomach ache, headache and feeling complete exhaustion (can't walk from couch to table).  He is so sick.  He's eaten nothing, hasn't brushed his teeth or changed his clothes.  He can't sit up because it hurts, he walks funny, and he's a bit delirious.  There's nothing I can do, my heart is just breaking.  Even though they expect a full recovery in 7-10 days, I have no idea how long it will take.   I'm so worried about what the long term effects may be.  I really hope he turns a corner soon.  I cry and I pray and I cry quietly some more.  One week ago he was a happy smart,  thriving little boy who just finished his first day of first grade.   We were riding our bikes and running together.  I'm so, so scared that he will never be the same.  All three children of mine have had a major health struggle at least once in their young lives. Nothing like having perspective slapped back into you time and time again.   It's more than one mama can handle.  There is no normalcy right now.  No real thinking beyond this day.  No making plans.    Yep, totally feeling sorry for myself at this moment.   Please, If you are reading this send him a prayer.  How totally unfair all of this is. Hopefully soon it will all be a distant memory.

3 September

So I Sooo apologize if you are getting this story from this blog and not from me personally but....I have to get some sleep and am heading to bed ASAP. usually I try to keep focus on the joy and privately leave some of the other stuff out, but sometimes life happens and you need to write about it.   The short of it is we spent 6 hrs today at the emergency room with L getting some IV fluids, blood tests and a spinal tap. Luckily, he was such a trooper And there was a lot of bravery all around,  not to mention an unlimited movie list and Popsicles. Sometimes crappy stuff is part of being human I told him.  Luckily I've been to a hospital a few times ( even with a child) before so systems and all the waiting never surprises me.  Turns out that he has viral meningitis and can rest  and recover at home for about a week and doesn't need to stay overnight.  It's not super contagious so he can go back to school as soon as he's feeling better and is fever free. L, mama is so proud of your bravery today and I'm so happy to be home. 

Labor Day and Family (August 31-September 2)

This weekend we went to visit J and I's beautiful new home!  We made some awesome memories with the cousins, swimming, playing just Dance, legos, games,  and having a "sleepover"  The grownups worked on a bit of house organizing, building a new master closet, hung out and ate great meals! Perfect for a rainy weekend.  The torrential rain and the traffic (going the other way) on the way home were like nothing we had ever seen.   Lu was feeling a bit under the weather (and still is, poor guy missing the second day of school!).  It will be great to have so many more of these family times over the next few years.  I put together a little slideshow below of my favorite pics from the weekend....enjoy!

30 August

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

29 August

After hearing brother and sister go on and on about their new schools and how great everything is going.  After Spending the past few days home alone with Mama (it was fun!) and enjoying lunch out and bike rides on runs on the Eastern Trail, FINALLY, this boy gets his turn for his first day of school, first grade.  He said he was "nervous".....and over the top excited.  He met his teacher yesterday (I'm so so excited for four years in a row with Mrs. T) and he is going to really love it, I'm sure of it.  I'm looking forward to sitting in the quiet today, going for a long run and whipping up some stuff in the kitchen.  So, so,  Many plans I have for this quiet time which literally, always goes by in a blink.  Those mamas with Babies and toddlers at home, believe people when they tell you the school day is short!  I'm so grateful for a sweet friend who dropped off dinner (including wine!) for this evening!  Best.Day.Ever.

28 August

 Down Syndrome.......where we are now.
  I've been totally wanting to write this post for a while now.  Ever since I read this post (the title was perfect).  I can honestly say, that we are only almost nine years in, and still have so so much to learn.  Right now....my girl is doing awesome, better than ever. She rides a bike, she Dances, she takes her own showers, gets dressed and brushes her teeth.  She plays baseball, basketball and soccer.  She gets ready for school herself, ties her own shoes, sits with her friends on the bus. She swims.   She knows her teachers names, plays the piano, writes notes and draws. She can teach me how to operate an apple device.  She remembers things that I forget.   She has lots of friends (kids fight over who gets to sit next to her I am told).  She loves games, she can say and ask anything she wants to.  We have conversations.  She loves to read.  She loves animals.  She loves to cook, do nails and go shopping.  She loves taking pictures and videos.  She asks for "girl day".  She loves everything and everybody deeper than anyone I've ever seen.  She gives the best "squeeze hugs".   She doesn't complain, or argue (much).  She doesn't care what people think.  She helps, always is helping.  Helps cook, do laundry and chores.  She just wants to "be" with you, it's the most important thing to her in the world, everyone is always included. She's so free.....That's how I want to live my life..  She never asks for material things.  She smiles, she laughs.  She climbs mountains.  She loves music.  She points out when it's someone else's favorite song on the radio.  She's a sister and a daughter and a friend.  She's more than everything I ever wanted.

Sure, She has struggles, but as I look around at family and friends, all kids her age have some of the same struggles.  As Kelle said, Sometimes it's hard to separate Down Syndrome struggles from typical Eight year old struggles.  Squabbles with her siblings, figuring out how the world works.  Opening that darn Honest Kids Juice box.  There are still things that I wish came easier for her, but I look around me at some of the young people I'm working with now and I'm glad that she has to get used to "working hard" to do the basic things.

When she was born, it was the deepest darkest grief I have ever felt.   I would look at pictures of myself "before" and wonder how I could get back to that person that I was.  I don't regret one minute of it, I needed all that to figure it out.  I'm still figuring it out.  I know now that it didn't  mean that I loved her any less.  Now in fact, when she does the things that I'd never thought she would do, my heart leaps, skips a beat.  I'm so happy and proud.  My Mom told me a story shortly after she was born, about a what a doctor had said to a person who had just had a baby with Down Syndrome.  He said, "She broke your heart when she was born didn't she?"....."  "Well, unlike your other children, that will be the only time in your life that she breaks your heart."  He was right.

This year, she's entering the third grade at a new school. She will be in a special Ed classroom for part of the day.  I believe in inclusion, but I also believe in this teacher.  She is so honest and respectful to these kids and there are some really high expectations for what they will learn.  I'm so looking forward to this year, it is going to be great. Something that the Doctors, therapists,  teachers,  and anyone else on the street should know.... If I seem crazy, demanding and unreasonable, it's because I'm trying my best, and sometimes I'm hurting or angry and I have to take it out on someone.  Sometimes I can't even put into words what I want.  Sometimes I have a hard time separating the emotional from the non-emotional.  And seeing the results of the triennial testing, it just sucks.   There are so many different phases on the path to acceptance.

 I don't want to get back to that person in the old pictures.  There will be times that I will still hurt. Because of her I have learned so much bravery......and compassion.  I have learned that if opportunities don't exist I have to create them.  I have learned what it means to work hard, and when to let go of what I can't control.  The people! The people I have met  I would't trade for the world.  The teachers and therapists and parents ahead of me on this journey that I would have over in my living room on a Saturday night to chit chat.  The ones who write and follow to see how we're doing.  The ones who  explain to their families and kids that she may have a different way of communicating at times and they still always include her.  No, I would't trade one second of it.   It is more than everything I ever wanted.

27 August

Today.....was the first day of school for my sixth grader and third grader.  In out town they stagger the first day so the kids going to a new school (3rd,6th.9th) go a day earlier.  The other kids start tomorrow and the elementary kids start on Thursday.....then a four day weekend.  I'm always super excited for the first day.  I hung back a little from the sixth grader though, wouldn't want to make him "uncool" by carrying around that big camera.  He WANTED to hold up the sign though, it was cute, I'm glad he still wanted me there. IT's a walk all the way to the end of our road this year and he gets on the bus with HIGH SCHOOLERS.  My just barely 11 year old,....yikes.  Can't wait to hear about locker assignments, friends,  how it is changing classes for the first time,  and about his teachers.  Stay tuned.

And what can I say.....My girl totally rocked it.  Not one issue.  Wearing her favorite shirt (same as her first day last year I think) and all smiles.  She can't wait to meet her new teachers.  Stay tuned.  Three kids, three schools, three different buses, Phew.........that morning is tight!  Off for a nap, then Mimosas (:))

Dear BLT,
This week is your first week of Sixth, Third and First grades.  I thought I would be sad and be closely counting the years left vs the years you are at home, but I'm not.  Will I cry and struggle to find my new place when that day comes?? Abso-freaking-lutely.  But after reading some different perspectives this summer, I know how blessed I am to get to watch you grow up.  So many people, for various tragic reasons, don't get to do what I get to.  It's so amazingly awesome to watch you get older, to experience more things and to become the people you are going to become.  Thank you everyday for the gift of being your Mom.  I'm so freakishly proud of you all,

Love, Mom

26 August

School Supplies bought and packed.......check.
Lunches almost packed......check
Loving Motherly inspiring note in lunches.......check (hey its the first day)
First Day clothes picked out (Mom, I'm just going to wear whatever falls out of my drawer says T)....kind of
 Summer 6th grade Math Packet and Reading finished........check
This letter read to them............check
Bus schedule figured out...........check
Teachers names figured out........check
Back to school questionnaire completed (Me: L, What is something that you are really good at?  L: I'm a thinker, I'm always thinking.  T:  Everyone is always thinking!).........check
First Day of school.........Bring it.

25 August

And Saturday......a continuation of living it up for the last three days of summer vacation.  We had Lucas' Fall soccer kick off day.  This year he plays with the second graders...big time!  He was so excited to find out that three of his best friends from Kindergarten are on his team!  And, since T isn't doing travel soccer this year, this will be just enough soccer for our weekends.  I won't complain one bit about taking all my fall weekends back for hiking and enjoying the amazing Maine Fall weather.  We just booked a NH trip for my birthday weekend----YAY!

And...last but not least......our day on the boat.  Not a cloud in the sky!  The kids had a blast tubing (B was totally fearless), and the only one who fell off the tube.....was the funny looking guy in the too small goggles (We promise we'll buy you new ones A!).  I always love making the drive up to Sebago to the place where I grew up (I'm nostalgic like that).  So many good memories of a childhood well lived.  So then back to the epic amazing child friendly Yard for a cookout and campfire afterwards.  Kids playing in the pool, in the huge clubhouse, and hide and seek games in the dark (everyone included).  Just the essence of a childhood summer.  And that my friends....is all she wrote.  We love you Summer of 2013.

24 August

Well.....we're packing more "summer" into the last four days of summer than we did for the whole 3 months.  Friday we hit aquaboggin for the day with friends.  It was a total blast as always.  T got B to go on the Taco...."TWICE!"  They had a blast with some new friends (who they say are like cousins) and were treated to ice cream in the afternoon.   Afterwards, we got some yummy sandwiches and headed down to the beach for a neighbors birthday party.  The weather was pretty much the best of the whole summer.  No wind at all and an amazing sunset at the ocean (it's so awesome to live here), we always say we should go to the beach more!  After we put the kids to bed, we left them alone in the house (for the first time with TREVOR in charge!) and headed two doors down to finish off the party with a short campfire).  Awesome, amazing summer day with friends.

23 August

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

22 August

Today....

My girl had an end of summer celebration play date.  Two friends!  Her Besties.  The most polite, kind, and amazing little girls you could ever meet.  Proud to know them and their parents.  We did paper crafts, took pictures, painted our nails and played games with little brother spying on us.    So So Fun!  Can't wait to do it again...

Some Great reads....

Its Gets better......the picture is priceless, and the part about no one begging for snacks is spot on.

Week 9: Love the part about not wanting the freeze time.  Such a different perspective.

To Play.....love the part about the siblings pushing her full grocery cart.

21 August

Right now....

Returning from vacation means hitting the ground running...getting sh...tuff crossed off the  list and not looking back. Being done with floundering and just making our dreams happen. Fall is a big time for me to clean house and get it organized (spring, not so much. Too muddy.)

We're expanding  the backyard, after accomplishing as much as we could ourselves we called in the big guns...I can't put into words how happy this makes me. After only a half day work it looks amazing.

The middle school tour.  He saw his wing and is excited about being with his friend Kyle and about having the good lockers. We also talked about choosing our seat wisely for the first few weeks to keep distractions at a minimum in order to make a good first impression on his new teacher (who he'll have for home room for three years ). I'm so happy he will be learning to navigate his own schedule and that the school didn't feel "that big". He's ready. I can't believe we're here. There are no words to keep a sappy mom from melting on the first day of school. That's that.

We went shopping for school supplies today. X3 kids getting bigger and needing more, it adds up. I'm glad we put off getting new clothes(and a new car, lol)  for a while. Glad we have the most important gear all set, the backpacks, winter coats and boots. Bogs are the way to go. I love them.  They had fun taking ownership of their lists and getting it all organized and in their bags. 

Getting back into running with friends...hardly feels like running when we have so much talking to do! But I'm feeling a little sore trying to keep up with a marathoner.  I'm happy I don't have the gym membership bogging me down anymore and am feeling inspired to try some new classes and maybe even some swimming and yoga when the weather turns cooler (which will be soon!)

Looking forward to gathering, celebrating and catching up with friends, family, seeing two new houses, play dates, a day on the boat and totally soaking up the last week of summer. Here's to finishing everything on the bucket list.

 

20 August

How to get lost in a book....I read the first two of the series in three days. Apparently I love a good teen fantasy . The third doesn't come out until October 22....😩. I already preordered for the kindle. I can't wait to see how it ends.

19 August

Got the middle school placement letter finally....we had been holding our breaths all day because we had our mail held all last week.  Finally at close to 5 the mail carrier drove by...no mail! We chased him down to see what happened. He went back to Portland to retrieve our mail and delivered it from his own car. T ripped the letter open and he got on the multi-age wing he wanted. With all his friends, And one of his best friends is on his home room.  All smiles, and totally looking forward to the first day next Tuesday!

11-18 August

We're back from our completely amazing week in the woods! Hard to believe it was our fourth year here at the Hackney Cabin. Going somewhere (the same place) once a year is just an amazing way to document the growing and changing and the passage of the bullet train we call time. I have to admit I started out the trip a little grumpy, but ended, happy, refreshed, reconnected and ready to accomplish all my bold intentions for this fall (more walks in the woods anyone??). There are so many changes and exciting things coming our way. Here's to living fully and digging deeper.

 I always want to remember.....

Fishing in the morning
Breakfasts made by Trevor
the weather, the sun, the sunsets
Bre completing two pretty demanding hikes (sometimes using her "buttslide") She's totally amazing. Wilderness Golf at Moose meadows
 Lucas quotes...."My legs aren't sturdy anymore" " If there are any plants down there (in the lake) they are getting watered all the time"
Finding and Whiddling the perfect walking stick
The fresh air the way it smells
All of "cats'" adventures
The campfires and S mores
Our Lobster dinner
Watching the stars laying on the dock, catching some of the meteor shower.
Reading and finishing two books
Eating outside, breakfast especially
 Carving our initials in the tree (it's a tradition)
Listening (and the kids requesting) the "Mountain of Pure Rock"
Lucas paddling the canoe by himself
 Bre saying her favorite parts were" the boat ride, fishing, and smores"
Hot Chocolate in the mornings
Hiking to our spot at the lake
The views of the mountains
Seeing so many loons up close (no Moose this year)
The kids "duck friends"
The ceremonial smashing of the milk and water containers
A day on the Boat, finding our own beach
Finding the perfect Christmas ornament in the gift shop, and ice cream down town
Evenings, the campfire, cooking dinner, sitting by the lake, our sunset cruise, the golden hour.
 Kids playing outside and on the dock.
 Did I mention the sunsets?
Making the kind of memories that they will want to relive with their own kids.

If you have like 15 minutes to spare please enjoy a slideshow of photos and videos from our amazing little adventure below. It's one of my favorite adventures to capture through the lens!

Aug 10/11

This weekend.....

Dedicated to chores, and packing and shopping and more packing and getting ready for our little adventure. The fourth year of this little adventure. The weather report looks amazing, and were so excited to spend another amazing week at this little piece of heaven. Here's to making the kind of memories that they're going to want to relive with their own kids . See you in a week!!

9 August

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Happy Birthday!

 
Some of the best memories of my life are my days spent with Grandma.....

baking, making, reading, scrapbooking, watching early morning cartoons.  Eating Grandma's pancakes with real butter and maple syrup, eating her pot roast from the squeaky chairs.  Looking at old photos.  Playing "office".  Getting to sleep on the pull out bed.  Playing with the elephants, trying on her jewelry, playing in her backyard and garden. Taking us to Bradlees to pick out a toy.   Planning my wedding and making my guestbook.  She's a kind, generous and patient soul, always giving you food and things to take home:).  She's the woman who can talk to anyone in the grocery store check out line.  She's a brilliant artist and painter.  She reads 5 books a week (and makes a little pencil mark in the back of the library ones so she knows which one's she's already read.)  She listens.  Her glass is always half full.  Happy Birthday Grandma, You are my inspiration. Hope your day is a special as you are!

8 August

Right now.....

• Thinking of some special cousins that are moving into their new house! Close by!  and what it must feel like, a clean slate for decorating....an organizers dream!
• Making lists from our old lists for our upcoming vacation to the Hackney Cabin....CAN"T WAIT!
• Still insisting we're not too big for the race car and the grocery store.....whatever keeps him out of my hair
• face timing with the Big Boy!  I miss him, but he's having a total Blast at his uncles!
• Thinking of fall, and clothes for them and Me.  Starting to go through clothes and pick out new boots.  The snow will be flying before we know it.  
• L is taking a renewed interest in a weaving project T started years ago and is going to finish it himself.
• Eating and loving  tons of fresh food, lobster, grilled veggies and corn, always on the grill, always outdoors.
• Celebrating the last day of Summer school.
• Getting letters from teachers, and getting excited of the new beginnings to come.  

7 August

Tuesday.......their fourth annual lemonade stand for Angel Flight  and our first year going. I'm so privileged to know this family, and that one of these girls is one of Bre's Bff's.  These Girls are amazing.  See the news story here.

6 August

And......We took some photos before our night out on the town the other night.  These are my favorites :)

5 August

Today....

Me: So T, how was your first day of camp?

T: good.

Me: was it just good or great? 

T: really kind of in between, but closer to the great side

Me: did you pack al your stuff and lunch yourself?

T: yep

Me: Were there kids your age?

T: yep

Me: did you make some new friends?

T: yep

Me what did you do?

T: worked on freestyle then played outside some and had lunch.

Me: was it fun?

T: yep

And that's all I get:) 

And doing nails with my girl just before bedtime....that was very very close to the great side.

3/4 August

Our weekend....
started bright an early on Saturday Morning, with our annual Beach to Beach Road Race thanks to a friend who took our kids for a sleepover at the last minute....the kids had a blast, Thank You!  I don't think we've ever been alone in our own house in 11 years.  crazy.  Anyway, the race was fun, the weather was perfect, we saw tons of people we knew.  Its the usual parking nightmare party (but we're used to it), and I got my best time ever.  Can't complain (except about the hills at mile five, I swear they get worse every year).

Saturday night we decided to get a little dressed up and head out to our favorite Flat bread for pizza and brownie sundaes in the old port.  I snapped these shots with my phone......love my new phone!  What a great night to relax and sit outside.

T added a birthday Wish to the wall outside the restaurant...

Sunday.......
church, errands and chores.  We needed to pick up the school supplies for our second annual Project Grace backpack program.  I was proud of the kids for all going with me and spending a little of their own money, BUT the fighting and the bickering in the store left me a little cranky (keeping it real).  Also,  we needed to pack up for T's big week away at swim camp.  He's staying with Uncle K and his cousins for the week.  It's the first time that he has been away from home without us for this long, and while he's ready.....I'm not sure I'll ever be!  While we were driving home I was picturing what the drop off at college would be like.  Ok, that's a little dramatic, but still, who is going to go grocery shopping with me and order my cheese at the deli?    Our boy is growing up too fast.  It all left me a little cranky.  SO, I think a good nights sleep may be in order.....Btw, we took the kids out to this fantastic Little ice cream shop in downtown Bath (LOVE the downtown).   It was delicious, thank you Kevin!  I';m sure the week will fly By and my boy will have a blast and learn a lot (like taking care of all his stuff and packing his own lunch)!  One week till VACATION!

2 August

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

1 August

Hello August!  One of my favorite months of the year.  We purposefully schedule as much nothing as we  can this month so that time slows down, just a little (if that's possible).  Right Now......I'm Loving.....

• Sprouted Grain Sesame Bread with butter and Blueberry Jam (everything blueberry!)
• Being in my kitchen lots this week in the mornings, making stuff
• Pickles in Nanny's old Jars with a 6 year olds handmade labels (so easy to make!)
•  Hydrangeas from the yard (i got a few purple ones this year)
• The sounds of the music these boys are playing on the piano.....it's wonderful.
• Beach Towels Hanging off the front porch
• Kids in the garden and running through sprinklers
• Falling asleep with a favorite book under our arm.
• Picking our First Raspberries , tomatoes and cucumbers of the year (and eating them!)
• Homemade vanilla ice cream with blueberry sauce (my new absolute favorite indulgence)
• The anticipation of one big boys 11th Birthday tomorrow.  It gives me a pit in my stomach to think about his age!