BUZZ!

I used to think that summer vacation was a time for relaxing, but lately I'm becoming convinced otherwise! I am starting to feel a bit like a bee...landing briefly as I buzz from one thing to the next.

Don't get me wrong...it's been a good busy but still just as tiring.

After we returned from our "camping trip" we got right back into the swing of things with church, work, errands, vbs, karate...

Even through these chaotic times, I have been trying to "be still" and spend a few moments reading a good book, praying, thinking of all that I have to be thankful for, etc. and I have noticed it having a positive influence on my attitude about certain things.

I have also been working to get our ladies group back on track and re-connected. We seem to let life get in the way of taking time out to be together and encourage one another. We so need that time with each other and with the Lord. (Last week's meeting was a good one and if we're able to gather tonight I have a feeling that it will be quite meaningful...separate posts to come!)

Birthday Update (better late than never)

It's official...I'm 33! Once again my birthday was a special one (Em always makes sure of it!). I was awakened at 6:30am by Ben & Emily bearing gifts and cards. What a nice wake-up call (even if it was quite early on my day off!). The day continued on with lots of fun including a handmade birthday party hat, a "girls" lunch out, some shopping and dinner with family. The grand finale was the cake that Em had baked me (with a little help from Nana). It was definitely a HAPPY birthday!

Disconnected for Recharging

After several weeks of hectic schedules we decided to "get away". So we packed everyone up (including Mojo the dog) and headed out on the 4th to my in-laws for a family picnic, campfire and campout.

It was so nice to "disconnect" for a couple of days. No watch...cell phone off...no computer, no television...no radio... We stayed in our pop-up camper and Ben's brother and his wife pitched a tent (that in itself was quite fun and entertaining...that's a story for another day). Some highlights of the two days we were there... A lacrosse game with the dog...

LOTS of tasty food...YUMMY s'mores...live music...lots of laughter...4 hours sleep (realized I'm too old for that now)...DELICIOUS breakfast at "Anne's Diner" (aka my mother-in-laws kitchen)...some more fun & laughter...a back deck mani/pedi session with the "girls"...an MG ride with my hubby...a visit with the sweet neighbor lady...and a family road trip to our fave ice cream shop for some freshly made waffle cones.

We all had such a great time. It was nice to "just be"...to not have a schedule and watch the clock trying to keep to it. I guess I hadn't realized how much I needed to get away from things...to disconnect from the buzyness and distractions of life and instead "plug into" my family for a "recharging of my emotional batteries."

Thirty-Three

As I prepare to celebrate my 33rd birthday tomorrow, I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the blessings I have had so far in my life and make a list of things that bring me joy...

So here's 33 things that make me thankful and happy (in no particular order):

1. My loving husband
2. My precious daughter
3. My parents, sister and other family members
4. My Lord
5. Daisies (especially handpicked by blessing #1 or #2)
6. Dandelion wishes
7. Rainbows
8. Sunsets
9. Sunrises (YES, I have gotten up early enough to see a few…and while on vacation no less!)
10. Home mani/pedi with Em
11. Friends
12. A cup of tea
13. Ice cream (my BIG weakness)
14. A good book
15. Photography
16. Bedtime stories & snuggles
17. “Secret” goodbye handshakes
18. Fireworks
19. My “Box” (XB)
20. My 30th birthday gift! (BMW)
21. Our furry family members
22. Receiving mail (that isn’t a bill or junk)
23. Smores ‘round a campfire
24. Butterflies
25. Mediterranean pizza from our favorite pizza shop/café
26. “Leaf days”
27. Apple picking
28. Fresh donuts and hot cider
29. “Refrigerator Art”
30. Hugs
31. A neat and tidy desk (though it doesn’t happy often at home…when it does it makes me very content!)
32. The scent of a summer afternoon rain shower
33. Starry nights

And an extra...Snow Angels

P.S. I am also SO VERY thankful that Em seems to be finally over the nasty virus that hung on for a full week.

An Unusual Visitor

On Saturday, Em, Nana and I went on a quick shopping trip while Ben stayed back to catch up on some "landscaping chores". While trimming he noticed a turtle near the front wheel of the car...a little bit out of the ordinary as we are right in the village and his journey to arrive here had to have included traveling quite a distance and crossing some main streets with busy traffic.

When "the girls" arrived back from the store we were directed to a rubbermaid tote "tank" where the turtle was residing with some water and a large stone. After a brief visit, our guest seemed to be rather agitated and unhappy with his accomodations. We decided it was best to take him "home." So we found a pail for him to ride in, packed everyone up in the car and headed for Mill St. Pond to let him go free.

Though she was a bit sad that he couldn't stay, Em released him knowing that she was doing the right thing and making him "very happy"...here's to a good life at the pond, little guy!

P.S. While we were at the pond we had fun watching a pair of ducks and saw lots of pretty dragonflies.