the randomness of summer

How fast does 2 weeks fly by during the summer? I can scarcely believe it has been that long since I posted--or since my boy turned 8. He continues to bask in all that comes with 8-ness, and he's even looking ahead to 9-ness and beyond. How do I convince an 8 year old to embrace the moment, enjoy this sunset, don't wish away the moment? The truth is, I can't...he will figure it out on his own, in his own way like we all do.

I, on the other hand, think I'm finally getting the idea of "right now". Our summer event schedule may not sound like the most exciting itinerary, but it feels like we (or at least I) am stopping more, basking more, breathing in a little deeper, and finding a pinch more joy in the ordinary days of summer.

We've visited some far away (by car) friends whom we haven't seen in over a year. Stopped spontaneously at another friend's house to reconnect with her after a 13 YEAR absence. (my heart was full to say the least). We've taken some nature walks, some race-walks to the monument, many walks on the track so I can watch the kids play while I sweat it out. We've slip n' slided after dark, put our feet in the water feature in the yard and pretended it was a great waterfall. We've mowed the lawn into a labyrinth of sorts and left it for a day "just for fun". We've played catch (or drop, as the case may be with *some*people), frisbee, and games to which there are no actual rules, but there are, apparently, definite winners and they aren't me.

I'm heading out this weekend for the beach I haven't seen in far too long with friends I miss tremendously. On the way back home I'll visit another dear friend and her new husband for a walk around the Capitol. My niece and nephew are coming next week for a visit before we head back to their town for a reunion with my high school pals from *gasp* 20 years ago.

It's good to be busy doing things that bring joy.

I have pictures, but they'll have to wait until this afternoon....we're off

Ocho Anos

Eight years ago today, at 7:29 a.m., you, my sweet red-headed boy, came into my life. I can say with certainty that I haven't been the same since. I remember thinking at the time, that I had just lived through the hardest part of being a mom. Little did I know that bringing you into the world was by far the easiest part...it's been a steep learning curve ever since the midwife handed your squirming body over to me. Perhaps it was a good thing that I didn't realize what I was getting into.

I wouldn't change it, though. Being your mom has made me a better person in many ways. I consider things more carefully, thinking of the impact it might have on you. I feel more deeply about things, realizing just how much bad there is out in this big scary world, but also having multiplied joy in seeing the goodness of life through your eyes.

Having you has made me (sometimes) see excitement in the mundane. You were beyond thrilled to get to make pancakes by yourself on the *dangerously hot grill*. I'm not sure I will ever forget the look on your face the first time I *let* you vacuum. You're finally on to me about the vacuuming gig, but it lasted several years, lucky for me.

Your daredevil boy-ness is something I've had to adjust to. I'm not sure what I expected with a boy, but I wasn't prepared for how unafraid and up-for-anything you are. I've learned to let you try without (outwardly) freaking out. You need to have the chance to be You without being squelched at every turn, and along the way I've learned to admire the free-spirit in you---and I have even learned to relax about the possibility of you getting hurt. I feel fairly smug about the fact that you've reached your 8th year without a trip to the ER. (knock wood)

One of the things I love about you is that you are up for sword fights, ninja wars, spy games at a moment's notice (with or without friends to join you), but you can also sit for an hour to paint , draw, or create a costume from computer paper and copious amounts of Scotch tape and a vacuum hose when the mood strikes.

I can no longer remember my life before You--and I don't want to. Even though I was 30 years old when you arrived, it feels like life began at 7:29 a.m. on June 16, eight years ago today. You breathed life into me as I brought you into this life....you made me who I am, sweet boy.

As fast as these years have gone by, I can only imagine that the next 8 will go by even faster. You reminded me last week that there are only 8 years until you'll be driving. Thankfully we were in the car when you made that statement, so I don't think you saw the tears burning my eyes.

I decided long ago---after hearing person after person tell me "how quickly they grow up"----that I wouldn't wish any stage or phase away. I haven't stayed true to that at all times, wishing some of more challenging *behavioral* phases away, but I can say that I am so excited to see who you will become this next year. I see your personality becoming more quiet, more serious. I often think something is wrong, but a friend recently reminded me that you are still trying on yourself for the "right fit". I think that is a perfect way to describe growing up...and, yes, I think you are trying on yourself, figuring out who you are, and learning how to be a 7, er...8 year-old today, right now. And I have to remind myself that I'm learning every day how to be the mother to an 8 year old you....I've never done this before either.

Sweet, rough-and-tumble, dirty-footed, often-smelly, smile-that-lights-up-the-room, imaginative, loves to joke, good-at-memorizing, fun to be around, boy of mine who will always have my heart.....Happy 8th birthday to you! I can't wait to see all you will accomplish this year.... I lovelovelove you, Mom

Summer fun...

Things are starting out pretty good this summer. Having a friend who lives in this beautiful setting is really paying off.....I hope we don't overstay our welcome. (Is it wrong that I'm contemplating taking over a drawer in their bathroom?)

Dawn seemed to attract the dog pack. We told her not to throw the stick, but did she listen? They kept bringing that slobbery thing to her and dropping it gently in her lap----with dog spit dripping off....yum!

I am positive that playing on a slip 'n slide at the edge of a raging river makes it more exciting than usual. It was way more fun from the lawn chair I was sitting in, under the shade, chatting away.

The next day we went back---you know, so they won't get too used to being without us---to fish on the Free Kids' Fishing Day at the hatchery. It was really fun(ny) listening to all the dads giving their offspring advice, some in louder and more fervent tones than others. "Living Vicariously" might have been a little theme going on. I think this was really a dad's fishing day disguised as a teach-your-kid-to-fish event. (Thank you Fish Hatchery people for putting on such a great event!!) Lucky for the fish there was a 2-fish limit or some of those guys would've stopped at nothing. Most Patient Man/Dad of the Year award goes to Delena's huband for taking on his 3 plus my 2. He has the patience of a saint. I will be nominating him for some sort of award in Heaven. (Thanks Doug!)

The concentration on her face is almost palpable. Funny, though, this was taken in that 30 second stretch where she actually held a pole. Her interest was more in ....well, anything but fishing.

My boy's patience didn't net (ha!) him anything. I felt bad at first, but it's a good lesson in perseverance and "them's the breaks, kid". He didn't seem too disappointed, and he qualified it by saying, "I am better at catching blue gill than trout". I guess we'll start working on his trout catching skills......

I think Maddy was the first to catch her 2 fish and then Ella had a playmate to daydream with. They picked wildflowers and hugged Smokey The Bear. I think one of them *may* have ingested some power bait as well, judging by the smell of her breath...

Ahh.....Summer, I can't believe I'm saying this, but it's good to see you.

Blizzard

No, I haven't continued my binge since the last post.

Ella came in and exclaimed that she had a "blizzard" just like I do. I glanced around the room, wondering if God might possibly have answered a prayer in an I-dream-of-Genie sort of way. I mean, He can do whatever he wants and how ever he wants. Alas, there was no blizzard to be found.

She stuck one of her cute, chubby feet in my face and proudly pointed at the back of her heel saying, "See, Mom, it's a blizzard just like yours!"

Lo and behold, she did have a blister just like mine. *giggle*

*burp*

After eating my way through the fridge, and probably no less than 4 million calories today, it suddenly hit me: PMS.

I'm a slow learner, apparently.

But, in my defense, I also walked (and sort of ran.....a little) 4 miles. Plus, I did, like, 3 sit-ups. I'm sure it totally evens it out. Totally.

Here's to a little self-control tomorrow-----and a few more miles.

Over....

His last day of 2nd grade; my last day of my 14th year of teaching. He started his last day almost as grumpy (grumpily??) as his first day of school.

I'm not sure my feet touched the ground all day. I'm giddy with anticipation. We're off to Seattle tonight to visit cousins....back on Monday.

Enjoy your weekend.

dinner is served

Come over---there's plenty.
After chopping and prepping the veggies tonight, I remembered: That feel-good effect of really "making"----preparing----dinner from scratch.

It's a good feeling. And I'm stuffed.