Slowing Down?

It generally takes me the first week of summer vacation to recouperate from all the busyness of the end of the school year. This year is no exception! There hasn't been much time to rest but today I finally feel as though I'm catching up.

• Josh decided to spend the summer at home this year. He's figuring it will be his last opportunity to spend this amount of time with us again as he graduates next year. We are glad to have him. In spite of his mother's green thumb and disinterest in yard work, he has become quite a good gardener. My yard has been transformed in one week! Things are getting dug up, cleaned up, raked up, mowed, planted, and cared for. It's looking good!
• Amy has decided its time to spread her wings. One of her friends was looking for a room-mate so she will officially be moving out in another week.
• Jacob won a scholarship for a week-long vocal camp at Kansas State University. Cliff and I took him over there yesterday. It's going to be an unusually quiet week around the house without him. When he gets back, he's going to work for some friends of ours on their farm.
• Emily is working for her mother this summer. We are going to clean and paint and wallpaper. She's so good at this kind of work!
• Cliff will continue to spend his summer evenings driving the highways of the midwest. He enjoys it!

BUSY DAYS

It happens every year. As we come to the final days of school, things get hectic with final choir concerts, track meets, etc.

On top of our busy family schedule, We had a big 30th anniversary celebration at church in which I played a major role in the planning plus I put together 5 videos. We also had a wedding this past weekend which I had to work for.

Right after church on Sunday, we drove the 3 hrs. to Newton for Josh's final "Open Road" concert.

And, in the middle of all this busyness, I TURNED 45!!!!!

Mother's Day

It took me several years to figure out that the best gift I could give my mom on Mother's Day and my Dad on Father's Day is an invitation to dinner at my home. TIME!!

I think I finally came to this conclusion because I now have adult children and I think there's no greater gift they can give to me than their time and ATTENTION

So, in honor of Mother's Day this past Sunday, I had my parents over and cooked my mom one of her favorite meals. Lasagne. It was really good too (if I say so myself)

And Cliff and I and our kids had an amazing evening with them around the dinner table.

These are things I no longer take for granted. Time is moving way too quickly.

Happy Birthday

Today is my mom's birthday.

Mom and Dad....lost somewhere in the 70's. I love this picture, though. It takes me back to being a kid.

My mom was made to be a Grandma. She has granchildren ranging in age from 24 down to 2 with one on the way. She was a fun mom but She's a funner (is that a word?) grandma...very much like her mom was to us.

This is my most favorite picture of me and my mom. It needs a little repair work but the sentiment remains the same.

Mom, you're the BEST!! I love you and I'm so thankful to be part of your everyday life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

Fall Weather?

Someone around here forgot to tell the weather man its supposed to be spring. It feels like fall!!

At least we haven't had to turn the heat on. I just LOVE these months when both the heat and air are off. Makes for very nice utility bills!!

Our Week in Bullets

• Cliff has worked some long hours this week. He LOVES the job and the night driving. by Friday, though, he's showing a few signs of wear and tear. The week does catch up and getting lots of sleep over the weekend will do well for the bags I'm beginning to see under his eyes.
• Joshua competed in his Wichita competition this week. He said he had a great experience but sees where he still has room to grow to compete on the level the finilists. I would say it was a definate growth experience for him.
• Amy was offered a full-time job in data-entry at the company Cliff works for. I'm thrilled for her. God definately opened a door for her here and its something she can make into a career if she so desires.
• Jacob had a good week, also, placing 3rd in two track meets....finally. He's worked for the past 3 years and is seeing the work payoff. He also entered an application for an opportunity to go for a week to Kansas State University for a week of vocal training. We were pleasantly surprised to find out he was accepted.
• Emily found out today she has straight A's. She continues to enjoy drawing and reading.

I know it may sound like everything is great around here and frankly its not perfect but we did have a really good week and we are celebrating all that God has done for us.

Ordinary Days

I live a very ordinary life....and I like it. Most days find us busy with school activities, work, keeping house, and church activities. I LOVE coming home. I LOVE spending my evenings at home with my kids at the end of the day, having dinner, working on homework, and settling in for the evening. I know it may sound rather boring but that's how I like it.

It's through these ordinary days that time passes, and it passes far too quickly. The days seem to run into weeks, which run into months, and into years.

I guess I should explain that I usually always have to deal with a bit of meloncholy and nostagia this time of year. I'm not sure why but it always hits me towards the end of each school year. Probably the stark reminder of the passing of time. I can't stop it but by living ordinary and spending time with my family in the evenings seems to slow it down...just a little.

The end of this school year marks the end of my junior-high school years. Only 4 years left of high school and my kids will be through with school. Oh these days just fly by!

Yet its in these ordinary days that we live, we laugh, and we love. And we remember that the best things in our lives are not really things at all.