August 9, 2013

Joy



This week was full of joy. One of those unexpected surges of joy that seem to come from no particular event. I felt thankful, thankful, thankful for this sweet life I have. This life is not perfect. But it is good. 

Things that gave me joy this week

1. Watching Elsie toddle around
2. Seeing the kids be good friends
3. Perfect summer days
4. The fragrance of lilies
5. Old friends

August 8, 2013

Summer afternoon

We had a lovely time with the White kids. They were absolutely wonderful. Generally when they get together, there is a day or two of happy cousin time and then it descends into fights, bickers, and over tiredness. Somehow, we circumnavigated most of that this time. It was such a nice kid filled few days!

I had misplaced my camera in the most obvious place (which meant I didn't look there, since I knew it wasn't there) for 3 days, but finally, I found it. After organizing a lot of stuff in hopes of uncovering my camera under library books, important things, and mail. Now I have my camera and clean counters. Win-win!

I managed to find my camera in time for this picnic Monday afternoon. The sort of afternoon that makes people lyrical about summer.


And just so you know, Lily and Rilla were on a hair brushing kick, so they look like hippie children.













The kids had to dig holes to put their sticks in. And Gilbert was convinced his bike was broken and needed fixing, which he happily did with his little stick.




Lily and Lincoln made a doughnut tree out of sticks and honey nut cheerios


Little picnic scavenger


Cheyenne's welcome home



Clothes on the line shadow


Lilies are in bloom


My diaper clothesline. One of those everyday things that won't always be so ordinary. 



Justin is a marvelous uncle and pushed them around the yard in the wheelbarrow. 





Then Justin got a call and stopped running. But Elliott hopefully sat in the wheelbarrow for awhile.


Cheyenne is a great babysitter



Orianna demonstrating for Cheyenne the monkey dance they worked on that morning. 





When Elliott got tired of waiting for Justin to get off the phone, Gilbert climbed in.








Justin tipping Orianna and Elliott out


One of the dahlias


My hydrangea that is supposed to turn pink. Currently looks like it has a case of measles.


A march into the house, carefully leaving all bits of their picnic to be picked up by adults. 

August 2, 2013

Things that have made me happy this week

1. The dream I woke to this morning (the dream I was having when I woke?) involved the mafia sending a hit man after me. I am really, really glad this is not true. Like really glad.

2.The White kids are descending upon us for a couple days. Some rollicking good times ahead. Or at least busy times! The kids are so excited about this!

3. Some good friends are back for a visit and we will be having lunch with them on Sunday. This involves a brand new baby. Ohhhhh.... I like babies. And old friends.

4. Yesterday, as I was leaving the store, there were huge dark storm clouds in the sky and suddenly a white, white seagull flew right in front of them. One of those moments of exultation, when everything feels just right.

5. Looking at new fabric. I know I have too much fabric and don't need anymore. And I am not buying any. But there is something so enticing about new fabric. The possibilities. I am a possibilities junkie.