in between

sunrise:


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sunset:


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In between there was: 


a 40 minute run


luke-warm coffee gulped down on the way out the door


quick trip to wal mart (awful)


bubble blowing in the back yard


the concrete truck in our driveway again


weed pulling in the garden (already)


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(look at my tomato plants!! redic. i'm sending them outside tomorrow!)


strawberries and cheese for lunch


math and spelling


geography and picture narrations


laundry (always)


a walk to the mailbox


hurt feelings


iced coffee (feeling better)


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(directions here. make it. you won't be disappointed)


dinner prep


mess making (I'm a pro)


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swim lessons


some laps


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a 20 minute car-ride conversation about "non-violent communication" (awesome parenting moment for me)


smoothie making/drinking


a bath


kisses goodnight


and a resolve to just let today be what it was and tomorrow be what it will

weekend randoms

We ate out Friday night. That's something we don't do often. I mean honestly, it just not that enjoyable with a family of our size. It so much more comfortable to hang out around our own kitchen table and not worry about all the noodles that end up on the floor. Carl had been gone much of the week working and golfing, so it seemed somewhat celebratory when he finally joined us Friday evening. So we went out.


Taking a picture in the restaurant bathroom is a tradition of ours. Weird I know, but funny too. Hannah has a good pucker don't you think?


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Saturday was the Grand Parade through town. I almost didn't take the kids because Carl was golfing again (he had some buddies in town- it was a 3 day extravaganza!). It would mean that I would have to navigate the crowds, and the traffic, and a likely panic attack :) with 4 kids in tow, by myself. Eeek. Plus, as an added bonus, I was on call.


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But I rallied, and the kids were awesome, and we scored an awesome spot.


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There's nothing like marching bands and rodeo queens to make you feel All-American, you know? I'm glad we went.


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Afterwards (while the kids were napping/resting) I had a mini- Cinco De Mayo celebration on the deck.


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Sunday I took a drive to look at real estate for our farm stand. Whoa is all I can say. This project could be more than just wearing cute country girl outfits. It might actually involve work. A lot of it.  And money. A lot of it. I'm trying not to get discouraged and remember what Thomas Edison said:


"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."


Oh man, I really hate overalls. 


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We've been eating al fresco. So great.


Not so great: I ate cookies, and greasy tater tots with tartar sauce, and a hot dog?? and two sodas, and licorice, and a lot of peanuts this weekend. I'm going to bed with a tummy ache and determination to start clean tomorrow. 

black and white in black and white

coffee


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watch


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picture


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purse


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idea book (our farm stand has a name, and a logo...still working on the rest!)


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quote


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sandals


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Letter P


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Maybe I need some color? 


I want you to know that I don't always write about what's going on behind the scenes here- in my home, in my heart. It shouldn't surprise you to know that sometimes things are messy. We all deserve a quiet little corner of privacy and thought. Sometimes talking about make-up or patio furniture is good for me, but please don't think that I can't understand or empathize with the weightier things in life.  I never want to be guilty of portraying a life that's just about fluff. I realize that many of you are dealing with some really tough stuff. My heart goes out to you. Sometimes when I hear about an illness, or a preterm labor, or anything really sad or frightening, I feel a little guilty for posting about popscicles and lounging by the pool. It's never my intention to belittle the courageous suffering of others...


I'm not always cheerful. Often times I'm afraid. I lose my patience every day- several times. My kids misbehave. Marriage is hard work. My car smells like old cheese. We are all mucking our way through this human experience. Together.


If you are hurting, I'm sorry. If I you are struggling, I'm cheering you on. If you are smiling, I'm smiling too. Just do your best! It will be ok. Let's have a happy weekend. XXOO