In the news...

I know... I've been a slacker. Some of you have told me so. Sorry. I've just really been enjoying the summer. In fact, I think I could probably just live in this one forever.

We sure have been spending a lot of time at the pool. I think if you poked this girl, she would probably bleed chlorine. I'm so proud of her effort on swim team this year. You should see the little collection of 1st place ribbons she's got going. Hannah is kinda competitive...

I have no idea where she gets it. Sadly, I bailed on the triathlon. I was planning to compete (and dominate) this weekend... but I gave it up to go with Carl to his 20- year class reunion. I'm pretty bummed and feel like I'm totally wimping out, but I did get a new dress out of the deal. Hoping that makes up for it. Pics on Monday.

I'm missing Emma. She's been gone all week at camp. I'm counting the hours until she gets home. I haven't had any contact with her since she's been gone. I know she's having the time of her life...but I sure wish I would've slipped a cell phone in her suitcase. Can't wait to hear all about her adventures.

While she was gone we crashed a wedding. You should see the dance moves these girls have got going. They put me to shame (and crack me up)!

I just love getting dressed up. I need to go to more weddings.

The garden is booming. I've been slightly neglectful this past week. Too much pool time I guess.

We put the radishes to work in our fish tacos. Tasty.

And for dessert: lime sorbet + a tiny shot of tequila. Ooooh, it made me pucker!

We've had thunder and lightening almost every night. I love it, it's pretty. I hate it, we are surrounded by dry land wheat. No fires yet. Thank goodness.

So that's it. We're just busy playing. Yesterday I cleaned out the van and found 2 tennis rackets, 4 golf balls, 6! water bottles, 3 wet beach towels, and flip-flops galore! A messy little reminder of this happy season.

Soak it up!!

well that's pretty

interlaced fingers.

 

earings and ring.

margaritas made easy

sunset on my birthday. on my way home from hannah's swim meet. she won all her races. a sweet gift for mama.

lovely pallette. wish some of these things were hanging in my closet.

the perfume that the girls gave me for my birthday. i've been wearing this one for a couple of years now.

suitcase. for all the escaping that I'd love to do. luggage should be this beautiful.

breakfast the other day. these kids are eating me out of house and home. must be all the tennis and swimming and sunshine. 

thanks for all of the birthday wishes yesterday. have a lovely weekend.

::34::

"It takes courage to grow up and turn out to be who you really are."- EE Cummings

I am more me than I have ever been. It feels nice. I guess that comes with age? The older I get the more I seem to like who I am. At this point in my life I feel like I can be honest with myself. I know what I want and what I need. I'm getting better at taking ahold of it and leaving the guilt behind.  I'm also more gentle with myself. I'm forgiving past mistakes (hoping others will do the same) and allowing room for failure. So thankful for the grace that has been extended to me. 

I have, however, had some trepidation about this particular birthday. Age thirty-four was the last birthday my mother celebrated before she became quite ill with cancer. As my natural model, this is sort of where the blacktop ends with my mom. It's true I have a whole childhood of sweet and tender memories with her, but in terms of future reference-- it is fading each year that I get older. As I inwardly compare the time line of my mother's life to my own, I can see that up until now our lives have been very much the same. As much as I treasure my mother, and will always keep her close in my heart...this seems to be the place where we sort of part ways. Frightening and freeing. I am making my own map from here on out- and mostly as I go along. It's okay you know? I'm doing it (not always well) but I'm doing it. 

I am 34 today. I'm moving forward with love, and courage, and a spirit seeking adventure. I am happy, healthy, and alive. Thank you God.