I simply cannot tell you how much I missed this....
Waking up in the morning to the smell of coffee and sunshine streaming in through my kitchen window while Michael, George, and Robin talk to me about whats happening in the world, the movie industry, the latest and greatest gadget I need to own. Some people need wine in the evenings, some people need pets to love on, I need some GMA to get my day rolling.
I always get onto a cleaning streak right before vacation or even a weekend getaway. The coming home let down hits hard enough as it is. Coming home to a messy, dirty house? Its like the vacation never happened. However, for whatever reason, this pre-vacation cleaning went as deep as wiping out all the cupboards, replacing contact paper, purging expired spices, and restocking the shelves for the upcoming school year. It feels so good.
Back in January, we joined the movement of cancelling cable and joining a streaming service. The savings alone has made it all bearable, but I miss the news, certain shows, and sports (aka white noise while crafting). Our house came with a 40 foot antenna but it has only served as a permanent ladder for getting on the roof. Now the time has come to make better use of this blessing and get it fixed!
When something is 40 foot up in the air, you are unaware of how large it really is.
In less than an hour, the antenna was fixed and a channel scan was done. We officially have 28 channels, 2 of which are out of Detroit. The repair guy said that running a channel scan on a better weather day may get us even more stations! It may not be much but its free tv and it will always be free tv.
Three years ago our little neighborhood started having a Block Party. We barricade off the road, pull the grills out into the driveway, line tables up and down the road, eat, drink, and chat around a campfire. We play yard games, have an outdoor movie, and bond a little more.
This year one generous neighbor rented the city pool to kick off the festivities. For an hour and a half we splashed, laughed, cannonball-ed, and raced down the slides like care-free children before heading back to a bonfire and surprise birthday celebration for all the summer birthdays on our block. I've always said that I was born in the wrong decade. The 1950's were the best. But I was wrong. Living here today in this decade in a neighborhood with 1950's values is truly the best.
"When my heart is discontent, I struggle through the details of life and look closely upon my control for comfort. When my heart is inclined towards God, I am more willing to open my hands to my story and look for the grace of God to show up." - Kara Tippetts
I cannot tell you how long ago Santa was placed on that mirror. Like many things in Grandma's house, it has just always been there. Maybe not always, but long enough to feel like forever, like things have never changed. But change does happen. And it is in the little details, like Santa, that I will look at and remember that the joy we experience here on Earth is nothing compared to the joy we will have in Heaven. That the smiles and the laughter will be ten-fold greater. For that alone, I have no reason to fight or to fear change. I have no reason to be sad for you. Your best days are yet to come. I love you. I will miss you. And you have a great time until I see you again.
Internal perspective will show you that there's more, that this is just a stopping ground, and that this isn't my forever home. And I can look in confidence and say "This isn't it. I will see you again." And that it won't be long.
You know how everyone talks about becoming a "snow bird" to avoid harsh winters? What is it called when a person wants to go north to avoid hot summers?
Because whatever that is, its me.
Anyways....
Being a homeowner is full of daily, monthly, yearly maintenance to be sure you are not loosing money to inefficient doors, windows, roof, insulation, furnace, etc. Even when all those things have been replaced, it doesn't hurt to take it a step further to optimize efficiency and savings.
Especially when you live in a house with a lot of West facing patio doors and windows.
Yes, it is the 4th of July, a day of celebrating our Nation.
I, however, am celebrating that after nearly two months I have finally completed this 2,000 piece Disney Villian puzzle!!
I do not recall a puzzle ever taking this long. The use of repeating colors was almost frustrating enough to take the joy out of something so relaxing. Alas, I had a book on CD to listen to and the determination to complete something in order to feel accomplished. Not to mention the kids were away, blissfully enjoying time at the lake so I sat down and got to work. And it paid off. Its beautiful. I love it. Now get this thing off my table.
Back in May, Holly asked if we could set off fireworks for her birthday. We did not as the other kids still had school. But believe me the subject of fireworks was never dropped. Constantly asking if we could, when can we see them, is is almost time now?! FINALLY the day has come to see fireworks and She. Was. Thrilled.
Oh to have recorded the conversation between Holly and Jacob. Naming the fireworks, guessing what it would look like based on the way it shot off, which one(s) were their favorite. It would have been priceless but yet not captured the true magic of it all. And these will be the times they cherish forever and will be what motivates them to create just as wonderful memories for their children.
Impromptu trips with the neighborhood friends are the best kind.
A simple 10pm walk to avoid the heat turns into a conversation with fellow walker/neighborhood mom and 10 hours later you're all loaded into the van ready to beat the heat at the best place you know of.
Pine Lake Waterpark
Berne, Indiana
When my kids are older and grown, the thing I think I will miss most is splash pads. I don't mind being wet, but I don't want to be in the water. Splash pads, especially this one, achieve the perfect blend for me.
The last time we visited it was on a Sunday. Although it was busy, it never felt crowded. Today, on a Tuesday, it felt like we had complete run of the place.
Bree so desperately wanted to jump off the 20 foot diving platform, but couldn't work up the nerve. She was, however, able to talk Jacob into jumping off the 10 foot diving board for the first time. I can promise you, this will also be the last time. I stopped the video before he started crying/threw up in the water. I am proud of him for doing this. He tried something new instead of being fearful and avoiding it. Not everyone can do that. And should he ever decide to go jumping 10 foot into the water, I may suggest he give diving a chance 'cause that boy has some great form!
