Let's start summer...

(sneaking quietly back in...hoping you won't notice how long I've been away...)

It's officially summer.  In all the ways that count, we've made it. We survived a parade, school camping trip, promotion (for my eighth graders), graduation (for my very own kindergartener), saying goodbye to friends and teachers, shoving off of early morning rushing, and are now settling into our new routine.  I moved classrooms, and cleaned out the garage. We've had the necessary yard sale and spread almost 7.5 cubic yards of bark dust.  The first sweet peas are appearing in the garden, the kale is huge, and we will get to taste our first homegrown strawberries this afternoon.

That's an awful lot for a mama who likes things simple.

So some things had to be let go along the way - things that are important to me, but weren't viewed as absolutely necessary. I didn't make gifts for the boys' teachers - I used groupons and store-bought cards instead.  We've eaten out more than usual.  And at night I've crashed on the couch, too tired to even pull out the knitting bag.

But now it's time for the fresh start.  The boys and I are following (loosely) a weekly schedule to help us balance the work and the play.  We're lining up play dates and dinner guests and I'm pulling out the favorite summer salad recipes and looking for strawberry desserts. It feels good.

And being back in this space?  It's just what I need.

So, today I'll leave you with a few of my favorite pictures from the last few weeks. After all, all that running around must be good for something, right?

Kindergarten Graduation

Lemonade Stand at our Yard sale

Ready to march in a parade

Parade Preparations (although he sat in the wagon hiding under an umbrella once the parade began)

Playing in the river on our school camping trip

Self Portrait for kindergarten graduation

Max and his amazing guide, Katie

Luke and his wonderful guide, Alicia

The weekend that was...

We've headed full-force into busy summer weekends full of fun.  This past weekend was filled with the farmers market, impromptu concerts from the boys, painting in the kitchen, and a birthday party at a farm.  You know it's been a great weekend when everyone crashes into bed Sunday night with a big smile. 

And it's just the beginning!

 

The first book...

Tonight, my son read to me.

We'd finished our usual bath/tooth brushing/chart routine, and he ran off to get a book.  You see, every night, we read a story. together.  Usually it's one parent per son, and the boys rotate between us.  It is one of my favorite parts of the day. They choose a story, we find a cuddly spot in the house, and then we curl up to read together.

But tonight...he brought out Olivia. We sat down on the green couch, and I reached for the book. But he didn't hand it to me.  Instead, he said, "Mama, I want to read to you tonight."

My natural inclination was to shout, "Wahoooo!!  That's great buddy!  You'll do a great job!" and make a big deal of it. But this kiddo?  That's too much pressure.  I knew I had to play it cool. So instead, I replied, "Ok."

And he leaned into my shoulder, opened the book, and began to read. Word for word. A couple stumbles and guesses, but almost perfect.  And when he got to the last page, he proclaimed himself too tired to finish.  So I read the last one.

He did it. The eyes were sparkling.  The satisfied, smug look was upon that little face.  And then he raced his brother off to bed.

He's been reading to his little brother in bed for a while now.  And often when we read, he and I will alternate pages.  But this was a first. He came, wanting to read to me.  To me.

And it was amazing.

A sunny afternoon...

Here in the Pacific Northwest, a sunny afternoon in spring is cause for major celebration.  This week has brought us a few of them - joy is running high around here. In our small world, this usually translates to a stop at a park on the way home from school. We can only stay an hour before we need to get home and make dinner, but that simple hour is precious. I look forward to these outings as much as the boys, and never want to forget them.  But, I also don't typically have me big camera (our DSLR) with me, and the point and shoot is just frustrating in what I am not able to capture. And in my world, unphotographed = undocumented = quickly forgotten.

So, today's post is largely for myself.  The opportunity to write down those park moments from this week that I want to hang on to:

Mama and Daddy Geese and their 6 little goslings

  Sliding down the fire pole by himself

Watching out for littler ones on the playground

Freckles appearing on the bridge of his nose

Rolling down the giant hill, then running back up only to do it again

Reading on a bench in the sun

"Will it sink or float?" at the duck pond

Sticks for whacking, throwing, carting home

"I did it!"

Head laying in my lap because he's hungry, and he can't play when he's hungry

Big belly laughs together

Magic spaceship plots and pirate chases 

Gathering acorns

What-if and why and how come?

We love the park.  It brings out the best in each of us.  And speaking of which, it's time to head there now!

Monsters...

I've been knitting for a few years now - it's one of my very favorite hobbies.  I love the meditative knit and purl. In the past year I've made hats, booties, sweaters, socks, gloves, and more.  But I've never had as much fun as I have the last couple of months since I got this:

Rebecca Danger has written the most amazing book of monster patterns.  It's been a great way to learn how to "magic loop" and work on seaming and finishing. Plus, they are all so cute and cuddle-worthy.   I've made 3 delightful little ones so far.  Two of them have already left the nest for little babies new to this world.  The third is waiting for a birth.  But here they are:

It's been so much fun.  In fact, I cast on for another one today!  If you are having a baby any time soon, watch out!  The monster population at your house just may be increasing.

Down the rabbit hole...

Alas, once again I have fallen down the rabbit hole.  Posts that have been written only in my head have been frequent, but committing to sharing them hasn't.  Don't worry - I haven't forgotten you, and deeply appreciate that anyone takes time out of their busy days to read my thoughts.

It's pointless to say that life has been busy.  It is that way for all of us.  And it seems like we are all waiting for that time just around the corner when our calendars clear and time is abundant.  Even my recently retired father has commented about the fact that his life doesn't seem all that much more free now that he no longer has the obligations of employment (he has since joined search and rescue, and the training for that has been intense, so that may be a part of the issue...). And as the mom of two young children, I know that the years ahead are only going to fill up faster. Ack!

So I'm going to jump back in with Mother's Day.  It was rainy, cool, and wonderful. I was lucky to get to share it with some of my favorite women on the planet - my mother, my mother-in-law, and my sister-in-law. We spent the morning at the tulip fields, then came home for brunch.  We spent time laughing and playing with two very active boys.  I was even given the gift I was hoping for - a clothesline! I couldn't have asked for anything more.

But there's always a little bit of sadness that goes along with Mother's Day.  For the mothers who aren't with us any more.  For those women who want to be mothers, but aren't, for one reason or another.  For all those pains that come when things aren't picture perfect on a day that is supposed to be. People I know are out there hurting. And this Mother's Day adds a little salt to tender wounds.

I know I am blessed.  I try really hard not to forget it.  And with this face staring at me, how could I?

Ten good things...

On this blustery Monday, there are so many things to be thankful for:

1. Playoff basketball.  I love my Blazers, and love that they are working so hard to play a great series against Dallas.

2. The little one just looked outside and said, "It looks like the wind is doing exercise with it's arms!"

3. Days at the park are back!  We had our first picnic of the year on Saturday, and are already planning the next one.

4. The fashion choices of my little one - cowboy hat and swim shorts for the park, undershirt and necktie for riding his scooter. He likes to be inspired when dressing, and very much considers the dress up box to be part of his closet.

5. Baking bread.  It is a skill I covet - but one that will take a lot more practice.

6. A good book trumps all in our home.  Case in point: the little one stopped to read an old favorite right in the middle of hunting for Easter eggs.

7. Our oldest is not shy.  When he's got something to say, he'll say it.  And if a microphone can be involved, it's all the better. While I can't identify, I'm happy he feels so comfortable.

8. Reusable water bottles.  Keeping them around everywhere helps us all to drink a lot more water, and there's no waste.

9. Music.  Everywhere.  Constantly.

10. A mother-son wrestling match in the puddles of sunlight on the carpet.  Lots of laughing.  And I'm all for taking them to the mat while I still can.

inspired by Amanda...