Farewell, My Friend

A Blue Heron in my backyard!!!

Farewell, my friend, July.  You're one of the longer months of the year, but you fly by as a super-sonic jet.  I will miss you and know it won't be long before the lazy, summer mornings will be over.  But, now, I revel in the time I have with my family.  So many first for my little girl in July.

I'm An American Celebration and Sparklers

 Vacation Bible School and Art with Miss Patty and Miss Brenda

Hometown Family Cookout

Grandma came into town for a few days.  As she was singing a song to Sarah, Sarah began singing along with her.  My mom would say, "Sarah sing."  And she would.  

This little girl is ready to learn all the world has to offer her.  This morning, Miss Patty said,  "Shelly, she's ready for school.  From where she began in Bible School to where she is now, is AMAZING what she will accomplish once she's in school."  And I've got her schooling figured out as much as I can until her evaluations with the school.  It's a place where she will blossom under the care of the same teacher who taught Austin.

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Andy was gone all week for business, and we celebrated with a Saturday afternoon at the pool.  I was able to capture these moments, watching Sarah walk as far as she could up to her mouth before turning around.  Addy and Austin, diving for treasure.  All of us together.

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A special shout-out to my Uncle Doug.  This week, he was rushed to the hospital amidst a heart attack, is home, and celebrating his family, their love, and their faith.

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My new space.  

We had a library in our front room, the one that had roof damage in the spring.  We had a couple of computers, one for the kids and one for me.  However, Miss Sarah would sit on the chair and play with the keyboard.  And so, Andy created a space in my bedroom, away from the noise and little fingers.

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What a change two months with a family can make.

Farewell, July.  What wonders will August bring forth?

Beauty Everywhere

 I was sitting at my computer writing, when I looked out the front door window and noticed the spectacular skyline Mother Nature was gifting me tonight. 

 I grabbed my camera, pajamas and all, walked outside to capture these puffy, whispy clouds, masterfully painting the skyline. 

Our weekend was a Girls Day for Addy and I.  We went shopping, stocked up on candy, and went to a movie.  Mike and Ike's, Sugar Babies, Reeces' Peanut Butter Cups, and more.  Perfect for movie viewing.  We saw Monte Carlo because we're both big Selena Gomez fans.  She loved it.  I loved it. And we enjoyed each other.  I googled Monte Carlo, and do not see that as a particular near future vacation destination.  Just sayin...

Our days are finding Sarah busy and into mischief easily.  Before I turn around she's torn up paper, unrolled toilet paper, eaten any non-edible particle lying around and comes back for more.  So, when she sits in my lap for a short time, I want to grab the moment and enjoy the feel of her skin next to mine.

These eyes are piercing, yet dark and subtle at times.

I love their almond shape, the lashes that wisp upward to the sky, saying, "Hey, look at me." 

Of course, playing with Mama's makeup brushes is a must.  Although, she wasn't too keen on the bristles. But, needed to climb up the knobs of the drawers  to see more goodies on the counter. 

For lunch today, we made pizza muffins. Austin is the most serious in the kitchen.  He loves to help out when he can.

Sarah was an expert because Miss Patty showed her how to make these at VBS.

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I love seeing Sarah's expressions, faces, and smiles. 

After the flash, she grins in this overwhelming smile like, "Can't catch this smile, Mama!"
The other night, Andy and I were drying her off from her bath when I asked, "Do you ever wonder if she misses anything about her old life?"  I'd love to know what she is thinking, when she points her finger at me, spouts off some gibberish, and walks off.  But, I know she loves her family.  After playing, she'll stop where I'm sitting, smile, and wrap her arms around me.  In the pool, she loves to hug her sister and brother, and wants to follow them and be "one of the guys." I know she knows she's changed.

My mother's coming into town for a few days to play with the kids, and let me begin working in my new classroom, setting up my new home for those who will walk through those doors.  I'm looking forward to tapping into that aspect of my being.  It's refreshing to start a new.  I learned I would be moving buildings the week before I left for Ukraine.  A friend said, " Are you crazy?  A new baby, a new grade, a new school!!"  For me, it's a whole new life that began with a picture of one little girl, who changed our lives forever.

 Beauty in this World

This n That

    The heat of July has welcomed all the doctors' appointments needed to figure out Sarah.  Most were workups, but her ears caused us to visit an ENT twice, and will be back next month.  I was hopeful to get an accurate hearing test last week, but it didn't happen. She was so traumatized after working on her ears, that she would not react or allow anything near her ears.  She clung and sought comfort from her Mama.  So, we'll head back in August.  I know she hears well.  She's heard me call her name at the pool and when other background noise is present.  She hears me when I use a quiet voice.  But, we'll see what they get.

    Potty-training has been hit or miss.  When I would have a day indoors, we'd try going every half-hour or longer.  After sitting on the throne for quite a while and nothing, she'd get up, wash her hands, and then let it slide down her leg a mere minute or two later.  "I'll show you, Mama."   After a half-day of frustration for us both, I gave up and we'd try again in a few weeks.  Then, she saw her friends go at Bible School.  At home, she took off her diaper, sat on the potty, and went.  Cheers of elation were heard in this house.  If I would ask her go, she'd fuss.  But, if she heard me go, she'd raise her hands and cheer!!  Today, she initiated going to the potty once and cheered for herself.   She's going about once a day on the throne.  It won't be long:)

Andy is always the reliable and balanced one of our circle.  Me, I'm up, down, and all around.   I need it to feel the highs and lows.  When one emotion is raging, the others are dormant.  And the cycle continues.  I need that roller coaster ride to live all that life's to offer.  As the month of July winds down, I feel this emotion of anxiousness, panic, and I fret about the start of school.  Not because she won't thrive, or will miss me.  But, her school plan isn't set and won't be set until after I begin teaching.  The home visits and assessments take place the week I begin my school year.  There's no way around it, and we've figured some potential plan b's, knowing the plan b's will be wonderful, also.  Our school system is amazing, and I know she will blossom in her classroom, experiencing so many firsts.  So, I wait, squashing those emotions down that come barreling up from the depths every so often.  I know "this" will all work out.  It always has, but now I wait and enjoy every moment with our family.

A few sniffles, sore throats, and other summer colds have caused us to stay indoors and play during the heat wave.  We're on the mend, and I'm having a Big Sister day for Addy in tomorrow.  A girly movie and shopping, time for the two of us.  She's a wonderful big sister, and wanted some alone time today.  When I took Austin and Sarah to the library, she stayed home while Andy worked in the office and enjoyed her alone time.

Disclaimer:  Sarah has plenty of clothes, but pulls the same dress out of the laundry basket after I've washed it.  This morning, she had shorts and other clothes on underneath it.  The reason many pictures have this checked dress in them.

 Keep Smiling and Happy Weekend!