So who said Rome wasn't built in a day? Well, perhaps it wasn't Rome, but we certainly accomplished enough throughout the day to build a small city. Or at least it felt like it!

The day started with chores. After the cat had an accident on my sons bed (he had been accidently locked in for the night ... oops!), we had to strip all bedding and clean. Plus a few extra loads of laundry (that never ends), dishes and a general straightening. Then a nice hair wash for my daughter over the sink. Next was a playdate at the park with a friend and her kiddos. The sweltering heat drove us out of there before too long, but not before all the kiddos thoroughly drenched themselves in the water fountains. From there, a handful of errands, dropping in on another friend and her newborn, and ice cream. Yes, ice cream before lunch, but on such a hot day, I didn't think it would hurt. Home for lunch and a mid-afternoon movie, then off to town for guitar lessons. A quick stop by the grocery store and home again for a bit of down time. But we managed to fill that with reading, scrabble, another snack, folding laundry, and even a home pedicure for my daughter. Rainbow toes ...

Even with all the adventures, the day was filled with peace and good quality time with the kiddos.

Then it was off to football. Conditioning week has begun. Despite passing a temperature reading in town of 113 degrees, my son had two hours of football conditioning. Wild!

Pactice, practice, practice, five nights a week for the rest of the summer. It certainly makes for a busy August, I do so love watching my son. He's dedication, hard work, commitment, perseverence. Amazing to watch come from a nine-year-old.

When I would want to give up, he continues to push. My inspiration. Whether it's football, or any sport for that matter, schooling, guitar, his own Bible studies, he strives to do his best.

For me, once football begins, it's a change of season so to speak. Despite our incredible heat wave, I can't help but be reminded of fall. Our carefree summer days are now done. There's now the daily commitment. Life will be busy once again.

Full ... the days will be full. I perfer the word "full" to "busy." "Busy" implies rush, not always being able to enjoy the moments, whatever they may be. To me, while "full" can certainly mean "busy," it also brings to mind a well rounded in mind, body and soul. Being able to pour as much of yourself in to every moment, every activity a day may hold.

A change of season ... It's always bittersweet. But I would never want to change it.

While I would love to stop time from flying by so very quickly ... keep the kiddos from growing up too fast ... I do so love watching them, enjoying them every step of the way.

Knowing their hearts, their interests. The moments I thank God for daily.