Wow ... it's been a while ... again. Things have been busy 'round here. A lot of changes in a relatively short amount of time.

As each day has past I have thought about wanting to post this or that .... a moment, a thought .... but instead, I've stored those ideas away. Blogging, or journaling, to me is a great way to express, to share, and even work through things. But I never want to take time away from life, current moments, my family, to blog.

This morning is quiet (the first quiet morning in a while), so I sit with the cool morning air and my hot cup of coffee ....

First off, the changes. And there has been a lot of big changes as of late. We have had three graduations that are milestones with celebrations for each. Kindergarten, 5th grade and graduate school.

Pie finished her private Christian Kindergarten and will move into 1st grade come fall. And what big changes in her. She has grown in leaps and bounds. Her thoughts, her personality, her creativity, her heart. She may still be learning to read but she is wise beyond her years. I enjoy watching her engage with others, friends and family alike. But I love our time alone ... our conversations, they are moments to cherish. She has simply stolen my heart ....

Bub graduated 5th grade! I now am the mom of a middle schooler ... yikes! My heart had a difficult time with that one. But looking at him, I know he is ready. Ready for the next season in his life, ready to spread his wings a little more. I am so proud of him. Not only his studies but his heart. He is a good boy, responsible and giving. As much as I want to keep him back I know God has big plans for him.

I found a study we did years ago from the book of 1 Samuel. Samuel's mother loved him, prayed for him, was there for him, yet she let him go to do God's will in and for his life. "For this child I prayed," says vs. 27. Indeed. Oh, how I have prayed. The story of Samuel (and his mother) is a wonderful foundational insight to mothering.

I took five key notes from the study. First was to never take a child for granted, that, as some women experience the longing to have a child, that when she does, she ought not take that child for granted.

Secondly, that there is a stewardship. Each child must experience God for him/her self.

Thirdly, to wean for the dependency of the mother .... less of me and more of God.

Fourth, give children a covering ... and the best covering for life is wisdom. Be there, stand by, listen, understand.

Fifthly and finally was to encourage, allow them to pursue the calling of God.

We celebrated his graduation with what turned out to be an all night party in the neighborhood. There were 10 boys, plus siblings and families. We had a limo, a crazy long dragon bounce house, water balloon fights, bbq's, movies, s'mores, an outdoor fire pit. It was amazing!

And I know that some, perhaps many, believe myself and the other mom's involved went over board. To each their own I suppose. We did what we did, we were involved in the celebration, the celebration was real, and it was a time that Bub (and all his friends for that matter) will never forget. And to me that's what counts ...

There have been many times that I have been judged for being extreme in the things I do for my kiddos (their friends, cousins included). But again, to each their own. I do what I do because I love to ... I love to give to the children, be involved and make sweet memories ....

Our last graduation was my sweet husband who just earned his MBA. Two years for full-time work, full-time school, not to mention his family needs, desires and obligations .... and he is done! I am so proud of him, his hard work and his dedication. It truly speaks of his personality and who he is ...

In addition, we have gone through (and still in transition) a job change for my husband and some home projects, new hardwood floors and new paint!

All is good ... just a lot going on ....

Father's Day came and went quietly. It certainly wasn't the day I had planned or thought we'd have together .... coffee in bed, a nice breakfast, church, perhaps a family bike ride and then the evening with my father as well .... No. I couldn't even find my way onto the kitchen! We were in a state of chaos, moving furniture, tearing out old carpet, covered in paint.

But we were together and that's what counts. We spent the evening my parents and it was sweet. My father is definitely a man set in his ways, strong willed, yet tender and loving. I will always admire and look up to my dad. He is and always has been such a blessing to me.

And I look at my husband, wise, righteous, loving, and I think what a wonderful father he is. A role model. Bub and Pie are also truly blessed. I am thankful for such wonderful men in my life.

Summer has hit .... finally. The days are filled with swimming, playing on the field, dirty little hands and feet, catching lizards, building a club house and riding motorcycles. The long days are lovely and peaceful.

- (I) am beginning to learn that it is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all ....

Just a sweet quote that caught my eye ... Peace ...