growing up, laughter and a needed get-a-way .....

With all the changes as of late, a family vacation was out of the question. Bummed .... yes. Yet we did manage a day escape to the ocean. We played, search the tide pools, built sand castles and the boys surfed.

We stayed all day and just enjoyed one another. Despite all the other fun, swimming, lazy days of the summer .... by far this has been my favorite.

We seem to be in the midst of a busy season of our lives .... so any time of just us, I'll take!

(The kiddos searching a rock cave and exploring)

We found a pelican skeleton which endlessly intrigues the children!

These summer months have brought around many of changes .... for all of us. A career change for my husband (and a much better fit I might add). His exact title is creative director, and knowing his creativity, his English lit background and just the abundance of knowledge he has, I know he will soar!!!

But most of the change I have seen is in the kiddos. They are both growing up. Sure they are still kids and in many ways simply act like kids. Yet, in both Pie and Bub they are each growing up. Pie has started to come out of her shell. She loves to play with her friends and has become quite independent. She just doesn't need me as much. Oh, she always wants to make sure that I am close by, but she loves to try things out on her own. She has a will of steel and a heart that is endless. She is unique and I love watching who she is becoming.

I spent last evening looking through old scrapbooks with Bub. We talked, we shared, we laughed. He tols he how much fun it was to be little. And he would say things like, "Mom remember when we did ... (this or that)." I do remember, I always will remember.

Times have changed a bit. Bub has grown as well. Starting middle school in the fall, he too desires a little more independence .... responsibility .... freedom. It's funny to me just how the Lord prepares each one of us. Yes, I loved Bub as a young boy and cherished that time. But I love what and who he is becoming and I am excited for him, to be a part of that. I love just how open he is. I love the way we can sit and talk. I love his heart.

All is small doses, all in appropriate times.

The last weeks have felt anything like summer. Cool weather, even rain. We have traded in swimming for board games, building the summer fort project, sewing, painting, biking and cooking. One favorite has been crepes with with fresh blueberries from the garden.

I don't have all the answers, but I know that I want to enjoy my children, teach them (although many of times I have learned from them), create strong bonds with each of them, love them and encourage them. Today it happens to be over breakfast. Enjoy ....