Summer

Well Aaron has been gone for three weeks now and I am glad to report that things are going pretty smoothly. At this time last year I could have written a book on all the crazy things Natalie had done, but life with a three-year old Natalie is much easier:) I can actually post some sweet things this time instead of frustrating death-defying tricks she has been infamous for in the past summers. This week she climbed up in the chair with me and leaned into my face and said "Mommy, you are so beautiful." I of course praised her for her uncharacteristic thoughtfulness and then Bella comes running (to not be out-done) and says "Mommy, you aren't just beautiful, you are gorgeous!" I had to laugh that they were competing for my attention in such a unique way;) This past week I designed a big stained glass window for the girls' bathroom in popsicles and ice cream cones and then I made individual rainbow colored Popsicles and strung them on Christmas lights and hung them around the top of the wall and they were so encouraging. Natalie told me what a good job she thought I did and kept praising me on how pretty it was! It's just so crazy that she's thinking outside of herself and being so appreciative like that all of a sudden. We have been staying so busy this summer that sometimes I feel like there are not enough hours in the day. It is making the time go by quicker and I really appreciate that. We went to the beach today and it was such an awesome day! Thursdays I have a standing lunch date with someone I hold very dear and I eagerly await those special times to get a break from motherhood. The girls love swimming lessons and although they are not gifted swimmers, they are getting stronger and stronger every time they are in the water. Aaron is enjoying what he is doing in Washington and that makes me happy as well. Please pray for my sister - she had to put her beloved puppy to sleep yesterday. He was almost 14 and he was her baby. We love pets in our family with too much of ourselves sometimes. It's so hard to see them go. Also please pray for my dear friend Beth who lost her mom this month. It's so hard to watch people you love grieve and know that there is nothing you can do to make it better. I hope you are all having a wonderful summer.