Stepping out

I love summer nights, especially when the weather is perfect.  That being said if I'm honest you will find me inside more than outside.  And the weather has not been perfect. I have to force myself outdoors sometimes and that is exactly what I did last night.

I was worried that our little raised beds were a complete flop, but we have edible things growing!

 

If he looks like he just got caught doing something it's because he was.  He was licking his plate of ice cream and frosting at Jesse's 12th birthday.  I meant to add it to that post.

J12

He's 12.

Say what?

12.

As any mama would, I remember that moment where I held him and suddenly was overwhelmed with a love I never knew before. Blessed with 12 years of this boy that brings me joy and makes me pull my hair out at the same time. This boy that is turning into a man but not too quickly as the Legos and make believe play proves. Next stop teenland, but until then I'll enjoy the ride with this boy. 

18 holes of golf, cake and ice cream with family, presents

His grandparents gave him a cajon.  He's enjoying it, making up beats, etc.

Sparkly and stuff

I think July is the heart of summer. The weather is officially hot, and the honeymoon phase of no school has passed. I've been attempting to be proactive when it comes to our social life, and filling our days with positive activity to avoid the doldrums that often accompany the humidity. I don't always feel successful, but the good days outweigh the bad so perhaps that is success after all!

These boys, they love each other. The baby kitties are growing.  2nd or maybe 3rd cousins over to create ruckus play.Van has been giving me toys, because I "don't have any." Found a dead bird on the porch. My research leads me to believe it is some time of thrush.  Weekly library trips. Some of us don't come for the books.

The Fourth of July! This holiday has so many great memories for me. When we moved here and I found that I couldn't recreate my exact childhood experiences I stomped my feet and pouted for a few years. I am now recognizing my grown up status and getting over it. Every year has been a different experience and that's okay.  Yesterday included lunch at the parent-in-laws, pool party at Dennis' cousin's and then our own mini firework display in our back yard with the neighbors. I love watching the kids reactions. Beck got right in my face (nose to nose) to say "I like watching the fireworks". Van sat away from everyone else saying things like, "Ya!" and "Look at that!" My girl sat on my lap. Sigh. I did come across popsicles almost exactly like the ones that were passed out for free at the Blythe fireworks when I was growing up (example displayed by the little cutie above). It's the little things.

When Dennis and I had a "dollar store, let's find some fireworks date", the sales lady and I talked him into this sky lantern.  OH MAN!  I was so excited about this! And the pictures make it look like we had a successful launch. However I believe in honesty. Most of the time Dennis was chasing it and redirecting it UP in the air instead of sideways towards  the trees, which is eventually how it crashed. It was quite breezy and that messed everything up.  We should have waited because it did die down later. Lesson learned.