Staying cool in carline

 We ordered these really neat, rechargeable fans to use at Caroline's soccer games.  I decided to use them in carline.  While they aren't the same as an air conditioner, they stir the air which is nice.  I'm so thankful for relief...yes I know I could run the AC all the time but I'm too cheap for that! 

A weekend at the beach!

This weekend Caroline had her first high school swim meet at the beach.  We reserved a camp site at one of the state parks.  However our sweet friends Chris and Charissa got an upgrade on their room reservation and invited us to stay with them.  We had the presidential suite and it was AMAZING!!!!  After an exhausting week, I was SO very thankful to just show up.  We enjoyed late night swims, beach time and family time.  It was just what we needed.

There were 4 pools and a lazy river...Mags tried 3 pools and the lazy river.  Loved them all!!

The view from our room.

The title of this book sums up the thoughts in my head.

Caroline and Catherine had to be at the aquatic center at 7:30. Chris took them so that the rest of us could have a relaxing morning.  Once we were there, we were so thankful for the playground.  We spent 5 hours at the meet for 3 minutes of action from Caroline!! :-)

That top floor with double windows and columns...that's where we stayed!!

These two were exhausted and only joined us for an hour or two.  They were thankful for rest time after the meet.

Mags went up early with Andy so that I could hang on the beach.  When I came up, she had already had her bath and was asleep on the couch!

So thankful for friends who become family!  We loved our time with Nana and Papa too!

Celebrating Catherine and Charissa's birthday with an ice cream cake.

Charissa and I woke up early this morning to enjoy a beautiful sunrise.  There was a nice 'chill' to the air.  If a wonderful weekend has to end, so thankful it can come to an end with a gorgeous sunrise with a good friend!!

 

Seasons...

Over the last 2 1/2 years my flowers and my yard have become such a great place to clear my head and my heart.  I know that as the temps begin to get cooler, many of the flowers in these planters will die (because annuals don't come back annually, only perennials do that) but I want to remember the joy they've given me over the last 4-5 months.  It's a reminder that so many 'good' things in life are only for a season.  There will be good in the next season but no season is exactly the same.  Truly try to enjoy each season...because the same season never comes back exactly like it was the season before.

 

First High School Swim Meet

 Tonight Caroline had her first swim meet for the season of High School Swim.  She had an amazing night and a strong start to the season!!  She improved in both of the events she participated in.  She swam the 100 freestyle and dropped off 2 seconds as well as the 100 breaststroke and dropped off 5 seconds.  

Year 19

It's hard to believe that today starts year 19 for me with students.  It was a wonderful day!!!  However, I looked in the mirror when I got in the van and looked at myself...my hair was a mess thanks to the humidity and my make up was mostly gone.  Shew...thankful for a great day!

 

Grocery Shopping Helper

 In an attempt to stay within budget, I have started shopping at Aldi again vs. using Walmart pick up.  I invited Caroline to come with me.  It has helped me tremendously.  She drives the cart, I check off the list.  Then we bag together.  I'm not seeing a huge savings but I'm wondering if it's because we having to pack lunches...I truly don't know but every little bit saved helps!

Fall Soccer for Maggie

When Maggie had the choice of swimming or playing soccer this season, she chose soccer.  Thanks Granny and Mr. Archie for the birthday gift. Tonight she had her first practice with her new team.  Her coach is really kind, energetic and working to show the kids proper soccer skills.  We're excited to see how she does this season. 

 

Yearly Check Up

 I've been going to the 'girly' doctor for 21 years.  I can honestly say that I dislike it just as much now as I did then.  But I do believe that early detection is the best form of fighting whatever may happen.  I hope that in years to come when my girls are reading this they to will realize the importance of maintaining good health and attacking anything that might come our way.

Visiting Mrs. K

Maggie's sweet teacher from the last two years just had a sweet boy.  We took them a meal and got to catch up with her.  Maggie LOVED holding baby Casey.  Baby Rollins was more interested in his juice box Maggie brought him.  We adore Mrs. K and are so thankful for the impact she has had on Maggie's life. I pray we are always able to keep in touch!
 

Honesty is the best answer!

 We found this in Maggie's weekly work.  We always say that honesty is the best policy!

Organizing the Pantry

One of the things on my to do list this summer was organize the pantry...surprisingly it never happened.  (HA)  Today I went to grab something and a few other things fell down.  I begged Caroline to come help.  She said "I need some containers to organize."  So off to Target we went to get what we needed. She did an amazing job.  She still has the bottom shelf and the very top shelf to go but I am so thankful and impressed with her ability to organize.

 

Most likely our last pool day!

Our summer Y membership ends at the end of August.  Our weekends are busy and this might be our last time to enjoy the pool at the Y.  The girls played well.  Thankfully Caroline was being generous and gave lots of piggy back rids and judging handstands.  It was fun to see from a lounge chair while reading my book.

 

Happy 50th Birthday Chris!

 Tonight we got to celebrate our dear friend Chris!!  We had a blast!  It was low key, relaxing and fun to hang out with friends.  Here's to many more to come!

A day away...

 It was a beautiful 89 degree, mostly overcast, gentle breeze blowing day at the beach with my friend Lia.  I am so thankful that Andy took over my taxi driver responsibilities and that Stacey took over Lia's teacher duties so that we could enjoy the down time together.   The beach wasn't crowded.  We read, we walked, we relaxed, we ate and just soaked up every minute.  It was exactly what my heart needed.  It was a great way to wrap things up before I head back to work.

Cool August Afternoon

 We are experiencing a 'cool' snap for August.  I love looking out the window to see all the kids hanging out in the backyard. :-)  I hope these friendships last for many years!!!!

GS Pool Party

Tonight our church family enjoyed a fun evening at the YMCA pool.  It was filled with lots of laugh, smiles and belly flops!  

 

Pumping Gas for her momma

 Yesterday Caroline had an 8:15 orthodontist appointment.  Once we dropped Mags off at school, we bought a $1.49 iced coffee.  We still had a little time before the appointment so I stopped for gas.  She was so generous to get out and pump it for me!  Between her and her daddy, I don't have to pump often!

Life is better with the Bakers!!

 Earlier this year, the Baker's shared their figs and fig preserves with us.  So when I made peach preserves, I wanted to share with them.  Well of course, you can't go to the Baker's without having lots and lots of fun.  Maggie got to hold Elsa the Guinea pig.  Then Mr. Rick took her out to pick figs.  Oh how I adore these folks!  They certainly make life better!!

All by ourselves!!

 Tonight while Caroline was at swim team, Mags and I went swimming at the Y.  We had the entire pool to ourselves!!  She loved it!!

The Mostest

 Today while I was cleaning I found this...oh how I love this sweet girl and oh how thankful I am for her kind words!!

Happy First day of Schoool

Well folks, summer has come and gone...hard to believe.  We've had fun but the days passed way too quickly!  The girls were both excited about the school year.  Caroline is in a brand new school.  She was a little nervous about getting to all of her classes on time.  Maggie has a brand new teacher and assistant.  She is excited but also very nervous as she absolutely adored Mrs. K and Mrs. H.  

We were excited to be able to walk Maggie in this year!!  We are praying big prayers for a great year!!

Caroline on the other hand wasn't sure she even wanted to acknowledge me leaving...but I managed to get a wave from her and a few of her friends!!

 So thankful for this summer.  Thankful for our time together.  Thankful for the many gifts we got to enjoy!  However, I can't believe we are one summer closer to them leaving home...Maggie is almost at her half way point...Caroline is leaving in less than the number of years she was an only child...nuts!