There is seriously way, way to much to pack into one post, and the picture dump would even out do THIS POST, which was a gluttony for the eyes in it's own right. And since I still have circa 4,000 photos to transfer to my computer from my phone (iPhones with large storage- a blessing and a curse) I won't even go there. If you want pictures head over to my Instagram, because as usual, I was an overgramming fool this summer, as my lovely 238ish followers can attest.
So let me just say that it was wonderful. We spent a glorious, sunny, fun filled month in California with my darling parents and friends. We had a marvelous, hot, heartwarming weekend in Southern Utah with my awesome family, reconnecting with each other and with nature. We spent an awe-inspiring day at Niagara Falls, taking in God's creations and marveling at their wonder and power. And we spent a heck of a lot of time at the pool, in the sprinklers, at the park, revisiting a few favorite Northeast Ohio adventures, and even discovering more new fun places right here in our backyard.
I feel like I grew up a lot this summer. Is it weird that I'm almost 29, have been married for 8 years, have 2 kids, am a homeowner, and I still have a lot of growing up to do? I am still very immature in a lot of ways.
But I'm improving.
For the first time in my life, I am eating healthy and trying to be more conscience of what I put into my mouth. Ok, so I made cookies with Logan today, and maybe had more than one bite of the dough, but for the first time-for the most part, I am taking charge of my diet and making healthy choices.
Along with that, for the first time in my life, I am waking up early, exercising, showering, and getting dressed BEFORE my kids get up. Yes, this means 5:15. Yes, I hate it. But my gosh, am I more productive and a better mother when I do this.
I'm taking control of my YARD. Oh dear goodness, someone should have warned me that 2 acres is a lot of freaking WORK! It's a lot of weeds and a lot of digging and planting and pulling and raking and on and on. But it's also very rewarding and dare I say fun at times? It's nice that this year, I don't feel like our house is the eye-sore of the neighborhood.
Most importantly, this summer I learned a lot about relationships. They are worth fighting for.
Those friends from high school that you sort of talk to, sort of don't, I'll give you some advice about them. Pull out your high school yearbooks and read what they wrote to you. Then tell me it isn't worth a phone call or a text to reconnect with these people. You just might find that those bonds are lifelong.
Those neighbors next door that you are friendly with, but don't know very well- they could very well be your next best friend, or your kid's first best friend. You never know when you might need a friend to be just a few steps away at all times.
That girl that you see around town with the cute shoes and who you exchange friendly smiles with just might be your new favorite shopping buddy. Your new favorite person to go on adventures with. They might be just the person you need to call on a day that you "need to get out!" Reach out, you might surprise yourself.
Your siblings, cousins, 2nd cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and other family members. Maybe you don't know them very well or talk to them very often. But you know what, these people are instant friends. Blood really is thicker than water, and there's something about knowing someone before you even meet. Or picking up right where you left off, 20 years ago. These relationships are eternal in nature and I think that even goes for life today and right now. They are infinite and everlasting and that means you'll always have something in common and you'll always have nothing but love for one another.
Your sweet children. Put the phone away. Stop taking pictures and just be. My son is 4 and in school. I do not know where the last 4 years have gone, or the 20,000 (yes, 20,000) pictures I've taken of him are. But I have today and I have Legos. This is what he will remember. And at the end of the day, this is what I will remember, too. The amount of time is secondary to the attention and love shown when you are together.
And finally, your parents. This is the trickiest relationship of all. You go from relying on them for literally everything to not needing them as much. It can be tough to navigate, I know it has been for me. But the reality is, you never stop needing your parents. I will always, always need my mom when I'm screwing something up in the kitchen, so being adventurous on my sewing machine. I will always need my dad for an encouraging word at the end of a long day, or when I have a question about my children's behavior or education. I will always need my mom to say the perfect thing when I feel like my world is crumbling around me. I will always want to come home and eat my mom's pork chops and mashed potatoes, my dad's aebleskivers, and listen to my dad's guitar playing, and my mom's piano practicing. I will always need to hand over the kids and veg on the couch, and have that be ok. I will always need someone to love and be concerned about me every moment of every day. I will always need my parents. And I will always love and cherish my relationship with them.
This summer has been amazing. Not for the things I've bought, but for the personal growth I've seen, and the knowledge I've gained. Not only for the experiences I've had, but more importantly for the people I've shared them with. I'm definitely headed into this harvest season with a grateful heart for the blessings in my life.
God bless!
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