The End

Well, we had our last day of summer yesterday, I'm pretty sure.  And let me tell you, I wasn't about to let it pass me by!  The Girls and I headed down to the river to squeeze a few short hours of sun and sand out of the day before we headed off to the barn for lessons. 

Molly has now started her riding lessons, and is, of course, in love!  She started last week, much to her surprise (we did say September, but it ended up being a few weeks earlier!) and delight.  And, Ellie Mae announced that she wanted to be a trick rider when she's an adult, so after Art's lesson last week and yesterday, I got on with her and she stood in the saddle and "practiced her tricks"!  It's quite fantastic to watch these little ladies fall in love with horses like I did when I was a little girl.

This week marks the end of summer, with us starting school next week.  There are some leaves starting to change color already (bah!  It's too soon!!), and I have had some down time in the last 2 weeks, relaxing and just hanging out.  It's done wonders for my soul!!  I almost feel ready to tackle the school year!  I've got almost all the Girls curriculum, so that's exciting for them to see.....kind of!

And so, another season is (almost) done.  Summer is (almost) over.  And I can't believe how fast time flies.  It kinda scares me, to be honest.... like I just want to put some moments in slow motion, to fully embrace the time I have with my Girls at home, and to remember every little wonderful moment.  To really, truly savour it, you know? 

13 Years and Counting

Today is our 13th anniversary.  13 years already....the time sure has flown!  Here are a couple of lists to mark the day....

13 Things I Love About my Man:

1. His butt.  I know, I know, it may be too much information, but I had to say it!
2. His kind heart
3. His compassion for others
4. His love for me and our Girls
5. His levelheadedness (it's kinda opposite of me, so I very much appreciate it...most days!)
6. His grace for others
7. His faith in God
8. How he lives his life....with kindness and sincerity
9. His ability to make me laugh...even when I'm cranky
10. His desire to live a life of integrity, no matter what the cost
11. His butt.  Did I say that already?
12. His steadfastness to whatever he puts his hand to.  He doesn't easily give up, or do half a job.  He wants it done well, the first time.
13. His creativity and talent in his craft....he's made many a project for me!

13 Things I've Learned About Myself Through This Thing Called Marriage:

1. I'm not really so great....in fact, often, I suck!
2. I am way more selfish than I'd like to be
3. I can choose to laugh instead of get angry, and it's usually a better choice, albeit, a harder one
4. I'm not always right.  Yup, it's true!
5. I am loved.  Really, truly loved!
6. In my being loved, I've seen, through the example set by my wonderful husband, how much more God loves us, because His is a perfect love
7. To give of myself feels way better than only looking out for myself
8. I really love to be with people who love me...and there's a comfort in that fact
9. People see me....specifically my man, but I have others too, who really, really see me for who I am....good or bad.  And I take comfort in that.  It's good to be seen!
10. Submitting to someone who you know wants the best for you is getting easier....It's kinda nice not to have the buck stop here!
11. I am way more fun when I have my sidekick with me!
12. If everything isn't okay with us, then it's amazing how all is terrible in the world... It's crazy how much my marriage affects everything around me....or at least my perception of everything around me
13. I really don't love having someone "correct" me (in other words, I'm not always right), but it is really, truly good for my character.

So, there you have it...a few lists to reflect on the day.  I am really, truly thankful for this man to walk beside me through life.... He is the Best!

Summer's Almost....

...over.  There.  I said it.  And, although I hate to admit it, I'm kinda glad.  There.  I said that too.  This summer was definitely NOT what I was expecting or hoping for, but I suppose that's life.  I need to be "fluid" in my life, which is definitely a struggle, because I'm a planner.  I like to plan and prepare and know what's coming up and what's going on.  But, I haven't really been able to plan.  Anything.  This summer.

I look around outside, and most of my hanging baskets and flowers are on their last legs, since we've had such terrible weather with lots of rain, and we've been away.  Lots.  My gardens and flowers are all neglected, and I find myself wanting that "F word" (fall, for those of you that were thinking otherwise) to just happen, so that I won't have to feel guilty about their condition.  As well, once fall comes, we will no longer be "The Mosquito Capitol of Canada" (true story....heard it on the news!), and the bloodsucking little stinkers will die, so that we can enjoy being outside instead of spraying poison all over our bodies before we go and enjoy the great outdoors.  (I have a bit of an issue with bug spray....did you notice?!)

Having said all of that, and being candid about my feelings about this summer, now I must say, that I am trying to make the conscious choice to choose contentment and joy instead of frustration and angst.  It definitely helps that we've had a few really nice days in a row now, and that makes me want to be outside enjoying the sun.  Heck, I may even get a tan and we may even make it to the river this summer yet! 

Happy weekend, everyone! 

Oh My!

Well, we made it home from BC...again, to be greeted by many, many, MANY mosquitoes and weeds and long grass and raspberries that needed to be picked and animals that needed some love.  But we made it.  We survived.  And now, the work begins!  And I am reminded, once again, that I cannot be gone for so long in the summer.  It's something that I think every year, once we have come home.  And I must remember this time.  I must!

I haven't even had a chance to put my pictures on my computer, or get all of my gardens weeded..... But I've started.  The Girls and I spent 8 hours weeding the vegetable garden.  8 long, dirty, hot, mosquito infested hours.  But it is done.  And I have the callouses and mosquito bites to prove it!  I finally broke down and sprayed repellent on me and the Girls, but I must've forgotten my ankles, because I probably have 40 bites on each ankle.  I look like I have some kind of nasty rash or scurvy or something....it's quite attractive!

So, friends, that's why I've been absent in my blogging.  Aren't you jealous?!  The offer stands for anyone to come on by...as long as you bring some gloves and help me pull weeds!  :-)