I spent some time of self reflection and of grieving alone.  It was good.

God has empowered me with blessings I didn’t ever know I had.  Such a family of support that lends love and courage.

I am emerging anew.  I know that 2012 will be memorable!

beach

r-camp for 3 kids at once

dancing

museums

photography up close

soccer big and small

CCB take over

4 out of 5 heads with lice

knitting–a lot

rainbows

Simple and Green

Normalcy=dinner w/ calm and glad hearts, jokes and laughter, good food and wine, showers and bedtime at a reasonable hour

Daughter/Big sister married off

puppy chewed books

adoption

separation

refined by the tossing of the waves

For a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord,

and he examines all his paths.

The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;

the cords of his sin hold him fast.

He will die for lack of discipline,

led astray by his own great folly.

We all make choices.  That’s God’s plan–we have free will.  I really don’t like making New Year’s Resolutions.  I tend to make goals on my birthday instead.   This year, I need a new start.  I never lack for ideas but certainly lack of discipline has been my downfall many times.  Some of the words from my September list are:

Bible, Create, Initiate, Donate, Relax, Learn, Encourage, Plant, Finish.

May your path of 2012 not lead you astray.

“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.”

 Og Mandino

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I have been away from the blog all summer–mainly I have been scattered… and summer is my least favorite.  I will be getting back to a regular routine now… Fall!

We had lots of fun this summer…

All three kids went to R-camp.  Alexander for his first time.  He did great.

Kate had 3 weeks of dance camp.  One was sleep-away, the other 2 were day camp “intensive” classes.

James spent his time perfecting a new sleep pattern; stay up late, get up late, repeat.  During the few wakeful hours he mostly played video games.

We had a fabulous trip to Corolla, NC with my dear brother and his family.  The beach is a healing and peaceful place for us all.

We did some pool time this year, but much less than in past years.  Not sure why.  Kids didn’t seem all that excited about it, so I don’t need to be convinced to do something else!

We took a crew to the Museum of Natural History for a day.  That was nice since the kids are older and we can send off a group and meet back up.

And we did a farm adventure too!

Rich’s band, CCB, has had many performances in clubs, restaurants, and outside venues.  The most memorable was the 9:30 Club–a huge gig.  I love my Rock Star!

That’s the gist of the summer… Hope to be back here soon!

No more elementary school for Kate!

She met the occasion with many emotions.   Excitement, joy, sadness, and pride.  She was happy about finishing 5th grade.  It’s exciting to grow and move up.  Mix this with the knowledge that she will not be going to the same middle school as her friends.  She was selected for the local arts magnet school and is very excited about that, but also apprehensive.  Academically, she was rewarded  the President’s Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

Spring gave way to Summer in a blur of activities.  Pictures still on the memory card waiting to emerge in full color.  Soccer.  Dance.  Promotion. More… those posts will fill in the gaps…maybe this week.

For now I am so content.  Red wine, chips and homemade guacamole, and no commitments, no responsibilities.  Just alone.  Pleased with the blessing of a vacation.