Summer Is Calling

It's getting to be that time of year again. Lost of bubbles, sidewalk chalk, riding bikes, wagon rides, whiffle ball, and this year we've added soccer balls, orange cones, jump ropes, frisbees, and a few other odds and ends to the growing box of outside toys. We're outside as much as possible, so I'm loving the dollar store here because I've found quite a few little treasures to help keep preschool minds occupied while getting fresh air.

It's also time to start planning for our three-week excursion to the Pennsylvania Hills for basketball camp! It's only a little over a month away. As usual, I have long lists and a box started of snacks, pullups, extra bubbles, chalk, etc. I'm really looking forward to it this year, in a different way than last year though. Last summer I was still so homesick for Clarks Summit, my home of 10 years. We had been gone for a year already, but I just couldn't shake it. This year, I'm happy to say, God has given me peace and has begun to fill my heart with a feeling of home here in Columbus. I'm sure one of the major differences is that I actually GAVE Him my homesickness this time around. You'd think after 29 years I'd finally figure out that God is everything, but my human mind will forever be learning, I suppose... but I digress. What I was saying was that I'm looking forward to camp again this year, but for different reasons. Last year I was craving time with good friends there that I missed so much and also some mental regrouping for myself since we had moved twice in 10 months. This year, I'm really excited to just be with my kids on campus. The longer I'm gone, the less people I know. I have a few friends I can't wait to spend time with, but mostly, I'm just psyched about the fact that both my kids are getting bigger and will enjoy so much there. AND there's less baby stuff to bring--no pacifiers, no wipes, no booster seat for the cafeteria, no sippee cups... What an amazing feeling!

I feel the rest of summer sneaking up on me too because a couple of weeks after camp, Mark's brother and his wife are coming down for about 4 days to help us build a deck! Yaayyy! Then a few weeks after that comes our Ireland trip, and then summer is almost over. This is really going to be a great few months. In the meantime, we have a very relaxing and fun May planned, so for now, I'm kicking back, doing a little planning here and there, but mostly just enjoying this time of life. God has given us so much and I plan on NOT taking anything for granted. So bring on the lemonade, the Memorial Day parade, some casual cookouts at the park, and whatever else blows our way. Like I love to say, it's the simple things...