It’s Not Busy, It’s Summer

I was chatting with a friend a few days ago and I caught myself saying the same thing over and over…

“Yeah, it’s been a good week. Busy, but good.”

And I stopped myself.

Everyone’s life is busy. I want ours to be more than that. I want it to be fun and adventurous and full of lots of holy leisure (quoting you, Lisa!), rather than just a string of “busy.”

Here’s a short bit about our FUN this summer.

We kicked it off with State 4-H Roundup, Texas’ state competitions. Because our oldest is in the intermediate category, he could only participate in invitational contests, rather than qualifying ones. Next year, he will be old enough to compete in more. He and his team participated in the photography judging contest, once again. They placed FIRST! And, while Will didn’t have a top ten finish like last year, two of his teammates did. Me? I was beyond proud.

I was also honored at a dinner held on the eve of my birthday with the Texas 4-H Alumni Award. There are no words for me to adequately express my deep gratitude in receiving that award. It was unexpected, but downright lovely to see so many people who shaped my 4-H career, and my life, at that event. High on the list? The county agent I had growing up. Alby, having you there was the proverbial icing on the cake. Of course, part of my award also included winning a year’s worth of Whataburger. HOLD THE PHONES. I thought the kids were going to come out of their skin. So, if you’re ever in the neighborhood and a have a hankering for the best burger ever, I might know a gal who has the hook up.

The older four also enjoyed a week at Nana and Papa’s for golf camp. Always a family favorite and it meant Scott and I had some date nights. Woo to the hoo! It’s a tremendous gift from my parents and we are grateful. Will even served as a junior leader which really meant he got to help kids with their swings and then enjoy some one-on-one time with the golf pro out there. He is itching to hit the course this summer. Thankfully, John Paul did not injure another child with his swing or head to the ER, so there’s a bonus.

Two of the kids, John Paul and Clare, had a phenomenal week at art camp. You’ve heard me rave about it again and again, but boy, that one is a winner. The art they create blows me away. We had a small mishap with water on a painting, but all is not lost. It’s now “creative interpretation” and no tears were shed. Now, to find a place to display all that pretty!

In less exciting, but equally noteworthy news? We have a new NO TEARS system for laundry. It’s basically a mom’s heaven. More on that later. We’re doing massive cleanouts of the house and there’s a fun DIY in your future. Oh, we went to Paris (almost) for Clare’s early birthday celebration (more to come) and we’re finally decorating the teenager’s new room. I’m sure you’re on pins and needles for all that goodness.

It’s been fun. Not blech busy, just fun, with a teeny bit of sibling “love” to go ’round. How’s your summer going?