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No matter who we are everyone in this world goes through some type of struggle in life. I know I have. I'm 45 and I've had many struggles in all kinds of shapes, and forms. From physical, emotional, spiritual, and even temporal. Everyone's level of struggle is different, and some of us handle it in various ways. So what do I do when I come upon an issue that needs resolve, or a struggle that needs to end, I turn my heart to Heavenly Father's house. I also seek out those who are in need of service so that my mind can be taken off my own issues.
The weather has been absolutely agreeing with summer this whole week, and have been keeping our days low key lately. The past two days has consisted of somewhat doing the same routine which in all honesty is okay! Sure it's nice to be able to get away and venture to unknown territory, but sometimes cruising along highway130, and finding various parks you can venture out to can be quite the adventure. Which is why I am happy to have found Noah a t-shirt that reads "wake up. explore. repeat." Every time he wears it I am reminded that it's okay for us to repeat the same things especially during the summertime.
So far this week our days have consisted of going to the park, watching the sun set, eating hot dogs, and eating lots of ice cream. Life with these two is pretty simple, and with Lexie being gone, and Jon working all week it's been, well...different. As much as I love being with these two all day there are times when I miss having an extra person with me so that we can somewhat be equal in numbers when in comes to certain things like playing tennis. I'm sure I sound like a broken record when I say this, but time is certainly fleeting, and in one year these two are going to be the only ones left in the house to be with. So in a sense I am getting used to it, and I hate that!
Touring the Thomas Edison museum at Menlo Park this past Saturday was the most educational learning experience I've ever heard, and seen! I was in awe with all the inventions he made, and listening to how Thomas Edison came about creating his inventions by the tour guide was amazing! The fact that Thomas Edison dropped out of school when he was 10 because he didn't feel challenged enough, and basically was always getting distracted because he had all these ideas floating around in his idea made his teacher not want to teach him anymore. I know, crazy huh?
Since Lexie is in Utah for two weeks I decided to write a little post about her when it comes to her love for music. By the way she has created her own YouTube channel by accident. Meaning that by taking a multi media digital class as an elective in school this past year has helped her create, and edit videos to the point where they are meaningful and really, really good!
We decided to drive to the town of Cranbury where the kids had a gift card to redeem at Gil and Berts Ice cream shop (thank you Michelle!). The weather was just too gorgeous to stay indoors to do a Harry Potter marathon. We'll save that for a rainy day which I'm sure will come again! I shared snippets of videos on my Instagram so if you follow me you can check them out before they disappear. This day was at its best with blue skies, and bright sun shining all around!
Today is the last day of school for all the kids, and the first day of summer!! I can't believe how fast this year went by. I look back, and think to myself-how in the world is this school year done! I mean, we only moved here last summer, and feel as if the kids just started school! It's crazy, and amazing at the same time! I also think of how slow the winter months kind of were this year, but in reality they did quickly pass us by. I merely reflect on focusing on the summer months when the weather gets cold, wet, and soggy. I know they won't last, and just like that they didn't. Summer is going to be the same way. No matter how much I'd like summer to last it won't. And that's okay, because my next favorite season comes right after.
Out of all the weekends we wanted to go to New York it had to rain. It just had to rain, but we didn't let that stop us from having a good time to take Jon out for a Father's Day brunch in the city. We were lucky enough to have arrived at Bubby's before it began to pour, and were hoping that the rain would subside so we could galavant on foot all over the city, but to no avail. It was a probably a good thing that the rain came, and that we didn't spend the entire day in New York because later on that evening the kids had a talent show to attend to at our church. Luckily we found free parking less than a block away where we could run, and jump in the car right quick. Nonetheless we enjoyed the day eating good food, laughing, and talking about how dad used to do this, and that, and all the "remember when" stories about Jon.
Noah came home yesterday with a book he made at school with all the things he'd like to do over the summer, and these are a few things he wrote down. I was pretty impressed since most of them dealt with reading, and outdoor recreation. Not sure if we'll be able to accomplish everything on his summer list, but we'll certainly try. Luckily he's easy going, and that he always finds fun, and joy in all that he does.
While Jon was grilling the other day I looked out my window and saw Noah and Chelsea playing baseball with a wooden stick. It made me happy to see that even though they didn't have an actual bat to hit with that they used their creativity, and didn't mind using a piece of wood. I went outside, and Jon said that these kids would love to play baseball for fun, and that we should get them a bat. The next day I went to the dollar store, and picked up a simple, plain, plastic bat that came with a plastic ball, and the kids didn't mind. They are not picky, and certainly didn't expect me to buy a top of the line baseball bat like the ones professionals play with. They were grateful for what I bought and happy the whole time they were playing which made my heart content.
When the previous owner of the our "new" house told us last summer when we moved in that we have a cherry tree that blooms in between spring and summer I didn't believe him. I'm no tree aficionado, and can't tell which tree grows what, but being that it was the middle of July all I saw were bare trees with green leaves. I didn't think about it, and then when spring came the tree began to bloom into a blossom tree. Now that summer is here, this tree is full of cherries! I couldn't believe it when they first started to bud, and now this tree is covered with cherries!
This past Sunday Noah and Chelsea had their spring piano recital, and they both gave outstanding performances. I'm so glad that we continued to stay with Ms. Nora because she truly is an amazing piano teacher. We were really impressed with her teaching methods, and after last year's performance we just knew that the 40 minute drive to south jersey will be worth it! The kids love her, and if the drive doesn't wear me out we plan on having her teach them again next school year.
Even though Sarah published this post on her blog three ago years I felt compelled to republish it on my blog in hopes that those who missed it will read it! Even though all my kids are older now, and in school full time I feel that it's still important to be at home when they come home. My full time job continues to be a "work from home" mom, and I continue to love it!
Life lately with this kid has been bittersweet especially when it comes to the end of the school year. Field days are a sure sign that first grade for him is almost over. I don't remember having "field" days or school plays as a little kid, but what I do remember are the moments that made me happy, and that was recess, and trips to the zoo! Having recess three times a day, and that one field trip to the Brownsville zoo in Texas will be etched in my mind forever! There are so many end of year activities coming up before school ends, and for the past week school has brought a ton of smiles to this boys face. From playing tug of war, and baseball at school, to singing, and dancing in playing a little role in the mini production of "Go Fish." Such a unique, simple, and sweet little musical that was created by his music teacher Ms. Appleby.
With summer approaching I have been finding meaningful ways to have my kids entertain themselves, and educate their minds with their hands. So many kids today are constantly seem to be on their phones playing video games, and what not. I am grateful to have my tube tv from 1998 still in good working condition where the only shows I get are ion television, and pbs. We don't own a Wiii, or xbox, or whatever the current game station is out there. I'm especially grateful to have a husband who is artistic, and crafty and loves to build things.
Noah has been on a kick lately with singing "love" song's from diffente genres. Recently he has become obsessed with 80's music, and I blame that on me! He compiled his own combination of love songs the other day with these three songs. Just try to picture him singing them in your head! "Take the L out of lover, and it's over (by The Motels), "don't you want me baby, don't you want me oh, oh, oh"(by Human League) and he added a current song of today too, "if you love me let me go!" Next time I'll try to get a recording so y'all can watch him. It was cute and hilarious!
Last weekend when we attended Karlee's homecoming in Connecticut a sweet sister whom I hadn't seen in over a year said to me, "you guys really enjoy going to the temple a lot huh?" My first reaction in my mind was "umm, duh, of course we love the temple" but I didn't really say that! And with a huge smile I responded, "Yes!!!! We love the temple!" It was nice knowing that someone noticed how much we love the temple, and how much I love sharing those days of going to the temple on social media. The temple means sooooooo much to me, and I love writing about it because it holds a significant role in my life. Whether I go alone, with Jon, or the kids. I am never alone, or lost without having that precious building in my heart, and in my sight.
Oscar Wilde said, "The best way to make children good, is to make them happy." I whole heartedly agree! The past couple of months have been devoid of major outdoor playing due to April being rainy, and soggy, and even though May had a few warm days that felt like summer they didn't last very long, but June came, she is here, and I'm even happier because that means that summer is right around the corner! There are only 15 days left of school, and I'm already planning on having a lot of outdoor playing with the kiddos. Especially with this kid.
