Sweet Summertime

Summer is in full swing and it's funny, because summer used to be my least favorite season. I didn't care for the heat or having to get into a swimsuit for that matter...even though, I now appreciate how I looked in a swimsuit back then. LOL!!!  Anyway, thanks to my boys I now have a new found love for "swimsuit" season and all the heat that comes along with it.  I've really been enjoying every ounce of getting my days back with them, too.  Truly, the decision I made last fall to come home and work has really proved to be the best decision I made for my family.  My days run into each other now, because I'm no longer on a schedule (so to speak) and what an amazing feeling that is.  My "career" are these little blessings that run around my house day in and day out and I FINALLY feel like my priorities are put into the correct placement. I've strived hard to find that, since having my boys, and it took me 8 years to get here. This job that I do Tuesday-Thursday helps us to continue having the means to make the memories that we've grown accustom to, but my main goal of  "time" is being accomplished.  I have no idea how women with families and a full blown career do it?  It took me awhile, but I found I wasn't built that way and working from home is the answer for me & me only.  I totally know it's not for everybody!  I asked my oldest son last week what the best thing he foresees about this summer and out of everything we have planned his response, "being home with you" shocked me! It did my heart good and solidified everything!!!

We've been in vacation mode, since the last day of school, and can literally smell the beach even as we sit in Gnaden, OH waiting for our departure date to get here.   To say we are ready for sandy toes, blue water, fruity drinks, and palm trees is an understatement. LOL! I was shocked when Ethan told me that he absolutely loves the travel portion of the trip.  He loves all our stops, his travel binder I make, the snack bin, and just sitting back enjoying the ride.  That floored me!  I figured that would be his least favorite, because it is a long drive, but not to him he enjoys it.  Actually, both my boys do.  Colin, absolutely loves car rides, so I know he'll be just fine too.  I'll post about our trip and let you know how it goes.

This past weekend was Father's Day.  We both got to see our dads and spend some time with them and I tried my best to give Brenton a great one, as well and from what he said, "he had the best day." I sure hope that is true and if actions speak louder than words, than yes, he's telling me the truth.  We started celebrating Friday, since he surprised us by taking 1/2 day off of work.  I wasn't expecting to see him at my sister's "Gotcha" day at the courthouse, but he surprised the family by arriving for the proceedings.  I was so glad he came, since it was such an important day for Clorissa & Nick and their new son Grayson Michael.  Even Colin, what a trooper he was.  We were so proud of him for overcoming his fear and taking part in the courthouse. That was huge!!!  After the ceremony, we headed out to the lake to enjoy the warm afternoon.  Another part of Brenton's big day, was Ethan's gift to his dad.  Ethan planned a golf outing all by himself for Sunday afternoon.  He was so darn proud of that and I was of him for getting it all together.  Brenton loved it and I loved seeing the smiles on their faces with the pictures they kept sending me.  Anyway, we tried our hardest to make sure Brenton knew how much we love him this Father's Day.

Like always, I like to share a few pics.  Here are a few from our life the last few weeks. 

Jadan graduated and we watched via live stream

chillin w/ the boys

after telling me 3x he wanted "uice" he got it himself

Mr. Independent...not fastened & wrong feet, but I'll take it

My handyman hubby made me the shelf I wanted to display our Amish quilt

Date Night

loves his daddy

Friends make summer break more fun

brothers

yep, summer refresher goes on here

My technology geek of a son and his new toy...Gear VR

Ethan's 1st time at the dock

still was a little scared, so 1st jump = w/ tube...after that he was good

Lake fun

2nd shelf Brenton made me...♥ it

fun at the Nature Center behind our house

GOTCHA day

Happy Father's Day

 Ethan and the gift he made

Colin and the melted clock Brenton wanted...'thanks for the "time" you spend with me Daddy'

Daddy's gifts w/ a creeper (lol)

young Jordan Spieth

Father's Day outing

sooo proud of his gift that he did on his own

their Father's Day meal

Hope you are having a great start to your summer, as well....
♥
Melinda

We Made It!

IT'S HERE!  The day we've been waiting for literally since January, lol! The LAST day of school is today! YAAYYYYY, they made it!  What a year its been and one I'm glad to see go bye, bye! LOL!!  I know it'll all start over here in a few months, but let me tell you we are going to enjoy every ounce of this summer!!!  I have so much more respect for the 'Dog Days of Summer' thanks to this year & I'm so excited to be working from home to be able to enjoy more of it with my boys.

This morning the boys were up before me, so when I heard them I got up and we started our day extra early.  I was glad though, because I wanted to get pictures and just enjoy our last morning of the year together.  We jumped around, played outside, and just made the most out of it until the buses got here. They were pumped!  Colin was so excited and kept looking for his bus saying, "come on, hurry up" and Ethan, he was anxious to get the day moving so he doesn't "have to think for a few days" LOL!!!  I tell ya these boys of mine are so funny and make me laugh everyday!  I'm so proud of them!  It truly has been an exhausting year, but they both end the year with good grades and accomplished so much.  I'm thrilled with how 3rd grade and kindergarten will be ending. They did, they did it, they did it.....I'm so excited!!!  The hardest year yet is in the books so now....BRING ON SUMMER!!!

ready for their return

Summer Buckets

officially a 1st grader

Our 4th grader

"Cool" he said "It's Summer" and I wasn't quick enough for Colin, but he loved it too

Happy Summer!
♥
Melinda

Live & Learn

It's been a fun few weeks here at our house!  We've had a birthday to celebrate, a field trip, an anniversary, Mother's Day, friends to enjoy, and just simply time as a family.  It's almost summer break & let me tell you...that is music to this mama's ears!  LOL!!  As I was living it, it didn't seem to be going all that fast. However, now that we are a week out from the end, the school year or atleast the 4th nine weeks, has flown by.  I'm not complaining, by no means, because it's going to be a summer that we are going to enjoy to the fullest.  Yes, I do have a summer curriculum set up for both boys, but I found a new one this year that is no more than 30 minutes and it's fun. I'm really excited to see how that goes...BUT, it's not happening for a few weeks. We need time to breath!  Colin has done so well this year that he doesn't have to do any summer class.  His IEP will start up again in August, as he starts his 1st grade year.  I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I am with this child.  I read things about other autistic children who's parents have never heard I love you, never been given a hug, or running to the school to get their child who's having a moment.  All things I was so desperately afraid of myself, but Colin tells me he loves me atleast once a day, gives the best kisses & hugs, and is meeting his IEP goals with no tantrums that I've had to rescue the school staff from, not 1....YAY!!! I tell you, I never expected this or I should say I didn't even know what to expect, but I do know it wasn't anything that we are seeing these days.  This kid is truly amazing!

Colin's 7

the water table from G&G Bardall & that Papaw made him

his new swing from G&G Shroyer

math homework time

Wizard of Oz day at school...Mommy tried! LOL!!

Last Monday, I had the privilege of being a chaperone for Ethan's 3rd grade class field trip.  My name was drawn and I must say, I was so excited about it too.  It was a trip down to The Wild's and it was a great time.  It was cold & wet, but overall a fun time with him.  I do know why I was never blessed with that "teaching" passion though, hahaha!  A day with a bunch of rambunctious 3rd graders was just enough for me. LOL!

The Wild's and the furry friend that wanted to peck my eyes out

We got to spend time with our moms and our families to celebrate Mother's Day.  It's always a memorable time when the cousins get together & it's neat to watch them all play.  The older I get I'm learning to appreciate those moments! My own Mother's Day was great & my guys were so good to me. They made a whole weekend out of the special day.  My husband surprised me w/ several gifts, Ethan took me on a date, and Colin couldn't get enough of singing "happy bur-day to you" the song that he relates to a celebration...hehe!! It was a great weekend and even that Friday, my husband and I celebrated another year of wedded bliss.  Our anniversary, is always a day that we reflect on our lives.  It's not a day that we shower each other with gifts or anything like that, but rather a day that we never forget to remember how far we've come.  Our journey is not traditional & yes, this is our 2nd go around at it, but this time it's by far the way it should be.  Perfect, no way!  However, a life filled with fun, compassion, appreciation, memory making, family, and lots & lots of love! I've loved Brenton since I was 12 years old and the time that I thought I didn't need him was actually the time that I figured out I needed him most! As kids, we would talk about the life we'd have one day & by God's grace we are living those talks we had so many years ago. WOW, who would've thought! LOL!! I realize now though it had to happen the way it did & it was exactly what was in our plan.  We have a great story to tell and one I'm not afraid to share with anybody who asks. Live & learn or however that saying goes.☻

had a monkey on my back

my Mother's Day date....had the best time

my "Bessie" that my husband got for me

my new Rooster, another Mother's Day gift

our "practical" Anniversary gift to each other = new floors

my anniversary collage =)

Anyway, I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the past couple of weeks!

Brothers (swing set is a WIP)

Cousins...Jadan's Senior Prom

new clubs

Katee loves rides to school

Can finally ride as a family again....YAY!!!

Baseball season is here....Go TCC Braves

Until next time, take care folks!!
~Melinda