Some uh-uh-updates.

In my last post I brought up two things that were uncertain variables in my life. The first was going to (and running with) Dave's cross country team, and the second was Bethy's inability to sleep soundly through the night.

Well I have good news!

Cross country practice was AWESOME. Not only did I complete the workout that Dave gave his kids (teenagers/young adult/what have you) to do (let's lean heavy on complete, and not so much on what state I was in once I was done...), but it was such a blessing to step in a be a part of his world. So often he comes home from practice, be it football, track, or cross country, and tells me stories. Stories of the kids, their families, the successes of the day and the failures. And I love these stories. I love seeing his heart come alive and his eyes spark as he shares these tales with me. It's his heart. His passion. Yet something is always missing. I've never seen these kids, never met them. If he tells me a story about a kid who has been behind all season but finally grabs a PR in a hurdle race, I'm excited, but only on the surface. I can't imagine this kid. I can't see the obstacles that he might have faced these season. I haven't seen the heartbreak hes carried on his face all season and the look of victory he wears at the end.  I only hear the stories. So to go to a practice, meet some of these kids, and even run with some of them, was. so. good. I have a face with that story now, a person who I can actually imagine and have interacted with. It's such a refreshing feeling to ask about so and so and actually have a real, true, live connection with them. Hopefully this summer will bring more of these experiences!

These past two nights of Bethy's sleep have been great. I wouldn't venture to say amazing, but I'll certainly take great. She's only woke up once, and that was at 5:45 to nurse and promptly go back to sleep. I can live with that. I don't know around what age they are supposed to stop nursing at night (Anyone?) so until I know, I suppose I'll keep this early morning feeding continuing. I think with Clara she just phased out nursing at night on her own, so I really don't know what I'm to do.  But huzzah for sleep! I feel like a new woman in the morning.

So those are the updates. In other news, we went to the zoo today. It was absolutely perfect and wonderful weather, an oddity in the humid state of Michigan in July. The kids were (mostly) good, and I love the zoo. Our zoo has this spot where you can feed the giraffes some little lettuce leaves, and the kids just about burst at the opportunity to do this.  And I'll freely admit it- those baby giraffes are darn cute.

July Tenth

Outside my window: It is pretty still outside. Dark, and in an odd twist of events, actually a little cool out. It's been pretty hot and muggy during the days lately. We just need a good thunderstorm!

I am listening to: The click, click, click if the mouse on our computer by Dave who is currently working on creating a website for a client. There's lot of clicking. And gum chewing (also by Dave). Otherwise it's pretty quiet around here. 

I am thinking: That I am tired. And ready for bed. But enjoying this hour of night where the kids are in bed and I can choose to do whatever I want, so do I want to waste that time by just going to sleep? Oh, it's a nightly battle. 

I am thankful: For today. The kids and I had a good time at the museum, Bethy was a good little baby (which trust me, especially lately, isn't always the case), and I just got back from a super encouraging women's ministry meeting/Bible study that has recently come to fruition. I am also very thankful for Dave, who has just been blowing my socks off with his awesomeness lately. And I'm eating chocolate, so really, life is good. 

From the kitchen: Not much! Those cupboards are in some desperate need of filling, which lucky for me, will hopefully happen soon as I plan on going grocery shopping tomorrow. 

I am wearing: Standard black yoga pants and a Broncos t-shirt. The shirt is at least from Forever 21 sit it is at least somewhat cute.

I am hoping: That tomorrow when I go to run with Dave's high school cross country girls in the morning, I don't embarrass myself too much!

I am praying: That Bethy soon starts sleeping better through the night! Seriously, she only need a pacifier in the mouth a couple of times a night, but that adds up my friends. I'm tired. I should be grateful at I don't have to get her up and bounce her or rock her back to sleep, but still. Through the night would be nice. 

Around the house:  I see a a lot of projects that I should be doing, but haven't started yet. Closets are overflowing, cabinets are disorganized, and drawers are in disarray. I fell like my house could just use a good thorough organization. I, however, don't feel like starting that yet. So for now, I guess it is what it is!

I am reading: Seven by Jen Hatmaker. Very thought provoking. Also, I just finished the Goblet of Fire so will be moving on to The Order of the Phoenix soon. Perhaps tonight. You know, since I am to using my time productively like sorting my closets or anything...

I am watching: Nothing really. We gave up TV this summer as a family, so only random movies or something like that. I did see "The Heat" with Corie and I did really, really like that!

One of my favorite things: Lately? Books. And chocolate. And chocolate. And books. Books about chocolate. Chocolate books. Any of those combinations are good with me!

A few plans for the rest of the week: Hopefully a not disastrous cross country practice tomorrow, and probably the zoo on Friday. And of course, laundry and grocery shopping...tra la la....

A picture I am sharing:

When did my little girl get so big? I don't think she was really this small, ever. 

Independence Day

How does one write a blog again? I seem to have forgotten.

I think it has to do with entering words and phrases and sentences on certain days, consistently throughout the year.

Yeah, I must have forgotten.

...

Moving on.

It's the Fourth! I have to say, the way my little town celebrates this holiday of freedom and independence is just the best ever. I would gladly pit my town against yours in a "Which-town-celebrates-the-date-our-Founding-Fathers-declared-themselves-free-from-Britain best" contest, and know that my town would win. Yeah, it's that good. It has all sort of feel good Americana stuff goin' on all day that does make you proud to be an American.

There's the annual 5K in the morning, parade before noon, Rotary Club chicken grill out in the village square afterwards, and general good fun the rest of the day through. (I will say, though, that there is a little too much good-natured fun leading up to the Fourth and on the days following. Seriously. People like their fireworks. All. The. Time. I like my quiet and am a rather crotchety old women when it comes to fireworks not actually on the Fourth.  If you see a crazy lady in her lawn shaking her fists and her neighbors every time one goes off on July Ninth, that would be me. True story- I am listening to them now as I type this. Not okay.)

Here's how my family does it:

Don't mess with the one pullin' the wagon. 

I physically want to eat. her. up. 

And bless my heart this picture gets me. Can time stop just a little? Please?

My Delby. 

Watch out for this one, if you know what's good for you...

This girl. On my lap. Definitely makes my top ten list of best feelings ever.  

Parade lovers. And lovers of mine. 

And this is how we do Red, White and Blue!

Exquisite horseshoe toss form demonstrated by one strapping young male.  

Pickin' some mulberries

Lickin' some mulberries

That pretty red, white, and blue dress didn't last too long once we got home. I think underwear is more patriotic though, right? Our Founding Fathers would be so proud. 

The boys and their toys. 

Backyard fireworks.