Been a Mighty Long While

Well, let's just say July's been ... interesting.

Finished up a not so great first session of nonpreschool summer school (survived! #Winning!) Managed James during his sister's early evening swim lessons (sometimes Respite Care, sometimes he gets to go to town with a pad of paper and a pen). Celebrated 4th of July. Suffered through ... something. Either this year was my turn to fall victim to some wicked-bad allergies or I caught another sinus cold ... or maybe a little bit of both?

Social experiments both good and bad. Always a bummer, painfully finding out you've grown apart from a long-time friend. Wincing as James kept announcing to his grandmother, during a long-anticipated visit in another state, "I have to go hoooooooooooooome now!" A fabulous first week of summer camp through City Parks and Rec with The Big Kids (including his sister). Playing peek-a-boo with said grandmother from behind her laundry door. Watching both siblings run and play with each other in grassy parks, on the beach, deuling with water balloons, and posing in front of some killer waterfalls.

Wanting to die just a little bit when James bounces up to complete strangers in the store and booms out "Hey! What's you gonna have this like ... it's you?" Then taking a deep breath and prompting "hey, Buddy, can you tell them 'Hello'?" Releasing it when he does with his sweet grin, which makes them smile and say "Hello" back. Smiling in relief when he makes someone laugh with his purposely goofy antics, using a $1 calculator as a side-kick.

Because the back-to-school sales are on, oh yes.

Good visits with friends, who are in synch with me about what's real in life and are rolling with punches of their own. Quiet moments with my children, who are growing so swiftly now. Visits to the library, whose hours will be sharply curtailed starting next month. The calm house at night, cooling slowly from the day's heat. Talks at night with my husband. Morning coffee in the garden, listening to birds, feeling the breeze, and smelling ripening plums and blackberries.

Dealing with sad family things. Hands full of life, that's for sure.