Random thoughts

There probably isn't much point to this post, but we've had a lot going on since my last post and I've had random thoughts that at that moment I wanted to share. Now, as I sit here with a blank screen, most of it seems pretty silly or simply a run-down of our schedule. I do have lots of pictures to share though, but they will require more time.

- Our first "baby" - Jasmine - went to live with a nice family yesterday. She's movin' on up...4600 sq. ft. house on a double lot. She will be their princess. I mean, these folks paid $4000 to put a titanium bar in one of their cat's legs after he got hit by a car. Even if it had been our dog, we simply would have had to put him down. It was a tough weekend for me, but I am now filled with so much peace about how she will finish her life. And we've been invited to visit any time we want.

- The boy turned 3 on Saturday. Mimi and Aunt Claire came to visit. It was a full weekend with the holiday, and I promise to share all about it when I can post pictures.

- Saturday night I realized that this "not-really-an-outside-kind-of-gal" has become someone that loves to be outdoors. My heart breaking over losing Jasmine, I felt the walls were closing in on me as I tried to fall asleep. I just had to get out and breathe. I found great relief sitting on our deck enjoying the warmth of the night and the sky. I just laughed at myself because I never really enjoyed being outside as a little girl - well, at least from grade school on. The grass made me itch, mosquitoes LOVE me and I am allergic, I battle allergies, and I wasn't too big of a fan of sweating. Now I've found a wonderful way to keep my allergies away (not just treat them) and I have OFF with me everywhere I go - and I jump at the chance to take the kids out - Texas heat and all. It's best for me to be near water (even if it is just our small backyard one) and to have a cold Coke, but I manage just fine without either. And for the first time in years, I've got a real tan! I may even be darker by the end of the summer than I was after going to Hawaii in 2003. We aren't even going to the beach until September! No more fearing blinding those around me with my pale legs.

- I've noticed the difference in how I approach getting ready. For example, for the boy's pool party Saturday I didn't put on a stroke of makeup. I knew I would be in the water with the kids...and I wasn't about impressing all the other married men. Choosing a swimsuit for this season came down to what would stay in place while playing with two toddlers in the pool/ocean and what wouldn't possibly be a stumbling block for any men I was around (let's just avoid the numerous jokes that come up with that statement!). That goes for most of my clothes for church and various daily outings too. I have certain shirts and skirts that I simply do not wear if my children will be present because too much would be exposed by the bending, leaning, and pulling that naturally happens with my two.

- We had the best corn on the cob Friday night. We can't claim the recipe, but it was our first time to make it ourselves. We decided simply to cook out here at the house while the kids played outside. Clay grilled venison (backstrap and round steak), chicken and corn. It's so simple - pull husks back and tie, chill in ice water for about 30 minutes, sprinkle season salt over corn then grill 20 minutes or so turning every so often. YUMMY! That with Sister Schubert's wheat yeast rolls and my mouth was in heaven. My man can grill.

- I love our church. Sunday morning in place of LifeGroup, we walked the surrounding neighborhood advertising this week's Community Sports Tournaments. We broke up in teams of 2 and placed postcards in doors. It saves money. It allows us to actually meet some people who are out working in their yard or garage. It allows us to get to know others better as we walk together. This is so different from what I grew up with. I never thought I would like a small church, but this has been a fabulous place for us. I've been challenged with my lack of evangelism. I've been challenged to get out of my box. I've been challenged in my routine of church and why I believe what I believe. Our pastor always has me thinking. Our worship takes me into His presence. Our people exhibit the love of Christ in the most tangible ways. I love being a part of it.

- I was reminded how much I need regular mommy breaks on Thursday. Clay decided to take the day off. I had already arranged to take the kids to my mom's so I could get ready for Mimi and Aunt Claire. We can home and got busy on the house which hadn't really been cleaned in weeks. We took advantage of having a kid-free home to do some of the things that are just hard to do when they are around. Then we ran to Sam's and Wal-Mart for last minute items for the weekend and party. We met Jasmine's new family around dinner time so it was close to 7:00 p.m. before we got back to get the kids. While we were busy doing "chores", it was still a great day. No stopping to break up an argument. No trying to please clingy toddlers. No screaming or crying. The house was so quiet. I was amazed how full my soul was after a day like that. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Clay. They both gave me wonderful gifts that day!

- The boy had his 3 year appointment today. He did so much better than I expected. He usually puts up quite a fight. He weighs 29 lbs. and measures 38 inches. 3 years old. Guess he's not really a toddler anymore. And he's definitely entered a new stage of pushing our limits!

Okay, I'm sure I could go on about other random stuff, but I will refrain for now. It has been a long, wonderful week. This summer has turned out to be quite busy. I promise to post pictures and tell you more about the big weekend soon!