Crazy, Weird Summer

So Labor Day is done. As a young girl, it heralded the start of school or a break from the first week; depending upon when the school calendar started. I love the start of school. It's a new beginning of sorts. The air is cooler, holidays around the corner, and the end of a long, hot summer.

This was a crazy, weird summer. I felt much, much, much too task oriented. I wanted to fast-forward my life away. There's a lot I would do differently if I had the chance; namely "Pork."

But, Elder Ballard says that the happiness of motherhood comes in the moments. Profound thought even if I paraphrased a perfect idea. Most of motherhood is hard work, but the moments of laughter, smiles, sticky hugs are the happiness and they far outweigh the labor.

I found my summer to be a little the same way. As I look back, I see moments that will live with me for a long, long time. Of course, they mostly have to do with family. I mentioned before discovering that Maddie loves to dance to Abba. I will remember the look on her face when I broke into "Money, Money, Money." The awe as she discovered that her Nammy knows a song she knows was perfection. Sweet Maddie.

The other day, Pete was splashing with his hands in the water toy in the back yard; some cheap thing bought at WalMart for $29 that has brought a lot of fun to little ones this summer. He splashed water on me and I squealed, which is my usual response when cold, wet water falls in my shoes and dampens my capri pants. Well, he laughed so hard, I thought he would split open. It was a hearty, deep in the belly, body shaking laugh. So he splashed me again. I squealed again. He splashed me again. I squealed again. And I learned that Pete is a tease. Sweet Pete.

Nephi sent me a video of Kinlie trying to grab a forkful of mashed potatoes out of her mom's hands. Sweet Kinlie.

I have loved time with my daughters and time with my sons. I loved visiting with Kim when she got her manicure before her wedding. People were so kind to help out with all of the work of the wedding. Sweet Sharon and Sweet Angie and Sweet Denise.

I had a much too short Education Week, but some good time spent with Karrie. And I start my institute class tomorrow. I've too long neglected feeding my soul.

We went to the Farmer's Market. I've meant to go the past 3 years but have been too busy. It was fun and hectic and full of eclectic wares to buy. But why do people bring their dogs to a Farmer's Market? Although we did get to see a dog like the one in "The Shaggy Dog." Oh, and a huge gray Mastiff (sp?) that drooled A LOT.

There have been too-many-to-count family dinners. Lots of grocery shopping. Lots of cooking. Hot days driving in the un-airconditioned van. Weeding, mowing, window washing. Chores.

Best of all people.

So long summer.