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Monday, June 28, 2010

Retreat will move you Forward

We are on our annual summer vacation at the beach. After three years of exploring the coast of beautiful but often chilly Lake Michigan, we decided to go south to warmer waters and the Gulf of Mexico.

It usually takes my husband BK and I a couple days to depressurize and feel on vacation. I am so happy, relaxed, and on vacation it is unbelievable! Now that Scout is three, travelling has become easier. No strollers, pack n plays, or other gear to lug around. We all fit everything in one suitcase this year. The big three have helped me in every way too.

So far my greatest joys have been feeling connected again as a family unit, and watching my oldest son fall in love with the ocean. Since April we have been totally immersed in school and baseball. Our schedules have been fast paced and divided. My husband's work schedule has been grueling too. Being on vacation with my family has given us that relaxed togetherness again.

We arrived in the afternoon and got settled in our sweet little rental home for the week. It is on the bay with a pool and fishing pier. Perfection! The kids immediately jumped in the pool as I unpacked and BK checked out the fishing gear.

As evening approached I packed a cooler and we did the short drive to the beach to watch the sunset. My 9 1/2 year old son "Blaze" was immediately smiling as he body surfed the gentle waves crashing into the shore. The others were a exhausted and not as enthralled with salt water and sand in their eyes. My little "Scout" said he wanted to go back to the "blue pool".

Last night I took Blaze and Indy back to the beach for sunset. BK stayed with Phoebe and Scout in the pool. He also wanted to set up the fishing poles.

While we were swimming in the ocean some clouds rolled in and looked like a possible storm. Most people got out but we stayed in but close to shore. Indy shouted, Look! A rainbow!" We looked up as we floated in the ocean and saw a rainbow arched above us. It was one of those magical moments that I felt so connected with the boys and nature. We will always remember that most extraordinary experience.
Shine your light,
K

Friday, June 25, 2010

Time to relax....

Oh, bring again my heart's content,
Thou Spirit of the Summer-time!
-- William Allingham

Baseball is over and was exhilarating. I have a blog in my head that will come to fruition soon called "baseball in a peanut shell."

We just moved my ailing 94 year old grandmother out of her home and to a different state to be closer to her daughter and family. Maybe another blog called "emotionally draining."

Now for my little family of six to come together and enjoy each other for some summer bonding and fun. It is time to tune in to our own rhythm and enjoy the feeling of freedom that a summer break can give as a gift.
Shine your light,
K

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Double Rainbow After the Storm

It has been storming a lot here in the beautiful Midwest. We always wait for the first rainbow around my son Indy's birthday on June 7th. This year it came a little later.
Last night as another storm blew in with great force, we all ran to the basement with flashlights and cell phones knowing the power almost always goes out. There is an intimate feeling as we huddle together listening to a crashing storm feeling scared, unsure, and excited. I love to see the eyes of my kids get so huge.
Also, during the storm we saw a family of ducks standing together on the big log on our pond.
After the trees straightened and the thunder wained, I went upstairs to see a strange green sky. I walked out the front door and was greeted by a stunning double rainbow arching through the sky. I called for my family to come and we enjoyed our first summer rainbow together.

It's always good to keep in mind that after any storm in life something beautiful and unexpected usually appears.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

1000 Awesome Things


I need a tall ladder so I can catch the moon and put it in the barn and look at it.
My three year old son, "Scout".

I love discovering cool blogs. This is a fun one I wanted to share. What's your favorite #?
http://1000awesomethings.com/

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Summertime Begins

Memorial Day weekend is the gateway to summer. For the second year, my family gathered at our ranch after a big car race that takes place nearby. Four generations of cousins, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, and great grandchildren reunite from many places. My 95 year old grandmother heads up the family. It is just big fun.Excitement fills the air now that the kids are out of school and summer is fresh with possibilities. I made a list of my favorite summer pleasures and asked my husband and kids to add a few too. Here it is. I encourage you to write your summer fun list too and jump right in.
Happy Summer,
K

S'mores,
dragonflies,
chips & salsa,
baseball,
swimming pools,
sun tea,
Indiana tomatoes,
farmers markets,
Bluegrass concerts,
hummingbirds,
burgers on the grill,
listening to frogs at night,
ice cream,
guacamole,
sipping Sangria with friends,
art fairs,
thunderstorms,
rainbows,
fireworks,
Michigan blueberries,
wildflowers,
reading books outside on a quilt,
fishing,
walks at sunset,
air shows,
roller coasters,
tractors,
outside adventures,
camping,
blackberries & cream,
morning runs,
bluebirds,
corn on the cob,
visiting parks,
family summer vacation at the beach.