Thursday, July 30, 2009

My, how time flies!

Well, it's been quite a while since I blogged! My last entry was Father's Day and it's now July 30th. My summer has been very busy and has flown by. This is the first time I have worked full time while my kiddos are not in school. I'll admit, the beginning of the summer was rough as the Mommy guilt (does anyone else struggle with it as much as I do?) settled in. However, I knew that my kids would have a great time with a babysitter who would come in and just play with them. Mix it up with some camp experiences, and they've actually had a great summer. I have enjoyed working; I really do love to work, but I am ready to have some time back. My house is ready for me to have some time back and so is my dinner table. I don't know how working moms juggle all these things! I have a deeper appreciation for them, that's for sure.

Summer here has been amazing in regards to the weather. I can count on one hand the number of "hot" days (in the 80's) we have had. Now, coming from Texas, the 80's sounds like heaven, but it can feel hot here and amazingly enough, humidity is a factor. Keep in mind that many homes, schools, business, etc. are not air conditioned. So inside is about the same temp as outside. But, again, we've had very few days like this. Jason and I are hoping this doesn't mean the winter is going to be a bad one...

My niece is here with us for 4 weeks. I'm so proud of my sister for being so brave and sending her here on an airplane by herself! And, poor thing, she left her ipod and DS in the car so had no entertainment at all on the plane (outside of the stewardess, who was quite chatty!). Add to this the excitement of Air Force One being in Cleveland at the time she was to land. Her plan was re-routed to Columbus until Air Force One had taken off and planes were cleared to enter Cleveland. She was a trooper, though I think her mom was a nervous wreck!

Although the summer has flown by and I am ready for the routine the school year brings, I am facing it with a bit of melancholy. My middle child is starting Kindergarten. He is more than ready to be there, but there's just something about sending them to Kindergarten. It seems that from that day forward, their life is in fast motion and the years pass so quickly! And, to top it off, my baby is starting preschool. She is definitely more than ready; I just hope they are ready for her!

So, for the first time in almost 10 years, I am going to have some alone time during the day. I'm not sure that I will enjoy this nor know what to do with myself. I mean, you can only pick up the house so many days before you begin to feel a bit meaningless. I am starting a list of things to do... more exercising, Bible study (want to do Beth Moore's new study, Esther), hanging pictures on the wall, scrapbooking (maybe); basically all the things I've been saying for almost 10 years I'll get done one day. However, knowing me, I will find something that will keep me busy; most likely at the kids' schools.

It's hard to believe that we have now been in Ohio for two years. Someone once told me that it usually takes women two years to begin to feel at home (in a new house, new city, etc.). I would say that statement is pretty close to being true. Texas will always be our home, but our roots here are deepening. We have a great church, excellent schools, and a neighborhood that most people only dream about living in. Top it off with four seasons and I would say we will be here for a while (or, at least, until God moves us elsewhere.)

I hope to get back to my blogging as I really enjoy writing.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!