Summer of Smiles

Make your own free picture slideshow

Summer Memories

Today is my 35th birthday.  I am sitting in bed surrounded by handmade cards, flowers, and empty plates where eggs and toast were only moments ago.  The house is empty, and I have been left too "relax".  My birthday has always marked the end of summer and the beginning of a season of change.  This year is no different, but it is (to me) noteworthy because it will be a summer I will always, always remember.  The weather could not have been more beautiful, and my children could not have been better ages and spirits for enjoying just exactly what summer vacation was created for.  Put simply, we had a blast!  So, as we head into 3rd grade, preschool, and a new job (school librarian, btw) for mama, I can stamp this moment with gratitude, awe, and a sentimental sigh. 

Knowing only too well that this "relaxing" moment will come to close shortly, I am going to leave a sampling of those summer memories in the form of pics via the iphone in a post to follow.

Happy fall to all!  As the leaves begin to change, I feel a real peace for my own little family and our place in the world.  Life is good.

Love, love, love...

Loook Who...

is almost 3!!

In one moment tonight, I had a helmet, a crown, a pair of goggles, a magic wand, and a truck in my hands from the litter of the day's comings and goings, and in the quiet of routine, a lump of gratitude rose in my throat as I placed each treasure away for the night.  I love my life.

Memories

Today... or tomorrow... or midnight?!?! 

FOREVER FAMILY DAY!! 

We became a Forever Family on February 29 (Leap Year!) 2 years ago!  I love this day.  After all the ups and downs and tears and hopes, the one moment when Keith walked into our little apartment in Antigua and wrapped his arms around all of us to begin our life as a family of four... forever... it takes my breath away each time I think of it.  I love that we have this special day that is all ours to take time to appreciate how we came to be a family.  I took out the albums I made of our time in Guatemala... they begin with the night before Sam, Mom and I flew to Guate, and end with the "Welcome Home" pics back here in snowy Maine.  We sat together and read through them like our own family fairy tale.  It's our story, and I love to remember it. 

Much love.

Happy New Year~2010