lucky number 7

August 18, 2013- This guy is 7 years old.  

Yep, hard to believe.

He celebrated with a shark themed pool party on a marathon birthday weekend.

We feel pretty darn lucky to call him ours and can't wait to see what the future holds for him.

sweet 16

August 2013- Only 16 more days until school starts and this momma couldn't be more ready for the day to arrive because I really need some time to get things done around here.  There are closets to clean, toy boxes to purge, floors to mop, a slew of overdue blog updates, a mountain of receipts and papers to file, an office to organize and soooooooo many more things.  Besides that there's plenty of personal 'me time' things like that stack of photography books and tutorials I've yet to even touch, not to mention my summer reading list that I did not read.  Like everyone else, I never have enough time to get it all done, but when the boys are back in school {I'm hoping} at least I'll have a few days a week to make a better attempt to cross things off the to do list or maybe even find out who I am again.  Mary Poppins failed to show up here saying "Hey Mom, I know what you really need is some time without the kids to get stuff done, why don't you let me take them for the day (or week!)" Therefore, their return to school is the light at the end of the summer tunnel.

Don't get me wrong, this summer has been fun; full of play days, travel, activities, art projects and much, much more.  My Instagram profile is solid proof.  But I can see the boys are getting less and less stimulated with my attempts for educational opportunities.  They need school as much as I need time here at home.  We have two weeks left which will bring friends, family, the fair and a birthday celebration so I'm certain time shall pass quickly.  And I know there will be a point in my life when I look back and wish I could have more time with them, but for now they are home {or in the car} with me every day and that's just not ideal for getting many things done...or having a chance to just be me for a moment.  Yes, I have plenty of help from Casey when he's home, but let's be clear, there's no perfect situation, and the one I'm in is a bit off balance.  Sure I get the benefit of spending every day and night with them building a bond and a childhood full of experiences that I pray is enough.  I am fully aware that I am in a position many can only dream of.  And I'm very thankful for this blessing.  But everyone needs a break- from work, travel, play, kids- whatever it is, everyone needs a break from time to time.  It's true that you can have too much of a good thing.  So with that, I am ready to say goodbye to summer 2013 and a few of those tears you see on my face when I drop them off the first day of school will be tears of joy.