God Bless America

 We have had a fun filled summer.  I was due on the fourth of July but my mom and doctor wanted to enjoy the 4th so they put it off a couple days.  When my mom went to watch the fireworks, people asked when she was due and she answered, "today."  I have been thinking of some memories that stand out in my mind over my life and these are what came to mind:

-kneeling across the altar from Carleton and feeling so thankful
-teaching my Argentine companion how to dance in the rain
-running my first marathon and crossing the finish line with Ken, Cameo, and Carleton
-trips to Moab with the fam-I really enjoy being with my family and always have
-exploring ruins with Mom.  I remember hugging the wall of a cliff to get to one as a little girl.  She always took us on fun adventures.
-becoming a mother for the first time after a long wait.  Apollo brings me joy every day.
-Annie's birth.  She was beautiful.  I was overcome with an incredible joy that things went so well and that she was mine.
-I pinch myself every day that Parks is so happy. 
-One day I left my high school students for a minute and when I came back, all my students were standing and clapping for me as I entered-what a beautiful moment!  I really loved that class and had a special bond with them.  I had told them earlier it was my secret wish (just like when Oprah came to start her show in front of her audience).
-Visiting my Grandparents and them visiting me.  I've always been close to my grandparents and have a million special memories with them.
-Teaching life and learning camps-meeting Aileen had a big impact on my life
-Praying to know what my life's purpose was.  I looked up and saw a wedding picture and a picture of Apollo.  I felt that it was to find joy in being a wife and mother and share this with others.

I was just thinking today how little things shape your life.  I remember coloring with my  mom and how she would do the most incredible job.  Annie told me today that she was coloring in circles like me and I said I got that from Grandma Tammy.  Mom was always refinishing furniture and making our homes beautiful and I never paid too much attention to it.  Now, both Heidi and I love to go thrift shopping (I get a rush from it) and refinishing furniture.  As a child, we always went on family trips.  I grew to love the outdoors and love adventure. 

In high school, I went on my Senior trip with my friend Liz.  We would run during the days-I was amazed that I could run for an hour straight.  I have loved running ever since.  I loved high school.  I had great friends.  Now Liz is pregnant with twins and I'll see her next week.

Rachel was my best pal in college.  I called her after Parks was born, crying because I always struggle after having kids and was not in a good place mentally.  She just had her fourth kiddo and had some great advice.  She has been a great pal.

I am thankful every day for my sister.  She is my best pal.  I miss her every day.

I could go on and on.  It's been a great time to reflect on my life.  I feel very blessed for good friends and family.  Carleton planned some really fun things for me for my birthday.  I had no idea...I love surprises!



 Fun day at the beach with the Giles and Moyers.

 

 This has been a summer of projects...

 ...and babies.  Welcome Bennie.

 The kids all got wet so they all changed into Apollo's clothes.  We pretended we couldn't tell which one was Apollo.

 Fourth of July.  We had breakfast at Tanya's house-right on Main, where we could watch the parade from there.

Parks has a "don't mess with Mia" face.  He'll be her little protector.

Parks and Apollo light up when they see each other.  When I have a hard time getting Apollo up in the morning...I just put Parks up in his bed and Apollo wakes up immediately to chat with his brother.  

The girls got decked out for the 4th.

 We had a fun day swimming and eating.  Annie couldn't make it through the fireworks.

 Neither could Parks.

 I asked Apollo if he liked frisbee, swimming, or biking better.  He said swimming.  If I ask him next time he's on his bike, maybe he'll change his mind.  They are doing a great job swimming now.