Summer Fun

     Summer vacation is going way too fast, in my opinion. As I look ahead to see only a few more short weeks available before school starts, I wonder how I can pack everything I want to do into that little bit of time. I must admit I have accomplished a lot this summer and feel good about the progress I have made in making a dent in the "stuff" we have around here. Granted, the garage is now another story, but at least the clutter is out of the main living area. We are in the process of renovating the downstairs into a bedroom for JJ, and I am liking the fact that it is actually (almost) empty down there now. I know it will soon be filled with lumber, sheetrock, and a mess of other tools Joe needs to construct the room, but it does not look cluttered like it did. I like that. ☺
     On top of going away last week for a few days of relaxation in the Green Mountains, we brought back one of the cousins so she could stay with us for another week. This past week has been filled with lots of activity:  taking her places to visit, shopping, and other fun stuff, but it has left me feeling very tired. The fact that the girls have been getting to bed too late, has not helped, but what do you expect when you have someone staying over? They even tried to sleep out in the tent one night, but it was on one of the hottest nights of the week so the humidity chased them back inside. I do not blame them. It felt like an oven in that tent when I went out there!
     As I was busy folding clothes the other evening, safe in the lighted bedroom with the door shut, I listened to the children play Hide N Seek in the dark just outside the door. They were screeching and laughing, as well as banging into walls, as the seeker tiptoed around hoping to find the others hidden in the dark corners. It brought back memories of when I was a little girl, playing Hide N Seek in my house with my siblings. It was always great fun until someone got hurt, which always ended the game pretty quickly. And guess what happened that night here? Poor Caleb got poked in the eye ( I do believe his eyes are magnetic to things such as fingers and what not. He is always, and I mean, ALWAYS! getting poked in the eye!)which brought an abrupt end to their game. Oh well, it was fun while it lasted and Caleb is no worse for the wear. He is a tough guy and bounces well.
     Speaking of Caleb, he went to his first teen activity last night and from what I gathered, he loved every minute of it. He has been itching to get involved ever since his buddy joined last year. JJ joined two years ago; then, their best friend joined last year, so it was even harder for Caleb to have to sit out and watch them have all the fun. Now he can be a part of things and he seemed to have adjusted well. He has never had a problem making friends or fitting in. He may scare some away with his craziness, but if people would just take the time to see his heart, they would see him as the soft, tender-hearted child that he is. God has a special plan for that boy's life and I pray, oh, how I pray that God will take that bundle of energy and use it for His glory. 
     So, as these last few weeks of summer approach, I want to use the time wisely and get all my priorities straight. A busy school year looms ahead, as well as many new changes in our lives. Once again there is a bend in the road, and I cannot see what lies around the corner, but God does. He has it all in control and I will just keep my eyes on Him as He directs our paths. Thank You, Lord, for always taking care of my family and I!  

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