I'm sitting here writing this on Thursday afternoon, on my porch with my feet up on a rather hot day for May. I've got an iced coffee beside me, chocolate chip cookies out of the oven and ready for the kids to snack on after school, and the laundry is mostly caught up. And today just feels like summer. How quickly I forget, but it always takes me a couple weeks to transition to our new rhythm. My mind is in overdrive at first, determined to get to all the things that take back burner during the much busier school year. I clean closets, pack away winter clothes and fill drawers with meticulously planned shorts, swimsuits, and summer dresses Mila will love, sort through stacks of school papers and memorabilia that pile up towards the end of the school year, power wash porches, and clean out flower beds and messy cars. And like a lot of these projects, there's always a bit of mental and physical chaos through the process of it all, a bit of a storm before the clouds part and leave behind the good sunshine of summer. But today, I choose rest. To sit on the porch, feel the wind in my face, and get ready for a good summer of adventure and fun. We're less than two weeks away from saying goodbye to another school year and the bucket list we've been brainstorming for weeks is ready to go!
But until then, a little look back at many good things of spring...
672. Our last life group of the year. We've been welcoming these girls into our home for the last two years, and they've brought more purpose, laughter, and joy than we ever thought possible. Their last night, they gathered around our living room and filled envelopes with notes of affirmation for everyone. I read through my envelope after they left and was moved to tears by their powerful words. To read that our home was their safe place, or that coming here made being away from their family a little easier, or that they felt noticed, loved on, and closer to God here, was just so cool. So cool that I forgive them for thinking I was old enough to be their mom! Joking aside, the countless notes that referred to me as some form of "mother" to them was beautiful and affirming, a reminder that we're often called to mother more than just the people under our roof.
And the best part? Watching Cruz and Mila read through their envelopes, and the smiles on their faces as they read notes that said they had the best laugh, the kind of energy that made them want to dance, and the joy they brought even when Cruz was attacking them with his nerf gun. Mila wanted to read through her notes twice, and the morning after, I found her in her bed with little notes of affirmation sprawled around her. Words matter, and kindness is contagious. These girls and their reminders of that was a beautiful way to begin my summer.
673. This girl, her smarty pants ways, and her long school girl socks. She learned about idolatry at school a few weeks ago and is quick to remind any of us when we might be close to having an idol. When Cruz was begging for ten more minutes of screen time the other day, she marched up to him and carefully said, "Cruz, you're making that an idol." I have a feeling this girl is gonna keep us in line for the rest of our lives. ;)
674. Speaking of a different kind of "idol," we sure had American Idol fever over here, along with most of the state of Iowa! Our Sunday night American Idol nights were treasured from the start, but we couldn't have dreamed our Butler County girl, Maddie Poppe, would go as far as winning the title this past weekend! It's all surreal, and quite possibly the biggest thing to happen in our sleepy neck of the woods for a long time. Just last week, we traveled to my hometown along with 10,000 other people to wave signs and welcome our hometown girl to her stomping grounds. I grew up living at the Butler County fair and never witnessed that many people there! We parked across the street at Grandma and Grandpa's house and could not believe all the cars. It was utter madness and definitely something we will always talk about! And Maddie? She's full of talent and heart and small town roots, and she sure did everyone proud!
675. Afterwards, we waited out the traffic (a solid line of cars for at least an hour) at Grandmas, the kids played tag, and we watched the American Idol production crew pull up in the field beside the house to shoot a beautiful Iowa sunset. It was a picture perfect summer night and I have a feeling their Hollywood selves felt a little at home here, too.
676. All the summer planting. Including a fairy garden brought back to life on the back deck.
677. And all the organizing! I've been going through one room at a time, first cleaning out drawers and closets, and taking my time refilling them with fun summer items I adore. I've had the most fun curating quite the summer collection for my Mila girl, and she loves how clean and fresh her room feels. Cruz got a closet overhaul, too, as well as a new Lego system that seems to be my favorite approach yet. They need to be out, visible, but organized, and this has seemed to do the trick for now.
678. Teacher appreciation week gifts and sweet summertime surprises left on doorsteps.
679. Finally a four year checkup and a healthy Mila girl! She got shots and was so brave, but that look of panic after the unexpected pinch still makes my heart break!
680. The return of the boys gang. I know, our trampoline looks like it's seen better days, but this thing gets more use than anything we've ever owned. Thanks to a warranty, they're sending us new frame poles. And we've threatened to start charging the neighbors for usage. ;) Or maybe the bent poles have something to do with Papa Curt joining the fun? Once a kid, always a kid!
681. Piano recital music and that sweet little note of tally marks, evidence of endurance and the rewards that pay off because of it.
682. Dinnertime prep and the return of Driscoll strawberries.
683. My quest to cook through Joanna's Magnolia Cookbook and the way it has re-inspired my love of being in the kitchen. These Gaines' brothers burgers (4) were amazing, especially paired with the jalapeno drip jam (5) you could literally eat with a spoon. We made a full jar of it, and put it on ham sandwiches, BLTs, and pork chops the rest of the week. The asparagus with bearnaise sauce (6) was a little time consuming but worth it, and the nachos (7) were absolutely delicious! I'm not sure we'll ever buy a packet of taco seasoning again.
684. Cruz's soccer season and his squirrely, sweet team of boys. They definitely showed signs of progress from the fall, Cruz scored three goals and grew in aggressiveness and interest, but let's be real - they still care way more about the tunnel we form after the game and the snacks that follow. :)
685. Taco truck lunch dates with my hubby. It was pretty legit. We ordered delicious tacos, walked across the parking lot to the convenience store for a canned cocktail, sat in the tailgate and had lunch, and then received a call from school that I was twenty minutes late picking up my son. I kind of forgot about the noon dismissal at school that day. Embarrassing, but worth it. The tacos were delicious!
That's a wrap, spring! The unofficial kickoff to Summertime 2018 starts this weekend and we are so ready! Bring on the good!
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