Simple Summer of 2009??

Wow-I am sitting here wondering where did this summer go? I could chalk it up to being in what I call the "newborn vacuum" for the first half and even now too, but I am not the only one asking this question. Is it because it wasn't super hot that we feel it went so fast? Is it because we overbook ourselves in the summer? Is it because we are getting older and time just doesn't slow down?

We were having a conversation with our dear friend, Gary, in town from California about weather and how he LOVES San Diego winters, sunny and 75 all winter long. That does sound delightful, doesn't it? But then I shot back with the fact that there are no seasons there and I would miss the distinctness of the seasons. He did say that he misses that. I felt victorious!!

I feel like a change of season gives us an end and a beginning. One thing I have heard at work many times in the last year is that we don't take time to reflect much in our society, we just keep truckin' forward, looking to the future. I agree, but then fall into the trap of the future all over again. Not this time!! I reflect, with you. We started this summer with much intentionality as we were going through several changes in a short amount of time. ..The Simple Summer of 2009.

Simple Summer of 2009 was a success!! We were able to slow down our life enough that we had time to enjoy the little moments: playing ball on the hill night after night or being able to go to a friend's house for dinner when the invite came at 5:00 p.m. We felt much relief as we looked ahead on our calendar and didn't see every night filled up and yet we feel like we managed to still have meaningful family and friend time. We enjoyed another Cousins Weekend with our nieces and nephew. We celebrated another wedding anniversary by whooping it up at the MN State Fair. And we have to remind each other when things get crazy due to having a 3 1/2 year old and a 4 month old that this is just a season that someday we will actually miss this stage (despite the exhaustion). Heath is getting more grounded in his job and I am still enjoying the work I get to do at church as well, we are thankful for the jobs we have. The house has dust in the corners, water spots in the bathroom from the insane amount of times we wash our hands in a day, laundry is usually always "in process" but I have learned to let it go...if it means time with my boys or evenings on the patio with my husband so be it. There will always be dust, water spots and laundry. There will not always be Rowan's first giggle or Brevin's first home run.

I am thankful for the decision we made to scale it back this summer. We are the better for it.

Fall 2009 is one of excitement: Chicago trip for the U2 concert, a north shore get away JUST ME AND HEATH (WHAT?!?!?!), Adam and Emili home, annual camping with friends...a lot to look forward to!!!