Triathlon 2.

One of the highlights of my summer has been participation in a triathlon training for beginners class in preparation for an upcoming triathlon in mid-August.

At 7 a.m. this morning, the 14 of us had exclusive access to the pool where the actual tri will take place. We swam, biked, and ran the entire course. It was a beast, but . . .

Knowing I can do something, refusing to give up,

keeping up with the cool kids (or coming close, at least),

understanding that nine months ago, walking around the block got me winded. And now I've done two triathlons in one summer, with one to go.

It has been a supreme high for me. BIG time.

It's a summer I will never forget.

Plan to do something that will lift your spirits. Believe in you, and you might just surprise yourself.

Don't you wish?

Don't you wish you looked this glamorous cleaning your floors?

Don't you wish you looked this good in a hat?

This Captain America suit has made many appearances on this blog. It cheers me to know it is still a favorite of his. My college roommate, Pam, who handed this suit down to Ian, is coming to town for a visit Sunday and our families are going to lunch. Yay! I haven't seen her in many years. Maybe I'll have Ian wear this suit for the occasion.

What are you wishing for today?

Green Goggles

Sprinkler play is a serious sport for these two.

What this guy lacks in enthusiasm for fireworks, he certainly makes up for in water play.

Lilly's still not so keen on the unpredictability of those blasted water drops, but Ian's excitement keeps her trying and coming back for more.



Imagine donning a pair of green goggles and letting the water soak you from head to toe,

and THAT'S what it means to be a child in the summer. (amazing photos, Nathan!!)

And if blog posts have been scarce these past months, it is because we have been doing a lot of this and other, similar things--pretty much a whole lot of nothin'--a summer of wonderful nothings that I would not trade for all the travel or money in the world.

What would you do with a pair of green goggles?

Page 73

Some people think being a small fish in a big pond is a bad thing.

Not me. Today, I'm a minnow swimming in the vast OCEAN, and relishing every single moment . . .

Page 25: Vickie Howell
Page 36: Amanda Soule
Page 109: Dana Willard
Page 73: Little ole' ME

See this? This is me, sitting on the floor of my local Barnes and Noble, reading a book featuring Yours Truly and 25 of my [wish-they-really-were-my] closest friends.

No way. SO surreal. Walking into B&N and pulling your book from the shelf.

You can see it's a verrrrr-y interesting read.

And here are my two pages, featuring projects I made with fabric sent direct from Ms. Amy Butler herself.
Oh my sweet stars.


That's right, folks. Jade Sims' Craft Hope book is OUT, and our local B&N has three copies waiting to be devoured (as do other stores around the country). You can also order one here.

New Flash! The publisher is sending me a copy to give away on this blog, so stay tuned.

I love this 5-star review someone put on barnesandnoble.com:

Amazing!!!by Anonymous

July 22, 2010: Wow!!! This book is a must have! There are so many quality projects by well known people. But what makes this book unique is that each craft is paired with a charity. The very craft you make can be used to help someone in need. I can't wait to get started!!! This book is a one of a kind! I highly recommend this book!!!

Now THAT'S serious exclamation point use, peeps. I mean, peeps!!!

One last thing . . .

I can't stop laughing at this picture. A barista at B&N came around with a tray of free Starbucks samples of double chocolate somethings. They were coffee-free so we let the kids have one. Here's Lill, her bag stylishly over her arm, Starbucks in hand, browsing the bookshelves. It's SO HER! Is she 3 going on 13 or what?

Happy day, everyone.

Better than Ever

Monday was Nathan's birthday.

He said he felt old. Quite the contrary, I feel he's getting younger.

He has started running. AND biking. He wakes up with the chickens and hits the pavement with his iPod strapped to his arm (running days) or wearing his new bike helmet.

(Mom's sweet feet)

My old mountain bike has become OUR old mountain bike. I am so proud of him. We are young at heart. I hope it is always so.

And I think we'll be seeing some of these signs in HIS future.

Happy birthday, Speed Racer. You're better than ever!

How are YOU staying young?

3 Sweets

1. My children napping together on my bed right now. Note: my children do not usually nap. Lilly stopped napping over two years ago when Ian did, but the whirlwind of summer requires a few extra winks today.

Lilly still has the stains of our lunchtime strawberries and peaches around her mouth.


See Ian's sore nose? Poor guy with all his allergy issues has had constant bloody noses. So this morning, the ENT cauterized a blood vessel in his nose. He was so brave. He always is. I don't get how such a little person can have so much courage, but he has it.

It's dear how he often sleeps curled up, the same way he has since he was six months old.

2. Ian occupied his time during Lilly's gymnastics class yesterday by writing a "surprise" for his little sis on the MagnaDoodle.
Ian: Mama, what are some things Lilly likes?

He and I decided on Whales (of the edible Goldfish cracker variety), gymnastics, Target and jump(ing). He was so proud to show this to her when her class was finished.

3. Lilly and her notes of love.
Lilly: Mama, can I color a picture for Jess-Jess? (she frequently asks to make pictures for the people she loves)

Lilly calls this picture "Nemo." I'm sure a drawing of the cute little fish of orange and white is buried somewhere beneath all those stickers! The only thing Lilly loves more than princesses is--you guessed it!--stickers. This sweet note will soon be on its way to her great-grandfather at the Veterans' Home.

Side note: Lilly LOVES to practice writing her name, and she seems to be using her left hand more often than her right these days. Hmm, maybe a southpaw like her namesake?

Have any "sweets" of your own to share?

Chik-fil-A at Springfield Cards

Chik-fil-A night at the Springfield Cardinals stadium meant Ian's baseball team got to stand with the players, have their names announced, and their pictures on the jumbo-trons at Hammons Field.




Ian is number 8.


There he is on the screen

and in center field.



Lilly and I are beyond glistening at this point.

What a great night. Soon I will post pictures of a fabulous weekend to St. Louis several weeks ago with some of my favorite ladies.

I love summer, don't you?

Yankee Doodle Darlings

What a difference a year makes.

Last year I sat inside holding a frightened Lil while Ian and daddy shot fireworks outside with friends.

This year, while celebrating at Mum and Papa's house, she couldn't get enough. She giggled. She gasped. She leaped with glee.


Meanwhile, Ian is still unsure of the whole fireworks thing, but he's coming along!

Loud noises? He's not a fan. The sudden bangs startle him and hurt his tender ears (he covered them much of the night), and he does not appreciate the smoke getting in his already-irritated-from-allergies eyes and nose.

He is cautious and caring, reminding the neighbor children to "Step back!" and "Watch!" as we celebrated. He makes the most of life--even what he considers an uncomfortable situation, enjoying his friends as usual, being silly and running and falling and rolling with his buddies.

Then there's daddy--helping, lighting, guiding, in the thick of the action.

And me. Watching them all. Loving them with all their differences and uniqueness. Knowing God made every member of my family in a special way and it is my job to love them unconditionally. It's called being a mom.

How was your Fourth? Do you, also, have two very different children?

Party Pics

Lilly's birthday
The first time her toenails have ever been painted:

The invite (another amazing Nathan original):


The treats (courtesy of Pure Elegance--thanks, Robin!):

The table:

The girls:

THE girl:


The candle:

Meanwhile, the boys (Ian, his cousin William, and honorary sibling Garrett) . . .

What a day!