32.

MY LIFE 7/17/13

Time: 9:00 in the morning

I am working on...... staining and distressing the wooden slabs on the side of the carport each a different shade, cleaning up my laundry area in preparation for my birthday present from Ben- lots and lots of shelving. (It might not sound like an exciting birthday present, but I am pumped. I spend entirely too much time in our messy, dark laundry area in the basement, so any improvements are much appreciated!)

I am thankful...... for my house and how good it feels to come home to after a week away. I am thankful for Katie's enthusiasm when she says "yay, Mommy!" multiple times a day, especially after I do easy little things like move a basket of toys or pour a cup of milk for her. I am thankful that the kids are getting along nicely this week. I am thankful for the night I enjoyed last night visiting with friends and being creative, and thankful to Ben for putting the kids to bed and hanging out upstairs so we could have the main level of the house to ourselves. 

From the kitchen...... Lots of snow cone syrups being made for Gracie's party tonight, yummy things left over from having some girlfriends over last night (It is not good for me to have caramel puffs in arm's reach!  Kelly, I both blame and thank you! ha!), really sweet and delicious peaches sitting in the fruit basket

I am wearing....  a tank top, skirt, flip flops, my favorite necklace, a ponytail

I am creating...... a bunting to hang across the top of the canvas we will be using as an outdoor movie screen this evening. 

I am reading..... Moloka'i by Alan Brennert- the next selection for the book club I am in. I just finished Storyteller by Jodi Piccoult and started A Thousand White Women on vacation. I am in the middle of reaching When You Reach Me to the kids. 

I am hoping.... to enjoy the next month of summer vacation. All of the sudden it feels like the first day of school will be here before we know it, and I am not ready for that. I am hoping Katie decides to start sleeping in her new bed instead of wanting to bunk with her mom and dad. I am hoping that tonight's party is wonderful for Gracie and her friends. 

I am hearing.... Gracie and Luke practicing piano for their lessons which will begin in 45 minutes. 

Around the house.... My house is uncharacteristically clean for a Wednesday morning because of having friends over last night, so there is not much out. Give my kids another few hours and that will most definitely change! 

Making me happy right now.... hydrangeas in glass jars cut from my own flower bed, Luke's smile with missing front teeth, Gracie's excitement for tonight, the way Katie says "I carry you?" when she wants picked up, Drew's completely unfunny made up jokes that absolutely crack me up

A few plans for the rest of the week: Movie Night tonight, a gymnastics make up class, a family birthday party on Friday night at our favorite park with the classmates from Drew's preschool, book club on Sunday