Life as a Lewis

(I had this ready to go before we went out of town but forgot to push publish so it's a little after the fact.) Outside my window: a very full garden overflowing with squash, zucchini and cucumbers (tomatoes are just getting started) I am thinking: about how if you read this blog, you probably think I'm a talker, but if you know me in real life, you know I'm much more of an introvert than I might seem online. I am thankful for: my calm quiet bedroom. I've never been one to love my bed/bedroom (mostly because I've had sleep issues for longer than I can remember), but our bedroom in the new house is pretty and roomy and quiet and calm and soothing anf cheerful all at the same timt, and I have thoroughly enjoyed retreating to it this summer. I am wondering: how the George Zimmerman case is going to end up.   Last 3 purchases: I *might* have taken advantage of the Matilda Jane sale this week and bought 2 dresses and 1 pair of tights. Thank you, 50% off ...

We have officially reached the point of summer where I've given up. No more alarm clock at 6:00, no more required school time, fewer Wii and TV time restrictions. The kids are both super tired of our small backyard (and of each other), and I've stopped forcing them to spend time outdoors. We've read books, gone to the library, hiked the caves, watched the Kimchi Chronicles and North America. I've stopped running errands with kids in tow because it's not worth the grumbling. Camden wants to spend his days building huge Lego creations, reading, and listening to his radio. Rory wants to spend her days playing with Camden, but that's not going so well. Rory is up at 7:30 each day (in the summer, they can't get up before 7:30) while Camden sleeps until 9ish. We've mostly checked everything off our summer list (which I finally printed last week). We seem to have a few very busy days in a row followed by a few days where we do nothing at all. Last week was...

Brian has in-service 3 days this week so it's just me and the kids at home. We're kinda running out of things to do after almost 9 weeks of summer, but the kids pulled out these water shooter thingies (clearly not the technical term for these) that my mom brought them. By the sounds of all the screaming, they had a whole lot of fun. He looks enormous here. It's not just me, right? Read these familiar verses this morning, and it made me want to make sure my kids memorize them. Psalm 40:1-3a "I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit; out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

It's official. Ear infections are the pits. Are grown-ups really supposed to get these things? After reading Jen Hatmaker's 7 last summer, I resolved to get rid of paper products, plastic baggies, recycle, etc. I did a decent job of it and even went an entire year without purchasing paper plates . . . until our recent visit with Becky's family and now I'm hooked again. I'll go back to saving the planet when summer break is over. Along with no longer saving the planet, I seem to have also abandoned my treadmill. I have a new little corner in my living room. Okay, not new, I just actually put something on the wall. I still want to get a teeny little table and cute burlap pillow for this chair. And, look! I actually have a plant that isn't dead in my house. And just a couple of favorites from Addison's 18 month photo shoot. She is so stinking cute.

Oh, my heavens. I don't even know where to start on describing the last few days. We have had a mixture of both good and bad. My parents and brother arrived Wednesday, and we thoroughly enjoyed our few days with them. Because of previously scheduled events such as meeting my new oncologist and some church outreach, our time went by much too quickly. We also celebrated Camden's birthday (a bit early) - more on that later. We spent July 4 at my sister's house having an indoor picnic. The weather was kind of insane all weekend long - to the tune of 73 degrees and pouring down rain. Crazy weather for July, right? Friday while Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle Matt, and Aunt Liz took the kids out for lunch and bowling, Brian and I headed to Vanderbilt to see my new oncologist. It was a very long appointment (mostly because Dr. W had failed to forward any of my records/scans). We're basically starting from square 1 (to use her words) and evaluating where my cancer is right...

(posting Tuesday Tidbits late again, but I'm not changing the title just because it's Wednesday) Rory has started playing with her babies again, and last week she took baby sister shopping with us. In addition to taking care of her babies, Rory has also picked up dance again and yesterday she treated us to her "dance recycle." I have decided that two weeks before a 10th birthday is officially my least favorite age. Oh, the obnoxiousness that accompanies almost-10 year olds. Speaking of birthdays, I am in denial that Camden is going to be in double digits. I've decided I kinda like Feedly after all, which is a good thing because google reader is officially gone. Panicking a little at the busyness coming up for our family that will include a visit from my parents, a new oncologist appointment, breast MRI, July 4 picnic, 3 full days of in-service for Brian, quick 8 hour trip to West Virginia and then rush back home so we can pack up for a...

I managed to somehow overlook these photos and had never uploaded them to my computer and when I found them this afternoon as I try to get caught up on Project Life, I knew my parents would love them. And they made me smile too. :) Flipping us off as she eats a grape. Big milestone here - I've been trying to teach her the sign for "more" for pretty much forever. She's finally getting it! Being an aunt might be as good as being a Grandma. This kiss is a big deal. Addison has been slow to show affection, but we've finally got kissing down pat. Admit it. They made you smile too, right? You're welcome.