ONE LAST POOL FLING

The end is near - the end of summer that is! We decided to spend the afternoon at the pool for one last swim of the season. We also let Trav invite some of his buddies over as a little mini late birthday party. My neice also came over to swim too so Flicka wouldn't be the only girl. All of the kids had a great time. We had pizza and cake. Of course we listend to the RAZORBACK game - GO HOGS - we won the first game and hopefully will have many more wins this year!!! GO HOGS!!! (did I mention, I love RAZORBACK football!)

Here are a few of the pics from the day. Our last goodbye to summer!

Trav & his buddies! A rowdy bunch!

My girls - Flicka & my neice - she's 14 & they are good friends!

Blowin' out the candles - wishin' hard.

My 2 girls again - cousins!

I tried to get more pics of the boys, but it is almost impossible to get those boys to be still long enought and with all of the water flying up by the pool I didn't want to risk staying up there too long w/my camera.

A few things about summer I will miss: the beautiful blue of the pool water, the smell of the sunscreen, the shrieks of joy from the kids at the pool, the warmth (we will not lose that completely for a while though), the beach towels draped over the deck - each one showing the personality of the owner. Just a few of the things I will miss till next summer.

HAPPY LABOR DAY WEEKEND to everyone! I hope everyone enjoys one last summer fling!

End Of Summer Randomness

OK - I know that summer is not technically over. But, as the first day of school is tomorrow, it does mark somewhat of an end to our summer. I just thought I would take a moment to share some random thoughts with all of you.

1. My Retro Post - I know I have been promising a retro post for sometime now, it is still something I plan to do. I have to postpone it for now though as my scanner does not want to cooperate and allow me to scan the pictures. So, until I can get my scanner to work or get a chance to use my mother-in-laws, this post is postponed.

2. Last weekend - this weekend of course was the last one before school starts. We went to my sister's for one last visit and a small pool party with some of our mutual friends - it is a yearly event that she and my brother-in-law host. There is usually a good crowd, but this year it was very small (too many timing issues w/everyone this year), but it was still a nice visit with those who did attend.

3. First Day of School - I am a little sad that tomorrow is the first day of school. I am usually ready to resume the routine (as we don't have as strict a routine in the summer, and it can wear me down), but not this time, I really am not ready to get going with that routine again, I really could use a few more weeks for several reasons. We have had a good summer, but I would love to have a little more time to squeeze a few more fun activities in with the kids. Also, this will be the beginning of Flicka's last year at our local middle school, she will be in the 8th grade and that means I really have to focus on where she will attend high school next year (a decision will need to be made by January). The high school debate really stresses me as I do not feel we have really good options, and unfortunately we can not afford private school and homeschooling is not an option for us at this time. As Flicka begins her last year at the middle school, Camo begins his first year at the middle school. So, my baby is starting a brand new school tomorrow, but at least it is one we are already familiar with and the kids will have one year at the same school. And, yes it does make me a little sad to think of my "baby" starting middle school.

4. Summer Olympics - we have really enjoyed watching the summer Olympics each day. Of course we all have our favorites events we don't want to miss, but for the most part we agree about our favorites - swimming, gymnastics, beach volleyball, just to name a few. We have not missed a single one of Michael Phelps gold medal swims, and made sure to catch Dara Torres swimming too!

5. Busy, Busy, Busy - finally, I have to say this week will be very busy. Of course the first week of school is always busy, but I will also be preparing for Camo's birthday. He will be 11 on the 24th. We have decided not to have a big party this year, he wanted a more expensive present so we gave him the option of getting the present he really wanted or having a party and something less expensive, he chose to not have a party. We will still celebrate, and I will still invite a couple of his buddies over for pizza. But, with work, getting back into the school routine, getting ready for the birthday, and all of the other little everyday adventures that occur around here, it will be a busy week!

6. Last thoughts - I know a few of you who may be reading this are going to have a rougher week than normal, and have asked for prayers as you go through it. I have some friends who are reading who have little ones going off to kindergarten for the first time. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers (and I know that my blogging friends reading this, will say a prayer for you too). Don't forget to take those first day of school pictures and post them for us to see.

I do hope all of you are doing well, and have a great first week of school (or another great week, if you have already started. )

TIME??

WOW! It seems, like I just woke up today and realized that summer is almost over. Where did the time go? We have had a good summer so far - probably one of the best in a long time. Everyone has gotten to do more of their own things than usual and have had a great time, but there are still so many things we would love to do. Time has just flown by for us this summer.

But, instead of dwelling on what is almost over, I will make an effort to focus on what is left of the summer, and make it the best it can be. We do have so much to pack in to the last few weeks before school starts.

We are going to visit my sister & her family next weekend (they only live an hour away, but we don't get to see them often enough), my 20 yr. class reunion is coming up, a 2nd weekend is scheduled at my sisters, we will have to fit in a shopping trip to buy school supplies and clothes (as both Flicka and Camo have outgrown last year's clothes) and then believe it or not it will be time for school to start. It seems like we will have a whirlwind of the rest of the summer, but it will be great.

We haven't been able to take a family vacation this year, but I think I now realize more than ever, it's not about taking a trip to some great location, it's really just about being together and fortunately we can do that anywhere! I love being with my family, and we can find a good time no matter where we are.

So, tell me.... What do you plan to do with the rest of your summer??

PS... Please visit my friend ...Scrapper Mom... to see some wonderful children's clothing and for a great giveaway. Also, it's her Bday, wish her a happy one!

RELAXING

Taking a quick break from introducing the family, but will get back to that soon.

How do you relax? Do you relax? For many, true relaxation is hard to obtain due to the busy schedules of everyday life, but I believe it is a vital part of our survival of everyday life.

Relaxing for me comes in many ways, but don't really to get to as often as needed. I can relax while I veg out in front of a favorite TV show, taking a nap on a weekend afternoon, a hot shower/bath, and many more. However, summer is my favorite season and brings many more forms of relaxation. I know, I know, but I do love the heat (not a fan of the humidity here in Arkansas, but it comes free); I hate being cold and will take the heat over cold any day! But I digress, back to relaxing in the summer sun. My in-laws have a pool and fortunately only live a few miles from us. We have been indulging ourselves, by taking a daily trip to the pool each day. Some afternoons we can spend 30 minutes or so, but some days we get longer. A couple of days I had the pool to myself - the husband was gone fishing, both kids at camp, and in-laws away - now I tell you that is some good relaxation, just floating around mindlessly, dozing some, watching clouds, birds, and planes in a quiet country setting! It just doesn't get much better than that(maybe relaxing on the beach is better, but work w/what you have!).

Again, I'll ask - How do you relax? Do you relax? It is important! Find your relaxation, and try to do it as often as possible, but no matter take at least 5 - 10 minutes each day to find a way to relax, it will rejuvenate you.