Spontaneous Afternoon

There have been one too many rainy days lately. It was nice the first couple of days. We stayed home, drank hot drinks, and actually started painting the pink room. 

When a friend suggested we go to Seabreeze for the afternoon we were a bit hesitant thinking it would rain once again. I have a confession-we've never been to this popular local (15mins away) amusement park. I grew up going to Roseland, and never even went to Seabreeze as a child.

We decided to ignore the weather and head out late in the day.

 

The first ride got all the boys a bit dizzy. If you notice Ross in the 2 pictures....he's looking a bit stunned. We were a little worried, but he made it through the up and down ride. Never again.

 The boys went on this ride over and over and over......

 The Lazy Wave runner and the Big Wave were also hits. Despite the cool air, the boys spent most of their time in the water.

The boys ended the day with a quick spray race and a fluffy snake to take home. So glad our friends encouraged us to go.

Hello, Saturday

 Thankful for a grandpa that can still run around with the boys. And so thankful for a backyard. Highrise apartment living was a great experience, but being able to walk out your door to grass is so nice.

 We painted the brown dining room a silvery gray. (By this fuzzy picture it's clear I may need a new camera soon. )

 I've found a new fun place to shop....Hobby Lobby. I found the scripture above for about $10. It's Proverbs 3:5....our adoption scripture.

Also found these funky twisty plants to put on our front step.

Hello, Saturday.... and not feeling guilty about sleeping in. Hello to a day with nothing scheduled, and nothing urgent on the to do list. Actually, there is a to do list, but we are ignoring it for a while. : )

On Rainbows and Clouds

 

Can you see the rainbow? We dig rainbows around here. The dark rain cloud that's above it...not so much. 

  I made another less significant small change. We put our pheasant painting (by my Dad) above the fireplace....and moved the red flowers to the entryway. Not sure it's a permanent change, but Greg is getting tired of new nail holes...so they may remain where they are.....

The "Victoria's Secret Room" below (named by friend's daughter) is next on our project list. The pink is going....grey/blue may be coming.

Thankfully, Greg will be coming home today after being away for a few days. We are all loving summer mode...and not thinking about school stuff at all. More on that next.....because aside from feeling wonky lately, there are happy, fun things going on too ;)

Stuff

I found some stray photos from NJ. They brought back some fun memories. I'm not sure if it's the grey skies, cold weather, or what....but I have been feeling sort of gloomy. No energy, and perfectly content to lay on the couch with a bag of chocolate (yes, the whole bag). I have a million projects to be completed and don't feel like doing anything. Though, we did finally finish the dining room painting project-woo hoo.

 Problem is, I have 2 active boys who are not into the whole laying on the couch eating chocolate thing. The responsibility of motherhood seems so huge sometimes. Some days it feels effortless....other days, I think about how my direction plays into their futures. How my choices make such a difference in their lives. Oy! I've been thinking a lot about how I was raised. How life was so different when I was a girl....a super shy little girl. I didn't participate in any sports(my choice), and never took a  music lesson(again, my choice. though we had a piano and guitar, and my brother was in a 70's rock band). I don't remember reading tons of books. I do remember my mom after schooling us (but that's a whole 'nother story). We had lots of books, and I'm sure my mom read to us when we were little. I think? Yes, I'm sure. It was just all so different. More simple.

My mom never worried that she was messing us up. She never fretted that I didn't want to join a sports team or finish that art lesson....or that I was super duper shy. She really listened to and supported me. She gave me security. Even today, she still encourages me and reminds me of these things. Now, I'm not saying it was all perfect. Oh, I could tell you stories. But it was a pretty good childhood.

What I find interesting is that today... I love reading, I play sports, and I'm not as shy. I never was prepped or nurtured in those areas, yet.....I don't know. I can't put my finger on it, but that makes me think. 

onto the stray photos.....

 Our homeschool gym class. Coach Brandon would take the train in from the Bronx. This same group would go to a science class held at a ladies home. I remember always having to make sure we had money for the meters.....

 The boys look excited, huh? They actually really liked gathering for our Friday group. We met in the basement of our church....the kids did science experiments, art projects, and because all the moms spoke Spanish (except me) they learned Spanish.

 One of the moms arranged for us to dissect a starfish for our last class.

                   

More Pics

Everytime I write a blog post, I think...."why am I doing this?" and then I remember that only a handful of friends and family read this, so what does it matter? Meaning-I need to either stop keeping this blog, or quit feeling so vulnerable by keeping it. Soooo, guess I will post more pictures....

 After having limited space for the past 3 years we are pretty excited to have some extra space. The bedrooms are on the small side, but thankfully there is an extra to hold our school supplies. We can shut the door and move on....

 My dear friend, Tiffanie, surprised us with the neatest house warming gift. What is extra special is that she made it herself (she makes custom wreaths and door hangings). This picture doesn't even do the monogram justice. It arrived with an awesome bow, ready to hang. I have been alternating between our front door and over the bed. So far, over the bed wins....or maybe the door? Love it!

                    I actually centered it, and really do make my bed a little neater than that. (at least the part about the monogram being centered is true).

Lastly, I give you our entry window. I love that big window....except our bedroom doors are across from it. It makes privacy as we are all getting ready for bed really crazy. We usually have to turn off the hall lights so the boys can walk from their bathroom to their bedroom. Weird design...and a pain in the neck to wash. Literally.