Dancing with Daffodils

 It has been so busy the last few weeks and I was so excited for today to finally have a day home alone! Instead I have two sick kids and a husband who must be too because when I woke up he was back in bed after having gotten Curtis off to school. We haven't been sick in a long time so I can't complain but I am a bit disappointed that today is the day they are sick.  Anyway, I haven't had any time to myself because two weeks ago my mother-in-law came for a visit and it was really nice to have her here. I picked her up Wednesday, we went for a nice walk after sitting in the car all morning and then she just joined in the crazy. Thursday we went over to Michelle's to help her get food ready for her meeting that night and then I showed my MIL the high school and we went to Kohls and then Curtis had a game that night and he played really well. Friday we did the Calvert Cliffs hike and it was so beautiful. I have never done it in the fall before but it was amazing with the f...

 It has been a few weeks with plenty of ups and downs. I feel like most days were pretty normal with all the kid activities and school and piano lessons and home responsibilities. We did have general conference two weeks ago and that was wonderful. It was so uplifting and inspiring and instructive. It was a perfectly rainey weekend which meant baseball games were all cancelled so we could relax and just really focus on conference all weekend, which was amazing. We also had a new family over for dinner that weekend and that was fun. Josh was so relaxed all weekend because he had no church responsibilities and that was really nice too. I did take Curtis clothes shopping in between Saturday sessions because we cleaned out his closet that morning and the boy didn't have a single pair of pants that fit him. He has grown so much!  The week after conference was pretty normal and busy. Friday morning I took Lily to school at 6:15 though for her to go to NYC with the GIS (Global and In...

 I have a hard time believing anyone cares about what is going on in my very normal life but here is a quick list. . I played the piano for a funeral . taught a bunch of piano lessons; so far I like one of the new kids I started and the other one I am still figuring out . I went on a field trip with Brandon to Sotterly Plantation. He was so happy to have me there and it was a beautiful day. We learned all about pollinators and seed spreaders and habitats. His teacher is super nice. . drove my girls to dance, there and back, there and back, there and back so many times . went for a walk with Sarah . had my first mammogram and just got the letter that all is normal; such a relief . sat at baseball practice and read for many hours . lifted weights . went out on a lunch date with Josh to Olive Garden . went to book club and discussed a book I had picked. It went well and we had a great discussion. . took two kids to the orthodontist and Lily gets her braces off in six weeks--hooray!...

 This week was so busy but wonderful at the same time. Monday we slept in and had a nice breakfast all together and then we went kayaking. We did the McIntosh Run and it was so fun. Josh and I had done it together years ago but now the kids are big enough to come too and there was minimal complaining. It was a really beautiful day and I loved being out on the water. Lily and I paddled our big one with Brandon in the middle and then we borrowed two kayaks from the Rays that Josh and Curtis used. Emma paddled our little one and switched with Brandon when she got tired. It took us about two hours and was just really lovely. There were jellyfish in the wharf water so we didn't get in the water at all though. Josh and I went to go get our car from where we put in and the kids played on the playground. I went back and started cleaning up while Josh got us fun slushies and then we went to our pool to cool off and swim without jellyfish. It was wonderful family time and such a blessing....

 Good week!  Monday: canned peaches all afternoon, made some peach jam, did laundry, taught piano, went to baseball practice. I felt very domestic and accomplished by the end of the day.  Tuesday: I went and had brunch with my high school friend, Michelle. Actually we've been friends since 8th grade and it was fun to talk with her and catch up. I'm glad I get to see her every few months. Then I helped Curtis pick a science fair project and took him to practice. Tried a new recipe for dinner when I got home that was a winner! Wednesday: went to the gym, watched my friend's little girl for a few hours while she went to the doctor, ironed so many white shirts, picked up groceries, took Brandon to baseball, and was so grateful for youth leaders who picked up Lily and Curtis to take them to their activities in different places. I got stressed about Lily's band rehearsal schedule and her dance schedule (lots of conflicts) but the band teacher was great about it and we already...

 Our last two days of summer were busy. Monday I went to three open houses. Curtis had his from 8-9 am, then Lily from 12:30-2 and then E/B from 1-3. It was a bit crazy but Lily's was the most stressful. We first went through her schedule and found each room (LHS is a maze) and then we did it all over again so she would feel comfortable and not get lost her first day (which she didn't!). It was so crowded and the teachers weren't super friendly (I think just so many kids come in it must be hard) but at least Lily felt ready for the first day. Then we hustled home and I took the other kids to their school, which felt so small and simple after being at the high school. I have had a kid at that school since 2013 and will for still a few more years. Emma has her same teacher from 2nd grade and was thrilled and Brandon's teacher seemed really nice so all in all, a crazy but good day. Then Brandon started baseball so I took him to practice and read. Tuesday we went shopping f...