Outside my window…it is hazy and humid.  Today is shaping up to be just like every other day that we have had for several weeks now; hazy hot and humid.   That’s ok though.  One’s outlook on life is not dependent on the weather but on the internal attitude of the person.  Dryer weather would be nice since Ian has a lot of second cutting to make but since that is not what God sees fit to send even Ian is finding other worthwhile things to do in lieu of making hay.

I am thankful fur…photographs and the memories that they invoke.  Yesterday we celebrated Matthew’s graduation from highschool and the end of homeschooling in this house.  As the guests flipped through his scrapbook it was fun to look at the old pictures again and see how Matthew has changed and matured.  At the same time the pictures show that the maturing process has not removed his love for life and fun but rather it has enhanced them.

I am thinking…about changes.  Ryan is flying MK to the southland very soon.  It will be a much needed vacation for her but she will leave behind a mother who will miss her in many ways.

From the kitchen…leftovers are on the menu.  This is a good thing since we really don’t need to be heating up the house.  Also those of us who aren’t going out to work have plenty to do right here and would prefer that cooking not be put on the to do list.

I am wearing….grey capris and a white tee shirt.

I am creating….stacks of beautifully crafted christening bonnets.  I have piles and piles of hand sewing to finish up and that’s what is on the docket for today.

I am going….to swim class this afternoon and nowhere else!

I am reading….Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness.

I am hoping….to discern the will of God for each and every day of my life.

I am hearing…the fan running in the sewing room, the slight swoosh and clack of the ceiling fan in the living room, and the sound of the chickens being rousted from their perches outside.

Around the house…all is quiet and calm.  The kids who came to the party yesterday did a terrific job of helping to clean up afterward.  All that needs to be done today is to sweep the floors and do the laundry.

One of my favorite things…flip flop tan lines and chipped toe nail polish.  These are a couple of my favorite signs of summer.

A few plans for the rest of the week…finish up the piles of hand sewing that I have to do.  Wednesday we are planning a trip to the F X Matt Brewery to take the tour. I have a photo shoot on Tuesday (barring any unforseen happening).  Is that busy enough for everyone out there?

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you…

The table all set up for Matthew’s party.

Matthew and Brett just before the cake was cut.  MK and Brett put military vehicles on the cake and a couple of pea-green army men on to represent Matthew and Brett.  There was also an inflated balloon in the middle of the cake which popped when Matthew cut into it.  When he cut the cake and popped the balloon Adam and Brett simultaneously broke two water balloons on Matthew’s shoulders.  The effect was extrememly amusing.

Today Layn and I took a trip to our local zoo.  I am a great lover of the zoo.  If the truth be known I am a great lover of anything that children like.  Being under the age of 2 I knew that this may be a bit premature for his first trip but I wanted to see his reaction.  (I also wanted an excuse to go visit the purple macaw and the elephants)   Part of the exhibit has a path leading to the tiger display.  There are signs that prompt the children to begin looking for clues that they are about to encounter the tigers.  The last clue is the piped in sounds of tigers roaring.  When Layn heard that roar for the first time his face lit up and he looked up at me as if he had discovered something truly spectacular.  Around the next bend in the path we came upon this cement statue of a tiger.  Layn wouldn’t sit on it but he sure enjoyed his turn to explore it.

Dear to his grandmother’s heart it was the elephant enclosure that captured his attention.  We literally spent 1 1/2 hours walking back and forth along the fence talking to the elephants and enjoying their antics.

Getting Layn off this little statue was a trick.  I think when we go back he will be going to visit some old friends.

Outside my window….the sun is shining and it is already in the 70′s out there.  I hope that we start our descent into typical New York State August weather.  The days are warm, but not muggy and the evenings and nights will start to be a little nippy.  Pretty soon we should be breaking out the hoodies and building bonfires for warmth as well as pleasure.

I am thinking…that there is much to do and very little motivation to do it all.  Still I will plow forward.  Doug and I went to a day long retreat on Saturday and left feeling rested, refreshed and ready to continue on the journey toward salvation. (at least until the next time one of us fails)

I am thankful for…the blessings of this weekend.  The grace and renewal of the retreat that we went on and the surprise of finding Adam at home when we got back Saturday evening.  Our quiver is almost full. 

From the kitchen….I really don’t know.  MK is baking cookies right now.  She and Melissa are talking about provisioning this family for yet another celebration.  Sunday family and friends will gather here to fete Matthew for completing high school.  It will be somewhat bittersweet for me.  My last child has graduated and will be moving forward into the world.  This party will be a celebration of another life launched and the end of homeschooling for this family and what better way to spend the day than with other homeschooling families.

I am wearing….jammies yet.  Doug let me sleep in this morning so I am late getting up and late getting started. 

I am creating…one of a kinds.  One of a kind people, one of a kind family and this week it will be one of a kind creations for sale.

I am going…to take my camera for repair today.  I am not so adept with my camera phone.  I also need to do a photo shoot with a local family who has 8 daughters that will be modeling my creations.

I am reading….Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.  Another work that is on my summer reading list.

I am hoping…that the camera shop doesn’t take too long fixing my camera.  Maybe it is only a matter of a clean up.

I am hearing…Matthew in the livingroom playing a game on the xbox.  Melissa and Mary-Kate are discussing food (no wonder I have trouble with my weight!), and Layn is playing with his tractors.  I have often wondered if little boys are born knowing how to make engine noises.  This little boy could make that sound from the first time he picked up a toy tractor.

Around the house….it is lived in, loved in, and just plain comfortable. 

One of my favorite things…listening to the deep rumbling sounds of the voices of my husband and sons as they talk.  I spent part of last night laying in my bed listening to the rumbles of their voices coming up the stairs.  What a comforting sound.

A few plans for the rest of the week…photo shoot, trip to WalMart to stock up on dressing supplies for Matthew, swim classes and holy hours.  I have a couple of sewing orders to fill and some ideas to execute so I think my week will be full.

Here is a picture thought that I am sharing with you….

Adam home for a couple of weeks!!!! Hooray.

Fireworks Saturday night in the town next to us.  I like to think that they staged them just to celebrate Adam’s homecoming.