Life

{In bullet points}

• Whoa. I haven't forgot I have a blog here. It's been a crazy summer. Good. But crazy. I don't do well without a schedule. But the kids? They are resilient and making fun memories.
• We enjoyed a visit from uncle Jon via NYC last week. The kids had a blast with him. 

• The three boys participated in swim lessons this summer. Sol had a total meltdown the first day but sloooooowly warmed up to the idea. {We made him at least sit on the side everyday} He ended up having a great time. The two older boys were in the same class. Sam passed while Shep didn't and has to retake the same level next year. I.was.crushed. to see how disappointed he was. My sweet, tender son was the only one of his bros that didn't pass a level. A good talk and ice cream seemed to help, but his mama's heart broke. {Huge teachable moments, though all I wanted to do was say he passed....ache}
• This post is my favorite of the week {Month? Year? Decade? All time?}  "You don't forget who your brother is when you know who your Father is." Piercing. May that speak to all of us. 
• I am gearing up to plan our school year. I am wanting to repress that it's coming quickly. We are, again, planning on homeschooling. I have just {tonight!} pulled the trigger on buying the first portion of our curriculum. Three kiddos schooled this year. Please pray now. :)
• At the risk of sounding passive/aggressive, it saddens me that family has to read a blog to find out about who you are and what you do and bypass a relationship. 
• I just jumped on board with volunteering with Samaritan's Purse. Super excited to be apart of their work. The kids and I have so enjoyed participating in Operation Christmas Child every year. I am excited to be apart of their ministry. 
• Absolutely {positively} the funniest thing I've heard in a long time: Two Little Girls Explain the Worst Hair Cut Ever.
• On a related note. Nora cut her hair for the first time. I knew it had to happen. Dad was on watch and I think he was more scared to tell me than she was. When I saw her, the first thing she said was, "Only Brenda cut my hair, wright mom? Wright mom?!" She was too cute. {I still ran to doctor the damage. It's just hair, right?! Right?!} She's still adorable. 
• We are thrilled that my sister-in-law and family have moved closer. {'Thrilled' doesn't even cut it} We are looking forward to seeing them much, much, much more now.
• At the end of the past Julys, we have anticipated the beginning of August. We are reminded of the boy we long to celebrate here. 
• Favorite song this week. 
• The best post I've read on the tragedy in the Aurora, CO movie theater: "So you STILL think God is still a merciful God?"
• How is it already the end of July?!
• It's been hot, like Africa hot, here these past few weeks and I still love my hot coffee. True story. 
• I have enjoyed getting back to teaching tennis this summer. Thankful for the number of opportunities I have had to do so.
• The cowboy turns 35 this week. Looking forward to celebrating him.
• If you're a reader, I'd love to hear a bullet point about what's going on in your life!
• I'm serious. Go! :)