Outside my window... Soft white clouds with a blue sky behind them. The leaves on the trees are in various stages of growth, from brand new buds to broad green leaves. The swingset and slide and a couple of bikes are waiting in the yard for the kids to rejoin them.

I am thinking... Of all the lists of things I need to get done!

From the learning rooms... We will still be doing a bit of school here and there, but for now it's summer vacation and the weather for outdoor play is so rare...I guess you could call the next couple of months "gym class" !

I am thankful for... the trip to Florida! Thank you, Caleb, Chip, Tracy, and Eric, for all your generosity that made it possible for me to be at Caleb and Chip's wedding and to experience playing in the ocean for the first time in my life.

From the kitchen... Oh, gee, I guess I'd better get something out of the freezer! Something easy, because it's warm today and I don't want to hover over the oven...maybe a pork roast, or meat loaf?

I am wearing... a yellow sundress that reaches to the floor and makes me feel a little like a princess.

I am hoping... just hoping, in general. That our finances will stay secure for a while, that the work I am doing will have positive results, that my husband's health (Paul had to be in the hospital last week with kidney stones and vomiting blood, probably due to an esophageal tear) and the little guy's health will return full force and problem free.

I am creating... a surprise for Caleb and Chip. Shh, no telling. I'll post pictures of it when it has safely arrived at their home.

I am praying... for my loved ones' health, for daily guidance in my choices, and for help achieving all the things I hope for.

Around the house... the children are working as a team to clean up their own messes. Carefree summer days often lead to casually dropping clothes on the floor, and wet swimsuits, and grubby hands leaving splatters on the counters, jelly dropped on the floor from hurriedly made PBJ's...Time to clean before we can play anymore!

One of my favorite things... the memories we made in Florida, which have inspired me to create memories like that for my children and for my husband and me. Time to start planning and saving for vacations!

A few plans for the rest of the week... Laying low at home while Paul gets better, some barbecuing and a little birthday party for the little guy, who was sick on his birthday last month.

A picture thought I am sharing with you:

Remember to take time to enjoy your day!