Our Summer...

We've had a lovely summer... I have not posted much this summer at all. The blog has taken a hit for sure... honestly... I began this blog to keep in touch with family and friends... post some ideas - share our life. BUT f*cebook has actually taken more of my time... because I'm really interacting with friends and family... when my blog is so one-sided. And not to mention... there are SO many amazing blogs out there I'm beginning to feel a little intimidated...! But I'll keep up my little blog because I think it's fun.

Our summer has been full of going to the pool, seeing summer movies, hanging out with family and going to the beach in Galveston... that was the icing on the cake of our summer. We had a great vacation with Danny's side of the family... it was truly wonderful and relaxing. Our whole summer we've pretty much woken up in the morning and have just asked "what do we want to do today?" I've loved it... but school begins next week and we're on to new territory as Hudson begins 1st grade. He is thrilled and I'm praying through my emotions and trusting the Lord... I've spent a lot of time looking at Scripture and deep breathing as I fully trust in Him. I have more on that later this week... God's humbling me and teaching me.

And here are the bags I made for the scrapbook retreat attendees... I think they turned out very happy... they made me happy any way... easy, simple... I place the notebooks I had made in each one.

You Can’t Polish a Turd…

Yeah, I said it. It’s a horrible word - turd. And not a word I use in front of the kids… of course. It's not a classy thing to say and I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever typed the word turd - but the expression makes a good point. It’s an expression Danny and I have tossed around (no pun intended) from time to time. Often referring to something about the house that has passed its prime, worthless, no use, time to expire – bottom line – you can’t make it any better.

But some times I disagree. Maybe you can polish a turd. (yes, I’ve seen that “Myth B*sters” – but that’s not what I’m speaking of…)

We’re on a budget. And more often than not I’ve got to polish a lot of out-of-date things around here… make them better – prove that they have not passed their prime… but I’ll be honest. It’s easy to open up a magazine or walk in a store and see all the pretty new stuff and want it. Now. Just replace it... newer... better!

Currently I’m struggling with our refrigerator. It’s 12 years old. It does not make ice. It does not filter water. It does not have bells or whistles. It's ugly. And it will never die. We do not replace items in our home until we have to… until it does not work any more... that’s a financial commitment we’ve made… and the fridge does not need to be replaced. I think it might just "live" forever… mocking me as I dream of ready made crushed ice and cold filtered water… But until we can get a new fridge… I’ll be grateful that I have an appliance that has lived over 10 years, keeps our food cold and does a fabulous job at displaying the kiddos art work.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ “ Hebrews 13:5 NIV