Brownie Points

This photo doesn't even begin to do justice to what I am about to share.

120,000 + people

4 days

country music

Each year in late June, Country Stampede comes to town. It's been this way for 13 years.

It's loud, it's hot, it's something I have avoided for 11 of those 13 years.

For the last 3 or 4 years, I've had multiple requests (read begging) from my girls to take them. Not because they are big country music fans but just because it's 'the thing to do.'

I've avoided it for several reasons. 1) Lawman and I went on a Saturday night about 4 years ago with VIP tickets. I couldn't believe the things I saw and we were in the "nice" section. 2) Lawman's been working it now for the past 3 years and let me just say that from the stories he tells, it's no place to have your sweet teenage daughters. Stay out of the camp grounds and avoid the Friday and Saturday night unless you want a real eye-opening experience.

This weekend Lawman and I caved. He could get free tickets to the Sunday afternoon performance so I told the girls I'd take them. You should have seen their smiles. Score one for Mom & Dad!

It turns out that Sunday afternoon was better than I thought. The music was good. The crowd was on their best behavior. I was pleased. The girls were disappointed. They were expecting it to be rowdy. I'm sure that's based on what they've heard from their dad. They were ready to go home after the 3rd act performed. Fine with me. I had already scored loads of brownie points.

On our way home they asked if this would be considered country music's version of Woodstock. I laughed and said, "Yes, I suppose you could say that except that Woodstock was all about free love. That's not the case here given what we hear from Dad."

Do You Know the Changes I've Seen?

We're 5 weeks into summer here at our place. As much as I love summer and the change of pace, with it comes a few things I could do without.

Extra Laundry ~ specifically beach towels. Between swim team practice, afternoons at the pool and swim meets, it's easy to do at least 3 loads of towels in a week. And yes, they use them more than once.

Food ~ where does it go? My grocery expense goes up but I swear it doesn't last. It seems that the food disappears faster than I can buy it.

Leisure Time ~ it's hard for me to sit down and relax in the evening until late. When it's light outside I feel like I need to be busy. It's a different story in the winter; when it's dark at 5:30, I'm ready to put my pj's on and call it a day.

Menu Planning ~ typically, I love menu planning. It saves me money and headaches. In the summer, I find it hard to do. It's too hot to cook or eat.

I sound like a Negative Nancy, don't I?

Life is Full

Life has been a bit overwhelming as of late. Calendar is full. Multiple deadlines at work. Too much pressure.

When I find myself feeling like this, I turn inward to find comfort, tranquility and peace.

And, I find that it's not a bad thing. I like being with me.

I find comfort in simple tasks and activities.

Reading ~ mindless reading, specifically cookbooks.

Gardening ~ I find it relaxing to water the plants and pull weeds.

Baking ~ there's something soothing about mixing, creating.

Household chores ~ folding laundry and doing dishes can be relaxing ~ must be the repetitive nature of these chores and the fact that they don't require much thought.

Eliminating clutter ~ it's freeing.

Quiet moments with family ~ no words required; it's nice to just be.

What do you do when life is too full?

The Game of Life

Unexpected storm.

Cancelled swim meet.

Opportunity for family game night.

Only in the 'game of life' can one live a full life in 20 minutes and end up with lots of money in the bank.

And we crossed another item off of the Summer Bucket List.

Preserving Art

Here's the scenario. It's the end of the school year and your child brings home their art work. All of it. Nine months worth.


According to your child, every piece is a master piece. It must be saved.


Now here's where you, the parent, comes in. What are you going to do with it?

My girls are 16 and 13 so you know I've seen my fair share of art projects. Several years ago I got these projects out and had them framed. They now grace our entry area as art.


I've loved these projects since the day they brought them home. In kindergarden, each child does this same project. They paint the Statue of Liberty (aka Lady Liberty).

They're darling. Plus, the fact that I have a matched set makes it even better.

My Kind of Weekend

This was a near perfect weekend. Our calendar was open. As is with many other families, the majority of our time is scheduled. When we get a weekend without plans we take advantage of it.

• A Friday night on the deck with non-alcoholic peach margaritas made by the oldest daughter;
• No alarm clock;
• Homemade Lemon Bars (and I didn't make them);
• Saturday matinee (Dad's choice);
• Cleaning & re-arranging of the guest room;
• Friends stopping by;
• Sunday School & Church;
• Sunday afternoon motorcycle ride with Lawman;
• Homemade pizza;
• 3.5 mile walk with Lawman (x2).

The Beginning of the End

Saturday was a big day for our oldest daughter. She took her ACT test.

I didn't sleep very well on Friday night for fear of over-sleeping and her not making it to the test on time. I had a nervous feeling on Saturday morning as she sat in her test. Why was I nervous? I wasn't the one wading through algebraic equations, interpretting scientific graphs or conjugating verbs.

I was nervous because in my mind this is the beginning of the end. The beginning of college prep. The end of having her at home.

I know. I'm exaggerating. I have two years with her yet. But do you have any idea how fast those two years will go? And then where will I be?

I'll be writing big dollar checks to some university. I'll be moving her from home to a dormitory. I won't be able to kiss her cheek each night as she goes to bed. I won't see her smiling face each morning.

The thought of her not being at home literally puts my heart in my throat.

So what is a mama to do? I'll be making a concerted effort to make the most of each and every moment we have together. And, if any one has advice on how to get through this......I'm all ears.