Still Home Base

Cole had his first experience at overnight church camp was this week, and he loved it! I loved the feeling of him running to greet me when I picked him up yesterday. He threw himself into my arms, and while I know he had an incredible time at camp, I also know I am his home base, his safe space, his person (for now, at least). Jax left this morning for Kanakuk, and he is also excited for his church camp experience. He will be electronic-free for the next 7 days, but I am so eager to hear all about it when we pick him up.

A list of Happy

Time spent with friends. Hugs and kisses from my people. Ice cream with chocolate syrup. My repeat music of the moment. Elvis Presley’s voice. Blue skies. Rainy runs. Laying on the beach. Water slides and roller coasters. Sweaty little boy smell. Bread pudding. Dark chocolate. Lilacs and hydrangeas. Holding hands. Holding babies. A good book. The feeling of a job well done. Handmade gifts. Watching a storm roll in. Sunrises and sunsets. Waves. My children’s laughter. Smiling. These are the things that make me happy.

The Teenage years begin

it’s weird to even think this, much less say it out loud, but my baby, my sweet baby boy who made me a momma, will become a teenager this year! It is so surreal how quickly these almost 13 years have flown by! About this time 13 years ago, we visited Hawaii, me about 6 months pregnant with Jax. I loved being pregnant, and everything about it seemed so magical. My favorite part of being pregnant was the feeling of the baby kicking. I have very little advice for him as he goes into these teenage years. He has a good head on his shoulders. Have courage and be kind. If you do these two things, most of your decisions will be made for you. When he goes out with friends or stays the night somewhere, I tell him, "Make good decisions." I hope these words of wisdom lead him in the way he should go.