We planned our summer vacation for this moment.  2,623 miles.  And I couldn't watch.

There are few things that annoy a parent more than a child constantly interrupting.  

There are some activities, like house cleaning day, when having a large family is a real blessing. And then there are other activities, like swim day, when having a large family not only makes the task harder, but can sometimes even be dangerous.

My heart has been wrestling. 

I'm visiting my brother and his family this week.  

A framed print in the guest bathroom welcomes me every visit.  

I've always loved the saying and decided this week to create something I could print and frame once I get home. 

Maybe it will fit in your home too.  Feel free to print the PDF.

I was visiting with a friend last night whose oldest child is in middle school.  There are six children in her home, the youngest in kindergarten.  My friend mentioned she was creating a spreadsheet for summer weeks - so she can keep track of everyone's busy schedules.

I haven't had much time to blog lately, because I've been sitting in that chair way past midnight most nights surrounded by books and coffee.  Just today, I checked another stack of books out of the college library.  The sophomore behind the counter stamped the return date on the inside cover. "These are due back in three weeks - May 7th," she said.  I literally gulped.  That's finals week.  Just three weeks away?  Oh gosh!

Two of our sons have attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  We held our second Eagle Scout Court of Honor last weekend.  I really enjoy planning these special moments of celebration for our family, and decided to put together a collection of ideas of what we've done.  Be patient when downloading the PDF; it is a big file.

He was standing in the driveway Sunday afternoon, ready to leave.  I was running back and forth to the house, grabbing last minute things to add to his duffel.