Three weeks from today we'll take our fifth child to college for his freshman year. We've done this before; all summer I've falsely believed that fact would make this new transition easier. But as I shared coffee with my son this morning and started making the packing list, I felt the familial tug on my heart.  And an occasional lump in my throat. He's leaving. Very soon.

We spent last week with my extended family.  My brothers and I are scattered around the United States now, but every year we meet in our home town, Lakeside, Ohio.

I'm a collector of words.  My favorite Pinterest board is full of words and sayings. When I go on vacation, I gather brochures, postcards, maps, and words about the places we're visiting.  Usually these go in my suitcase with the best intentions of being transformed into something more creative once I get home.

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.