Up Close and Personal

To blog or not to blog...that is the question. I have been so blase about blogging. I can't let it go now! Not after all these years! I think part of it is the heat of the summer making me crazy. It's SO HOT! I went to the pool today with Kristen and Ethan and it was the worst pool experience ever. I can honestly say the walk to the pool, in 100 degree heat mind you, was better than the "bath" they call a pool. It was just plain nasty in there and I was kinda worried about Joseph being in the heat...since the pool wasn't cooling anyone off. I think the other part of my blase-ness has to do with my 18 month old making me crazy. He is full on ninety miles an hour, either manic or screaming - no in between - and to say he is keeping me on my toes is saying it nicely. He is the biggest character and so full of life. There is definitely a lesson there to 'not sweat the small stuff' and enjoy life like an 18 month old. Such a sweet baby.


We've been watching our budding marigolds in the backyard. They are bright and beautiful and fast becoming some of my favorite flowers. I got these from my sister and always think of her when I look at them. Maybe too, they remind me of our childhood kitchen wallpaper that rocked the 60's like none other. I still have dreams about that orange, yellow and green wallpaper.


O'Neill came to visit one weekend. We got to sit and talk all about her upcoming wedding, but once the computer was busted out to look at the inspiration pictures she had filed away - Josh took immediate action. He thought I looked umcomfortable and needed a few pillows thrown my way. Notice how Shannon doesn't even miss a beat and seems to be pushing forward telling me about her gorgeous invitations. P.S. The venue where she is having her wedding has peacocks!!


Joseph got a new chair that he LOVES! He likes to push it around and sit in all different places around the kitchen and living room and backyard. To see his face pleased as punch with that little chair makes my day.


We also said goodbye to Josh's mom. She left for Georgia to start a new phase in her life. We hope she'll be back soon, but in the mean time her mom and sister will take good care of her! Josh got to help load up the moving truck in the heat of the summer and from her second floor apartment. Let me tell ya, it was loads of fun. ;) While daddy was helping move, Joseph found her hat and since the kitchen was all packed up he had a ball opening the cabinets and playing with the dishwasher.


With Edie moving away, we got to have her piano! Bittersweet, I know. I've always wanted one but we weren't sure about space. We couldn't pass up this opportunity though so we made it fit! I'd like to take lessons again, but I'm afraid I'm setting myself up for failure. I've never been good at reading music so now as an adult I know it will be even harder. Hopefully Joseph will be receptive to lessons someday. That would be so cool!


I'll leave you with Josh's rendering of a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. AKA a big green smiley face with a red bandanna. I love that guy...getting out there with his baby and chalking in the summer. He is the best daddy I know. So good that for Father's Day I made him french toast and mowed the lawn for him so he could fulfill his wish to "do nothing!" I love him more than words but next year, Father's Day or not, HE'S mowing the lawn. That sucked. ;) We finished the day with a dip in the pool and steak on the grill.

I know it must be a busy Summer for you too because I see that everyone is slacking on the blogging! Hope you are doing great though, and stay cool friends!