I have too much to lose, she said,  if I cross that line. Like what? I said. She could not think of anything that day so she said she’d get back to me. Since then I’ve been thinking what I would lose if I cross my line & I haven’t come up with anything either. […]

View full post »

loading...
Posted in Uncategorized
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend

Welcome to our living room on a Sunday afternoon. . . Charlie and Chanelle decided to remove church clothes at about 12:43 p.m. and replace them with p.j’s. . . six hours before bedtime.  Meadow is mimicking everything big sister does.  Chad is attempting to take a nap and is being met with resistances in […]

View full post »

loading...
Posted in Uncategorized
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend
  • ejwforeman - February 26, 2013 - 3:13 pm

    I can't make it through that book without tearing up – seriously! ReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 27, 2013 - 11:59 am

      Oh, I know Emily. Sometimes I think they ask me to read it just so they can make me cry. It's a game.

      Just yesterday I told Chanelle. . . you'll understand why. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Ky • twopretzels.com - February 26, 2013 - 6:55 pm

    Oh, this resonates me.

    I heard Lila's bedroom door creak open this morning and I immediately, for some reason, flashed back to when it was just a guest bedroom. The door rarely opened or closed, it stayed stationary. Now, it's used everyday. The room is a different color; full of life and pink and Lila.

    Life was so different then. So muted.

    I, too try to memorize their smells and the way they cuddle and they way they FIT in our arms.

    I wish this time would last forever. I really, truly, do. But the only think that gets me through is that I've thought with nearly every phase of my girls' lives that it would be SO GREAT if time would just stand still; and for some reason I'm not sad or angry when time keeps moving on because the present is always so cool. So great.

    I hope it continues to be awesome and great for you, too.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 27, 2013 - 12:00 pm

      You are so right, Ky. Every stage gets more fun and exciting. I like the way you put it, "the present is so cool." Exactly. ReplyCancel

  • Katie - February 26, 2013 - 11:12 pm

    Beautiful words, Summer. We were given that book when our daughter was born 19 years ago, and the chorus is part of my husband's prayer/tuck-in routine when he tucks in the kids at night. It's a wonderful book.ReplyCancel

  • Iris Took - March 4, 2013 - 6:05 pm

    Gotta love that Saturday afternoon relax! Love the photos as always, Summer.ReplyCancel

“Of two sisters one is always the watcher, one the dancer.” -Louise Gluck I’ve spent the late evening hours perusing photos from our week.  The photos provide clear evidence that the majority of my waking hours are spent with my girls.  Charlie leaves the house before 6 a.m and returns home between 5 and 6 […]

View full post »

loading...
Posted in Uncategorized
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend
  • Gretch - February 22, 2013 - 6:04 pm

    Hi! I'm a new reader. I also happen to have 2 girls and a boy. The thing that stuck in my head when I read this was, but why can't they switch. I know as I watch my children they seem to rotate what "role" my brain wants to classify them as based on what they are learning at the moment or one of a host of other things that influence them. One that was "the shy one" will now talk to anyone (or anything 🙂 ). One that used to be the "brave" one now needs more reassurances. I know I'm trying to have faith that they can be what the others need as time passes and will all have time "in the spotlight" so to speak, while the others play that watching, supportive role. ReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 22, 2013 - 8:18 pm

      Hi Gretch! Thank you for stopping by for for letting me know you're here. Yes, I agree with you. . . I think they (and their roles) will change. As I thought through this last night I think I realized that I can't put any of them (all three of them) in a box. I also think that "to dance" doesn't necessarily have to be dancing in center stage. . . maybe some will dance in their own way and own time. I don't know, I'm thinking this one through. I LOVE what you said about their roles switching and really, evolving over time. I guess that is what we all do, isn't it?ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - February 23, 2013 - 3:42 pm

    Maybe they will be both dancers and watchers……..what a wonderful blog.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 23, 2013 - 8:58 pm

      I think that is an excellent thought.

      . . . and thank you. . . ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - February 23, 2013 - 8:03 pm

    Hello Summer. I've been reading your blog (silently) for about five or six months now and I just want to say what a beautiful family you have and thank you for putting your words and pictures up for others to enjoy. I just wanted to let you know that the quote you listed above with your explanation really got to me this morning. I don't have any sisters, instead I have four brothers and though we are all older now (between the ages of 18 and 28), I think you hit it right on the nail when you said everyone has their own gifts that they bring to the world. My brothers and I are nothing alike and sometimes we are eerily alike (funny how that works) and that is ok. We were blessed enough to be raised by parents who never compared any of us to the other(s) and always loved us no matter what and I think you and your husband are doing the same with your three. And the bond between your two youngest? There are four, five and seven years between me and my younger three brothers and even though we are different and have different personalities, we are all pretty close and we support each other. That was a bond that started when they were younger (although by the time my youngest brother came along I begged my mom to send it back for a girl. #toomanyboys) and it's carried us through childhood and teenage years and now into college hood. And I think it will be the same for your three.

    Enjoy your Saturday and I hope you have a blessed weekend. Thank you again for your gifts of language and pictures.

    -SamanthaReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 23, 2013 - 9:02 pm

      Hi Samantha,

      Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you–like you and your (multitude of) brothers we are all so different and yet so similar, aren't we? I think the most important thing I (we) can do is accept and appreciate who each individual is without any expectation of an outcome. Isn't that how we grow? Such lovely thoughts, Samantha. It sounds like you come from a wonderful family. I appreciate you stopping by and letting me know you are reading. . . I love to hear other perspectives, which helps to balance my own.

      Many blessings to you, as well.

      -SummerReplyCancel

I remember a small living room.  I remember warm blankets and lots of pillows.  I know there was a couch and maybe even a chair or two.  Perhaps a rocking chair? I remember the smell of popcorn and the sounds of laughter.  I remember the room was lit with lamps, giving it a cozy feel.  […]

View full post »

loading...
Posted in Uncategorized
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend
  • Lisa@Pocketfuls - February 21, 2013 - 1:43 pm

    I really love this idea, Summer — what a wonderful way to encourage meaningful conversation between family members!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - February 21, 2013 - 9:10 pm

    1). i LOVE this and that you are doing it. 2). i am absolutely positive that you are laying the groundwork for deeper and tougher topics later on. i'm sure of it. 3). that picture of Chanelle (with her braided ponytail) actually took my breath away. her eyes are amazing. everything about this photo yells "ENLARGE ME, KEEP ME FOREVER, ENTER ME INTO A PHOTO CONTEST OF SOME SORT, PUT ME ON YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WEBSITE" – just sayin". 4). you described the college scene perfectly. yes, it was OJ and Cranberry Apple – but only Don could mix it just so. 5). i emailed Don and Nance first thing this morning and said "go read Summer's blog" and I hope i didn't steal your thunder on that one!! ; )

    lastly. i love you! Miss ReplyCancel

  • Dri - February 22, 2013 - 3:04 am

    Wonderful!! This a great idea! You described in beautiful words how meaningful that group was and how much it helped us ALL grow, change and morph in to the women we are today.ReplyCancel

  • Kendra George - February 22, 2013 - 3:48 am

    Awesome idea, we may just have to "steal" it! 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - February 24, 2013 - 3:03 am

    Great idea!! when I first started reading all I could think of was what ridiculous ?s my kids would come up with…just as yours did. But it's fun and when they get older, the ?s will get better!ReplyCancel

  • mommathieszen - February 27, 2013 - 2:08 am

    For starters, I'm blessed to know I was one of those "young women" who was graced by your presence in our college basic group. I, too, have so many fond memories of those evenings, nights, really late nights gathered around desserts, drinks, and women…well, and Don. Secondly, we love asking questions to our kids too! We feel the same way as you…if we start young with questions that appeal to what they are involved in then one day when they are older and the questions are more serious they will already know we are "safe" and easy to talk to. It will be natural because it has always been natural. Blessings as we try to parent our best, friend!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - June 16, 2013 - 7:51 am

    Its such as you read my thoughts! You appear to grasp so much approximately this,
    such as you wrote the e book in it or something. I think that you can do with a
    few percent to force the message home a little bit, however instead
    of that, that is fantastic blog. A fantastic read.
    I will definitely be back.

    Here is my webpage … penis pequenoReplyCancel

  • Saylor Greene - June 30, 2013 - 5:04 am

    Wow… perfect picture ReplyCancel

“The invariable mark of wisdom is to see the miraculous in the ordinary.” -Christina Baldwin, Storycatcher Everyday I see it more and more.  These tiny, fleeting moments are among life’s most precious gifts.  And when all is said and done and I find myself at the end of my life I’m certain of this. . […]

View full post »

loading...
Posted in Uncategorized
add a comment
link to this post
email a friend
  • Wrestling Kitties - February 20, 2013 - 6:00 pm

    LOVE that.

    So incredibly true. I never realized just HOW much Henry would teach me. Every day I am truly amazed by him.

    And that picture is incredible.ReplyCancel

    • Summer - February 21, 2013 - 12:05 pm

      I know. It's crazy, isn't it?! And really, as Henry gets bigger, it only gets better!ReplyCancel

  • Kendra George - February 20, 2013 - 8:43 pm

    Isnt that amazing how young they learn? Clara does these mothering play more than stanley ever did…as females it's just in us!! Love it!ReplyCancel

« Older posts Newer posts »