It’s Friday, right?  I’ve been messed up all week.  It feels like today should be Tuesday because yesterday felt like Monday because Wednesday felt like a weekend.  But Wednesday wasn’t a weekend it was the Forth of July on a Wednesday.  Sidenote:  Chad thinks the Fourth of July on Wednesday should be banned, but I’m […]

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  • Lisa@Pocketfuls - July 6, 2012 - 12:42 pm

    I love these Running Chatter posts — the way you capture all of the simple but wonderful experiences of your week makes me feel happy just catching a glimpse of them! The joy on Chanelle's face in the car wash is inspiring. Have fun with your new camera!ReplyCancel

  • Bookworm - July 6, 2012 - 2:23 pm

    Thank you for your thought provoking words, fun pics and congratulations on new camera!ReplyCancel

  • urban muser - July 8, 2012 - 2:32 am

    love your fireworks shots! off to find you on instagram.ReplyCancel

  • Lissa Forbes - July 8, 2012 - 3:35 am

    Summer, CONGRATS on the new camera. Oh, it's always so much fun to get new toys. I know you'll just blow us away with your photos now–not that you haven't been already! I'm forever amazed that you have time to take all these picture and write the stories, all while raising these three delightful children. They always look soooo happy. That says something about YOU, my friend! And what about sibling rivalry? Have you found a way to abolish it? lolReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - July 11, 2012 - 3:48 pm

    (Loved reading this post!!)ReplyCancel

“Why don’t you go for a run?” Those were Chad’s words to me this evening after dinner.  It didn’t matter that it was a humid 88 degrees outside. It didn’t matter that simply walking outside and breathing in the air took your breath away.  It didn’t matter that I had already run six and a […]

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  • Sassytimes - July 3, 2012 - 11:41 am

    Oh, Meadow…you and V…you babies must be in cahoots with each other to push us Mamas to our limits. 😉

    I love her expression in the first set of photos. Your little dive into her brain matches that expression perfectly.

    I sincerely hope that once she starts moving, she'll calm down for you…Hang in there!!! We can do this!

    (I LOVE Chanelle. She reminds me so much of Sophia. Very intuitive. I'm glad she asked for one on one time with you. It probably felt like a mini vacation, right?)ReplyCancel

  • Danielle - July 3, 2012 - 11:48 am

    I'm one of those moms whose only child is now getting ready for college and I too am feeling lost and sad. I am so thankful that I chose to be a stay at home mom and a homeschooling mom…as challenging as all that was…and that I listened to the wise words of older moms telling me to treasure the challenges along with the blessings. There were many days of regrouping…and I only had one!! God bless you and keep on capturing these days both with your heart and your camera…they are not to be missed!!!ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - July 3, 2012 - 12:58 pm

    Hey Summer,
    I think this heat is affecting everyone. It seems that many are tired, and frankly, exhausted. But you are so right in knowing when you need that break and time to regroup.

    I've got Tony & Megan's pictures up on my website and there are a few in there of your beautiful children. I was so happy to get to re-meet you again at the wedding and even though we didn't get to talk long, I just felt a great connection with you. You took some awesome pictures and I'm sure Tony & Megan will love them. My website is: http://newsfromthenungesters.shutterfly.com

    Try to hang in there Summer!ReplyCancel

  • Lissa Forbes - July 3, 2012 - 3:07 pm

    Oh Summer, it is hard to motivate to do anything with the heat as it is. Meadow only has one way to share her discontent about it. Babies are very sensitive to temperature changes. Maybe the baby pool would help. You are a great mom; before you know it the season will change. And oh my, you do have a wise in Chanelle. I love, love, love the shadow pictures!!! ;->ReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - July 11, 2012 - 4:02 pm

    That picture of Chanelle with the chocolate face is priceless!! And she is a wise one. That is amazing you and her had that time together and it was exactly what you needed 🙂

    Henry has been going through this very "cling to mama" phase. It has been tough, especially since most evenings it is just the two of us and I can barely do anything without him ON me.

    I try to remember that like all the other phases so far, this will pass and I will miss certain things (and not miss other parts of it!!) and I should cherish these times. Sometimes it works….and other times I still need to find a way to regroup!! 🙂

    This was such a sweet post.ReplyCancel

I remember it vividly.  The 5:00 a.m. wake up and the waiting for Chad to leave for work.  I remember listening for the garage door to close before sneaking into the bathroom like I was a secret agent on a top secret mission.  I remember taking the test and waiting an agonizing minute before seeing […]

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  • Sassytimes - June 29, 2012 - 12:04 pm

    I love this!

    You do just know…you feel complete.

    Meadow looks so much older in these pics. She is so stunning.

    You are a great Mama of 3!ReplyCancel

  • kate • one more thing - June 29, 2012 - 1:37 pm

    This made me all sorts of teary this morning… beautifully written Summer.

    The photos?? What a treasure. You have a gift. How wonderful to have all these gorgeous images to look back on. 🙂ReplyCancel

  • Lissa Forbes - June 29, 2012 - 3:31 pm

    I agree with Kate. You do have a gift. I never dreamed I'd be following a mom who writes about her kids, but your stories are captivating and ooze with the love you have for these sweet angels. I look forward to your posts. The pic of Charlie handing get bal to Meado is sweet. And I absolutely love Meadow at the piano and her feet hanging below the bench. Chanelle seems to be loving and pensive all rolled into one. Take good care of your "three," my friend.ReplyCancel

  • Summer - June 30, 2012 - 12:11 am

    Thank you so much Ladies for such kind words. I am so touched by your support.ReplyCancel

  • Anonymous - July 5, 2012 - 1:16 pm

    Oh girl, I remember these kind of days! (And I still have them here and there even with the kiddos being a bit older). You continue to amaze me as you just PUSH THROUGH all the craziness and in the end find a way to SEE THE BLESSINGS that God has placed in your arms. Praying your girl can gain a new independence yet still need Mama too. 🙂

    I agree with the others, your photos are beautiful (ALWAYS!) and the kiddos are going to love looking through them (and this blog) when they are older. I know they will look back with gratitude for a loving Mommy who took TIME to love on them, who gave them so much opportunity to grow and shine and who also gave them adventure!

    Love ya!!!
    JoEllenReplyCancel

  • Wrestling Kitties - July 11, 2012 - 4:15 pm

    I teared up throughout this post. I am writing something for Henry for his first birthday in 2 months and this line:

    "I tried to remember a time the time when it was just the four of us. You want to know something? I couldn't remember. It is as if Meadow has always been with us. She's always been a part of us."

    Is so similar to what I wrote and just struck a cord with me. (I am crying now as I type…GAH!)

    I feel the same way. He was just meant to be a part of our life.

    Your family is beautiful and I am glad you found your perfect number for you!

    And Meadow…I just want to squeeze those cheeks. she is simply adorable!! The piano pictures are awesome. and the one towards the top with her tights on chewing the bracelet…takes my breathe away.

    Cute, cute, cute familyReplyCancel

My mom gave this clown to my Grandmother many years ago.  When my Mom saw my Grandma eying the adorable figurine she did that thing that my Mom did so well.  She surprised my Grandmother with a gift. . . the clown.  Just a few days ago,  a white box with Charlie’s name on it […]

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  • Lisa@Pocketfuls - June 28, 2012 - 7:33 pm

    You are so right about the importance of sharing our stories; they are such a meaningful part of who we are, and how we are connected to all of those people we love or have ever loved. I'm so glad that Charlie has such a special story to cherish, one that the clown will always remind him of. Beautiful.ReplyCancel

  • Lissa Forbes - June 29, 2012 - 1:38 am

    Having done life story work/publishing, I am so delighted that you/Charlie see this gift as so significant. The more time goes by the more we treasure such mementos. Charlie is a very lucky boy, indeed.

    It looks like a Limoge china figurine. If that's what it is you are braver than I would be. That would be behind glass in a hutch!ReplyCancel

  • klooun - June 29, 2012 - 11:06 am

    It is important to tell our stories. The clown has a big story behind…ReplyCancel

I come from a large family.  More specifically, my Dad comes from a large family, which means that I, too, have a large family.  My Dad’s brood of brothers and sisters result in no shortage of cousins for me.  Growing up, holidays at my Grandma’s house were an ‘event’ as we all stuffed ourselves into […]

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  • Anonymous - June 26, 2012 - 11:23 am

    Beautiful wedding. Beautiful day. Beautiful pics, Summer. You are gifted. MILReplyCancel

  • Sassytimes - June 26, 2012 - 1:48 pm

    What an honor. Beautiful photos!ReplyCancel

  • Westerville Mom - June 26, 2012 - 7:11 pm

    So glad it went well! The pictures look great!ReplyCancel

  • mommathieszen - June 28, 2012 - 1:44 pm

    Beautiful photos, Summer, and a beautiful bride & groom–LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the wagon ride! : )ReplyCancel

  • ΝΥΦΙΚΟ - June 29, 2012 - 11:11 am

    Beautiful wedding. Beautiful photos. Beautiful bride!ReplyCancel