Welcoming August.

As August approaches, I have begun to tie up some loose ends. At this time of year I look at the last few months, what I have accomplished project-wise, and evaluate what I can realistically finish before the snow flies. I am a project-a-holic. This past summer I have completed a TON. Just yesterday I put a dead bolt on our bathroom to bedroom door so we can officially lock the kids out of our bedroom. I thought about listing for you all I've done this summer, but it may be embarrassing, so I'll just let you imagine. It feels good to have accomplished so much, and I really don't have much more I want to finish this summer. Which means I am ready for the snow... almost.

We brought the kids back-to-school shopping last weekend and they are all set. I've ordered my books for the fall and will be wrapping up my summer classes in the next few days. August should be relaxing, and I am ready for it.

I have really been learning to accept every day as it comes. There has been stress, but it is minimal to the joy I get from my life. I am so happy to be happy. I wonder if people that are happy all the time appreciate it or not. I appreciate being able to enjoy the little things. I appreciate loving kids. I appreciate loving people and our differences.

I hung out last night with my best friend. She recently moved into her own apartment, leaving her husband in the house they previously shared. We talked a little at the end of the night about morals... or values really. I choose to surround myself with people that value children and seeking truth. I choose to surround myself with people that are open minded and accepting of human variation. I choose to surround myself with people that value living life to its fullest extent and feeling emotion. I've had to let go of some friendships this past year, but I am welcoming some new ones as well.

So, here's a toast to August and soon we'll be welcoming Autumn and new seasons in life.

Colonoscopy... what defines marriage.

I can't believe it has been over a month since I last blogged. So much has been going on. Summer is going by So fast. We had a week off in June and packed it full of fun and busy. We ran all over with the kids and helped Shane's mom with projects. We painted our bedroom and redecorated our bathroom. We had a garage sale and are still bringing loads to Goodwill.

Our July week off is this week. We planned nothing other than doctors appointments. On Monday I had my varicose veins mapped out for removal (three cheers!), and haircuts. Tuesday Shane and Carrera had dentist appointments and Carrera (still only 3 years old) went in all by herself and got her teeth cleaned! Then we brought the kids to the zoo. Today Shane had his first ever colonopscopy. He did wonderful. It had me thinking a lot about what it means to be "married".

I'll be honest, I'm not a fan of the word 'marriage'. As a child I always wanted to marry and have children, but I was also very religious and that came with the territory. As an adult I've often felt marriage was a ball and chain, and a cultural prerequisite for status proving achievement as a woman. Yuck! Marriage, I hate the idea of it. Now 'commitment' and 'partnership,' those are words I can relate to and feel good about. Today marriage took on a new feel. I brought Shane to get a medical procedure done. This isn't the first time. I brought him and stayed with him when he got his vasectomy too. These experiences really solidify the bond between us. What is marriage? Sitting in a small room in a surgical center supporting the man I love and knowing that I will be sitting by him just the same at age 40 and 50 and 60 and 70 and hopefully 80 and 90. I will be the one here for him. His constant companion. And I love that. So maybe I need to reevaluate 'marriage' cause I love being married to this man!