water babies

Soggy and crispy...in alternating installments. Lots of sun...the babes have been toasted too many times already this short summer. Whoops.

There have been two magical weekends with Daddy in Dayton: last week, we found a relaxing, public pool (I know...those two adjectives are rarely together in describing a pool) and a movie date with Daddy (Kung Fu Panda 2).

This weekend, we've been putt-putting, visiting the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (early years exhibit,) lunching at the Cheesecake Factory, playing in a sprayground and participating in Water Wars.

The first swim meet of the season (with luau theme) was organized chaos...confirmation that it's the sport for us, for this season of our lives. Bean opted not to swim as she is still building her strength to make it across the 25 meter pool. Bug has caught the swim bug, racing in two freestyle events and soaking up the team atmosphere. He swam the 25m free (5th place) and on his age group's free relay (1st place.)The coaches are fantastic and expose us to an aspect of the team I had forgotten...with ages 4 to 18 the neatest relationships develop between young and older swimmers.

Swimming wore us out last week. We had practice each day and a short meet on Wednesday. Bean had an hour nap on Thursday afternoon and slept until 8:30 Friday morning...both unusual occurrences. I didn't have the heart or the energy to wake her up and get to 8am practice again. It's a good thing attendance is not mandatory.

P.S. I haven't loaded my photo software on my new laptop yet, so my pics are SOOC (straight out of camera.) And apparently, I see every shot in portrait.

Well, hello there

I received a new computer this weekend to replace the former, very cantankerous one...and for that I am grateful. So, I'm back in this space. I already like this laptop better than the old.

Should I try to catch y'all up on the last couple months? Many of you already know:  it's been a tough, sweet time...comforting to be in our home and challenging to be without my Sweet Man. About 4 weeks into a 5 week trip, I threw my typical tantrum...having a hard day that spiraled into feeling sorry for myself, isolated and abandoned. Still getting used to the circumstances of my life through all the change in the last 3 years. Boo hoo, right? I was not fit for human company. Yes, my poor kids had to endure.

The kicker is that heartache and crisis continue to swirl around the lives of friends...health crises, monumental life changes, consuming busy-ness...just got swallowed up by my own junk again and have been no help to anyone. 

There's been some hard work on the house {lost our carport in a strong wind ~ good riddance,} yard {new fence up and stray cat-proofed,} and pool {up and running!!!! just needs some new-to-us patio ...chairs.} 

Good stuff, too. The kids {and I} took a 7 week nature class...fantastic experience. We've connected with some friends. Finished Bug's 1st grade year ~ well, almost. Celebrated the matriarch of Sweet Man's family with a fun afternoon.

I rejoiced with happy tears upon news that Sweet Man is back in the same state as us after 6 weeks in South Carolina, Alabama, or Mississippi, helping clean up the aftermath of storms. Crazy weather this spring, no? Keeping my man and his team very busy.

We've made some decisions about life that have me feeling a bit more settled...remaining in the house for the time being, choosing a new church to attend, and praying for Sweet Man as he keeps his eyes on the horizon for a job posting that will bring him home to stay. 

I'm feeling the pervasive joy that comes to me each summer season. I love windows open, new freckles, clothes on the line, watching storms on the porch, digging in the garden. Oh, and the return of the Friday morning occupation...yard sales...searching for patio furniture, but finding oh, so much more. 

And a little bit of extra excitement is that the kiddos have joined a local swim team...SVP Stingrays. I'm tickled about it...I swam on the same team until I was 12...when we were called the SVP Nators...{whaaaa? the SVP who?...hence the name change.} I must qualify...I am the slowest and least proficient swimmer in my extended aqua-heroic family...to the point of having my last name questioned because I didn't live up to it. But I am thrilled to give my kids the chance to experience a taste of the magic of growing up at Spring Valley and to watch them develop solid stroke technique in a safe and fun environment. The season will keep us busy for several weeks. We're off to our first formal practice in a few minutes. Stay tuned for swimming stats and pictures of black and red suits.

And on the weekends, we'll be traveling back and forth to Dayton to see Sweet Daddy on his Sundays' off.

So that's the news here from Prone to Wander. Be back soon.

yarn along

I'm joining Ginny over at small things in her loves of reading and knitting.

My knits and my reading are out of the norm for me, but both enjoyable.

For Christmas, my kids received the movie "Despicable Me" from cousins. We watched it as a family and it was so cute. Since, we've quoted these little guys and giggled every time we see them. I found my pattern for them on Ravelry.com...and my little minions will find them in their Easter baskets.

The book: Choosing to See. We've always enjoyed listening to Steven Curtis Chapman's music and friends sang "I Will Be Here" at our wedding ceremony. I remember learning of the tragedy his family had endured and crying for them. I wanted to hear Mary Beth speak at Women of Faith, but couldn't get there last year. 

Her book is raw and real. I think I can attribute some of my own tenderness recently to being in the midst of their story. Their family has allowed God to redeem their heartache and now they share it with power and grace. 

And the last pic is a little project we tackled today from Family Fun magazine.  Silly and fun. Bug's have cheeks because the "dye-vers" are holding their breath. And Bean's have eyelashes, of course.

morning's light

This morning in my Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, the prayer of contemplation is Even in the darkness, we will trust that our lives are still in Your hands.

Cool, huh?

I'm sending my laptop in for repairs again, I'll probably be off line for 10 days. {I know ridiculous.} I can still receive and send emails on my phone, or you can call.

Probably just the thing to do during Holy Week, slow down and think on my Savior.

Traffick Jam update:
A friend is joining me in the walk {I think} and I've heard from several sponsors {Thank you!!!!.} I'm not going to bug anyone...but if you would like to pledge $10 or more, that'd make walking all the more worthwhile. Just email, call, or stop me and sign my pledge sheet.

I'm going with the slumber party at my house {seems silly to raise money on a cause and then blow the same amount on a hotel room and eating out.} I can sleep 7 and already have 2 takers...so...let me know.