End of Summer

We started out the summer with some ideas of fun things to do, a stay-cation to enjoy, a lighter work schedule for Jonathan, and some happy news to share. Things have not gone as planned, to put it mildly.

Jonathan did have a lighter work schedule this summer, but it seemed that our weeks were still full of doing normal things just to keep life going. So all our plans for picnics and trips to the city got lost in the shuffle.

We did make lots of time to play outside. Dirt pies are a favorite activity. :)

We took our stay-cation as planned, but Jonathan was--unknown to us at the time--dealing with an ulcer. He spent a great part of the time lying on the bed in excruciating pain. This, as you might imagine, made it hard to do fun things and greatly diminished the pleasure of making and eating the special foods we indulge in when we're celebrating. :(

One of the special food we managed to make was "chocolate mud dip" from a Sesame Street cookbook. We dipped marshmallows and fruit in the chocolate. What's not to like?

This summer also included a chapter that we never wanted to be part of our story. I got pregnant in May, had horrible morning sickness for 6 weeks, and lost our baby at 12 weeks. I am still reeling from all of that. I may post more of the story later, but for now, it's enough just to share our sadness with you.

Life really does seem to be an incongruous mix of sadness and joy right now. The grief seems always to be lurking around the corners, jumping out at me at unexpected times. But my children are here as well, giving me hugs and kisses, saying funny things like "Abbie is a copycat, Mama; I'm a copy dog," and generally bringing sunshine and frustration to my days. It really does keep me off balance.

We've had hours of fun with play-doh.

How can I not smile at that face?