end of summer & random thoughts

I am just now back from Hawkeye Downs Farmers Market hearing Sheila sing. It was nice to hear her, she has added a few new selections and singing more of her own songs. It really doesn't surprise me that is writing music, she has always been a good writer and has always loved music.

I am sad summer is over and the kids are back in school. I had a great time with them this summer especially swimming. I feel like we did not have many days together at the pool because of weather, other things the kids had to do stuff like that. I am so glad I did not invest in a season pass even though it was nice to never have to find money to get in. For me the punch pass was the way to go this year and between Hannah and me 16 punches was plenty with a few 'pay' days toward the end. I so enjoyed the time with the kids! They are all growing up so fast, soon it be that they won't want to spend time with Gramma and that is the part I don't like.

A couple of times this summer Sheila and I took the kids 'downtown' exploring, Those days were so fun but so tiring for all of us. Lots of walking!!! and I mean lots! I showed the kids where Doug and I worked - so many memories and stories that I shared with them. Strange to re-visit the places we spent so much time and to see some of our work still there after all this time ;). We laughed, took crazy pictures and I reminisced about my growing up years and how so forward I looked to going downtown on Saturdays seeing all of the kids we got to know from just being where kids hung out, before the Malls were there and downtown had real stores and places to eat and hang out. It has changed so much and that makes me sad but that is what life is all about, change.

Some random memories: I went to balloon glow for the first time this year. Heard Sheila play at several venues. Tagged along with Michael and JoAnna to most all of Hannah's basketball tournaments. Matt and Shelby's wedding in Newton and dancing at the reception. Stuelke reunion at John and Lesia's home. That was so fun watching the kids in their pool. To see Asa Isaac Colton going off the diving board. Colton learned how to swim down Hannah practiced her diving. It was a fun day. Matt and the boys went and rode with me. Andrew moved out and moved in with Brittany. This is the first time in my life that I have lived by myself. Enjoyed an afternoon at the Central City fair and rode the scrambler with Hannah and Gabby. Traveled to Ohio with my folks & met my great niece Samantha and her two girls,Sophia & Savannah. And spent time with my brother's boys and their families. Missed the Perseid meteor shower because we were leaving for Ohio early the next day. Was introduced to John Mark McMillan's music and absolutely love the messages and the way he weaves stories in music using different  words and phrases. Visited different churches trying to see where God is leading me. Feeling confident at Hy Vee and looking forward to seeing my regulars, finding out that people I have looked forward to seeing each day when I go in will no longer be working at our store (Brad and Michael) we got a new store director and some changes coming in. Having Sarah move from the register to customer service - we got hired the same time. Artisan Sanctuary for the night of worship with the folks from Vinyard. A boys overnight and the boys sleeping upstairs. Hummingbirds that come to the feeder that are distinct and I have counted five different ones. Getting a beautiful purple afghan from Marlys for my birthday. Working with Sheila in child watch on Thursdays - laughing last Thursday till our stomachs ached! Family night at the cabin with Michael, JoAnna and Hannah. Matt, Asa, Colton and Liz all rode with me. The boys and I Hannah and Michael wading in the wapsi exploring. The boys had never done that before. They each found a live fresh water clam and tons of shells. Hannah found the jawbones of a deer - lots of cool stuff ha! A wonderful bible study on Prayer and loving the women even more with each evening spent with them. VBS at River of Life - and the memories of VBS' there when my kids were small. Mostly being so thankful that through all of the memories and changes in life that Jesus NEVER changes and He has always been with me and promises He will never leave.

Ok that's good for now - I want to go walk or mow or something and I can't as long as I sit here and try to remember stuff