Hello July

These headers I'm using are from my wall calendar, The Do It All Mom Calendar
 by Orange Circle Studio.  Recalling the day my Dad, sitting at the dining table said
"Oh, that's where you get those from".

Denying we are mid-year!!

Welcoming July fully.  Starting the month healthy and well gives much new light.

Partying every weekend, often on both days.  July is friend birthday month.  We are ready.

Catching up.  On washing, documenting and with family.

Wishing the rain away for a couple of sunny bike riding days.  We have only been out once since Brian's birthday and we need good weather for our next mini adventure.

Loving the phrases coming out of my kids mouths.

Enjoying the school holidays.  Busy, slow and relaxed all at once.  Making it count.  Balancing it all.

Forcing change to ensure my kids get rest when they need it.  We have broken with the usual rules to attend a couple of things lately and it's been much harder with the kids rest time.  I need to be avoiding the 15 minutes of solid emotional, crying over everything and nothing my boys are doing once they wake up.

Planning.  A party, one party to celebrate my 3 boys birthday's.  Outfits, wrapping, cards and exactly how we will pull off attending so many parties at out of our norm times.  A haircut.  Nanny & Pop babysitting.  Meeting my hubby in the city one night after work.  Snow fun at South Bank.

Advancing my boys learning.  Reading Brian a chapter book.  Older play for Simon.  Letting Simon 'scoop' his own meals even when it terrifies me.  Trying not to hold my breath when Brian pedals his bike on concrete.

Empowering the boys to do more.  Turning off the TV when it's time to leave (Simon).  Tidying up together.  Locking the door after Daddy leaves (Simon).  Telephoning family independently (Brian).  Being in charge of making and writing thank you cards (Brian).  Folding clothes and turning them inside right (Brian).  Drinking from a regular cup without needing a change of clothes (Simon).  Improving sharing his own toys (Simon).

Cherishing memories of my Grandfathers.  Both left us in July of previous years.  Although I can't even imagine, I'm remembering it's harder on my Nan's than it is me and taking the time to reach out.

Happy you are here July.