Loss, and it isn't even mine.

How does one reconcile/come to grips with/ understand the meaning of death? How does it affect you? How does it affect your family? How does one who is a bystander support those that are reeling from loss? As each person grieves individually, is there any good thing to say to a person that is in the least bit helpful/supportive....
Just questioning.

Dear Hubby

You listen to what I have to say, good, bad and ugly. You don't take upon yourself my feelings, thank you so much. Your heart is bigger than your girth-and that says a lot! You not only support me emotionally, spiritually , but also physically. You are willing to serve, you feel overwhelmed, you keep going. You rock! I love you!

Gratitude!

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude. I was reflecting back on a previous post of being content with what I have. And today my glass is more than half full.
My kiddos have settled into school-rather nicely-better than in previous years.
My son has missed out on all the drama in other classes at his school. Thank you for that little blessing. We don't need drama in our life.
Dear Daughter also is having a relatively drama free start to the year. She is also in school choir and we are starting swim lessons today. :)
My hubby has seemingly settled back into self employment. Having a profitable month helps!
I have family coming into town next month, which I am so excited about.
I am looking forward to getting family photos done.
I am feeling spiritually fed, and welcome opportunities of service.
Life is good.

Summer, why can't you go away?

I know, I know, it's summer! Sunshine, heat, pool days and play dates. Outings, yard work, garden work, and all the rest. However, notice that I did not use the word but, I hate the H-E-A-T! I mean it. I melt all summer long. Sweaty, red faced, bad tempered, yuck. The sunshine doesn't warm my soul, it fries it. I am longing for the cooler days of fall and winter, and even spring, although my allergies kick in quite badly then, but at least I am not running from one air conditioned locale to another. I long for gentle breezes, not blasts of hot air that could be straight out of my convection oven, but isn't. It is whipping through my yard, drying out my trees and my lawn, shriveling my garden and wreaking havoc with my internal body temperature.

Yes, I long for cooler weather...but now, I am off to my neighborhood movie night--out in the warm air...Have a good night everyone!

4 French exchange students and a Lady!

This month has been crazy! I inadvertently fell into a job! So, Monday through Friday, 9-4, I am with 4 fabulous French Teenagers. I tutor English in the mornings, and the afternoons are spent on outings or excursions. Class can be tough for the boys, who seem to think that it just all a holiday, but they did enroll in the tutorial program, and therefore, get to participate in English lessons! :) So far, we have avoided battles, but today was a bit different. Projects are due tomorrow, so it was crunch time. Too bad, more of them didn't use their class time more efficiently. I have a feeling that they will be spending more time tonight than is necessary.

A list of some of our activities... Elitch garden's, shopping at the outlet malls, and Park Meadows, the Parade of homes, various outdoor parks, climbing the rock, visiting our local community stores, visiting with different businesses in our community. Visiting both the local High and Middle School. Genesee Ropes course, indoor skydiving, and yet to come the Hammond Candy factory, and Downtown Denver. We hiked local trails, went rock climbing, and they even prepared french food for me! :)

I hope that they have enjoyed their time with me, as I have enjoyed my time with them. It was a bit difficult at first. I did not tell them that I was fluent in French, and therefore, they would have rude comments about me and my program. I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. However, it was a priceless moment when I told them. Some had the decency to be embarrassed!

Best times: Having my one boy who always jumps into situations feet first then decides to look--take a huge dollop of habenero sauce onto his chip--without mixing it into the salsa first--turn beet red, teary eyed, and snot running out of his nose. All of which he tried to soothe by taking a huge gulp of water...didn't work.

Teaching-all of it. I forgot how much I missed it.

Listening to the musicality of the French language. I didn't realize how much I missed it either.

Teenagers...they are the best, they are the worst, but I wouldn't want to not have them in my life.

Anyways, our time together is almost over, they leave on Saturday. I hope that they will have fond memories of our time together. I know I do!

A Bientot!

My youth revisited

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the day with an old room mate from my university days. We were best friends, then life kicked in and we left on bad terms. Fast forward 20 or so years, and the invention of facebook. Don't you just love it? I searched for aforementioned friend for a couple of years before I found her...and she lives stateside as well! It was nice that we were able to forgive our youthful mistakes and reconnect. She has a great family. I had a great time. I am hoping she did too!

Summer Time, Summer Time...

Ahhh, the dog days of summer--of lying down, napping, soaking up the sun, with a little bit of exercise thrown.

Summer is just getting started this weekend. We have family and friends coming into town--so excited! Looking forward to taking them to touristy sites and things around our locale...And we have about 3 weeks of visitors in a row. It will be a blast! (from the past, of course).

But, Isn't there always a But, But....I have already purchased school supplies and have my kiddos registered for school already! Yikes! Only a couple more weeks, and school starts again.

Summer never seems quite long enough for me...And I don't understand why Colorado doesn't follow a regular schedule of Sept-June. Nope, not for us, it's Aug-May. Why do we go to school the hottest month of the year? No idea! I'd rather be lounging by the pool those dog days of summer, instead of getting kids ready, lunches packed, and all the school drama that comes with it....

Oh well! My house is cleaned, dusted and stocked with treats. Bring on the vacationers...who, by some miracle live in areas that have school in regular months! :)