Running Chatter

It’s Friday, right?  I’ve been messed up all week.  It feels like today should be Tuesday because yesterday felt like Monday because Wednesday felt like a weekend.  But Wednesday wasn’t a weekend it was the Forth of July on a Wednesday. 

Sidenote:  Chad thinks the Fourth of July on Wednesday should be banned, but I’m not so sure how that would be possible. 

Anyway, somehow I feel like I lost an entire week and since I’m still struggling to figure out exactly what day it is, I think it might be best to keep it simple. . . Running Chatter, it is. . .

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1.  July 4th

Speaking of July Forth. . . we did that thing that so many others do on America’s Birthday. . .

. . . we celebrated. 

Charlie and Chanelle were feeling quite special getting to stay up long after the darkness settled in.  I did make a mental note not to make a habit of this.  Charlie was off the wall excited about seeing fireworks.  He ran from one end of the house to the other, jumped on, over, and around couches, screamed, yelled and hollered in anticipation until finally it was time. . .

We drove just a short mile up the road with our p.j. clad children and parked in perfect view of the spectacular light show.  Charlie and Chanelle sat in silence as they watched from the roof of our car. 

We debated whether or not we should take Meadow out so late.  She tends to get pretty fussy and we were unsure if she might be louder than the fire works.  Turns out that her excitement rivals that of her older brother and sister.

She was quiet as could be pounding away her enthusiasm on her Daddy’s head. 

I think we’ll celebrate again next year.

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2.  Instanity

No, I didn’t spell that wrong. . . instanity is what I meant. 

Instagram + Insanity= Instanity= crazy about Instagram.

If you’re not sure what it is, it is a fun way to share your iphone photos and it is free.  Here are a few of my favorite recent shots. . .

Like we all need another community to be a part of, right?  Seriously, though, I have found Instagram to be such a fun way to practice photography and make connections.  If you haven’t tried it, I’d say it’s worth a try.  If you are already on Instagram I’d love to follow you. . . look for me. . . Running Chatter.

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3.  365-Project

Speaking of pictures, nine months down. . .

. . . three to go. 

Now that I’m rounding the corner and headed toward the end of this it, I will say I have thoroughly enjoyed this project.  In fact, I may just do it again.  I have found that it has helped me to be mindful of the things around me. . . especially that beauty is everywhere and in everything. 

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4.  Colorful

Earlier this week Chanelle, Meadow and I decided to paint our nails.  (Well, Meadow didn’t really decide, we decided for her.)  Anyway, as Chanelle and I were sorting through the colors I asked her what color she wanted.  Without hesitation she informed me that she wanted all the colors.  My first reaction was to try to coax her into choosing one color. 

How about the red, Chanelle?
No, I want all different colors.
Are you sure Chanelle?  How about this pretty pink one?
No, I want all the colors.

Just as I was about to make my third plea for her to pick a more “normal” selection I caught myself.  Summer, let Chanelle be Chanelle, I told myself. 

It’s funny how these little life lessons pop up unexpectedly.  I have a feeling that this is one that will be repeated time and time again as the years go by.  I have so many hopes for all three of our kids but more than anything, I truly want them to be who they are. . . colorful fingertips and all.

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5.  Not So Baby. . .

Girlfriend is growing up so quickly.  Just today I was holding her against my chest and I realized that she stretched the whole length of my torso and beyond.  Last year at this time she was just a fluttering spec in my belly and now. . .

. . . . she’s driving.

Not only that. . .

. . . she’s swimming solo.

Our baby is not so baby anymore. 

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6.  New Baby. . .

Since one baby is growing so quickly, we decided to get a new one. . .

. . . the non-human, non-breathing kind.  After much thought and consideration we decided to upgrade our camera.  To put it mildly. . . I am pumped.
It’s a whole new beast and I’ve got lots to learn.  As soon as the battery was charged I snapped the first image I saw. . .

He was thrilled.  Like I said, I’ve got a lot to learn, but so far I am certain that I’m going to love it. . .

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7.  Entertaining Kids

Finding fun, affordable, and effective ways to entertain kids can be challenging.  By mid-summer it seems that activities that used to be fun and exciting are now dull and boring.  We found the best kind of activity that makes all (parents and children) happy. . .

Yes, that would be a car wash.  The smiles that spread across Charlie and Chanelle’s faces as they ran through the the water spray and leaped through the sud-filled puddles were unlike any smiles we’ve seen.

I’m not sure who was more entertained. . . us or them.

Irregardless, you leave with a clean car.

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8.  Peaches

We buy them in bulk.  We eat them plain, we juice them, we slice them, we eat them whole. . . sometimes we simply pick them up and smell them because four out of five of us find them to be heavenly.  We also make this Peach Cobbler. . . a lot.  Chad thinks it the best cobbler ever.  In fact, this week I made two cobblers. . . one for our family and one for my in-laws.  It seems that Chad “conveniently” forgot to take the cobbler to his parents so he had to suffer and eat it himself.  (Sorry K and C). 

My point?  If you’re looking for a good Peach Cobbler recipe, this one is great.

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9.  400
This is my 400th post. 

I just think that’s noteworthy.

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10. Summer Nights

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And now I’m certain that it’s Friday.  That’s worth celebrating. 

Happy Weekend, Friends!!

Chatter, Out. . . .