Half Way Point Summer 2017

Dearest Reader,

Well....here we are.  I just wanted to send you a quick note because I love you and I want to let you know I am alive.  I have been busy but....mostly busy being lazy!  I have been to Women's Camp, a funeral, a concert, and been binge watching Mad Men and Criminal Minds.  None of these things were Happiness Challenge specific- especially not the funeral which was one of the hardest things I have had to witness.  It was for a friend's 6 year old little boy who was killed by a semi-truck.  An unimaginable, parent's worst nightmare situation.  To be honest, I have been a little angry with God over it.  Every time I think about it my eyes swell with tears.  I also did not come here to write about that, though I wish I could say SOMETHING, ANYTHING to make the ache and pain and fear and anger go away for those hurting from this. 

No, I came to say I am behind on a handful of goals and that life is precious...soak it up.  I wish I could hug each and everyone of you and tell you personally how much you matter.  Any way, I will keep this short and end here.

Love,

L.L.

Summer 2017 Official Beginning

Dearest Reader,

What...a...trip!  I was so stressed and full of anxiety and nerves that I haven't been "happy" enough to count anything on my Happiness Challenge although technically I did a bunch of stuff during this trip I am not going to count it.  My stomach was mostly in knots the whole time and it didn't end exactly well but overall it was an excellent trip.

We started off in John Day.  My husband ran a soccer camp/VBS.  I didn't feel very helpful but it was beautiful out there and hot.  It was also a wonderful bonding time with awesome people.  I didn't have to cook so that was great.  

My husband did amazing by the way!  My kids did pretty well, but were not much into soccer.

After John Day we went to visit my parents.  You might find I have a lack of pictures of my parents- oops- I bet my mom has some.  We haven't visited in a long time.  We haven't done it in nearly 10 years.  We aren't exactly rolling in dough and getting time off is not exactly a cake walk.  But we are thankful for the time we do get. 

Here are some random pictures from various things we did.

My mom cooked some amazing food.  My dad had fun having the kids around though he got a little sick near the end of our time together.  My brother gave the kids fidget spinners!  That is a good uncle.  My sister came around to hang out and bought s'more stuff- yum.  So it was good.

How has the start of your summer been?  I need to get back into reading and writing and finding my Happiness- btw the car made it!

Yours truly,

L.L.