the end

Summer is quickly speeding away. Only 15 days left until the start of school. I feel anxiety tighten in my throat and each breathe harder to take than the last as I type that! Last year was so difficult for us, and this summer was such a welcome retreat, break, blessing! I never wanted it to end.

As the days, weeks, then months passed on the calender, I tried to ignore the feeling of sudden doom. {I tend to be a little over dramatic... can you tell? } If I spent my time worrying about when it would end, I would never enjoy any of it.

So that just what I did. I turned a blind eye to the end of June. I cautiously noted the middle of July being awfully close to August {without freaking out}. Now, all the sudden, yes the anxiety & stress has all surfaced. The city schools site had a ticking countdown on their website. I was looking for some info and as I saw it the blood drained from my face. no.. so soon.... where did the summer go? Back to the hustle & bustle of school, packed lunches, germs, OMG the germs & sickness, lost jackets, shoes, books. Most of all, being separated from my children. That's the part that really gets me. I feel like part of my soul is cut away when they are gone. It's not a welcoming feeling!

We will be salvaging every last minute to enjoy each others company and the beautiful end of summer days we have left. I'll even "try" to stay calm.

We're back!!

After a few months break, I'm sure some of you wondered what in the world happened to us! As the end of school loomed and my to-do list exploded at the seams I started to feel a huge pressure bearing down on me. I was just getting kinda overwhelmed with... well, life it seems. I needed a break from the crazy stressful days. I have never, ever in all my life looked forward to a summer as much as this one! Summer was going to be a welcome time for me to relax, stop shuffling the kids here & there & here again, read a little, just... be!

I stopped blogging here because I was just too busy for a few weeks. I started to feel anxious about not blogging, like I was neglecting my job or something. It was then I realized I needed a break. No deadline, so craft shows, no to do list! Just fresh summer air and a free schedule. So after that's exactly what we dis the past few months. Instead of blogging & searching the internet, I exercised each night {and lost 15 lbs so far]. Instead of planning my summer show line up, I knit and read books-for fun, like I used to when I had "time". Instead of school & the morning shuffle we relax in the backyard with some sun & fresh veggies.

I am feeling more relaxed and more like myself than I have in a long time. The winter of 2011 was rough on us [me] and I just needed some time I think. I'm happy to be back and feeling energized and creative. So, while I was gone, we....

Danced. Oh, how we've danced!

Made new friends. That's Little L's new buddy, Blue. Yes, I know he's an orange cat, but blue is his favorite color and word. I'm just happy he's not called Batman. lol

Played in the dirt.

Laughed and loved. I've never laughed so much in my life. I'M BACK!

{this Moment}

{it's been a long week here at the Kunklebaby household. Enjoying the small things-this happy moment captured in time}

{A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see. -amanda blake soule-}

Over the Weekend

Over the weekend, Miss {M} went to her very first sleepover! What's more fun than a plain, old sleepover? Mama, with little nursling, Baby {J} tagging along. We stayed at my college roommate's [and long-lost friend] home. The little girls watched movies, ate pizza & cookies and giggled. The mom's watched movies, ate pizza & cookies, reminisced about college while giggling. A great mix of old & new friends-fun times for all.

Indoor picnic

We had big plans for a fun picnic day earlier this week. Rain clouds and mud decided that our plans were best for another day. A few sad faced children, and we were all prepared for an indoor picnic! Corn on the cobb, apple mash, colorful peppers and some noodles=perfect & fun.

You won't stop us rain! If life gives you lemons, make lemonade. Enjoy the day!

New Kicks!

The summer has come to an end at our house, {M} is wearing...tennis shoes! The things that make her feet sweating and achy. The things that need tied every four seconds, and fall off one foot every 24 steps. Yes.

Truthfully, I couldn't have been happier about her choice of new shoes. Typically she tried to pick out some hideously sparkly, plastered with a cartoon character [that we don't even watch], pair. YAY-red is lovely baby girl!

This weekend will be our very last before the kids start school. We are planning in taking a trip to COSI [science museum], going for a swim in the yard, and just relaxing. Hanging out and having fun!!

I started working on a few new quilts yesterday and they are fun! I have a really cool, punk/rocker one living on the sewing machine right now. I can't wait to share it! For now you can have a peek at my Lola Quilt. {M} was helping me try and get a better shot of it today.

Happy Weekend Everyone!!

Summer

With the end of the summer drawing near, I find myself a little sad this year. It's totally abnormal for me! Usually, I cannot wait for the fresh, crispness of Fall to arrive. [my favorite season of all!] I'd trade scarves & snuggly hats for bathing suits anytime [especially after my post-baby body!] The cool breezes, falling leaves, pumpkins and harvest=wonderful!

This year things are different. Things will never be the same again. Why, you ask??
{D} is starting school! The end of summer has suddenly taken on new meaning. Suddenly it's sounding so very "official". It's not really going to change too much, as we have decided to homeschool, at least for the next few years, but the sentiment is there. The kids are growing up, and things are changing. Normal people welcome change, I run away kicking & screaming. On one hand, I'm super excited, on the other I want my babies to stay....well babies.

We have our curriculum together, notebooks and pencils have been purchased. Mama has a surprise set of book bags in the works for both {D} & {M}. All I need is the strength to let my babies grow up.

Any homeschooling pro's have tips for me?