Oh so happy to be alive!

Our summer has been like an ice cream sundae. (And I warn you in advance, there are a lot of pictures) Not just any old ice cream sundae either. A big, rich banana split would describe it.

We've had three scoops of rich, delicious ice cream smothered with toppings, flanked with fresh and firm bananas, topped with fluffy whipped cream and a cherry on top. (Hold the nuts! Ha ha!)

Our summer days together were the ice cream the delicious treat at the base of all that is good they were plentiful, there were fun and they felt like they would never run out. Until today that is. Because unfortunately, our ice cream has run out and our dish is empty. Fortunately, though, we're full to the brim.

The toppings were the flavor that made our sundae special. The things that made us lick our lips and scrape the bottom of the dish with our spoon an extra time, or two. We relished our choices of flavors and knew each was better than the bite before.

And last and not even possibly least was the whipped cream and the cherry. Those special events, those captured moments we will forget. The ones that make tomorrow better than today, the ones that made us laugh so hard our sides hurt. The ones that make us happy, oh so happy, to be alive.

I've dropped the spoon, picked up the bowl and licked it clean savoring each and every bite of this summer and I'm so glad I did. Being momma to these three boys is a job and an adventure, one I embrace and so far, hold onto for dear life.

The dog days of summer

So, summer is here. Kids are home and we're enjoying our days. The kind of days where you wonder what to do to fill the day. The kind of days where parking receipts for the beach and Disneyland litter the dashboard of the car. The kind of days where reapplying sunscreen at the pool is a must.

You know what else? We got a puppy.

Yup, a real live dog. A golden retriever. She's 9 weeks old and her name is Holly Golightly. Holly is fantastic. Holly is cute. Holly is harassed beyond belief. I guess that is what you get when you mix a happy little furball with a 2.5 year old.

For now, we're not doing well with the puppy. We're having trouble getting her to potty outside and eat her food. She wants to chew and she wants to nap. I am hoping wisdom will wash over me . . . I didn't think it sounded likely, either.

I don't think anyone reads this blog but I will post anyway because I like to

That about says it all, doesn't it. The title, of course.

Well, you might be reading along, and if you are, it makes me happy. I suspect you're not though and that I keep this little blog for myself. Which, is fine too.

You know what else is fine? That I have fabulous kids but they drive me way crazy sometimes. Particularly the 2.5 year old one, Harry. Have you met him? He's this one:

While he's incredibly adorable, he's into everything. And that doesn't even begin to speak to the mouth that doesn't stop calling people names. (Poopy butt is always popular) He goes in the front yard when I'm in the shower and he also uses any and everything as a stool to reach high things he shouldn't get into.

Then, there is his brother. Which one? The eldest. He's smart, he's athletic and he's generally a nice boy. But, watch out if he doesn't get enough sleep or what he wants. He also likes to call names.

Then, there is the other boy. The one who declared the other day that he doesn't like being the middle child. First, I'm not sure if he even knows what he's talking about. But, if he does - tough. Can't rearrange this situation.

After months of begging on Sawyer's part, we bought the boys some tennis raquets and a couple of cans of balls. Then, we actually took them to the tennis court. The best part? I brought my old raquet too. It was great fun. I ran alot and we all hit alot.

You know what the best part might have been, though? That we had someone to shag our balls.

I don't want to give the wrong impression, however. We are truly so incredibly lucky with each day better than the last. We have enough of everything to keep us going and then some, we have our health and we have love. We face few obstacles and we have friends and family. There are no greater gifts or sources of joy.

So, save a few bouts of bad behaviour and an occasional bad hair day, I've not absolutely nothing to complain about. I'm just keeping it real.