8/12

A photo of my little man, once a month, on the last day of each month, in 2016

Reece, what a month August was. It was full of fun, laughter, and time, time to do what we wanted, when we wanted. Swimming was definitely the highlight of your month. From swimming lessons with your favourite instructor, to lake swims, and pond swims, it was hard to keep you out of the water. You are fearless in the water, and the smile on your face when you are in the water melts my heart.

We spent a lot of time with friends, hanging out at the lake, at our home, and in the woods. It felt good to just hang out, and enjoy time with our friends. It was carefree and fun.

And talking fun, what fun we had playing mini golf, and riding the go carts. Your first time ever, and mine too, on a go cart. We had so much fun, and laughed so hard as we raced around the track. I promised you we would go back again, and I will keep that promise, we are going go carting again tomorrow.

As we say good bye to August, my heart is full and happy that we were able to slow down this month and just focus on us. It was the perfect way to end the summer, but I think I can say we are both ready to sink into our fall rhythm, and get back to our "normal" day to day.

Thank you, little man, for the very best summer to date. I love you more than you will ever know, and I am so very happy we soaked up summer the way we did.

Around Here

Hello my friends! How are you? I hope you are well, and that life has been good to you. I feel like I have been gone from this space for much too long, but I am here today, to check in, say hi, and to share a little bit of the fun we had in August.

August was set aside as a month of slow and simple days. There were no grand plans, just days stretched out before us to enjoy. And enjoy we did. There were weekly trips to cottage country, we went swimming in lakes, ponds and pools, we went hiking in the woods, we spent time with friends, we enjoyed a few family movie nights, we soaked up quiet days at home, we enjoyed play dates and parties at friends homes, and we stayed up late enjoying warm summer nights, outdoor fires and star gazing. It was perfect in many ways, and has left me feeling full and happy.

This month I hosted my first women's circle with my tribe. We gathered around a fire, and opened our hearts to each other sharing and celebrating the beautiful women we are. We crafted together, created the most amazing bath salts, and enjoyed food and drinks after. It was a soul filling evening full of love, and inspiration. These circles will continue monthly, on the new moon, and I know each one will continue to strengthen our connections and help us grow, both together and individually.

The gardens, oh the gardens. They are flourishing even in drought conditions. It has been tough keeping everything watered, but I managed and the garden is providing so much. It has been hard keeping up this summer with the preserving, but the pantry shelves and freezer are slowly filling up, and for that I am so very grateful.

My family has been amazing. My parents, and my brother and his family, stepping up throughout the month to give this single mama some much needed me time to recharge and reconnect with myself.  That time was a precious gift, a gift I truly appreciated, and I am grateful I can call on them when I need them.

And my little man. First of all, he isn't so little anymore. This boy of mine is growing like a weed, and changing before my eyes. He is full of life and keeps me on my toes, always my greatest teacher, he continues to teach me so much. Here and there little bits of attitude are showing up, a little stamping of the feet, and "okay" in that tone, you know the one, but we are working through it, reminding each other that love, kindness and respect are the things we cherish, and offering apologies when we treat each other in ways we shouldn't, because yes I am human too, and yes, I sometimes need to step up and say sorry. Challenges aside, we have a pretty awesome relationship, and every night before I go to bed, I check in on him, pull the covers up, brush a lock of hair from his face, and I smile, my heart full, and so very grateful to be walking this path with him.

So, my friends, tell me, how was your August?

7/12

A photo of my little man, once a month, on the last day of each month, in 2016

Reece, wow what a month July was, it seems to have passed by in the blink of an eye. We filled our days with summer camp here on our homestead, time at the beach, walks in the woods, play dates with friends, and days at home, just enjoying our space. It was a full month, much fuller than our usual rhythm, but we enjoyed it fully. And now we greet August, the month with lots of open space on the calendar. We won't fill that space, instead we will sink into it and soak up slow and simple days together....I think that will be the perfect way to finish up our summer.