Hello! I knew June was going to be a busy month, but I never expected it to be quite as busy as it was. Connor performed at the high school graduation ceremony. Holly spent an entire week at dress rehearsals and then an entire weekend performing in four different dance recitals. Jim traveled to Canada. Jim and the kids went to visit his family in Texas. I followed for a quick visit as well. Connor started marching band practice for the next school year season. He also started working at his summer job. My parents came for a visit. Jim is playing on a kickball team. Both the kids have been hanging out with friends. Connor marched in two parades for Independence Day. Jim and I have been trying to get some motorcycle time as our trip to Sturgis is quickly approaching.
One of my coworkers took a promotion and transferred out of the department. Since we are not filling his role at this point in time, it means that someone (namely me) has to pick up his duties in addition to my own. I’m finding it a rather difficult task to do so and have been taking advantage of the lack of dance class to work longer hours in an effort to get everything done.
This week, however, summer dance classes start, so my evening breaks are at an end. Holly is taking five classes this summer, and even I decided to get in on the fun and signed up for an adult Irish dance class. I know it seems like a lot of time spent at the dance studio, but she took my breath away at how talented and beautiful she was during her recitals, making it worth every minute. She genuinely loves to dance, and it shows in her every gesture – both on and off the stage.
Connor, too, is already showing success for his sophomore year. He is the section leader for the tuba section in the marching band and will start the year as first chair. It is so fun to see him take this role seriously. I swear, he is maturing before my eyes. My Baby!!!!
I am sure I am missing some things, but June is very much a blur. July is already shaping up to be just as busy, and I’m not even thinking about August and the start of school activities. The funny thing is that I wouldn’t trade this time for all the money in the world. I love watching my kids perform and grow, learn valuable time management skills, and enjoy themselves. It also makes those rare times when we are at home enjoying downtime so much more worthwhile.
With that being said, it is time for me to go enjoy one of those rare moments and settle down for a family movie. I hope everyone is enjoying their summer and Sunday! Happy reading!
Reviewed recently:
- Above by Isla Morley
- Amped by Daniel H. Wilson
- Bliss House by Laura Benedict
- China Dolls by Lisa See
- (Don’t You) Forget About Me by Kate Karyus Quinn
- The Farm by Tom Rob Smith
- The Fever by Megan Abbott
- The Half Life of Molly Pierce by Katrina Leno
- The Innocent Sleep by Karen Perry
- Last Night at the Blue Angel by Rebecca Rotert
- Memory of Water by Emmi Itäranta
- One Plus One by Jojo Moyes
- The Other Story by Tatiana de Rosnay
- The Quick by Lauren Owen
- Robogenesis by Daniel H. Wilson
- The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson
- The String Diaries by Stephen Lloyd Jones
- That Night by Chevy Stevens
- The Visitors by Sally Beauman
- Walking Disaster by Jamie McGuire
Our summer is nuts, too – with family visits. My poor boys aren’t used to all the time with their cousins! They seem to be handling it well, but it’s making our summer go by way too fast.
I know. I’m not complaining. I rather miss hibernating in the winter. Our weather has been wet but fairly cool, which isn’t helping because we are spending so much time outside. ‘Tis the season and all that, but I miss my snuggly winter nights with a book.
I love that you’re taking a dance class, too! Have fun!!
I plan to do enjoy every minute of it, although I suspect that on Thursdays, I’ll be too sore to move.
You sound like you have some really wonderful kiddos! My daughter is just starting to get into activities at age 3 1/2, and it has been a blast watching her learn and grow. I am excited for the things she’ll be into in the future.
With your schedule, I don’t know how you get anything read! I envy you for that!! Especially taking on more stuff at work! I used to read during my lunch hour, but things have been so busy lately that I’ve been working through it instead. My goal is to take a lunch the rest of the summer as often as I can.
I do have wonderful children. I have to remind myself of that when they are stretching their wings and being a teenager. As much as I loved the toddler years, I have to say I adore watching them grow, finding activities they love and in which they excel, and becoming the adults they will all too soon be. I wouldn’t trade these moments for anything.
My reading has suffered during the month. There were a few weeks there where I barely finished one book. I’m hoping to change that now that dance classes are starting again. It keeps us tied to home in the evenings, which is always helpful in boosting reading time.