And then it was August

It's been a hectic sort of summer. I was all ready to just sorta relax and do playdates with my sisters families (since their kids were out of school for the summer) and, you know, make pickles or whatever. It was supposed to be real summery and laid back. But it didn't happen. It was crazy and hectic and I was a total flake on my friend who suggested we have our boys be pen pals over the summer. And I HATE being a flake.

Anyhow, as summer is pretty much over (or since "summer" pretty much didn't happen), I'm going to take a deep breath and let go of the pent up stress I'm feeling. Breathe away the irritation at soccer taking over our lives for the next several months. Breathe away the tension of taking on a (very) part time job and all the messes that I haven't figured out how to make time to clean yet. Breathe away the annoyance at driving up and down the hill over and over so I can complete tasks that need completion. Breathe away the nervousness about having a teenager move in with us next week. Breathing it all out over here.

Gratitude is (at least is supposed to be) the theme up in this here blog, so let's find some gratitude.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to help my dad.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to make a little extra money while also helping my dad.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to help my nephew.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to get to know my nephew better.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to foster a closer relationship between my kids and their cousin.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to get Mason involved in sports.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to make new friends for myself and my family.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my mom regularly.
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have assistance in making pickles (50 jars -- really Landon?)

I'm learning something about myself too. I have learned that I secretly harbor resentment towards obligations that I get myself into, even when I go into it totally willingly. What is that about?