Bare Feet, Green Grass, Sprinkler Sprinkling.

July 31, 2017
Day 304

     This breezy summer day was spent outside; bare feet, green grass, sprinkler sprinkling. Nothing screams perfect summer day like bare feet and a sprinkler. I love when my kids get good and dirty from playing outside. I like to wash the mud off of their feet. Tobin found a cricket in the grass. All the kids collected rocks. They washed them off in the sprinkler and put them in a big pile. We watched a show about the ocean deep and ate popcorn. Patty makes the best popcorn in the world. We had burgers for dinner. Patty and I went out tonight after the kids went to bed. It was a fine Monday.

     I'm seeing sweaters and back to school items in all of the stores, and I am so excited. I adore fall. I'm also getting excited about this new school year coming up. I can't wait to set up my new classroom and get things in order.

     Thankful for many summer days left. Thankful for so many sweetly colored eyes to look at. Thankful for wet clothes from the sprinkler. Thankful for bowls of popcorn and big blankets on the couch to cuddle under while watching shows about the ocean. Thankful for laughter. Thankful for bare feet. Thankful for warm showers after the cool sprinkler. Thankful for so many things to be thankful for that I could never possibly make a complete list. Thankful for this lovely little life. Thankful for peace that passes all understanding. Thankful for a quiet mind. Thankful for quiet time with my children. Thankful for a lovely Monday.

Delightful evening.

July 30, 2017
Day 303

     Today was lovely. We celebrated my Dad's birthday. We had a delicious dinner. We played games. We had a delicious birthday cake, and we told my dad why we love him; an Otterstedt family tradition. We tell the birthday person why we love them while we eat our cake and ice cream. It's always good to be with family.

     Thankful for family. For laughter and games. For time spent outside. For birthdays. For scrumptious dinners. For dirty kids. For my mom who will always pray for me and try to help me. For Steph. Thankful for a cool breeze and a delightful July evening.

Sweet and simple Saturday.

July 29, 2017
Day 302

It was raining today.

We went shopping and got some cool Halloween costumes for the kids.

We had soup and sandwiches for dinner.

We watched a movie together.

The sky was amazing tonight. I love a good pink sky.

I'm happy to have such a beautiful family.

We got Higbee some new toys at the store today and he was so happy about it.

It was a sweet and simple Saturday.

Thankful. 

Green Glow of the Woods.

July 28, 2017

Day 301

     Today was lovely. We walked in the woods. We walked in the rain. We relaxed at home. We played games. We had soup and sandwiches for dinner. Patty and I played cards. And now I'm at home watching Parks and Rec and it's pouring rain right now. I love the sound of rain outside my window.

     Thankful for the peaceful sound of rain. Thankful for the green glow of the woods. Thankful for the quiet of the woods. Thankful for walks with the ones I love. Thankful for quiet days spent at home with the ones I love. Thankful that tomorrow will be a rainy Saturday. I adore rainy weekends. 

Tooth Fairy.

July 27, 2017
Day 300

I had an awesome meeting today about school next year. Super excited for this upcoming year. It's going to be a good one.

I got to hang out with my mom. We played games with Adelyn and Tobin, and then we danced for a good while.

Matt and the kids and I played Uno before dinner.

I went and hung out and talked to Steph for a bit.

Patty and I got to hang out. We had ice cream. We went to Target. And we went for a nice dark drive.

Adelyn writes letters to the tooth fairy and asks for very specific items. Tonight, the tooth fairy had to find headbands without sparkles or glitter, cookies, and a shark for Tobin. Adelyn uses her lost teeth to get treats for her brother too.

Thankful. 

Adventures at the Farm.

July 26, 2017
Day 299

     Today was lovely. We went to a farm to explore and to adventure.

     Thankful for the colors green and blue. Thankful for flowers. For animals. I'm thankful for donkey eyelashes. They're so beautiful and wispy. I'm thankful for the way Adelyn and Tobin held my hands while we walked at the farm today. I'm thankful for Adelyn's toothless smile. I'm thankful for flowers that grow up through the pavement. I'm thankful for Parks and Rec. I'm thankful for my family. I'm thankful for a meeting for school tomorrow. I love saying this, "I have to go to a meeting." It makes me feel professional. Thankful for a lovely day with my babes. Thankful that it's still July. Thankful for peace that passes all understanding. Thankful for a quieted mind.

     Thankful. 

Glorious Day.

July 25, 2017
Day 298

     The weather this morning was simply glorious. The wind felt cool on my skin, the sky was a brilliant blue, and it made me happy to be alive. I was thankful that Matt was off and we got to spend time together as a family. We looked at some houses. I'm thankful for Patty. She made a delicious dinner for all of us. And after dinner, we all went on a walk, and the kids played on the playground. It was a great day. I'm looking forward to more outdoor adventuring tomorrow. And I cannot wait for fall weather. I love cold air. It makes me feel like I can take a good deep breath.

     Thankful.