For us it ended several weeks ago(read post below)
I thought I would take the opportunity to share with you a few things I have learned this summer.
Who knows, maybe you will learn something too.
Lessons I've learned this Summer;
1. When your daughter asks you to be on a certain show and you say "NO!! not until your 18 ...
Unless by some strange, crazy, weird, random, freak, chance they come to Reno, NV. "
You better be prepared for the aftermath.
Lesson- Be careful what you say UNLESS to
2. Remember when you bought that one Elvis record just because you thought you should at least have one of his records in your collection? Be prepared to have a FULL BLOWN Elvis fan on your hands.
My baby Isaiah who is now no longer a baby but hit double digits this summer is a full blown Elvis fan now because of one record he put on last Fall while waiting for the bus to come.
Lesson- Be careful what records you have lying around collecting dust
3. When you travel 700+ miles with your Fab4 kids and no Giant to help carry the weight of travel, know that it will feel like a long two weeks, but when you are all back together again you will wish you didn't rush the memories because you weren't all together. Sometimes its so hard for me to enjoy life in whatever way, shape or form it comes at me.
Lesson- Enjoy life now don't wait for the perfect moments they may never come.
4. When in this life you have trials and laughter, you will have extreme moments of sadness and ecstatic moments of joy, don't ever forget you are NOT ALONE. In all of these moments when you have a friend by your side who makes you laugh so hard you can't even see your eyes because your smile is SO big... hold on tight to that friend, and don't be afraid to lean on them.
Lesson- YOU are NOT Alone!!
5. Moving is never easy. Change is never easy. Life isn't easy. Some questions in this life will never be answered. I wished with all my heart that I could have lived in that lil cabin in the woods forever. I really did love every square inch... that's only 800 people.
Sure, having only 1 bathroom for 6 people, then 7, then 8, then 12 was NOT easy but now when I look back on that time there is fond memory that will forever hold that place in my heart.
But going back made me realize home truly is where your heart is.
And my heart is no longer there.
Lesson- Don't wish your life away
I think that's all I've got for now.
I hope everyone enjoys this last weekend of summer.
Put your seat belt on you are in for a wild ride rant, by yours truly.
Starting school in August is just wrong!!
Cuss.
Cuss.
@$%*&;@!!
Bleep.
Bleep.
It's wrong on so many levels, but the first of which I will say is the weather is too damn HOT for any student, or teacher for that matter to even focus let alone learn!
Can I get a witness?
Also, August does not go well with my Apple theme that I like to pull out once September rolls around.
August is NOT apple season and so therefore school should not start in August.
I'm not sure the Washoe County school district really cares about holiday/monthly decor but dammit that should.
And one more final thought I will leave you with before I stop this rant is that I feel like I have been robbed when school starts back up in August.
Robbed of summer memories.
Robbed of Island time.
Robbed of family time.
Ok, I believe I'm done with my rant you can take your seat belt off now,
or not
if you feel safer that way.
Does anyone else have thoughts on starting school in August?
What's your rant been about lately?
I've heard several rants about the whole Ice Bucket challenge.
Please give me a minute while I dust off the cobwebs from this here bloggy poo.
We hit the ground running as the school year wrapped up for my Fab 4. There was the usual end of the school year fanfare with graduations, concerts, award ceremonies, birthday parties etc...blah blah blah
And then it was time for the long awaited trip to the PNW.
This trip was like the trophy after a long tiring marathon that my Fab 4 earned this year as they transitioned from living in Redmond, Washington to Reno, Nevada.
We all couldn't wait to see sights like this...
Sigh.
The above photograph was taken at Cannon Beach where the classic 80's movie The Goonies was filmed.
So we of course had to take our own Goonies epic photograph.
Aren't my Goonies, I mean my Fab 4 so cute?
I read this quote shortly after we arrived home from our trip, it says;
"It is better to travel well, than to arrive."
Buddha
It resonates with me because often times I can just be all about getting somewhere instead of just enjoying the ride.
As any parent I'm sure can attest, you really do just want to get there sometimes when you've been stuck in a car for umpteen hours with kids.
But, when we arrived here, my friend who lives in Astoria Oregon said to me,
"Don't Rush!"
Her comment stopped my vacation pace in it's fast paced tracks, and I thought to myself... yea Don't Rush man, Er... Yer on Vacation Dammit !!
Breathe deep this view.
That is one, of the many things I appreciate about driving old VW's, is that they cause you to slow down and enjoy the view.
And what a great view I have.
My view on this trip was not only filled with beautiful scenery that the PNW always provides, but it was overflowing with the people that make any and all places on this earth worth the trip.
Cousin Alison, Cousin Jeananne and the whole Pellant crew,Vita, Tia Andre, Promise, Samantha, Niki, Jentry and her girls, Uncle John, Amoure and Kalie, Tasha, Papa Russ, Gramma B, and Great Gramma... that means YOU!!
From my oldest to my youngest...
To my middles in between ...
There was nothing but breath taking views on this trip.
We had a wonderful time in Portland, Astoria, and Medford Oregon, and then of course our old hometown of Redmond Washington and Seattle.
It was SO great to see family and friends and how life has changed over the course of this year in the PNW.
There were memories made that I will treasure and I know my Fab 4 will too, as we head back into the busy months of the school year.
And I can't say thank you enough to all who made this trip so special; Cousin Alison, Cousin Jeananne and the whole Pellant crew,Vita, Tia Andre, Promise, Samantha, Niki, Jentry and her girls, Uncle John, Amoure and Kalie, Tasha, Papa Russ, Gramma B, and Great Gramma.
As we are wrapping up the school year over here I'm doing that thing that I do when I get all sentimental and stuff.
Are there anymore participants that would like to join me on this little journey down sentimental lane?
O.k. grab a box of kleenex and let's go!
When we began the school year this year my Fab 4 were the "new kids" as we had just moved back from Seattle WA, to Reno NV.
We started the year with one in H.S. two in Middle School and one in Elementary school.
That's three schools full of strangers.
And just so we are clear,
that's three drop offs and three pick ups
everyday.
The first few days of school in August were quite emotional for them all because they headed into the unknown without each other, and without a single, solitary friend.
Not one single person who knew them.
When we moved to WA almost 5 years ago they were all at the same elementary school.
I believe with all my heart that was a gift from God.
Emma was in 6th grade, Chloe in 4th, Solomon in 2nd and Isaiah had just started Kindergarten.
I was SO grateful at that time that even though no one else knew them, they had each other.
To be known is a treasure that cannot be overrated.
Coming back here though they were all spread out, and seemingly alone.
I remember the first week, needles to say, there were lots of tears shed as they came home to describe a school environment that was quite different than the one they had known in Washington.
We managed to push through to the sunny side of the street, and they all are stronger for it, but as the momma bear, I'm not gonna lie, it was hard to watch sometimes.
There were some mornings that I felt just like it did when they let go with their teeny tiny hand and headed off to the big bad world of kindergarten.
You know that moment when you hold your breath and once again trust that this life won't break them?
I relied heavily upon this scripture;
"Fear not for I am with you even to the end of the age."
Even to High School.
Even to Middle School.
Even to the 4th grade.
My two "middles" as I call them, tugged at my heart strings more than any other.
They were the ones that wanted to stay in Washington.
They were the ones who LOVED where we lived.
They are the ones who are a tad bit more on the introverted side.
And
They are the ones who shed the most tears that first week.
I can honestly say they are my heroes.
I can' t even imagine starting middle school as the newbies.
When I read the quote below the other day it made me think of them.
“Courage doesn't always roar.
Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow.”
Mary Anne Radmacher
For that is exactly what they did.
They kept getting up day after day and making their way through halls where no one called out there name or greeted them at the door.
I'm beyond proud of them as you can clearly hear in my writing, but more than pride I feel grateful.
They are their own people.
I can't take credit for the behavior that they exhibit or who God created them to be.
So, more than pride I feel a tremendous amount of gratitude.
It has been a HOT minute, a very HOT and SMOKEY minute since I have been here with you beloved reader.
But, here I am, and all I can think to talk about is how grateful I am that the smokey grey skies have cleared for a minute.
Sheesh!
I suppose that was one weather element I completely blocked out of my memory in regard to Nevada.
Forest fires in the summer= Grey skies and below healthy breathing standards.
I'm pretty sure I blocked it out because it's traumatic!
Also, don't forget I tend to be a bit on the dramatic side.
The grey skies I can handle and actually enjoy, but the smell of campfire smoke and canceled sporting events ... NOT SO MUCH!!
The smoke filled skies sure do make for some awesome pics though wouldn't you agree?
So at least there's that :/
Aside from the silly weather topic and hundreds of acres of land being burned to a crisp, I really don't know what to tell you.
Oh... I know...
The fact that summer is almost over.
Can I get a big Whahhh Whaaahh I don't wanna!!
Let's recap this summer for the MoNoSco clan shall we;
School released in Washington June 22nd so there were lots of goodbyes, and last visits with besties before...
Noël and 4 kids and two dogs(The Giant was already in NV) move to Nevada June 25th.
We made a pit stop in one of my favorite places with some of favorite people.
Such a good looking gang up there in that pic. Does my heart good to see my kids with one of my soul sisters kids. It is truly a gift.
It was a 14 hour car ride very uneventful except for how the Red Bulls toward the end of the trip were making this Momma a lil Cray Cray!!
Those energy drinks really do a number on me.
So, Kids and Dogs safely reunite with Our Giant and we spend the week out at David Walleys with the family.
The pic below is me and my siblings. I'm there in the middle like it should be. Man, I really love my brothers and sisters.
I'm one blessed woman.
We were in Beautiful Genoa Nevada.
If you have never been... put it on your places to go. It is a natural Hot Springs resort here in lil ole NV that is truly one of a kind.
Then Noël and the Giant fly back up to Washington to do phase 2 of the move and we all know where this story goes....
Broken Uhaul trailers can drive one or even TWO grown adults to have some crazy behavior. Our behavior in the above pic is just one example.
It is also quickly becoming one of my all time favorite pics.
So even though we went bat shit crazy on that car ride home due to multiple break downs the story...
It has a happy ending.
Finally arrive safely and have a big welcome back 4th of July bash with family and friends.
And then begins the REAL fun that we had to cram into only 4 weeks time.
Parties, visitors, Lake Days, Water Parks, Movies, Birthdays, more visitors, Virginia City,
sleep overs, More Birthdays, lots of BBQ'in , more visitors, and finally August rolls around and it's back to school ...
SAY WHA???
That's right school started here in Nevada August 12th, and No they didn't take into account that the MoNoSco clan JUST got out of school...
OR
That we had just moved here....
OR
That we weren't nearly even remotely ready to begin school.
My Fab 4 headed off to new schools like the champs they are.
Bringing light and joy in every room cause that's how we Do it!!
Don't even get this sentimenatal momma started on how she feels about having one High Schooler, Two Middle schoolers, and only ONE... ONLY ONE in Elementary school now!!
SO not OKAY!!
And somewhere in between all of that madness we(I mean MY Giant) did a whole lotta this:
Yea he's pretty much a bad ass!!
So is the fella who got this ink ;)
And in case you were wondering I'm pretty much spending all my free time here,Marked Studios there, and everywhere like all moms, wives, women in general seem to manage life.
But it's all a part of this beautiful life that
I'm feeling blessed to live.
I hope you had a wonderful summer and that you have a fantastic Labor Day weekend.
All the hard work of the year can wait, go have some fun this weekend !
Is there anything better than coming home after a day at the beach, and taking a shower, and then lathering up in coconut lotion?
Maybe seeing cousins play all day at the beach, and then when they finally do take a breather hearing them talk about the Trinity and all things Spiritual.
Maybe that's better.
Maybe hearing the youngest cousin say the oldest cousins name for the first time, and feeling like time is standing still for just a moment.
Maybe that's better.
Maybe sharing a treasured memory with your children and family that brings you back to another treasured memory of where it ALL began.
Maybe that's better.
Maybe remembering a moment in time when you were young, and so very much in love, reminds you that although you are no longer young you are still so very much IN LOVE.
Maybe that's better.
Maybe this and so much more makes you feel grateful beyond compare to be where you are, with who you are with, doing what you are doing.
And this is a far better joy than any bottle of coconut lotion could ever produce.
Although I gotta say, I'm feeling sun kissed and happy right about now ;)
You were relaxing, mellow, and warm just the way a summer should be.
With 41 dry days recorded here in the Seattle area, you were record breaking and
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Dear MY Giant,
Could you please refrain from answering business calls when we are on a date.
The world will go on if you don't answer, I promise.
I love you and You're HOT!
Dear Bella,
Could you please remember to not get any cuter, and naughtier at the same time.
I really don't understand how this is possible, but somehow you have managed to dupe us all these past six years. Also is it really true that you need sunscreen while you are laying out like this?
Dear Blog Link Ups
I am sorry I have failed you.
I will try to stay more consistent in the future.
Please, don't quit me.
Dear Flowers that grow along the road side,
There are no words to describe to you
how grateful this native born desert girl is grateful
for you. You fill my heart with joy, my life with pleasure.
Dear Blackberries,
Do you even know how happy I am that I can walk outside my front door, on any given Saturday morning and put YOU in my pancakes.
Nom. Nom.
Dear Butterfly,
You landed on my hat the other day while I was just sitting there enjoying another beach day.
You made me think of my favorite movie,
You've Got Mail.
Hat+Butterfly= Quote From My Favorite Movie.
Dear Fab 4,
You are growing up way too fast.
Please stop that.
Thanks for still indulging your mother in silly games like "Who can blow the biggest bubble?"
My kids start school next week, but we are already in the back to school mode around here. The meet and greet of teachers for the boys is today, and the High Schooler has been for two weeks already at her school everyday for Volleyball practice. The resident Jr. Higher this year doesn't get a meet and greet apparently, but we are just gonna go roam the halls for fun. Let's hope we don't get kicked out before she even gets started. So with all of this I have to reprogram the internal clocks from island time to "REALITY" time. So in the evenings we have been preparing for bed around 8 and then reading for about 20 minutes, and then lights out around 8:45 ish. Let it go on record, That's been a pretty big (Ish) folks.
Last night was rough, that's all I'm gonna say.
When I cracked the whip at 8pm to go brush teeth and get ready for bed, you should have heard the out cry.
But then around 11:30 the house was quiet, and I was still awake.
Go figure, that the biggest whip to crack is gonna have to be on my ass. Because here it is past midnight and yep, you guessed it I'm the only one awake.
There is a part of me that feels SO not ready for the lazy days of summer to end. In the summer I throw that whip out the window and let the Fab 4 stay up til all hours making memories. I personally feel, that's what the summer is all about. In fact,
I always think of the Billy Holiday(she's my fav) song Summertime when summer rolls around. But, as the school supply lists are being handed out, and I am at the bank taking out a loan to pay for it
I think about the fact that the nights will get longer, and the days will get shorter.
I try to soak in the Vitamin D while I can and sit outside as much as possible. Because come October, The "living will no longer be easy" and "the fish won't be jumping". Sigh.. Which makes my mind jump immediately to... HURRY QUICK... I have to buy one last watermelon and have one last EPIC BBQ to mark the occasion.
Speaking of the word EPIC...
Apparently,
I didn't make the summer as EPIC as I could have in my children's eyes. And I quote Isaiah, aka Zed, aka my baby, aka my 8 year old boy, "Mom I can't believe the summer is already over. It was SO not Epic" First of all where did this kid come from? Second... Can I get a witness that if you didn't take your kids to Disneyland or some kind of amusement park, or just some where other than your local beach it was NOT EPIC to them?!?! He must have forgotten that we bought a ba-zillion fireworks on the Fourth, went to a couple Mariners games, had Summer Little League baseball games 4 nights out of the week, Swim Lessons, visits from all kinds of beloved friends and family,camped, made smores right outside our doorstep...But still... NOT EPIC. So I say, "What will you tell your teachers when they ask what was your favorite thing about your summer?" And I shutter to hear the very honest answer. From the mouths of babes people, comes... well... their truth.
Can I also get a witness that sometimes it's hard to hear our children's truth, and sometimes it's just downright funny ?
On this particular occasion it was funny because well The Fab 4 all chimed in, and they all have a very varied view(ha ha say that 5 times fast) of what an Epic summer should look like.
In Other News...
I have begun to really long for the schedule, the routine that is the END of summer.
I have already started bringing out all my apple decor in the spirit of back to school days.
I start stocking up on pumpkin spice everything. I literally almost fell over with complete and utter joy from the smell of a pumpkin spice candle at the grocery store the other day.
I start to get giddy with excitement about the fact that my favorite season is right around the corner.
And I bid this summer a do which despite my children's description was, "SO NOT EPIC!" Who needs Epic anyways? Was your summer Epic? Please do tell what did you get to do this summer that my children would be jealous of. *Oh and let it go on record, I don't really have a whip, maybe some COOL whip ;)
Although my favorite season is right around the corner, I am sad to say goodbye to this summer.
Here in Seattle it feels as if the summer is just getting started because the weather has finally got the memo that summer generally means warm and sunny.
Maybe I am so nostalgic about this summer coming to an end because the very special event of my sisters wedding took place June 25, 2011.
Or maybe I am sad to see it go because it means that now a new school year has begun for my kids, and that means they are getting older, and that therefore means I am getting older.
What ever the reason this was an amazing summer and I am so grateful for all the fantastic memories that were made.
I am looking forward to the year ahead. I hope as you are saying goodbye to summer you are feeling the same way, grateful for the summers memories and excited about the new year.
