It's time to take the cover off

Hello, wonderful Readers!
Thanks for sticking with me and not unsubscribing to my posts.  I know they have been few and far between.  However, I had a bit of an epiphany today that has led me to this post and to future posts.

6 month hiatus is over

Well, nothin' like a 6 month vacation from writing to really put things into perspective.  I have missed posting things, especially when I think of how great I could communicate to you my viewpoint.  Funny how life seems to get in the way of virtually every post I have wanted to write since June 21st [oh, and the fact that I am usually driving in the car or just about to drift off to sleep when the ideas come].  Here are some that I will probably revisit in the coming months: cruising and why I probably will never do it again; my fight to get much needed funds from our county government for schools; home is where the Coast Guard sends us; Shlomi's indie flick; volunteerism in America. .  . the list could go on forever.  But today, I have to share a cathartic moment.  Tomorrow, I will just give you a couple of tidbits from the last 6 months so maybe you will keep reading and visiting my blog!

Welcome Summer, Farewell Mr. Shingler, & Happy Anniversary, My Love

Good day to you! The summer solstice is today and in just over an hour from now, we will officially be starting summer! In the past, springtime has been my favorite season. But as Ella and Brennan age into school children, the summer is becoming more and more appealing. (I guess the fact that my allergies have become almost debilitating might also have something to do with this change in attitude.) Last night, we acquired a great swing from a good friend who is moving, and this is what my kids did as soon as it was up:

I promise you in all honesty, I did NOT stage this picture--Brennan laid down like that!  I kid you not, they broke into this made up song of "Ah, summer nights...".  Today, I think we are headed to the pool and then, well, I'm not sure.  The Outlook schedule looks pretty open and I'm loving that we don't have a schedule.  School will start sooner than I think, and "crazy busy" will describe our life again.  So, I am relishing the openness of summer!
On a more somber note, I am sad to say that my friend, Mary Margaret Shingler Hyatt, lost her wonderful father, Ed Shingler, on Friday.  While Mary and I were in college, I got to know her family really well.  Her parents always treated me as if I were one of their own children, and I really care about them a great deal.  My heart aches for Mary and her family.  I wanted to be there this evening for the visitation but am unable to get down to South Carolina.  If you are of the praying kind (prayer can move mountains, I truly believe), please pray for the Shingler and Hyatt families as they say goodbye to a caring and loving father, husband, grandfather, and brother.

Finally, I have to shout out to my own wonderful husband whom I met 16 years ago today for the second time.  This is the day when my life changed forever in the best, most amazing way.  I know that it was the first time I actually accepted God's plan for my life, and once I did, He has guided us to great things ever since.  Happy anniversary, Dan. Words cannot express my love for you and my gratitude for giving me our children and our life together.  I am so proud of you!  Thanks to Brandon for making a date for us to hang out--it was the best change of plans I ever had! 
Thanks for reading.  Be sure to tune in periodically. . . I have thrown out the idea of a schedule.  It's the summer!