Having fun can be a lot of work...

I have a reputation among my neighbors and friends, and have so for a long time. When it comes to summer, I have a lot of fun...and I am gone a lot. At times it has actually become quite embarrassing because I am gone so much, and many people have given me the impression that I must not be happily married or neglectful of my husband. However, Tim is great to support my habit/hobby of summer fun!! Even though we do miss each other while we are apart, we have managed to work it out so it isn't too bad. However, we got to counting the days of time apart and it ends up in the next 6 weeks, we will be apart 31 days. Thirteen of those days are due to the fact that he and Sean will be gone to England. As for me, in the next 30 days, Megan and I will off having fun for 25 of those days. Tim & Sean will joining us for some of the time. Here is a run down of our activities. This week we will be going to Snowbird and staying at one of the condo that my parents have. Tim and Sean will join us for one night. Then I come home on Thursday, and I am giving a shower for one of my former Young Women that night. and leave on Friday for Youth Conference. Then I will be home for one day, and head to my parents cabin in Island Park for one week, and Sean and Tim will join us for four days. Then I am home about 12 hours, and leave for girls camp for four days. Then I home for four days, and leave for New York for almost a week. I hesitated to even report on my activities, because I am not bragging or complaining, it is just how my summer goes. I drive a ten year old van :), I don't have fancy clothes, purses, jewelry etc... Don't get me wrong, we have many many blessings, I am just trying to explain that this is where I put my priorities. It is so renewing to my soul to walk along the river in Island Park, watch the stars at night, smell the pine trees, and enjoy the wild flowers, laugh until I cry with my sisters and my mom, serve my sister Kathy in her wheel chair. Many of my greatest moments of joy with my children and husband have been playing together and vacationing together. Those memories help get me through the year!

I realize that summer as I have known it could be changing soon, as this could be one of the last summers that I have Megan to come play with me. I have just been really grateful that her job opportunity has allowed her to continue being able to take time off. Unlike Sean who is working hard to save money for school, and his mission etc..., and Melissa who is now married with a life of her own. I have always cherished my summer with my family and I am so glad that we have had so much time to play together. I am also very very grateful to Tim who works so hard and supports us with a great attitude and is sincerely happy for me that I am able to spend the time with our children and family. I recognize that a lot of husband wouldn't be so generous and gracious being married to a summer vacation girl!

But I must confess, it has been a really really busy couple of weeks try to prepare for the next month. It has been a lot of WORK. I started packing for girls camp on July 9th, even though I don't leave until the 28th. I needed to make sure we had what we needed before I take off. I have washed, weeded, scrubbed, shopped, gone visiting teaching, to the temple, prepared for my Young Women's lesson three weeks early, registered Megan for Weber High, paid bills, etc... trying to get ready, so that I can truly "get away" and enjoy. I will more than likely be taking a vacation from blogging too! I am excited for this time to enjoy and renew myself. I must admit, I do LOVE summer!! P.S. I was trying to add a picture of New York, but didn't have time to figure it out...So please imagine what ever picture of New York you would like...I'm off to play...