Clearly just my thoughts.

Summer: It's just crazy and there is no routine. And clearly blogging is a dying art. Sad but true. So just for me I'm writing about us now.

Me: I feel overwhelmed. It's hard to take care of a home, family, serve others and do it all with a smile. I carry the weight. But then there are tender mercies and friends to keep me going. I worry too much and need to learn to let things go. Insomnia has taken hold of me again. So my nights are long and my dreams vivid. I still love pictures. I'm ready for the super moon coming up and hope my children will help me out. Our trip to DC reminded me that I have the best family around. I cherish them.

Thomas: Is a Senior. One more year home and off he'll be. He's on high adventure this week. I hope he's having fun. I  bought him a disposal camera because I'm becoming sentimental. He left it. But he remembered his hammock. He was excited about that. He has more patience than me. I learn a lot from him. He finished his Junior year fantastically. He's been working out and running my errands. He's ready for Youth Conference. He'll be a drill tech in the JC Band this year. Lots of work there but I'm glad that he'll march all 3 years. That's an accomplishment.

Kaylyn: Sometimes her actions speak louder than words. She is at Church of Christ camp for a few days. She goes with her best friend Jenny. Kaylyn's working on her Personal Progress. She took it with her and plans on working on it up there. Not doubt that she will. Last year she read the Book of Mormon everyday. She's a strong but silent example. She loves big cities. She craves independence. She's capable. So capable she's taking a trip to California this Summer by herself. Her eyes will be opened to California and her Dad's side of the family. They have fun things planned and she can't wait. I'm not even a little worried. She's amazing. I will miss because she is there for me like no other. I have up's and down's and she somehow understands that. Her hugs are priceless. I can't wait to see what she does with the world of hers. It's hers for the taking.

Tyler: I've had fun spoiling him and making him the center of attention this week. He's the center of attention a lot of the time because he tells stories and jokes and asks questions. But this year it was his first birthday party. Ever. 10 years I've gotten away without a party. He was so happy. Truly happy. He's always had family in town or we've been gone on his birthday. So we went all out. I watched him throw a boomerang for a while tonight. I was perfectly content. He's consistent. Of all my children I know what his reaction to his surroundings and situations will. It helps. He's growing up in so many ways. He can ride a bike, make ramen noodles, swim with his arms, empty the dishwasher and make me laugh.Can I hang onto him too?

Katie: She's beautiful. I love her eyes. She's a joy. But has been very demanding of me. She needs me more that I can give. Snuggles, books, picking her clothes etc. She exhausts me.  I have to breathe slower with her home and learn to say yes more. Which has resulted in my nails being painted over and over, my make up applied for me, my hair combed all my baby girl. She's been unfortunate to inherit the "Miller" gene of UTI's. My sister suffered with them when she was little and even me to a smaller degree. Kaylyn had them terrible when she was around 2 and up until she was 6. Lots of test but it just took time to get her past them. Today Katie tested positive for her 3rd one in 7 months. Not good. We'll start the same test again this next week. I hope things will go well and that she too will grow out of them. This little girl has such creativity. A pen and paper are always around. I've enjoyed her artwork on our chalkboard. She's my baby girl. I must treasure these days. For I do know they are fewer ever day.

Dane: He sprung a trip on me. He was spontaneous and that was fun. That doesn't usually happen. We were living on the edge in DC for few days. It was perfect being a family. All with our own ways and many of the same. That's what makes us a family. He's been busy but home a lot more too. With Summer here he sees the kids more and that is a treat. Between being the Bishop, a father, keeping up with the lawn, starting a fish tank, writing a book, reading books...the time of his is always taken. He's a great man and I'm happy to be at his side.

I think these are the moments that make me who I am. I'm  a wife and a mother of 4 pretty great kids that have there issues just like me. But yet we can rejoice in knowing that we are family. And that's a great thing to be apart off.