Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.Psalm 90:12 NIV
How is another month already drawing to a close? Before you know it, the kids will be back in school. (Shhh. I whispered that last sentence as not to accidentally cast my youngest into the pit of despair.) I started the month off by gettin’ my hair did. If you don’t think that’s blog worthy, then your beauty operator (oh I’m giggling at myself now. That’s what my grandmother used to call herself back in the day.) isn’t as good as mine. I shouldn’t brag – or maybe I should. She’s the talented one. Not me. And I am so fortunate that she is also a sister in Christ and a fabulous friend. So appointments are anointed girl time. I look AND feel good afterward.
The same day (a day of appointments)I had to start a brand new professional relationship. A doctor I have been with for 16 years moved out of state. She delivered Allie, she operated on me and Shelby, she went through breast cancer the same time I did and gave me the good advice. Sigh. Sad to see her go, but I’m starting over with one of her partners and praying for a fruitful association.
My little family celebrated our country’s independence with my in-laws. My husband’s parents have a great house and property on a lake where the kids enjoyed skiing and tubing. We ate good food, had great conversations with Chuck’s brothers and wives and played games. The best part, though, is the fireworks show over the lake. We can sit on the back deck or even in recliners in the air conditioned living room and watch the spectacle. No heat, no crowds, no crazy drunks. Just the show. God Bless America.
Spider-Man: Far From Home and Toy Story 4 drew us into the theater. I give two thumbs up to both. Or certify them fresh or whatever. At home we watched A Little Bit of Heaven with Kate Hudson. I had never heard of it. Probably because it has a few really cheesy scenes of an imagined heaven. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this done well in a movie. But it made me laugh and in the end bawl like my heart was broken. So I guess it’s not all bad.
Our oldest baby Shelby turned 19. My parents, sisters and their families came to celebrate with her and a Minnie Mouse cake. I’m not sure how she has blessed this earth for that long already, but we don’t take it for granted. Every time I hear of another child losing their battle with Dravet Syndrome I’m thankful for each and every day we get with her joy and laughter.
As a couple, Chuck and I are usually pretty socially lame, but we had 2 double dates this month. Two! And from one of them came this nugget: “When your teenager comes home, always be happy to see them.” You may be thinking that sounds simple and maybe even – duh. But it was such a good word that I needed. My friend also told me about complaining of her teen’s attitude to another friend once who said to her, “Oh. I didn’t know she was pregnant.” My friend said, “Say what?” The reply – “I didn’t know your girl was hooked on drugs.” The point? So your teenager has an attitude? Whose doesn’t. There are bigger fish you could be frying. So I can be happy to see my girl. Attitude or not.
I’m so thankful for new friends and growing friendships and wisdom and laughter and sharing.
It’s not always easy to come by and have time for. So I’m eternally grateful.
I am currently reading free kindle books of funny memes because that is the extent of my current mental capacity. My husband has worked a lot. And I have worked a little for pay and a lot as volunteer uber and family activity coordinator (come quickly school year, come quickly). Chuck is getting some intensive training right now for his new job and Allie is fully immersed into tryouts for high school volleyball. May we all survive both and find ways to glorify God along the way. Love you, thank you, and pray August treats you well.
Lori Eubanks says
1. Love your rundown of your summer-crazy it’s almost AUGUST!
2. Your daughter is beautiful!
3. I enjoy your writing style…felt like we were friends and you were casually “filling me in” about life!
4. Did I mention how beautiful your daughter is?!? 🙂
Lauren says
I wish we could sit down and talk, Lori. And thank you for the sweet compliment of Shelby. She is a joy.
Jana says
I enjoyed this glimpse into your real life. Your humor brightened my morning. My husband and I are pretty lame, too, so it was nice to read we’re not the only ones. 🙂 The advice you got from your friend about being happy to see your teenager is SO good. It really does sound simple, but it’s absolutely critical. Wise words.
Lauren says
I thought so too, Jana. That’s one of the things friends are for. To gently show us things we might be missing. Thanks for walking through my month with me.
Connie Rowland says
Hey Lauren! Every time I read one of your updates it touches my heart in surprising ways! Seeing this beautiful picture of Shelby compelled me to look up Dravet Syndrome. Reading about it opened my eyes to new possibilities to experience God’s mercy. I truly believe God shows us His compassion through our love for those special people He puts in our lives. They have many important lessons to teach us. I also have someone close to me with special needs and appreciate what you write here. Thank you for continuing to share your story. I always learn something from your posts.
Lauren says
Connie, your words are so kind. I will be cherishing them all week.
Rebecca Jones says
Sounds like you had a fun July.
Lauren says
Fast, furious and fun.
Mary Geisen says
Thank you for sharing your July. I really want to see Toy Story 4 but have no kids to see it with. Here’s to the last few days of July-may they be joyful and to August that it is filled with new memories.
Lauren says
I would totally got see Toy story. kids or not. it’s a hoot!
Sylvia | Grace for a Gypsy says
Isnt it just wild how crazy busy summer can get! I love the grateful comment. Life is full, and busy, and I am grateful. Thanks for linking up at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 3
Lauren says
Thank you, Sylvia!
Laurie says
My “beauty operator” is a sister runner. I love visiting her too!
Lauren says
Aren’t we lucky, Laurie!
Daddy Poppins says
Hope August treats you well and the summer doesn’t end too quickly for your kids.
Lauren says
Thank you so much!
Tina Truelove says
Hi! I’m popping over from Let’s Have Coffee. You had a busy July! This has been a long month for me. The closer we get to my son’s homecoming from Afghanistan, the longer the months seem to drag. You seemed to have enjoyed a blessed month! Thank you for such a light hearted, uplifting post. I smiled a lot and laughed a little. 🙂
Lauren says
I’m so glad, Tina. Thank you. And I”m saying a prayer for your son and you as he makes his way back to you. And thank you for the sacrifice in letting go of him in this season.
Patsy Burnette says
Lauren, what a fun glimpse into your life. I’m sorry about the doctor. I know good ones are difficult to find. Summer is pretty much over here. School is back in session next week in many of the metro counties, and some went back this week. How can it be? And Hobby Lobby has Christmas stuff out.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
Lauren says
Christmas already!!! Ugh. Let the temps drop below 80 first! Ha!
Marva | SunSparkleShine says
OMG, Lauren, your updates make me laugh out loud. And I’m not taking that advice about teens lightly either. There’s so much we could be dealing with but by God’s grace it’s (just) a stinky attitude. Things could be much, much worse.
Happy to run into you in a couple linkups today!
Blessings!
Lauren says
Thanks, Marva. It does put things in perspective doesn’t it?
Michele Morin says
Congratulations on getting yourself out the door for TWO dates!
And I have learned to put my hand over my own mouth when I’ve complained about my teens’ “rebellious” years. We were so blessed to have the relatively minor upheaval that we navigated, and I realize that when I lean into the heartbreak of other parents.
Lauren says
You are so right, Michele! Thanks for weighing in.
Angela Johnson says
Lauren, I always enjoy reading your posts. In this post, I felt as though we were two friends just catching up. I love your daughter’s smile. It could light up a room. Thanks for the teenager advice. I guess if an attitude is all I have to complain about then I do not have much to complain about, lol. Look forward to reading more.
Lauren says
That is so kind, Angela. Thank you so much.