I am finally putting up my feet after my first week at work and celebrating with a watermelon party (Olivine can even say “watermelon party”).I finished my first week of second gradefinishing with an activity where we watercolor our self-portriats while listening to Caribbean tunes (Back to School Night is a week and half away).
I also can’t tell you how much I love teaching college. The student population at Long Beach City College is super diverse.I am teaching two sections. I even survived four hours this morning
while the rest of my family went to say good bye to friends who are moving to La Mirada.They lent a helping a hand.
But one little girl wanted to eat their tomatoes

and play in the waterso her papa took her new dress off before it got dirty.We hope you stay are staying cool this Labor Day weekend. 

I woke up at 5 amand jogged 3.5 mileswhile Joe packed my lunch with a love note.
I met my class of 25 second graders and 2 first graders.One student ran out of class twice and grabbed a piece of wood off the bungalow to aggressively swing around so I had to call security.
When I got home, Joe headed out to night class.We headed to the park for one hour.Then we had dinner, bath, stories, and bedtime.
The shift into back to school feels more abrupt than I am used to.

There were outdoor mealsinvolving creative seatingchez Sullivans.

Kitty hunting with successwhilst wearing flip flops.

Bowling

with bumpersand rented shoes.Tina’s Birthday (26 years young)with a backyard photo booth

and homemade props

lots of relaxinga fig and almond cake (thanks to fresh figs from our CSA box forcing me to try new recipes)and a puppet show at the park.

All on the eve of my first day back at work, which is bittersweet.

Yesterday I sat across the table from Joe in the parklet at Lola’slistening to the laughter and chatter of our children in the backgroundwho love to tell secrets these days.
I recognize in myself the emotions of awe mixed with a twinge of disbelief in the blessings God has bestowed on me.
Sure there is plenty of miscommunication, frustration, and chaos in my life. But when I pause long enough to recognize the milestone of one more year of marriage (eleven is our total) and the sheer grace God has shown me, I shake my head to see if I’m dreaming, because at times it can feel very overwhelming and undeserving.Just like my early dinner, in life, I am discovering how easy it is to pick up my fork and dig in because it is delicious.

Happy Anniversary, Mr. Sullivan.

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

for Paul’s music class.
Before we left he was trying hard to relax and not be nervous.It was right down the street.
He was brave and did an awesome job.
At some point baby girl lost her ability to sit still
so we went outside
and she clearly wanted to have her own chance to play music.
She is still learning the difference between a strum and a bang.

because school is fast approaching.Paul took a trip this morning.

the once a year occasionwhere we wake papa up early with yelling “Happy Birthday!”and a balloon (Henry’s idea-again)and presents.I am a bit predictable with the always giving a book.Grammy took the boys shoe shopping,
but also brought some treats for the birthday boy (yes, it’s a giant tub of red vines).His choice for dinner (anywhere) and wouldn’t you know he chose the patio at Super Mex.

His recovery is going well and I am hoping this beer helps him sleep a little better than he has been.Of course we didn’t forget a cakeand a little singing too.

We are celebrating a birthday that marks the half way point of his thirtiesso far it’s been incredible and I really would give this guy (who doesn’t need much) anything, because he’s worth it. Happy Birthday Mr. Sullivan!

A Friday ritual. A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

are a daily occurrence around her with a one year old. Her vocabulary is ever expandingand I like to watch her call to her brothers by name.She loves the words “money” for coins
and “baby” for many toys she cuddles.but she is also saying long words like “backpack,” “hummingbird,” and “ninja turtle.”