Perfection

Today was the perfect June day in more than one way. I am so blessed to have the job that I do to be off of work for the summer to be at home. Nothing makes me happier than to be at home in my castle. Days like these are very renewing. Today consisted of ordinary things. Nothing special. Swim practice in the morning followed by a quick trip to the grocery store for fruit, milk, and some special snacks for today's play date. Xavier and Joe enjoyed the company of Harris and Asher Ciaccio for the afternoon playing basketball, tag, and of course gaming. They had a ball. Nothing better than to hear the giggles and boy conversation from nearby.

Alexis and Charley were away at Hawkeye Swim Camp. This meant the boys could have their play date without big kid interference or the influence of jealousy. I feel guilty sometimes not being able to reciprocate more often on play dates with other families. It becomes stressful to add children to the house. There is the whole sibling jealousy thing. There is also a difference in who you invite. Some kids are just plain less maintenance. Less maintenance is good for me. If kids are too needy or too rambunctious it adds to my stress level. I know my limits. And my kids are too much on some days!! One soon learns whose kids you can have over and whose you should not.

It also meant Cariyana and I would have our time. She and I worked in the kitchen on lunch and dinner. Another really great way to have a perfect day. To me, a good day includes "being a good cooker", as Cariyana would say. She loves to help and enjoyed making Nick a salad of lettuce and radishes from our garden with leftover rib-eye steak from last nights supper. And I know Steve is brought pleasure by having a thoughtful dinner at home. Thoughtful meaning planned not extravagant or special. Tonight was tostadas. All it takes is a little planning. Planning is one of my strengths.

The kids were willing and able to play outside since it was a perfect June day. The weather was awesome. 79 degrees with 45% humidity. I sat outside and watched them while Cariyana played on the swing set. And I worked in the garden a bit. The garden is flourishing and this is the perfect growing weather for newly established plants. My soak-er hoses are now perfectly placed.

To make my days extra special my number one son has been around a lot. We are paying him to do some work around the house to add to his wallet until the days pass when he will move to Tucson. The move is looming. These days of being "home" with us are bittersweet. This time will never pass again. Life is ever changing. We will miss him deeply. Until then, he flutters about in a Nick sort of way from one chore to another. Some days accomplishing lots and others not so much. Its all good. Today was one of the latter although he did finish cleaning the gutters, repaired my flat tire, and aired up the kids bike tires. Our first triathlon is coming this weekend.

I feel very blessed. God provided me with the perfect June day. I feel very privileged to have enjoyed it.