San Francisco, Part 3

And no trip to San Francisco would be complete without seeing the Golden Gate Bridge.

Of course, it was incredibly foggy.

And the fog cleared as soon as we went across to the other side.

San Francisco, Part 2

While in San Francisco, we also enjoyed showing Dayna around Chinatown.

That's us on the left in front of the gate.

Decent food...it seemed a "safe" Westernized version of Chinese food...not so sure about using mayonnaise on shrimp, though...

San Francisco, Part 1

As all good things come to an end, it's fun to look back on the adventures we had in July.

We had a wonderful time riding the cable cars in San Francisco, meandering through Fisherman's Wharf, eating some amazing sourdough and clam chowder, sampling some Ghirardelli chocolates, and shopping at Pier 39.

Warning:

Conversation while camping:

My Dad:

Dayna: Why can't pregnant women drink alcohol?

Me: Because it could hurt the baby.

Dayna: How does the baby get hurt?

Me: It could cause problems and damage the baby's brain.

Dayna: (pensive thinking...long pause) Nana...did you drink alcohol when you were pregnant with Mom?

Thanks, Dayna. Thanks.

New Song

I stumbled across this verse today and fell in love with it, as I'm learning to find my song again.

Relishing the Mundane

It seems from posting all these pictures that we've been keeping busy. And we have. Kids Bowl Free. Membership to the pool. Swimming lessons. Outdoor concerts. Playdates. Summer library program. Visits with family.

But in the middle of the running, we've settled into a nice routine. Cleaning. Menu planning. Grocery shopping. Organizing. Piano lessons. Snuggling. Reading. Repeat.

I'm sure from Dayna's perspective, all we ever do around here is clean. And I confess: I am the world's worst housekeeper. I really don't like doing housework. But I do love a clean house. And so, I'm entering the world of constant housework. You know...the kind where the laundry is never done. The dishwasher always needs loaded or unloaded. The toys we just picked up are all over the floor again. (And seven-year-old toys are a lot more of a pain to pick up than toddler toys.)

This may seem like a no-brainer, but after months of just trying to keep my head above water, and relying on my amazing husband to keep these day-to-day things going, I find myself enjoying the mundane. My house still isn't clean (but it's getting there.) And with each swipe of the dustrag and each napkin I fold (oy vey, do we go through about a million napkins around here!) I find myself being blessed, and in return, blessing my family (especially that husband, who I believe is enjoying fewer trips to the laundry room.)

This may not be where God has me long-term, but for right now, I really am enjoying being a stay-at-home mom.

Jazz in June

 For the last fifteen years, we have spent at least one Tuesday night in June on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Good food. Good friends. Great music. Here are some pictures of our Jazz in June memories for 2012...in the sweltering heat!