Gathering the Moments | July 2024

Some cancelled plans on this Labor Day gave me a chance to do a little catching up here on the blog. Whether I will ever fully catch up remains to be seen, but on I go nonetheless. 

July began with illness for my mom. Appointments, tests, meds, decisions to be made, and then she improved and decisions are again deferred. Life is different every day, and so we take one day at a time and pray for direction.

July was also filled with "grand" moments. A day with Macie (8) and Judah (nearly 6) while their mom had jury duty. A sleepover with Judah who, after hearing about Macie's sleepover at Gran's in June, decided that he might like to have his own sleepover. And then at the end of the month, Macie returned for sleepover #2. I love that they want to spend these days with us (even when Aunt Bekah is working). I have seen first hand how quickly grands grow up (our oldest grandson is 21!), and so I relish these opportunities to be together. 

July was many meals in the sunroom, fresh cut flowers on the table, summer foods.

July was a sweet friend's graduation.

July was a chamber music concert and a symphony performance. It was also a last minute outing on Bekah's lunch break (she worked two jobs this summer) to grab drive-through burgers and iced lattes and a few moments together. 

July was a 17th birthday and a 20th birthday. 

July was a new antique, one I did not purchase, but it is a treasure to me. It is an antique marine pulley that my dad had purchased many years ago, a connection to his own father and other relatives who made their living on the water. 

Here are some glimpses . . . 

Crafted by Macie 

Cream of Crab soup: recipe ~ here ~

Do you see him? 

Shopping with Macie at the mall.
* dancing * excitement * energy * joy *

July was hot (isn't it always?) and hard and heavy and busy and blessed! Yes, all of those! 

I am closing with lyrics to a favorite hymn that encouraged me through the storms of July.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side;

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.

Leave to thy God to order and provide;

In every change, He faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

 

P.S. I hope to be back with August moments before October begins! 🙃