Caring for My Chaos

Did you know today was National Picnic Day? They seem to have something for every day, don't they? When was the last time you went on a picnic with your family? It's been a while for me. I do remember one picnic that was a memorable one that we had a few years back. We had taken my in laws with us up to a boat ramp that had a playground and picnic tables. Hubby had a boat back then. We had decided that he would put the boat in and drive everyone around the river for a little while and then have a picnic. Now, Kojack, our doggy, loves riding in any kind of vehicle. But, he had never been in a boat. He's a Rottweiler/Black Lab mix who doesn't really like swimming, if you can believe that. He will only go in the water if he's watching the kids. If Hubby and I are around, he'd rather go sniff. So, Hubby picked him up and put him in the boat. I don't think I've ever seen a happier dog. He stood on the bow the whole time with his nose up in the air and would...

  I have never really done a bucket list per se. I know it's good to set goals and such. We do have some plans for this summer like going to see the Nationals play in DC. Oh, and go to the Aquarium in Baltimore. Hubby has been wanting to do that for a few years now and we just haven't made it. It's hard for us to plan many trips during the summer with Hubby's work schedule though. Another goal I want to do is to find a new campground. We have 2 that are our favorites but haven't really branched out in years. But, this is also the first year in about 4 that we actually got time to go camping. Camping is honestly one of my favorite things to do. I love getting back to simple. No tv's, no phones, just the family and the outdoors. And around here there is no shortage of mountains. Which I absolutely adore. If I can't have the beach all the time, give me the mountains. I would like to make it to a beach this summer, if possible. We have gone to a beach ev...

 Now, I was born and bred in New York, so southern summers still get to me. The difference in the humidity is amazing down here. It still shocks me. But, if I get past the humidity, there really are things about summer that I love. And no other season is like it. I love that I can turn off the alarm clock. I can let my kids sleep in until they want to wake up. (Although I draw the line at 11!) This is also a perk of being a stay at home mom. I just really enjoy the laid back schedule that we have in the summertime. Compared to the full to the brim schedule we have during the school year, it's a welcome change of pace.I love watching my kids catch fireflies. Even Izzie and Doodle still do this from time to time. Camping! I absolutely love a warm summer's night sitting around a campfire with my husband and kids. We are talking about going when Hubby gets home from his trip. Swimming in the lake is always a favorite. Or just swimming in general! Being able to go on vacatio...

As part of the SITS Girls blogging challenge, today is the last day and the topic is the 5 senses of fall. What do you think of when you think of fall? Fall is my second favorite time of the year, second only to winter. The air changes, there's a crispness to the air that you can feel and smell. The nights get longer, days get shorter and the temperatures drop! I love the nights when it's cold enough to just want to snuggle under a blanket with my honey! You can practically smell the apples and pumpkins coming! The sweaters and pants come out, along with boots and coats. I love feeling all warm and snuggled! The leaves start to change color and here in Virginia, the Blue Ridge becomes absolutely gorgeous! All the yellows, reds, oranges and browns blended together are just breathtaking! Then when there are enough leaves in the front yard, raking them with the kids to jump in and feeling the crunch of them as you land. It makes you take a second and thank God for the simple ple...