Summer is in full effect here in our household. Even though we have been homeschooling the past few months, and I have had the boys home with me… these past few weeks of summer have been a whirlwind of pure crazy busy!
Doing my best to strive for balance and live my priorities… I am trying to focus on things that I am thankful for. Things that I am loving lately. Celebrating the blessings in my life and my new found likes! I thought I would share with you today some things that I am loving lately.
faith
My husband and I are really enjoying the book Secrets to a Happy Life written by our old pastor, Bill Giovanetti. As a blogger and friend of the author, I was sent an early release of his book. This book hits book shelves in TWO DAYS, June 15th.
In this book, Bill shares eleven secrets to a happy life, based on the amazing life of a man named Joseph. The eleven secrets are: letting go, destiny, consistency, loyalty, endurance, trust, closure, identity, wisdom, surrender, love.
Those eleven secrets are explained in more detail with each chapter in the book. Bill’s writing keeps you entertained, informed, and interested while learning to have a God blessed life.
My husband and I have enjoyed sitting under and learning from Bill for seven years, and reading his latest book reminds us of his teachings. We highly recommend you check out this book!
family
We are an active family and are a busy bunch. Keeping our family organized, happy, and entertained involves lots of outdoor exploring and play. The boys and I have enjoyed exploring new biking trails (and future running trails for me). Even though the temperatures were super warm… it doesn’t stop my crew of little mighty bikers.
T-man (3) can cruise at warp speeds on his balance bike, zoom on his bike with training wheels… but hesitates when we suggest riding a big boys bike. When that day comes, we will be able to ride longer (and faster). But for now… we just toot scoot (at a snails pace) along the trails taking in the sights and sounds of God’s great creation.
fitness
A few weeks ago, I was sent two pairs of injinji running toe socks to use and review. I was super excited because I have heard great things about these running socks. Plus I love fun toe socks (because they gross out my husband).
I have run in them multiple times and found them to be comfortable. It was an adjustment getting used to my toes not feeling or touching each other. But once I was out running I quickly forgot about that feeling.
The only negative thing I have to say about these socks is that after wearing them for the Avenue of the Vines half marathon last month, I developed a wicked blood blister on my toe. The tip of the toe where I usually develop regular blisters. I can not say if the sock caused this (because the seam of the sock is at the top of the toe) or if it was a series of misfortunate events that lead to the yucky toe.
On a lighter note, none of my other toes blistered which was a first! Also, I have run with these socks multiple times post-race and have had zero issues with pain, blisters, or discomfort. I like how these socks are no-show but have a little tab by the heel to prevent blisters, as well as an arch grip to prevent slipping of the sock.
food
We love food in our family. My boys are always eating. Always! Plus with it being summer and us being on the go, outside, and active… finding a portable, healthy, YUMMY snack is key for this Mama. Hearing my cry for healthy snacks, we were sent a box of samples from Sprout Organic Foods.
These fruit &veggie crispy chews and bites are VERY YUMMY. I would compare them to freeze dried products on the market, but much healthier. All of their products are made with organic fruits, veggies, whole grains and proteins to meet young children’s growing needs.
My boys love eating fruits, but vegetables are their arch nemesis at times. These fun Sprout bags were a great way to introduce my boys to new flavors, vegetables, and combinations. They did not complain one bit, and as a matter of fact… they are only complaining NOW because we are out of our Sprout snacks!
fun
We are very blessed to live in an area where there is an abundance of great parks. Our parks and recreation department has done an amazing job maintaining, creating, and offering great parks for our children. There are loads of themed parks and splash pads that our community can use… for free.
One of the items on our family (fun) bucket list for this summer is to visit and play at each park in our town. This is no easy task as there are over 93 amazing parks! Many of these parks have a water/splash pad feature!
I think it is safe to say that the boys are having fun checking off this bucket list item each week!
These are just a few things my family and I are loving lately. I would love to hear yours too!
Nicole says
That looks like the perfect trail for learning to ride a bike… our son has always been really tall for his age, and struggled to learn how to ride. Finally when he was 5, we found a park with trail like that where he could feel safe veering off and taking a spill. Much better than our neighborhood, with hills, parked cars, driveways, etc.