Haiku for Ainsley

Commence nap boycott
Bottom lip far protruded
Alligator tears

Mondays

Since my husband works at a church, Mondays are his sole weekend respite from the demands of his job. Many a week has gone by where my husband becomes a blur seen sparingly by the coffee maker and occasionally sensed next to me in bed. To my family, Mondays are sweet relief and our Sabbath.
For over a year now, Mondays have become even more anticipated and cherished with the addition of a weekly game night with some of our dearest friends, the Roziers. Practically every Monday we put on our game faces, tuck our kids into bed, wrestle up a respectable dessert and play round after round of various card/board games. These nights are precious to me. I get to watch my husband unwind and relax in the safety of good friends. Conversation is always interesting and memorable, touching on important topics like church, books, marriage, and the latest Top Chef episode. I have the venue to try my baking hand at new desserts like Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Brownies. And occasionally, I win a game.
When we first got married and I moved from Milwaukee to Elgin to be with my new husband, I was convinced that I would never again find friendships like I had in Wisconsin. By the grace of the Lord, Joel and I have not only found several life-giving, memory-making, truth-telling friends, but we've nestled into a second family here in Elgin, Illinois. A family that loves Jesus, unusual brownies, and card games.

Day off with my two favorites...

The perfect day off lunch- tomato and brie sandwich at Alterra Coffee Roasters in Milwaukee.

"Vacation" in pictures

My husband, the fisherman

Blessed.

Vacation Companions #1- Jeremy, Rachel, Josiah, Micah, and Kayleah Lindsay

Vacation Companions #2- Andi, Joanna, Sam, and Beniah Rozier 

Late night swims.

My lovie.

Last Thursday, we embarked on a Michigan vacation alongside two other families. Over four days we jet-skied, four-wheeled, swam, fished, read, napped, played games, ate delicious food, went to church, kayaked, and celebrated Father's Day. Ainsley also started clapping- hopefully a video will be coming!

Book Review- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Adding this book to my summer reading list really was a no-brainer. I have a dear friend who recommended the novel to me- a good recommendation should not be overlooked. I'm so glad I took her advice. I found "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society" captivating and charming.
The story is made up entirely of letters written mainly by writer Juliet Ashton to her publisher/friend Sydney, best friend Sophie, members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and various others. The structure was inventive and never dull. Juliet's letters were so witty and enjoyable to read. A headstrong, passionate main character made this novel an easy one to emerse myself within and find a character in which to relate.
Another element of this book is the stories told about World War II and the German Occupation of the Channel Island of Guernsey. Many of the stories were heartbreaking- families choosing to send their children to  London for several years so they could escape the hardship of living under German rule, female concentration camp prisoners beaten for having a menstrual cycle, citizens eating rotten potatoes to survive. I felt like Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows created such heroic and brave characters, determined to remain and flourish in spite of the devastation around them. I found myself mourning for these characters and the truth their stories represent.
There is also a hint of romance thrown in for romantics like me.
I absolutely loved this book.

Summer Reading List Update

First additions to the summer reading list have been decided:

A Thousand Acres- Jane Smiley

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Almond Picker
AND

The Autobiography of Mark Twain

Early morning list making

Today is officially the first day of summer vacation for this teacher. Each year, I come to this day and feel completely overwhelmed with the vastness of vacation time I have ahead of me. Yes, some people relish time to relax and do nothing, but too much downtime makes me feel lazy, bored, and incredibly lonely for work. Sad and very American of me, I know. SO, this summer I am making a goal list to chip away at each day in hopes to remedy my current cold sweats of anxiety. A summer resolution list, if you will...

Here's what I've got so far-

1. Cook more. Perhaps, I should decide on a certain amount of recipes to cook out of the stack of cookbooks I own but so rarely open. Thirty-five sounds like a splendid idea. Okay, 35 new recipes by the end of the summer.
2. Create and conquer a summer reading list (just like I did for my high school students). Suggestions?
3. Sew a dress for Miss. Ainsley. A pretty one.
4. Organize my closet.
5. Go to Ravinia at least 3 times.
6. Try out a new farmers market. I've heard the one in Evanston, IL is lovely.
7. Teach Ainsley how to clap. We're close, I think!
8. Buy a new pair of shoes. I'm sure my husband will love this goal.
9. Write more haikus.
10. Read through and study the Pentateuch in my time with the Lord. I've always felt intimidated by these books of the Bible.

Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. Here goes...