SOCIAL MEDIA

June 27, 2016

Checking In - Early Summer

Hello friends! My apologies for dropping off the face of the blogosphere without explanation but life has been full of family in all of the best ways. My oldest graduated from high school. Wow, I feel old.
I am sure every mom at this stage wonders just how those years passed by so quickly. I thought I was handling it all pretty well until I found myself driving along and crying to the Dixie Chicks song, "Godspeed". It was the line, "Superman's in pajamas on the couch" that really got to me. It seems like just yesterday that our little boy insisted on super hero pjs (with the velcro-ed cape) every night. We are excited to watch as our son takes the next steps into adulthood during his college years. He is extremely focused on a career as a firefighter or police officer (no surprise there, right?) and has already been preparing for those jobs by becoming both a volunteer firefighter and certified EMT in our community. He is both dedicated and persistent. We are proud.



Senior Awards Night
I have a few home decor posts written that I will be sharing and I will definitely check in from time to time, but I am planning to take a small break from blogging this summer and focusing on time with family. It has been just about a year since my mom had her stroke and she continues to do so very well and impresses us continuously with her determination. She is hoping to try stem cell therapy in the future and we are researching options for that. I am grateful for the love, support and knowledge that so many of you have shared with me. If anyone has any advice or experience with stem cell therapy, I would appreciate if you would e-mail me. Thank you! Last summer, we spent a good chunk of our time in hospitals and rehabs. This summer, she is planning a trip to visit us in Schroon Lake. I can't wait. What a difference a year can make!
Schroon Lake Hobie Cat Regatta 2016
We have already spent some time in the mountains. Hopefully, there will be a lot of days that start like the picture below. That's the giant inflatable that we use on our boat and we bungee it to the back of the jeep to get it to the dock.
Dax has already become quite the swimmer this summer.
This creek is still our favorite summer swimming spot. We have to hike in through the woods and we always end up scratched and full of bug bites, but it is worth it.
 I took the picture below of a merganser and her babies on the lake this past weekend. I actually had no idea what it was called but when I sent my sister-in-law this picture of what I referred to as a "cute mama duck with a mohawk", she told me that it is called a merganser.
It made me wish I could load all my babies onto my back and swim through life. Everyone safe and accounted for. But I guess before long her babies will be off on their own adventures too.

I hope your summer is off to a great start! I will be sharing pictures of our summer family room later this week.

27 comments :

  1. Yay to see an update from you. Your family is fun and adorable {I love your blue shirt in that first picture!}. Congrats to the Grad and wow to the work he wants to do. I am always in awe of good people who want to do the hardest work in life to protect others. So happy to hear about your mom! Have a fun and safe summer! :)

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    1. Thank you so much. Blue shirt is from Target :) Yup, I buy everything there!! I hope you have a wonderful summer too.

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  2. Congrats to your son. I know how proud you must be of him. Family comes first, enjoy them every day !
    Also hug those pretty doggies ! So sweet of the mother with her babies on her back.
    Take care and have a great summer.

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  3. I will miss you through the summer but as Linda (above) says, family comes first.

    There are two blogs that fill my heart with happiness, yours and Ben Pentreath. I love reading your posts and look forward to your blog return in autumn/fall. Have a lovely summer.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words about my blog. It means so much!! I will definitely check in from time to time and I my wheels are always spinning with ideas for fall and the holidays.

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  4. I just checked on line to see if I had missed an email post. I always look forward to your news.

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  5. Congratulations to your son. My nephew will graduate high school next year. He's driving now. As his Aunt who changed his diapers so many times I wonder where has the time flown. Its just amazing to be on the adult side of the coin to seen how quickly time goes by. I remember thinking back to when I was a kid how slowly time seemed to progress then. Have and wonderful Summer!

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    1. Hi Jeanette! Thank you. The time sure does fly by. I am sure it is such a joy for you to watch your nephew grow. Time definitely seems to go faster the older I get! Hope your summer is going well too and I will be sure to check in. Take care!!

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  6. Hi Courtney,
    So good to see your post. Your boys are all so handsome and how proud to have your oldest graduating from High School. He will do so well in fire or police just like dad. It is a calling. My hubby always said he never worked a day in his career as a firefighter. He loved his job that much. So I know your son will do well with either choice. Sounds like he is off to a great start. I wish you a wonderful summer. Enjoy enjoy.
    Kris

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    1. Hi Kris,

      Thank you! I think my son feels the same way about fire as your husband. He is constantly taking new classes and volunteering his time at the firehouse. It is great to see him have such a passion for something.

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  7. Hi Courtney!
    Congrats to your son! Kids get big so fast its crazy. We haven't been on a family vacation yet with our three kiddos. They are 11,9 and 5. Can you recommend a good place to stay on Schroon Lake or family friendly places in the area that are not too expensive? Thanks in advance! Your pictures are gorgeous and looks like a great place we would like to vacation at.

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    1. Hi Kristen,
      Schroon Lake is such a great family place. Pretty much everyplace you go is family friendly. If you want to rent a house, I would recommend you check out adkbyowner.com. Check out the Gore Mountain and Schroon Lake region. There are great options on there at all price points. For shorter stays, the Schroon Lake Bed and Breakfast and Tumble Inn are highly rated. Neither are located right on the lake, but the town beach is free and will let you enjoy the lake and the beautiful view. Please feel free to email me any specific questions.

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    2. Thank you so much for your reply! I really appreciate it. I will check out all your suggestions and will definitely email you with any questions.

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  8. Congrats to your son! You and hubby must be so proud of the brave and caring young man he has become. He will do great things in his life but one of the most rewarding one will be to protect and serve. My hubby has been on the job in Newark for 19 years and I have to say he loves it! He’s approaching retirement but he’s not looking forward to it, knowing him he’ll stay a few years longer. Happy to hear your mom continues to make progress! Enjoy your summer break with your family!

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    1. Hello! Kudos to your husband (and you) for protecting and serving in Newark for 19 years. My husband is also approaching retirement but I think he will be staying on too. It will be a good feeling to know he can leave if he chooses to. Have a great summer!

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  9. Yay - a new post! Congrats to your son - and yes they do grow up way too fast. As soon as I saw that duck with the babies on her back I started crying. I wish I could carry my kids like that too...The dogs look like they are having the best time and your whole family is adorable as always. Enjoy your time with them and I am glad to hear your mom will be joining you up at the lake!
    Shelley

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    1. Thanks Shelley. And thanks to for the very friendly reminder that I hadn't posted in a while. I needed it :) I hope your family is enjoying some fun times at the beach.

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  10. Congrats to your son! Yes, the time goes by fast but you have so many new chapters in your life...thats what I found as my children became young adults. The last baby to leave my nest was the hardest, so save your tears!

    Looks like you have a wonderful summer ahead and good for you taking a break. I have seriously thought about it but I'm afraid it would stretch on forever!

    I am so happy to hear the good news about your mother. You have so many reasons to celebrate and you really sound happy! Happy trails!

    Jane

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    1. Thanks, Jane. I definitely will take your advice on waiting for the last child to graduate for the tears. That will be tough. But then there will be a new chapter, like you said. I hope you have a fabulous summer and get to spend some time at your lake. I will stop by to see what you are up to.

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  11. What a coincidence! I had been thinking of you so just the other day I checked into your blog to see if I had somehow missed some posts. So glad to hear you're enjoying your summer with your family. Congratulations to your son; I know y'all are so proud. As usual, beautiful pictures at the lake. I'm glad to hear your mom is still doing well and I'm sure she'll enjoy her time at the lake.

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    1. Hi Rebecca. Time just flew by so quickly and before I knew it, I had gone weeks without posting. Thanks for checking in on me!

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  12. your sweet pictures make me wish I liked summer more. the stream looks so quiet and enticing, I can certainly see why you like spending time there.

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    1. The best part of that stream is the sound it makes. I should post a video of that. I hope you enjoy your summer...even if it isn't your favorite season.

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  13. what great memories.....so glad to see your post. can't wait to see more when you have time. enjoy summer!!!!! (so glad your momma is doing well!!!!)

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