Our fence fell down. It was old, for a cedar fence–17 years old.

My guys saved $30 a foot by rebuilding it.

We had the day off and could’ve done more entertaining things.

 But there’s nothing like learning the value of hard work and father/son teachable moments.

It’s been a while since I’ve blogged. I’m finally coming up to breath. After taking on a challenging job as a Campus Secretary to the Principal at a local school, I’ve been quite busy working outside the home and staying involved in my sons’ extracurricular activities…

I’m trying to add my old normal back into my life but it looks a little different. For example, I listen to books, instead of read them.

I’ve  restarted my walks, after our sweet dog, Ms. Sadie Mae, died, as well. It’s been very emotional for me to walk without her. She was my walking buddy.

I’m taking photos once more (one of my outlets) but mainly with my iPhone, instead of lugging a camera around.

On this Picture Path Monday, I thought I’d share some recent pictures I took on a walk.

Do you ever see faces in designs on the floor or in a pattern on wallpaper? I’m one of those people who sees faces in patterns. I know, weird right?

These trees look sad on this particularly windy day. Maybe it’s because Miss Sadie Mae is gone or because the birds nests were falling from their branches.

But the sad patterns didn’t bother me. I was just happy to be out in nature, coming up to breath.

This weekend our family attended two graduation parties and a birthday party. These events made me realize how fast time is marching on. We need to grab ahold of every moment with our families and loved ones.

Over spring break, my family spent time on a friend’s 500 acre property. Their quaint barn apartment has no TV and no internet service, which forced us to interact with one another. Imagine that!

My boys found this Monopoly game that is older than I am. The box was dated 1952! So we set it up and had a great time playing as a family.

This summer we don’t have a family vacation planned, as we are all going in different directions, from a missions trip in Africa, to a two week Boy Scout backpacking trip, to a student camp in Oklahoma, to grandparents taking the boys on a road trip, and to my love and I getting away for our 19th anniversary.

The days we do have together, we will need to be intentional. Just last night, at my nephews 21st birthday, the teen cousins wanted to play the adults in a game of Apples to Apples. At first the adults wearily looked at one another, but then we snapped to and said, “The time is short! Let’s play!” We had a fun with lots of laughter!

What will you do this summer to be intentional with the ones you love? Life is not a game but we can certainly play some along the way. I encourage you to turn off the electronics, dust off an old game, and laugh a lot!

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all.
~Stanley Horowitz