SUMMER!!!

So my last post I wrote knowing that I would be busy the first part of the summer so I thought I would write early and then post it to keep up - well then I forgot to post it, so back to back posts this week hee hee.

So summer aww summer, I mean who doesn't love the season really.  Fresh fruit, parades, good weather and in my case... FAMILY.

So my parents and Tanner (Kyler's best friend) came out to visit for 2 whole weeks.  It was such a lovely visit I feel so recharged.  We went to waterfalls in NH, a seaport in Rhode island, visited the plymouth sites regarding the pilgrims and had down time for some of our favorite activities - i.e. cape cod baseball and ICE CREAM.

I've been back to work for a week now and I can't believe how fast time goes.  the first day back was of course busy - that's what happens when you're away for a couple of weeks, the following 2 days were busy as well, and I got out late, I had 7 days straight to work but through it all I was still just chill - I think the vacation was well needed.  I feel like I am connecting better with my patients and realize I just needed a little bit of rest.  I really love what I do.  I had a number of one year visits this past week and I just can't believe I've been here long enough to have my patient panel growing up.  I love watching the change in not only the baby, but the parents as they go from that precious newborn baby to the toddling one year old.
As I am struggling to redefine my role in my teenagers lives, I love having that weekly reminder of my own growth throughout their lives - it seems like just a moment ago they were handing me Kyler for the first time - 21 hrs of labor and an emergency c section later what a precious gift.  I love the uniqueness of each of my children, but Kyler holds so many firsts.  First baby, first foods, first walker, now we're moving on to first girlfriend, first time he's held hands - I'm quite nervous about the first break up but realize life continues on for all of us.

It's so fun having teenagers - through all the challenges it is so funny but I feel like I am working through some of my own teenage awkwardness - some of the things I may have pushed under the rug, feelings that I didn't know how to work through in my immature self I am embracing and laughing at now.  As Kyler is starting in with several of his firsts I have reflected back and drudged up memories that I well didn't remember.  I have thought of things in a different light.  Along my "teenage career" I had developed a sense of regret, missed opportunities and lost friendships, but thinking back has allowed me the opportunity to remember all of the fun things, all of the good friendships.  Really - my life is just so good, it is hard to believe the amount of blessings I have received, I see the Lord's hand in each step.  When I get caught up in the moment I can be scared, angry, or frustrated but when I put on the glasses of remembrance I realize how often I have felt our heavenly father near.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the plan of salvation, that there is meaning to this life and purpose beyond our own meager interests and the moment.

I love this beautiful summer weather to sit out early int he morning, late at night, listen to the birds sing, watch the fireflies and revel in our existence.
So when you're caught up with the negative - pull out your glasses of remembrance - think of all those great times you had with friends, family, yourself, take a little time to sit in nature and remember how much you are loved