my, how summers have changed

 As I was washing dishes yesterday, I realized how summers have changed...not just for the better, but for what's best, right now.  I've always enjoyed summer...who doesn't, right?  But now, summer has new meaning.  A few years back, I looked forward to packing up my classroom, finishing assessments and teacher workdays.  A few summers later, I anticipated taking Stella to the park.  Last year, I was just surviving with a 4 month old and 2 year old. Now, I still look forward to those park days and swings, but it's the small things that I'm really loving right now.... 

like...

home grown tomoatoes and cucumbers that I didn't realize how much I'd love...

(this is the first year we've had a small garden)

I think I ate a ham and tomato sandwich almost everyday last week :)

little crafts that remind me of what's important

sacrin pickles made from the garden squash and cucumbers, mom makes...that my grandma nixon always had during those hot days..

these are the things that make summer special to me now...it's funny how life changes...it gets a little sweeter each day...who knew a garden could bring back memories and remind us of those we love...grandma once said, "if James and I had an argument, it was usually in the garden." :)  I hope I carry on the tradition of enjoying each other, gardens and tomato sandwiches with sacrin pickles...especially with sweet tea   :)

Happy Summer!