{ story telling }

The kids and I took a walk downtown yesterday. We talked about the fundraiser for cancer research going on that night (that Caeden asked to NOT attend because “people still die so I just want to keep my money” – which is wrong on so many levels but, in a way, I understand where he is coming from. It gets personal, I suppose.), we talked about the fountain in Town Square, which is going to be perfect for running through on hot summer days, and we talked about what it means to be a part of a community.

We walked by the restaurant where Rylan and I had our very first date. We walked by the Toy Store, the one I talked about the other day, where the wonderful owner, Summer, makes every customer feel valued and spoiled. We walked under the Elks Theatre awning where we had just watched a movie the day before, where Cade had his birthday party, and where I made a new friend (talking non-stop through the movie and never really seeing her face until it was over. Hi Liz.).

And we went to the library, where I promptly learned I live in the wrong county and they charged me to check out books (apparently I need to get used to the idea that Sturgis should be home base). But still. We got books to kick off our summer reading (every morning before do anything else – but after I have had enough coffee to get me functioning, you realize.)

And then we went to our favorite breakfast spot.

Tally’s Silver Spoon has become our spot. We had First Watch in Kansas and Snooze in Denver … and now we’ve adopted Tally’s. Because we’re breakfast people. And because the coffee is so good.

Claire ordered a bowl of fruit and Caeden got donuts. So typical of how opposite these kids are. And I don’t let them drink juice or soda but let him order beignets because it’s fun to hear him order in french.

But Claire still called him a piggie. And then asked if he would share.

So he ate her strawberries and she ate one beignet, which come in these paper bags. So does the grease. Try not to stare at it.

And we visited about the books we picked out and about what we love about moving to Rapid City (Rylan and Co., Grandpa and Grandpa, new friends, and a happy Mom (yeah … they noticed.).

Then we wandered back home so they could nap and I could fold/resent/cuss at the pile of laundry that never ends and edit wedding pictures (which is more fun but also never ending)

(And my life can be perfectly normal and a bit less than exciting, but I tell you what, it’s fun to look back and see what we were doing/where we were at/what I was thinking about/how the kids look.)

And I am still looking for a cute, old house to buy.

And I still obsess about my weight and have come to terms with the fact that I can only eat chicken if I want to wear a swimming suit this summer. (Noosa and wheat toast are banished…tomorrow.)

And I planted our garden and I have 9 different tomato varieties growing. And I don’t care if the cucumbers, onions, or squash make it as long as we have tomatoes.

And I am listening to Train (listen to ‘Bruises’ if you get the chance) and John Mayer’s (‘Face to Call Home’ is my favorite) new albums non-stop and teaching Claire to sing along.

And proud of the family I have and how it is growing into something more wonderful than I could have imagined.

And I am still addicted to Illy Coffee.

And I have started running more consistently again.

And I yell at the kids sometimes.

And last night I made them eat Ramen Noodles because I have been avoiding the grocery store.

And I cut bangs and I hate them.

And … life is really good, at least while the kids are getting along and letting me drink my coffee and blog in peace.

XOXO.