beyond grace

February 13, 2015

the january traditions...

I look forward to the day every year, and this day was no different- except that I had been watching the weather all week, and it didn't look good. All of Friday had me hoping the storm would pass through early, or hold off until after the fun. Usually I am just in denial, but waking up Saturday morning, there was no denying the sound of rain. A lot of rain. And thunder. We hadn't heard that in months.

Camden headed out early anyway, armed with a jacket, umbrella and a spare pair of shoes. He likes the rain, doesn't mind getting wet. We followed a couple of hours later, windshield wipers swishing across the glass. By the time we arrived downtown, Cam had found his chalk square, and the rain was just a mist. We took our place in the not-so-long line, and anticipated hot soup in gorgeous bowls.

And then we were off to Fifth Ave to find Cam and his chalk square... and wander in and around the other works of art that had taken over the pavement.

by cam & friends... using splatter paint to overcome their disappointment of having to paint the logo instead of pandas...

The sun has overcome the rain and clouds, and was shining strong by noon. We would have enjoyed this day of giving (donations for soup, time for chalk) in the rain if we had to, but everything seems sweeter with the golden rays of the sun!

February 05, 2015

this and that...

Work has been crazy.
Home has been a flurry of preparation.
I am tired, but exhilarated. This weekend we will celebrate Camden and he will receive his Eagle Scout Award. The dreaming and planning has been fun, and I can hardly wait to get to Sunday and see it all come together!

Also?
I am so proud of this boy I could bust. Seriously.
He heard from his last college the other day and he is in. Again. Seven for seven.
I don't know how he will decide... I just keep up my faithful prayer that God will provide the right place and the right finances, and Cam will just know. One college trip planned, another on the horizon. At least he has a couple more months!

While I have been busy not writing, life has kept on happening.
Things like Empty Bowls, and Chalk Art, and children getting older.
I probably didn't even tell you we went "around the world in a day" for Laura's birthday!

I just wanted to let you know I am still here...
and after next week, I will have a little more free time.
Maybe.

January 21, 2015

when there are hardly words...

We have made mention of meeting up over the years (yes, years!)... How we hoped that there would be a time. How we would sit and sip chai lattes, and laugh and cry and how it was certainly only a when, not an if. There really is only one state separating us - unless you count half of hers and practically ALL of Florida (which may as well be three states, because it is so long!)

When Camden got his letter to interview for a scholarship in South Carolina, I was excited... for more than one reason. Yes, we would visit the school and attend the luncheon and interview... and we would carve out a time to meet Southern Gal and her Ethan. I knew I wouldn't be nervous... I truly believe we know each other by heart!

I got a little teary eye-d thinking about meeting her. And when Cam & I were on our way to meet them at the zoo, those tears slipped back into my eyes. This was really happening! And then...

thank you, camden for being the photographer!

I could only laugh and smile... and we talked so fast I think we talked right over each other.

The day was beautiful, and I hardly have words to say how happy my heart was. It was two friends picking right up from our endless emails with easy conversation... and although we should have held hands and skipped though the zoo, we resisted. The boys were really great sports about this whole day, and skipping surely would have pushed them over the edge!

thanks, southern gal for letting me steal this collage!

We never did sit and sip chai lattes... but we walked and talked and laughed and talked some more. It was such a fun day- and so hard to say goodbye! But there will be a next time... I just know it.