Stories from the Porch in August

Oh, August, you were fun and full – like most of this year has been! You felt like summer with a splash of fall before hot, humid days returned. You brought routine back to our lives but let us keep on swimming.

Highlights

We spent our anniversary weekend at the beginning of the month with friends in St. Louis. It was a fun time that included a delicious Italian meal at Charlie Gitto’s on the Hill, a day riding roller coasters (and other rides) at Six Flags, and lunch and soda from Fitz’s.

Before school started, we spent an afternoon at Venture River Water Park and hosted long-time friends from southern Indiana who we hadn’t seen in too long.

My big kids went back to the school we love as a sixth-grader and third-grader and Rachel started Mother’s Day Out a couple days a week. She loves school so much she doesn’t want to leave when I get there to pick her up!

Lastly, Cate wiggled out her last baby tooth during an orthodontist appointment last week and I successfully dealt with NONE OF HER BABY TEETH. I felt like we reached a milestone! One of my mom goals is to let the children handle their own wiggly teeth. So that’s 20 teeth from one kid and another 8 from the middle boy down and out … and only 32 more to go.

Favorite things

Hospitality Matters series – I’ve loved working on this email series to encourage you to open your heart, your home, and your life – regardless of what season you’re in. Expect two emails each calendar season with devotionals and practical tips. (So be sure you subscribe, if you don’t already!)

Teva sandals – I’d been debating getting some Chacos and tried them on a couple of times in stores. But then I found these and haven’t regretted it. I bought them at the very end of July and have worn them almost every day since.

From the bookshelf

After a season of not reading many non-fiction books, there are several I’ve been looking forward to that I’ve been reading.

“The Eternal Current: How a Practice-Based Faith Can Save Us From Drowning” by Aaron Niequist – I really liked much of this book. It’s a practical guide to living out your faith and finding freedom in experiencing God is different ways. There were a few theological red flags that distracted me and the way the analogy of a river almost replaced God himself became repetitive. Sections of this book struck me deeply and encouraged me in what is happening in my own life and community.

“The Ministry of Ordinary Places: Waking Up to God’s Goodness Around You” by Shannan Martin – I’ve been excited for Shannan’s next book since I finished her first, “Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted.” And then she went and wrote on a favorite topic of mine. I’m grateful to be on the launch team for this one. I’ll be sharing a full review soon, but this book spoke so much truth into my life and encouraged me exactly where I am.

“It’s All Under Control: A Journey of Letting Go, Hanging On, and Finding a Peace You Almost Forgot Was Possible” by Jennifer Dukes Lee – This other favorite author of mine has this new book coming out next month. I joined her launch team as soon as I heard about it because this is a message God is always teaching me. Her words are what I need to hear deep in my soul.

“White Picket Fences: Turning toward Love in a World Divided by Privilege” by Amy Julia Becker – I loved her “Small Talk: Learning From My Children About What Matters Most,” so I’m also excited to be on this launch team. I’m just beginning this book, which releases Oct. 2, but I have no doubt it’s going to make me think.

“Fearless Faith: 100 Devotions for Girls” by Melanie Shankle – This book is for girls about 8-16 years old. It’s lovely – inside and out. My sixth-grade girl is currently reading through it and I’m excited to hear more about what she thinks of it, see what she journals, and talk to her about fearless faith. Plus Melanie Shankle created a fun playlist we’ve been listening to around here.

Speaking of my oldest, Cate also read the whole Harry Potter series in July and August. She shared a review about her new favorite series on the blog earlier this month. Ben also reviewed a joke book, if you’re looking for some new joke fodder like we always are!

On the screen

I’m ready for some fall TV to start! I’m especially looking forward to watching more “The Voice” and “Survivor” with my oldest.

For now, it’s still been “Hawaii Five-0” and “Suits.” I recently started the fifth season of “Suit” after a particularly entertaining fourth season.

How’s your August been? Tell me a story from your month.

{Tweet that.}

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