Monday Musings~ There's no place like home...

My family and I just returned last week from a two week vacation in the eastern U.S. We had such a wonderful time! My brother and sister-in-law graciously hosted us in their home and really made this vacation possible. We couldn't have done it without them. What a tremendous blessing! 

As much fun as it was to get away, it is also so great to be home. So, without further ado, here is this week's edition of Monday Musings.

Out in my yard today... a volleyball net that will get a lot of use in the next few days since my youngest daughter is trying out for the school volleyball team at the end of this week.   

I harvested the first fruits of my garden when we got home last week.  One zucchini, one cucumber, one yellow squash, some lettuce, and some cherry tomatoes.  Yummy!

I'm grateful for... safe travels and vacation fun.  We visited some amazing places and saw some really cool stuff, but the best part for me was spending time with people I rarely get to be with in person.  Seeing my nephews all grown up, two of them with families of their own... simply extraordinary.  And meeting my darling great-niece and great-nephews, a whole new generation... absolutely incredible!  We also spent a wonderful day with some of my husband's family in Connecticut. They showed us such love and hospitality- we are blessed!!!  

One of my favorite things... watching my kids wholeheartedly pursue their dreams.  They have such courage and determination.  I wish I was that fearless.

This week I'm reading... Off Season by Anne Rivers Siddons.  A light summer read, perfect for this time of year.  I read Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol while on vacation.  Set in Washington D.C., it is a major thriller involving Masonic secrets and some well-known historical sites.  I was in the thick of it while we were in Washington D.C., which increased the intrigue that much more.  We even drove past the Masonic temple where a lot of the action takes place in the book.  Creepy! 

I'm looking forward to... watching my husband's soccer team play this weekend.  He is the high school boys JV soccer coach this season.  It's good for him to spend some time with the guys.  There's a lot of estrogen at our house!

Simple life tip for the week... "Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time." ~John Lubbock 
Spend some time "resting" this week.  You won't regret it!