just some thoughts

The construction part of our building is done--it looks so good. The painter came by yesterday and hopefully he'll be able to get to that soon and then we can start moving some furniture in. Kenny may put his office there...I'm going to enjoy having a quiet place to go...the kids will have a nice place to hang out...so we'll all get something good out of it. I'll show pictures when it's all done.
Laura and Brandon will be gone next week. that should be an interesting 6 days for me. Laura and I went out the other night for some supplies that she needed. I got her some cute t-shirts and bracelets. She's so excited! I went to a camp when i was 10 yrs. old and nearly drowned in the swimming pool. we had to prove we could swim the length of the pool, but it was too far to swim, and the person who was supposed to be watching really wasn't. I made it to the end, but barely. Otherwise, the camp was fun, except for that and the hot cabins and communal showers.

I've been spending a lot of time lately running errands and other things. That reminds me, a while back, a couple of yrs. ago or so, several people simultaneously were curious as to why our van never moved from our driveway during the day. At the time, I wondered why anyone noticed, and if they were watching our van very closely to see if it ever moved (how could you tell anyway because don't most people park their car in the same place even if you took a trip out?....but for some reason the assumption was ours never moved....which it did...but just wondering if this was concern/casual observation or hinging on gossip....because I never have time to notice when and why someone's car leaves or doesn't leave). And there was interest if so-and-so visits.., I never see them over. (I had no idea there was so much interest in cars coming and going in our driveway...I'm glad there is, in a way, but motive makes me wonder. I guess people are concerned? That's a good thing--no one should ever get away with breaking into our house--lol. (btw, no, the person they're asking about doesn't come to visit the children--agreed that it is sort of unusual...)
I only drive the big passenger van if I have the right number of kids which would be the majority. Otherwise, I take my other car. I really don't like driving the van. It's too big but it serves its purpose when we need it. However, as time goes on we probably won't need the van as much unless we all go somewhere. So many things are changing as the kids get older. There's more freedom in that and we're ready for it.
And Brandon got his learner's so he can officially drive now with an adult, a cell phone, bank acct., so he's on his way to adulthood....can't believe it's gone by so fast, but it does. He's got 5 people he's working for which is keeping him busy, but he's learning a lot. I remember when he was growing up there was so much push around us for him to do things before he was ready and then there was the pressure from others like we were being too careful. On the one hand, we were too careful, now we're keeping him too busy and he needs to be a kid, so i don't know what to do or how to please. You just can't....someone will ALWAYS be disappointed or mad at you no matter what you do. (and it's hard to raise one child successfully in this day and age, much less 8...so before criticizing...)
My wish....people who give opinions or criticize the way something is done...whatever it may be...why don't they try to offer help instead or talk about the good things being done. (and I know those who are giving opinions would get so mad if someone told them theirs, but they can give one freely at any time)...anyway, help is always helpful and noticing the good things once in a while is nicer for a relationship.
I'm going outside to read or daydream if I can stand the heat. Kenny put a fan out so it's not too bad. I love having the time to escape for a little while. It's always good to get away.