Yesterday morning it was pouring rain. Weighty, fat drops were falling from the sky (needless to say, my hair was not straightened and very frizzy). My umbrella was, of course, in the car.

Me: We're going to have to make a run for it.

Levi: Got it! (he safely entered the vehicle)

Me: Ok, Cora, let's go!

I ran to the car, opened her door and hopped in the front seat.

Cora: Waaaaaahhhhh!

She was motionless in front of the car. I got out, hoisted her sopping wet body into her seat and shut the door.

Cora: I'm soaked!

Me: Well, you were just standing in the rain!

Cora: I wasn't just standing; I was crying too!

Cora: Why did the spider move?

Me: I don't know.

Cora: Because he wanted a new website.

Me: hysterical laughter.

This joke is not funny. But I couldn't help but laugh at the fact that Cora actually executed a joke. It took me completely by surprise, and I loved it. Bolstered by the melodic tinkling of bells that is my laughter, she tried again.

Cora: What do tigers eat?

Me: I don't know, what?

Cora: People.

This joke is incredibly funny. I almost had to pull over, I was laughing so hard. Tears were forming in the corners of my eyes. And she came up with this one on her own. Classic.

Cora: What do I get when I pitch a fit?

Me: A spanking.

Levi: That is not funny.

My two favorite comedians.

Me: Levi, how did you get so smart?

Levi: I came from a smart Mom.

Later that day:

Me: I want a mini granola bar.

Levi: Is that because you are a mini Mom?

Either he loves me way more than I deserve, and thinks I'm way more awesome than I actually am (and will be very disappointed very soon), or he really wants something. Either way, I love that boy of mine, and I'm so grateful that I get to be in his life. (also, I'm grateful for how much he encourages and uplifts me.)

Me: Ugh, I hope the kitchen fairy turns up to clean this mess.

Levi: The kitchen fairy? Is that real?

Me: I guess we'll just have to wait until the morning.

Levi the next morning: The kitchen fairy came!

This might not be that extraordinary except that Levi is a true skeptic. When he was 3, he asked me if Santa Claus was real. When he found a dollar under his pillow where his tooth used to be, he told me that he knew I put the money there. But the kitchen fairy seemed plausible to him. Presents in a stocking? Had to be Mom. Money under a pillow? Definitely Mom. A clean kitchen? Fairies are the only explanation.

Have you ever felt that peace that doesn't make sense? I am content. I really don't have a reason to be. But I am. I'm having trouble explaining it without the use of cliches or christian-ese. I just know (seriously, I KNOW) that I'm making my Father proud, that Jesus is delighting in me, and that the Holy Spirit is guiding me. I'm not saying I'm perfect, or that I've got anything figured out. I'm not and I haven't. My life is full of daily trips, fumbles and confusion. I'm just saying that right now, in this tiny little breath, I have peace that actually does transcend understanding. (That's probably because my understanding is so limited, but don't let that diminish His capabilities). It's my prayer that I hear and respond to His guidance and continue to find His peace. I am loved.

Cora: I'm going to tell God I want to stay five.

Me: Why?

Cora: I don't want to grow up.

Me: There are lots of things that you can do when you grow up. Like paint your own nails.

Cora: (trying not to smile)

Me: And learn how to drive.

Cora: I like going with you.

Me: And when you get a lot older, you can have a boyfriend.

Levi: (covering his ears)

Seriously, this happened at dinner tonight. I love that Cora isn't anxious to grow up; I know one day she will be, and right now I'm savoring her innocence, sweetness and, most of all, her happiness. She is content right where she is, and I love that about her. I adore Levi's big-brother, don't-mess-with-my-baby-sister, protective nature. He is everything I would want a big brother to be: always looking out for his girls. When I pick them up from school and ask them how their day went, he always reciprocates with, "How was work?" I love that my wild man also has such a big heart. My kids are amazing.

It seemed colder this morning. I was watching the lap swimmers (one of whom was 93) and I realized that I wasn't hot. It felt like summer was coming to its end. This evening I let the kids watch a movie and eat pizza in the living room because I realized it was the last night they would be allowed to stay up a little bit later before school started. I have always loved summer. The sun is one of my best friends. I'm dreading the cool months ahead. I know that there is beauty in the fall and winter, but I'm definitely happiest when I'm feeling the warmth of the sun and seeing the brightness even when my eyes are closed. My children are beautifully tanned and have sun streaked hair. I love it. But their white bottoms will cease to stand out as their skin returns to its normal color, and I will no longer have proof of summer. I am determined to spend as much time in the sun as I possibly can these next few weeks, before summer is just a memory.