It’s the first Saturday in June.

The first Saturday of Summer Vacation.

Maybe we’ll go to the beach.

Listen to the seagulls call overhead.  Smell the sunscreen and sunshine on our bodies.  Feel the cold water lap around our ankles as I hold EK up on her wobbly legs.  Taste the saltwater as she sucks it from her fingers.

Unfortunately, the nearest beach is about 12 hours away.  Not exactly a day trip.

Instead, we’ll settle for the prairie grasses of the Texas panhandle.  Instead, we’ll listen to the cluck of the chickens, smell the oil rigs pumping nearby,  feel the wind tussle our hair, and taste the freedom of summertime.

The freedom to sleep later than 6:00 a.m.

The freedom to go barefoot all day long.

The freedom to splash in a kiddie pool and instead imagine it’s the saltwater of the ocean.

Today, I celebrate summer.  And the days to come.

I did not sign a contract to teach school next year.

In faith, knowing God will provide for all our needs.  In faith, knowing He did not give me this baby so that I cannot enjoy every moment with her.  In faith, knowing I now have a new purpose and job.  In faith, knowing these years are going to fly by whether I make money or not.

I am officially a Stay-at-home-mom.

And I am grateful.

Thank you Lord for your awesomeness.

Thank you Lord for Emma Kate.

Happy Summer, y’all.