the keys to our sanity (or so we'd like to think)

Each of us has our own way of relaxing. For Joel, it's working in the garage. For me, it's knitting. Unfortunately for Joel, sometimes his relaxing and our house projects overlap. But for those of you who aren't here (or haven't been to the house in awhile)... here is what Joel finished up a couple weeks ago:

Before this... there was a black wraught iron railing that was of no use to anyone. Now the railing matches the house (and even the staircase in the house). I'm proud :)

As for me, only rarely does knitting turn into a "project". Now is not one of those times! I have only knit a handful of things for myself. I finished up a shawl earlier this year, but it can only rarely be used (I haven't exactly figured out how to wear it yet!) But now... I am knitting a sweater. Here is what I have so far:

It may not look like much right now... but you just wait! It will be lovely to wear in October in Italy!

how do you know if you've had a good weekend...

Well, it could be that you've been to Disneyland or Fratello's or Italy... or it could be that you accomplished a few things and spent some good time relaxing.

Ours was the latter.

Here is a good indication that we had a good weekend...

1) There was food involved in most of the weekend... Saturday morning we got up and road our bikes to the farmer's market, and then to Aldi. There is something about picking up locally grown food on your bike. Does it taste better? Maybe... or maybe that's in my mind. But here is the result of our trip (we then spent Saturday evening sharing this with some new friends of ours). 2) Joel was able to finish up a project on Friday - that I have to say I am quite proud of. He bid on this, won the bid, and did a beautiful job. From this job, he has picked up two more... what can I say, he knows what he's doing! The line is forming... so please let him know if you have some work!

3) Another succesful part of the weekend may not have been the most fun, but it needed to be done... weeding. I only spent an hour on it (Sunday night at the last possible minute), but it did feel good when it was cleaned up a bit. But a question has been haunting me for five years now... what is this plant? It is a perenial... it has the fragrant smell (like an herb) but grows up from one central point (like a bush). And the bees LOVE IT! If you have any idea... let me know!

4) We rested. We watched a few documentaries on Italy (one of the ways we're prepping). We socialized a little. We went to church. We read some of overwhelming volume of magazines (ps- if you like magazines, ask me how I get them free). I knit some more. Joel played in the garage a little (he got new tool bags... and you would think someone just sent him a million dollars!) That to us was a good weekend. Here's how I knew I had succeeded:

the way summer should be

The last two weekends for me have been a taste of the way summer should be. Busy enough to have fun things going on, but not so busy that you miss the world around you.

My theory is that we are truly in control of how busy we let our lives get. No one can busy it for us - it's a decision we make. So Joel and I have decided recently to not let our schedule control us, but to be in control of it. We've prioritized doing the things we always put off and spending time with important people in our lives.

This weekened was a perfect example of that.

Saturday we met my parents in Milwaukee. The Lullo's always keep themselves busy, and so the best bet for matching busy schedules up was to meet half way. We found this great place in Milwaukee called the Public Market where picked up some great food (and some yummy spices).

This is where it gets interesting.

We knew that we wanted to head towards Lake Michigan - so my dad got directions and we headed out. The man who gave my dad directions said, if you go to the second beach, that's where the circus is. I was reminded that the Great Circus Parade was in town doing a festival (and parade on Sunday - which we missed). As we drove closer to the site, chairs began popping up along the road, then tents, then duct tape marking off people's whole blocks of space. Traffic got very heavy and we began to see the tents. The only way we could figure out how to get any closer to the water, was to park near the festivities, eat along the water, and then join in ourselves.

Lunch was fabulous - my dad even thought to bring beer - which was a nice touch to the day. We then walked around the festival grounds. The parade floats (if that's what you want to call them) were out getting a final wash down before the big event. They were bringing out the horses to hook them up for one last practice. It was a great way to get side-tracked together. Next time we just need to plan better to actually be there for the parade. (Side-note: my parents took us when we were much younger, and I still can picture the elephants walking down the streets of Milwaukee).

Joel and I were able to hang out a little while longer - we found a park bench, talked a little, thought a little, and remembered that "this is the life". We are truly blessed.

We ended the night at Lifest. There are too many things I can say here - but my soap box may not be appreciated by all. Let's just say Joel and I walked many circles around that place trying to avoid the people wearing t-shirts that said "Free hugs" and the cheesy Christian lingo that I worked to avoid a long time ago. I just want to say that I think God is about so much more than we give Him room for. I think the best thing I heard all night was from one of two musicians I cared to see. His name is Derek Webb and though I can't quote him, he said something to the effect that in the "Christian culture", especially in Christian art, we write music or paint or sculpt about the 2% of "spiritual stuff" out there, and miss the fact that God is God of all things in life - sex, politics, nature, love - everything. And if he is God over everything, why do we only talk about the 2% that we deem as spiritual? Phew - I better stop not, or you might never come back to read more....

All in all - after a weekend like this, I felt like I could breath again. We spent Sunday around the house - and I even got a chance to read for several hours.

It felt great.

up nort - we return

4th of July on a lake, on a boat, watching fireworks, catching fish - I think that's the life!

It was different than we imagined, and different than before for Joel. The cousins are growing up, most are married, and several have small children. The-drinking-all-day-on-a-fishing-boat days are over. There is still a lot of fishing and card playing - and still a few drinks. But at the end of the night, there were only 3 left around the fire (making s'mores for the rest who were card playing in the house). It was quiet and really nice. We slept a bunch, and ate a bunch (this particular family is oh-so health concious!) The joke with the Hintz's is that if it's fried in canola oil or has some sort of nuts or fruit in it, then it is healthy. Therefore, oatmeal raising cookies and white chocolate nut cookies, are healthy. Caramel bun breakfast with nuts is healthy - and chips fried in canola oil are healthy.

It didn't help my diet much - but it was very tasty!

Brinley's presence was an absolute joy for me - she is precious and smiley and barely ever fussy!

The best times for me were going fishing as the sun was setting - there was always a boat full, the view was stunning, and the conversation jovial. If not for the insane amount of bugs - it was perfect.

And it continues...

This weekend we have more fun plans. Tonight, we get drinks with Dan - who we haven't spent time with in awhile - at one of my new favorite places, Red and White. Saturday we are meeting my parents in downtown Milwaukee to go to the Urban Farmer's Market and then have lunch on the lakefront. After that we're heading to Oshkosh for Lifest and Third Day - Joel won us free day passes. We're hoping to connect with a few people (possibly Mike or Ashley) - and enjoy a night out!

up nort'

All this time I've lived in Wisconsin (going on 6 years in August), I haven't spent much time "up nort'".... and then I got married. Now we go camping "up nort'" and, in the case of this weekend, we even go to the cottage "up nort".

The cottage is an incredible Hintz tradition. They find as many cousins as possible (I think we were over twenty last year) and cram them all into a space meant for 5 (well, I guess they have the bunkhouse now, which will fit another 10). Though we're not sure how many are coming this year, we are planning for the possibility of camping out in the tent.

The great part is getting to be with family, especially as the family grows in numbers. This year we get the addition of Brinley - who through her short time with Joel - has absolutely melted Joel's heart. I look forward to getting a chance to snuggle her, while also getting time to lay in the sun and read with my sisters-in-law. I am truly blessed.

On another note, the summer seems to have gotten away with us - and we are in the process of reclaiming it! We're hoping to meet up with my parents next weekend somewhere in the middle, and then get a weekend or two at home.

Plans for Italy haven't moved much since the apartments were booked - but we have read more of the travel book and we're planning to watch a few movies set in Florence and Rome. This weekend I'm planning on reading Angels and Demons - which is set in Rome and supposedly very descriptive! Then I have to plan our train travel! Looking forward to it!