His name is Charles, but we call him Charlie

We are finally home from all of our comings and goings.  School starts next week and yesterday we got a pet.  Not much of a pet, but still, a pet!  His name is Charles, but we call him Charlie.  That is the name the girls have decided on.  He seems to like his new home.  I have to admit I was crossing my fingers this morning that he would still be alive when I went to check this morning.
This has probably been the most eventful summer we have had in a long time.  Years, actually.  We were never home for more than a few days before we were taking off somewhere again, either for the day or for another week.  I love the freedom of summer.  I just felt so grateful this summer.  Grateful for my family, for my kiddos, for my husband, my body.  I couldn't help get a little emotional as we were out doing things as a family.  As I would lay down in bed at night with my sore body and tired limbs and having no idea how I would feel in the morning, it felt good.  Even though I still struggle with symptoms every day, they are manageable.  There are certain things my body just won't do, but I can get by somehow.  I just felt so grateful for every experience that we were having--that I was having, and enjoying the moment.  I am still looking back on all of our summer fun with a smile on my face and being grateful for what I do have.