Our Summer + Just Show Up Giveaway

Jill Uncategorized 30 Comments

I found a stack of Christmas letters and cards this week. So many sweet notes and photos. I think I got halfway through sending them out last year and just gave up. So I’m sorry to those of you who sent one our way and didn’t get one in return. We all know the attempt at Christmas cards from me is likely a fail. 🙂

Since I’m pretty much always a little off schedule—and disorganized— I’m sending out a this-is-what-we’ve-been-up-to-this-summer note.

This summer has been filled with a few unexpected projects and issues. In fact, it’s felt a little like the summer months have been stolen from us and I want to scream “re-do!” But isn’t that life? There’s so many moments that fly by that I can’t seem to grasp. My babies aren’t babies anymore. My son just turned seven, and that sounds like a crazy age for my youngest to be. I have tried and tried to tell them to stop growing, but they just don’t listen to me.

The highlight of our month was getting to hang out with our friend Becky, who owns Good Photo. She’s the one who took photos of our group of girlfriends with Kara earlier this year, and she absolutely rocked this family photo session for us.

My daughter wasn’t exactly feeling it on getting photos done that morning, but I can’t tell from the photos. She looks amazing.

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I found out I laugh a lot. A lot.

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We even threw in a ninja shot for good measure. My son pretty much thinks he’s a ninja, so this one was for him. I’m not sure why it looks like I’m doing the robot…

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Overall, it was a great morning, and I’m delighted with the photos we now have.

We’re planning to spend the rest of our summer making up for some of the beginning of the summer. Movies, concerts, a small vacation. We’re excited to milk these last few weeks before school. Ugh. Just the word makes me feel instantly disorganized. I haven’t even thought about shopping for school supplies! And I’m guessing no one is surprised by that…  🙂

The months are going to fly by, and Just Show Up is going to be out before we know it. A few women have contacted me and are waiting for the book, struggling through their own hard with friends. It’s heartbreaking to me that hardship is so prevalent in our culture, yet at the same time I’m warmed by these stories and these women who are jumping in with each other even when things are scary and hard.

Sometime in the next month or two, I should get some author copies of the book before it’s available in stores. When I do, I’m going to pick two winners from my email list and send them signed copies. Oh, how I wish with everything in me the books were going to be signed by both authors. I can’t hardly think about it without an ache and tears. We miss you, Kara!

If you want a chance to snag an early copy, just sign up for my email list. It’s as simple as that.

Happy last weeks of summer!

Comments 30

  1. I love your photos!! You’re always smiling, which I love about you. 🙂 Summer is going way too fast for us, also. I’m glad you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of it. As for those school supplies–I dread buying them. They always cost more than a second home, and we miss at least half the things they need. Maybe I should just wait until the first week of school when we find out the stuff the teachers actually require!

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  2. Your pictures are amazing! I look forward to reading your book. We do year-round school here (long story) so our boys are in school most of the summer, with the exception of August. I can relate to so much of what you said. Although I have the best intentions, I often feel like I’m chasing my tail.

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  3. I’m dreading school’s return too because I miss my kids! Our school district does offer a school supply bundle but it is expensive, more expensive than schlepping to Target myself. Love your writing Jill…:)

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  4. Thanks for sharing your pictures with us. Isn’t it nice to have pictures to look at over the years to remember memories that will always be cherished. As children get older, those pictures become so precious.

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      Yes! I agree. We aren’t great about photos, so I’m so thankful for these. I’d like to be better about getting them done more often.

  5. You always have an amazing smile, Jill. And your family? Beautiful and fun. Our summer has flown by! Don’t hate me, but I bought school supplies this past week (hangs her head to avoid tomatoes being thrown). Now uniform stuff? That’s another story . . .
    As for the rest of the summer? We’re trying to relax into it and enjoy each moment.
    I’m looking forward to reading Just Show Up!

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  6. What a treasure those photos are!! And the thought of school gives me a stomach ache. Blech
    Looking forward to reading Just Show Up. I’ve been thinking about using it as a guide for a women’s Bible study this fall.

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      I love that idea! There are two discussion questions at the end of each chapter, and they can easily lead to more. Thanks for commenting, Monica!

  7. My reply is being centered – is it supposed to be that way? It is making me laugh this Sunday morning. My kids are grown but I do remember the back to school shopping. I spent way too much money, bought everything I thought they would need and everything on the school list. I, also, remember dreading the return of homework. But I do think I was excited about a new beginning.
    I’m excited about the release of Just Show Up and plan on preordering today. I love the pictures, too. Happiness has been captured.

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      Hi Beckie,
      Yes, unfortunately I usually get so many spam comments that I have to approve them. Isn’t that annoying? I am so dreading the return of homework! Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂

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  8. Jill, this is what I needed. I’v thought of Kara so much this month. Last summer it felt like she was hosting a party every week and I sure do miss gathering around her. So hard to think it was just a year ago. But, I need to be reminded that she’ s still hosting…just at her new home parties

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  9. Just to let you know, that one disorgenized mom from Slovenia is reeding your blog!Enjoys alot! Kara’s &yours story are still very much alive in my everyday life…and I’m planning to stay alive from the rest of my life…I’m learning alot from you guys. Big thnx, big like!

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