Happy 8th Birthday!

My oldest turned 8 on Saturday. Wow! I cannot believe he is so big! He is my buddy and is such a cool kid, in his mom's humble opinion. He has become a great big brother and my special helper around the house. He is playing flag football this year again, he has the job of teacher's assistant in his 2nd grade class, he loves playing his DS and Wii, and he enjoys figuring out how all things technical work. He loves to read. His favorite food is a quesadilla from Moe's. He is starting to really like watching sports with his dad asking questions about plays and players.

For his special day, he requested to go to Mississippi State for Fan Day to get all the players' autographs. So, we made a day out of it. Both sets of sweet grandparents came. His cousins came. We met at a favorite restaurant for lunch and cake and opened gifts.
After our little family party, we headed to campus to Fan Day. And, we were able to catch some great picture opportunities! We did have to wait in long lines for pictures and autographs. So, we did see a little of this: And, sometimes we saw this....a game film was a little more interesting than standing in a line!
We had a GREAT day celebrating a GREAT kiddo! Happy Birthday, Buddy!!!

a fun saturday

A few weekends ago, we were invited to hit the local State Park's beach area for a day in the sun with some buddies. Four families, lots of sun and dirty water, and 11 children made for a great day of play! Thanks to the creative daddy in the group that came up with the plan - thanks for the invite - we had so much fun!!!

kindergarten bound!

My Little Miss started kindergarten 9 school days ago (at least that is what she told me today as she got in my car during carpool). She has LOVED it. She has been a little tired, a little whiny and fussy in the afternoons. But, overall, she is having a great time and already learning so much. She loves feeling like a big kid. And, I guess she is one. Here are some pics from her first day: We were on our way! They were so excited to be going together. I was taking pictures. She was steadily talking and grinning - telling me that her backpack felt great, not too heavy for her. And, her brother was steadily telling her where to meet back that afternoon during carpool. To laugh or cry? I was doing a little of both!

just praying

I have been reading emails for the past hour about an acquaintance/friend who had a pulmonary embolism today. She is in critical condition. Her son is in my oldest son's class at school. I can't get her sweet husband and three boys off my mind. So, I am just praying....

I decided to check up on an old student of mine who suffered a brain aneurism three years ago. She keeps a blog of her improvements, her struggles, her medical procedures, her new life. She has a little guy at home that was just a few months old when she collapsed. Where I am so thankful she has survived, she is forever changed...physically, emotionally, spiritually. She is an amazing woman - learning to be a mom to a preschooler while learning to walk/ talk/ eat again. She lives daily with the most incredible outlook and faith. I pray for her often...I am just praying.....

I went back to my email to see if I had any new updates on my friend. I saw an update on a family I met a while back that has a daughter (6 1/2) that had been fighting brain cancer. She passed away this week and the funeral was today. I cannot begin to imagine the absolute agony that precious family has met. I told my kiddos about Lindsey's death. We had prayed for her for such a long time now and are so very sad. So, we are just praying for her family....just praying....

Before I turned the computer off, I decided to visit my favorite mommy blog. I follow this woman's site because her heart for those around her inspires me. She loves God. She loves her family. She is wise! I read her blog and feel like she is an old friend sharing her heart with me over coffee. So, this is what I read on her site (Lots of Scotts) tonight....

"Maybe this is the true secret to being fulfilled and content - living in the moment with God, defined by His truth and with no unrealistic expectations for others or things to fill me up. Not reaching back for what was lost in my yesterdays. And not reaching for what I hope will be my tomorrow. But living fully for what is right in front of me. And truly seeing the gift of this moment."
-Lysa TerKeurst, Becoming More Than A Good Bible Study Girl

In this moment, my heart is hurting for a friend fighting for her life, is concerned for that young mom and her struggles, and is heartbroken for a family missing their little girl....and it is praying. My heart is praying.

I want to live in each moment, to be defined by His truth, to not mourn yesterday or get lost in my expectations and hopes for what is to come. After all I have read tonight, I am convicted....I want to see this life, this moment, as the gift it is....

Only God knows what tomorrow will hold. I am just praying....and that is the best way to spend the moments of now....

school days

Yesterday, my Buddy met his teacher. We REALLY liked her and were excited to see some familiar faces in his class - a couple from church, one from baseball, some from his kindergarten class, and a couple from his first grade class. I didn't take any pictures with his teacher. I am learning the ways of my seven year old son. I am learning when to put the camera down for sake of his "coolness quotient". So, no pics of his teacher or room. Today, he was a little nervous this morning. But, overall, seemed ready to get going. He woke Little Miss up at 6:45. He got dressed and came down to get breakfast. He was "showing her the ropes" at starting a school day. Brush teeth and hair. Find shoes. Put the lunch in the backpack. First day picure - at home. Yep, he was ready!!

Today, Little Miss met her kindergarten teacher. She was sooo excited! She spent her morning time after her brother left until time for us to go to "meet the teacher" looking at last year's yearbook. She would ask me every few minutes about the different teachers. She could absolutely not contain herself. We were there really early and took care of lunchroom and nap mats. She saw the list and had me read the names off....she has lots of friends from church and her preschool...a very sweet class! Yay! Here is her new room and desk: And, her new teacher was very sweet and friendly!! Her mommy is holding it together so far....let's wait until tomorrow to see if that continues! Little Miss even got to hang out with some good buddies and the principal - what a cool first day on campus!

Braces for My Buddy

On August 1, my Buddy got braces. He has a pretty bad over-bite that needs some attention for future teeth to grow in properly. So, here he is..... I am sooo proud of him! He has done very well with his braces! He is growing up on me...

the end of summer

This summer has been wonderful...but different. My honey has had to work soooo much overtime this summer, which does not lend itself to many "family vacations." But, we had a great time together as much as possible. We went to the lake with friends a couple of times. We went to Atlanta at the beginning of the school break for a fun weekend. The kids and I were even able to spend almost two weeks (not all at once) in Mississippi visiting family. Little Miss spent a few days with Mimi and Papaw by herself. Bear spent a few days there by himself. My buddy had baseball camp and church day camp. The older two went to the lake for a "big kid" getaway with their grands too. Then, there was also VBS - which we all love. So, all in all, the summer was great! Just too fast!!

For one more chance at memory making, my wonderful honey took off work last week and took all of us one day to a local water park and amusement park. We spent ALL day playing. We had a GREAT time!! We had so much fun that I took not one picture! Ha!

Then, this past Saturday, he got up and announced that he thought we should drive to the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville. Ok. Let's do it. So, we did. We had a great time exploring on our one day excursion. My oldest really loves rides...looks like his sister is starting to follow in his footsteps! Poor little bear, we plowed right through his nap time. But, he didn't seem phased (as long as his lovey and paci were close by). Cool, huh! They thought this was pretty neat....standing under a rocket with their dad. What a fun day trip! What a wonderful last weekend before school!!!

his first haircut

My big boy got his first haircut. He was not thrilled to be sitting in that lovely black leather chair. So, he sat in my lap, which is why I had no pictures of the cutting process. But, here is the result: A Big Boy. (Cue the "Awe")

enjoying the HOT outdoors

It is hot outside! But, my little crew needed some time outside....to enjoy the great outdoors. So, we loaded up a picnic and hit the road to a nearby park. We had our lunch, played on the playset, and rode bikes. Yes, we were hot!! But, we had so much fun! See.... My buddy was pretty serious about his riding... Even the Bear got into the action... Then, there was this tree...and I had a seven year old boy with me....sooooo, there was a little climbing and exploring that had to be done! So, to cool the bunch of us off a little, we hit the creek! We really adore this creek! The big kiddos built a dam...a really good one...then broke it to watch the water spill out. We enjoyed our day and sure rested well when we got home! Summer days are the best for playing hard and loving every minute. This mom sure enjoys seeing her children enjoy God's creation and each other...no matter what the temperature is....