The 4th day of 4th grade (and 2nd grade too)

I was checking up on FB this morning. Lots of friends and family have kiddos starting school today and they had pics up almost instantly. Made me feel just a tad guilty, nothing like a little mommy guilt to get you going. So I thought I would post some pics of the girls from their first day which was on Monday. Actually for a procrastinator like me 4 days late is really not that bad.

Since we bought a new house the girls had to go to a new school this year. We LOVED our old school, but we've heard lots of good things about this school too. I have been praying for the teachers these girls would have and that they would make some really great friends here. They were both a little nervous but mostly excited to start the year.

Photo session on the front porch:




In front of our new school:


Big Sis and her teacher:


Little Sis and her teacher:


The Bub ready to spend the day alone with mom.

An unwanted absence.

My darling son broke our Internet and it took us over two weeks to replace it. I've missed everyone.

Need to post another bday.

I really need to write a post about Big Sis' birthday, her's was the day before Bub's. I want to post pics as well and I'm being too lazy to upload them to my computer. Plus, my mom actually took some so I need them emailed from her too. So basically what this post is all about is the fact that I am lazy and a procrastinator. Now you really know the real me. Stay tuned, hopefully I'll get it done before her next birthday.

The other woman.

Is she thinking of him today?

It's been two years since she first saw his face, heard his cry. Did she hold him close and kiss his little cheeks. Did she think, "He looks like me"? Did he wrap his tiny fingers around one of her own? Did she cry? Did she tell him of her plan? What was going through her mind that day he was born?

Today, on this anniversary of his birth, I'm thinking of her. I have an ache in my heart for her. I know she loved him, she had a plan for him. Does she still feel the weight of his tiny body in her arms? Is she aching today too? May God give her peace, knowing he is growing, thriving. He is so smart and stubborn and funny and loving. Part her, part me.

Today I will give him two hugs at bedtime, an extra one for the woman who can't put her arms around him. Two kisses on his chubby, still baby-like cheeks. Two snuggles when he falls and gets a bump. I will push the trucks and throw the ball for two extra minutes, spending time playing when I have other things I could be doing, because her time is over. I will rock him a little longer, even though I know he's trying to get too big for rocking, I will rock him today for her. Because, she let him go on that day so I could have him in my arms. My son.

What God is teaching me these days.

I always know when God is trying to tell me something. The theme of my Bible study, the message at church or a song I hear all seem to point me in the same direction. Funny, these days, even "friends" facebook statuses remind me over and over.

Lately, my messages from God have been about pursuing a relationship with Him. Laying aside all of my failures, prejudice and guilt and seeking him. Putting my all before his throne and letting Him take it up for me and making something beautiful out of it. It is amazing how many times I've heard this idea over and over in the past few weeks. I hope God won't give up on me before I finally learn it. I know he won't. I appreciate the fact that He is so patient with me and how LONG it takes to get something through my head and heart.

What has God been teaching you lately?

Number 7.

My baby girl turned seven years old this past Sunday. I can't believe how big she it getting. So grown up. Her plans were originally to have a Christmas themed birthday. I kept hoping she would change her mind about that. Thankfully she did, and we proceeded to plan a Candy Party. It ended up being very fun. Here are a few pics of the day. In some pictures you can see the blank walls, an empty dining room and a pile of pictures that need to be hung. I'm not really settled in yet. Don't judge me:)

Fun for the summer.

Thanks to the girls who commented on my last post. Sorry for the whining. I think I'm going to keep up the blogging thing, for posterity (sp?) I really like going back and reading the older posts and I know someday I will be thankful I took the time to do this.

Can I just say that summer with all 3 kids home was kicking my tail? I was going INSANE everyday. So I have to admit to myself I could never be a home school mom. Okay, there I said it. I am not so good at keeping my kids constantly entertained, educated and stimulated. So, on Monday I broke down and took the kids to the community center of the town we just moved from. It has a big indoor pool with slides, a lazy river and all that fun stuff. I was happy to pay the $17 dollars it took to get the three of us in. Bub was free. We had a great time. As soon as I got home I called my hubby to tell him how great the day was. Not one time at the pool did the girls fuss, fight, or say "I'm bored." I told him I couldn't justify spending that kind of money more than once a week. Then, I got to thinking about possibly becoming a member. I looked into it and found we could get a family pass for 3 months for $110. Uh, yes please. This also includes a fitness center that Josh and I (yeah, right) could use. So needless to say, that night Josh signed us up.

The kids and I have been there four times this week. I believe it's going to help keep us all happy this summer. And, since it's indoor, no sunburns. This fact also helps when Bub gets tired of the water and he and I end up sitting on the side. We aren't sweating sitting in the hot sun. Perfect! Thank you Lord. Any IRL friends are welcome to come and join us. See you there.