Here I Am

I know, it's been a long time.  I started a new post a couple weeks ago and never finished it.  I haven't felt much like myself since we moved....and that's okay.  It's a new season, and God wants to do something new.  I just haven't quite caught on yet.  But in my struggling, I am confident that He is always near to me and   always mindful, and always speaking.  In the words of a favorite Israel Houghton song, "I Am Not Forgotten."

I just read this....
Come to Me with your gaping emptiness, knowing that in Me you are complete.  As you rest quietly in My Presence, My Light within you grows brighter and brighter.  Facing that emptiness inside you is simply the prelude to being filled with my fullness.  Therefore, rejoice on those days when you drag yourself out of bed, feeling sluggish and inadequate.  Tell yourself that this is a perfect day to depend on Me in childlike trust.  If you persevere in this dependence as you go through the day, you will discover at bedtime that Joy and Peace have become your companions.  You my not realize at what point they joined you on your journey, but you will feel the beautiful effects of their presence.  The perfect end to such a day is doxology of gratitude.  I am He from whom all blessings flow!
(From my most favorite devotional ever, Jesus Calling)

Spoke to me in so many ways.  I've had a return of insomnia.  Sleeping issues are not new for me, but this is a whole new level.  Onslaught of health problems, constant varying levels of sickness.  Medication side effects that are often worse than the illness.  Missing the part of "me" that I left in Las Vegas.....my friends, my ministry, my church, my gym, my routine, my babysitters.  "Me" is a little part of my life at this season (and I'm so okay with that), but it's also very important.  Figuring out how to do life again in a new place after seven years in the old one, has been challenging.

But we've also had some great moments of joy.....Ronnie joining us after two months of separation, all the kids adjusting beautifully to the move, the boys running their first road race, going to Busch Gardens for the first time, living close to family for the first time since our marriage 13+ years ago.....there are many more.

And in all my lostness/emptiness, struggling to figure out how the families of those lost on Friday move forward.  Babies gone.  Breaks my heart.  I believe that there are 20 littles sitting at Jesus's feet because of this tragedy, but how do their families go on?  Life is dark.  And then, a relative who was in a near fatal car accident just over a day ago....but walked away without a scratch.  A guard rail, the only one around, happened to be in just the right place to protect from a 20 foot plunge.  God, once again, thank you for your protection.  You are everywhere, every moment.  I'm not feeling very holiday-ish this year.  My own struggles and others are clouding the joy.  But I'm hoping I'll walk away from the holidays this year with a renewed spirit that despite all life's hardships, big and small, we....not one of us....are ever forgotten.

Heart Treasure

A treasure for my heart for always....Clayton telling me yesterday (after a very difficult bus ride home)....and my ensuing action to protect one of my cubs...."Mom, I didn't know you were so brave."

My lesson....sometimes just doing the right thing, shows them bravery.  And makes them feel incredibly loved.

I often doubt myself.  Think we all probably do.  But sometimes, I do get it right.  And for those moments, even if they're few and far between, I am so grateful.  To be the Mom they need, at that critical moment....to get it right, at the right moment....on my knees, grateful.

Otters

I took the kids to the zoo today.  A zoo.  Funny.  Zoos are kind of a novel concept to my crew of desert dwellers.  The only zoo they've ever been to was the San Diego Zoo....yeah, like a six hour drive from Vegas....and they were each so young the two different times we were there, they don't really remember anything.  So this was kind of like their maiden voyage into zoo-ville.  It was fun!

These otters were my favorite.

:)

Spiritual Food

My beauty-full friend, Carey, sent this to me last week.  Rich encouragement.  Read it and then read it again.

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/09/dear-you-a-letter-for-the-hard-days/

And if you read it after you do really hard things, it gently pats you on the back and says, "It's okay."

I just needed that.

3

Three year old in the house!  We had a relaxed day celebrating her.  We didn't really do any birthday activities until after naps.  First, we opened presents.  Most of the photos are blurry, but here she is with her big gift.  (Yes, it's the same thing we got for Elena for her first birthday, but a larger size.  Gaby has loved Elena's chair for the last five months.  Finally....her own....and in PINK!)

A pink hooded towel.

As we've talked about her upcoming birthday the past few weeks, this was her only request....a pink cake with pink frosting, and pink flowers....and pink ice cream to go with it.  Do you see a theme?  Here's my creation.  I even found some pink sparkly sprinkles to go with it!  Truthfully, it was probably my most favorite cake I've ever done.  Her request was so specific, but easy, that I was pretty sure she'd be thrilled with the result.  She didn't disappoint.  

My favorite line of the day....after we showed her the cake for the first time and she loved it and went back and forth between the kitchen and family room a few times, talking about how pink it was....she asked, "Where's my spoon?"  No need to cut it, just give her a spoon!  (We cut it. :) 

And my favorite picture of the day....this one.  I asked her if I could take a picture of her in her new Hello Kitty pj's, sitting in her new chair.  I got this.  The three fingers was all her.  Oh my heart.  Do you see how she made three?  Not sure I've seen anything cuter.

Well, maybe just her.

Love you, love you, love you my big girl.

Pressing Onward and Upward

From Friday....

After the last seven days of UGH, I was NERVOUS heading into the weekend this morning.  God gave me this, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with.... you forever--the spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."  John 14: 16-18.

I read those words, "But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you," like it was a totally new concept for me.  What?  Why is it so hard for His truth to reach us?  Am I that stubborn?  Is it this hard for everyone?  I'm fully aware that I am merely a sinner saved by grace, but this is like so crucial....to always be mindful that the Holy Spirit resides in me.  I am not alone.  I am NOT doing this alone.  Why did I think I was alone?  Why was I trying to do all this alone?

So after being reminded that I have a very real and present helper, we (magically) had a much better day.  Got the boys off to school.  Sidebar....I'm still in disbelief  at how easy it is to get them to and from school everyday.  This is the first time in six years, since Clayton started preschool, that I haven't had to wake someone, keep someone up, drive all over kingdom come, often three times a day, to get someone(s) to and from school.  It is SO nice.  Amazing really.

We did (what seems to be) Chick Fil A Friday.  I let them (the boys) pick where they want to get dinner from on Friday nights.  Two for two....Chick Fil A!  I'm not complaining!  Seven years without it is a long time! :)  They played at the play place (I confess, I hate all fast food play areas), then we drove out to the base just to make sure we could find it (and I didn't feel like going back home yet), and then I accidentally took a wrong turn and we just happened to end up next to a Sonic, so maybe root beer floats were consumed. :)

Clay seemed surprised that we had fun when we got home.  He has such a hard time away from Ronnie.  I think sometimes he thinks/feels that there's no way we can have fun without him.  Maybe he even thinks he's not supposed to??  We've had a lot of good conversations about his feelings, his prayers....lots of spiritual development stuff here....we're working through it all.  Truly blessed to guide him through all this, but I confess, it's exhausting at times.

And today, Sunday, we were able to watch our church service online LIVE from our church in Vegas.  They just started streaming yesterday and it so blessed me to "be there" this morning.  We tried a church last weekend that was a great fit for the kids, not me, and haven't decided where to turn next.  I know we need to find a church home here, but it really blessed me and met me where I'm at to be able to worship "at home" today.  I love that church.  Always feels like being at home, even if it's from 2500 miles away.  And Pastor Kevin just happened to be teaching on perseverance and cultivating joy.  Clayton and I were listening real close.

Rough

Things have been rough around here.  Really rough.  Last Thursday was lovely.  A purely lovely day.  Then, Friday hit....bad.  Then, Saturday....worse.  Then, Sunday....oh.my.gosh!!  Think we're all feeling the stress and strain of moving, living in a new city, being apart from someone we dearly love.  It's felt like A LOT all of a sudden....just kind of snuck up and hit me/us.  I lost it on Sunday.  Turned into that mom that no one wants to be.  Spent the rest of the day making amends, seeking forgiveness.  Thank goodness for grace and new days.

They Have My Heart

I love her.  I just do.  Can't help it.

And her.

And those two boys who walked to the bus stop all on their own this morning cuz their little sisters were still sleeping.  (It's only a block away.  I'm not that negligent!)  And I wish I had my camera as I watched them disappear behind the trees across the street because I loved the big bro's arm around the little bro's shoulders.  The look...."I totally got this, Mom."  Maybe no photo.  But I got the picture on my heart.

First Day of School

My 1st grader and my 4th grader.

Heading to a new school and lookin' excited and confident.  Those seemed to be the predominant feelings the night before.  Did my heart good.  Felt like all the sacrifices and hardships of the past few weeks and the coming few were well worth it.  Praise God for wisdom and discernment.

And they did have a great first day.  Only positive reports.  Again, praise God.

Sidenote:  big bro was SO PROUD to be have little bro join him at the same school....finally.  They even sat together on the bus and smiled like crazy driving away.  (I only say "even sat together" because they both already have friends in the neighborhood who ride the bus as well.  Love that they still chose each other.)

  

We Made It

We made it.  Yorktown, Virginia is now home.  I have no pictures.  Don't think I've taken a single one since we arrived here on Wednesday, so just words.

It's been a journey since leaving Vegas.  Just for my memory's sake, here's how our trek went.  We all drove out of our home of seven years on the evening of Sunday, August 19th.  Stopped just a couple hours down the road in St. George, Utah.  Packed up again the next morning and traveled to Grand Junction, Colorado.  Enjoyed a late afternoon swim in the pool and pizza dinner in the hotel room.  Super easy.  (All had gone too well up to this point!)

Monday/Tuesday morning was horrible.  Gaby's problem tummy wreaked havoc on her and all three of us were up pretty much all night.  At about 4:30 am, I also noticed she had a fever which didn't let up for over 24 hours.  The drive to Colorado Springs was full of tired, sick girls and lots of crying.  Did I say "lots"?  Sorry, I meant, LOTS! :)  It was my birthday too.  Ronnie kept apologizing for having to spend my birthday in the car with all the crying....  Really and truly, I was happy.  It was a hard day, but I was with my crew, so all was well (and I never lost my patience!  God is good!)

Wednesday morning, we had breakfast with friends of Ronnie's family who knew him from about age 13 on. They also cared for us so well while Ronnie was at the Air Force Academy.  I almost always stayed with them when I came to visit him and they were always most gracious hosts.  We'd never been out to Colorado with any of the kids, so they got to meet our foursome.  I was amazed at how much Mrs. H. knows about each one....just from Christmas letters mostly.  We felt loved on by them again and they seemed touched that we stopped in the Springs just to share our family with them.  Really special.

We drove to Denver that evening so we'd be close to the airport.  We had a major hotel snafu and ending up having to find another hotel.  I was maybe not a fan of it.at.all. and at this point, was pretty dang tired and emotionally spent.  I also maybe had my first breakdown and maybe considered running myself over with the U-haul trailer.  Remember, this is all just hypothetical. :)

The next morning, the girls and I flew out of Denver to DC where we were met by Ronnie's parents.  The flight was fairly uneventful sans the first 10 minutes when Elena decided to have the biggest meltdown of her life.  Everyone keeps saying it was the air pressure, but we hadn't left the ground when it started! :0  It was violent, but thankfully, short lived.  She worked herself into a tizzy and passed out on my shoulder for the next 20ish minutes.  Oh boy.

Got to Ronnie's parents.  The overwhelming feeling was pure and utter joy to not be in a hotel anymore.  The second overwhelming feeling came just after I got the girls in bed and realized it had been five solid days of 24/7 kids.  Love my babes to pieces, but afternoon nap/quiet time is also sacred to me!  It is preserved at all cost!  Without it, or even five minutes to myself  in five days....whoa.  It was a good, really good, few days with Ronnie's parents and just the girlies.  The boys finished the drive in just three (long) days and arrived on Saturday evening.  We all enjoyed Grandma and Grandpa for a few more days and headed down here on Wednesday, August 29th.  (I forgot to mention that Ronnie and I left the kids with Grandma on Monday and drove down to Yorktown to register the boys in school and pick up the keys to our house in their Mercedes!  Sweet!  I'm not a "car girl," but that's nice ridin'!  And it was quiet!  Very lovely.)

I'll detail the saga that has been our moving into this house soon.  Let's just say, it's been a lot more work than we bargained for (and was advertised).  But....there have been some amazing blessings to us being here as well.  I'll let you know soon, but I/we are tired.  Been working our backsides off since we got here and desperately need some rest.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who have prayed us through this move.  We felt your covering all along....except maybe that Tuesday in the van!  Just kidding!  Seriously, bunches of thanks.

Wrapping Up

This is our house right now.  Looked this way since about 4:00 yesterday.  

Feels kinda strange when a house you've lived in for seven years is just a collection of boxes and furniture.  The "home" feeling that makes life there special....gone.  Tomorrow they will load the truck and Sunday, we will embark on a new adventure on the other side of the country.  I'll have to write some other time about my feelings on all this.  Feeling a little detached from it all right now.  Have felt grief in the past weeks.  Mostly now, feel like I'm ready, but I'm also thinking there's probably a bit of denial in there.  Tomorrow night,I hang with my best friend from here and Saturday, we'll hang with our small group for the last time.  Oh, and Sunday morning, we'll worship for the last time with our church family that we have dearly loved for almost seven years.  We'll see how I'm doing after those good-byes.  So far, I've seen everyone I wanted to or will in these next few days.  Written cards to lots who have impacted me/us.  Feeling good about healthy good-byes which is what I prayed for as soon as we knew we were really leaving.

The packers were still supposed to be packing today.  But they brought a crew of six yesterday and made fast work of our belongings.  (Maybe we need more stuff....just kidding!)  Anyway, since we didn't have to be home all day with them, we were able to do a few other things that we had planned for later in the week.  Instead, we got to do them today, with much less rush.  First up, we headed out to Red Rock Canyon to spread Boomer's ashes.  We hiked to the particular stream bed that he loved to play in.  There was no water  at all, but it still had special meaning for us, remembering how much that pup loved to play in the water.  We found a shady spot and sat down.  Ronnie said a prayer.  Then, he and the three big kids took to spreading the ashes.  Elena and I sat peacefully in the shade.  Thomas brought me a handful at one point and I scattered them close by.  I shed a few tears, but mostly it was just peaceful, special, and just right.  

After we were done, I loaded Gab back up in the Ergo and we were set to head back.  Just as we were about to leave our little site, Thomas said, "Look!  Look at this rock!"  

"There's a heart rock right here!"

Sure enough.  There was.  

Sometimes I just love knowing how close He really is.

Tahoe--Day 2

After breakfast on Day 2, posing next to their favorite koi pond.  You would not believe how many times we visited those fish each day.  The boys (mostly Thomas) even named several of them.  Gaby was into it too because she's into everything her big bros are. :)

We then headed down the street to the lake.  We weren't quite sure what the set up was, so we just headed down in our street clothes to scope it out.  Oh my goodness....the beauty....it was truly breathtaking.  I don't think the photos do it even a little justice.

Un.be.liev.ably clear.  Amazing.  Beautiful.  Felt like I could "see" God in this setting.  I mean, who else suspends this huge, crystal clear lake like 6,000 feet above sea level?  It's super deep too and almost 100% pure.  Amazing. 

They couldn't resist "getting in."  I love this photo.  Can still see the little boys in them even though they're most definitely growing up.

A Daddy and his babe.  Love.

After a bit, we headed back up the hill to our hotel.  I stayed at the hotel with the napping girls, and the boys took off for Carson City.  They went to the state capitol building and the Governor's mansion (and Walmart for the many things we forgot!)

We were all pretty tired at this point (already).  I was just realizing how emotionally and physically exhausted I was from the week prior with losing my pup.  

But this MADE THE DAY....!!!

She had taken her first steps about a week and a half prior, but hadn't walked since.  At this juncture, it was apparent she had cracked the code!  Love my wobbly walker.

A Week Away--Day 1

We spent all of last week in South Lake Tahoe, CA.  The trip was a lot of work.  Even Ronnie said that about half way through the week.  (I thought it was just me!  Ronnie's so much more laid back than me.)  Elena cut a couple teeth during the week, the girls seemed like they were always tired  (even though they slept well), long lines at the hotel breakfast every morning, the boys wanting to do stuff that the girls are too little for, so lots of Ronnie and I splitting up to divide and conquer....blah, blah, blah.  But....it was also full of wonderful memories.  And much like labor, the difficulties will fade away, and we'll just be left with the gift of this week away in a truly heavenly location.

It was about an eight-hour drive for us.  By far, the longest road trip we've ever attempted with kiddos.  Tahoe was always on our bucket list of things to do before we left Vegas.  It took seven years for us to get there, but it did not disappoint.  The kids all did pretty darn well on the way up (the drive back may have been a different story!)  

We passed this lake, Walker Lake, on the drive.  I thought it was so pretty.  I had no idea what was waiting for us in Lake Tahoe!  It's still pretty, but....

Our traveling compadres.  All relatively happy at this point.

Silly girl!  She was determined to use that neck pillow even if it didn't work well with her car seat.

We didn't plan anything but the drive last Sunday.  (I really thought I went into the trip with low expectations.)  When we got to the hotel just after dinner time, we ordered pizza and ate before bedding down.  While waiting for the pizza, Ronnie and I are scurrying around trying to get everything situated for the night.  One of the boys announces, "There's poop on the couch!"  

Screech!!  "What?!?"

Oh yeah.  Somehow Gaby went that much that the pull-up held no chance.  Oh boy.  So a shower for her by Mom and couch cleaning by Ronnie.  The pizza arrived.  We ate and watched some Olympics.  And waited and waited and waited and called again and again and again to finally get Elena's pack 'n play.  Oy vey.

With very different details, this first evening was pretty much a taste of our trip.  But I'm going to focus my posts on the lovely memories, the gems that we all hold in our hearts, 24 hours after returning home.  It was so good for my heart to hear Thomas asking each of us over and over (and over!) today what our favorite part of the trip was.  So good.  Clayton wrote a postcard to some friends the day before we left too and started it with, "I have had the time of my life...."  SO good.  (A, that's coming in your mailbox!)

For Parents of Young Kids without Dogs

I have a serious question.  Whatever do you do to keep your floor clean after meals????  Oh.my.gosh!  I pretty much HAVE to vacuum or sweep after EVERY meal!  This totally stinks!  Pretty sure I'd never cleaned the floor after a meal in nine years of being a parent.  (And I now secretly think you parents of little ones sans dogs are most definitely my heroes!)

Things I Thought I'd Never Miss

Clumps of dog hair....um....everywhere!

An extra body in the kitchen when I'm cooking.

"Let me in!" barks, five seconds after he "asked" to go out.

I sat down to type this list thinking it would be LONG.  Everything I've thought of aside from those three, just makes me chuckle now.  Toenails on the tile, snoring (Clay did a perfect imitation last night when we were talking about how quiet it is without him).  Funny how grief totally changes your perspective.  I even did Clay's chore on Monday (vacuuming the downstairs) just because I wanted to be the one to pick up those last clumps of dog hair.  I hated the dog hair prior to Sunday afternoon.  Really, the only part of owning a dog that I didn't like was the hair.  Now, I even miss that.

Yesterday, I was full of grief.  I mean, it floored me.  Felt suffocated at times.  I don't think I've ever been so sad in my life.  It was so hard to go through our normal day without him.  Every time I sat here or did that, I'd think, "Boomer would be laying there" or "doing such and such."  I pondered how trivial losing a dog must seem to people who never had one; maybe even some who have.  The only explanation I've come up with was that he was just that much a part of our family.  Today, I feel measurably better.  I miss him like crazy still.  Like.crazy....but feel like I can breathe again.

Ronnie and I have reminisced a ton over the last couple days about all the crazy, funny, awful, sweet, infuriating, precious things he did in our 12 1/2 years together.  Looked at lots of pictures.  It's been sweet.  And really hard.

Things I know I'll miss....

Hearing Elena say "Baba" when he walked by.

Petting my dog, especially while he snored away.

Being greeted every morning with his "feed me" shenanigans.

Coming home anytime after 6:00 pm (his dinner time) and being greeted with his "feed me" shenanigans.

Seeing how happy he was everyday when Ronnie walked in from work.

Remembering our favorite friends (who were also Boom's favorite friends) and how he always lost his mind when they came by....even if it had been years in between visits.  Tony and Grace, thinking of you!

I still haven't been able to dump his water bowl out.  I keep telling myself I need to.  Water in the bowl is waiting for a dog and he's not coming back.  Thought I could do it tonight, but I still can't.  We've cleaned up/out a couple things and I packed away a couple things I'm not ready to part with yet.  All in due time, I suppose.

One more thing I know I'll miss....

Clumps of dog hair....everywhere!

Hard to Say Goodbye

Our loyal dog of almost 13 years died today.  So hard to say goodbye.  His health has declined as he's gotten older, mostly just this past year.  In September, he would have turned 13.  Ronnie and I got Boomer on November 2, 1999.  We'd only been married a little over four months.  We lived on the second floor of an apartment.  So dumb to get a dog; a puppy in that situation.  He cost $200 and we couldn't afford him when we first saw the ad from the breeder.  Looking back, I still wouldn't do anything differently.

Ronnie took him to the vet today for a routine check.  He essentially collapsed on the way.  Although we didn't think we had years left with him, we didn't really think today was the day either.  It would have been hard no matter when it happened.  The kids and I were able to make it to the vet in time to say goodbye and love on him one last time.  Ronnie and I stayed with him while he drifted off peacefully.  It was hard to see him that way, but I'm grateful for that time.

This was Boomer just a couple weeks ago....waiting patiently for Elena to drop some food from her highchair.  He was very predictable at meal times (if ill-trained!)  Just a little focused on the task at hand....never mind those blinds!

We have a ton of crazy memories with this guy.  He was a terrible puppy.  It was most definitely our fault.  We had no idea what training a Labrador puppy was like, and remember that apartment?!  But now, remembering him tearing the siding off our base house is just funny.  He destroyed the first piece of furniture we bought as a married couple too.  Countless memories we have of "Boomer Bad Puppy."  But....he was always loyal, always gentle with the kids, loved attention and being pet, and popcorn (among many other things!)  

This was the little tyke not long after we brought him home.  I mean, have you ever seen a cuter pup?!

I hadn't come home to an empty house in almost 13 years until today.  I can't say I liked it....at all.  But....I also knew he couldn't make the cross-country drive that is coming in just a month.  He didn't have any particular health problems though either to justify not bringing him.  Seems God made that decision for us.  I'm glad that he won't have to make a journey that would be so hard on him.  How I would have loved to see him play in the real grass and shade trees of our new backyard in Virginia though for just a day.  

Miss you my sweet, sweet boy.  Thank you for all the years you loved us.

Lock Box

It's official.

Our house is for sale.  Seven years in this house.  Three babies brought home here.  And now that little blue box on the garage represents lots of pending change (and it's all happening so fast!)  Vegas has never been my ideal place to live, but it definitely feels like home.  More sad than excited tonight (except for leaving the heat!  Trading it for east coast humidity though....hmmm....)

God is preparing the way for our move, totally confident in that.  Have already seen His hand at how things are falling into place.  Grateful for that.  Praying that I will be able to "grieve the good" of this very special season of our lives.  (Clay was a new two year-old when we moved here.)  Lots of memories.  Lots to process.  And it's happening very fast.

4th of July

We had a really fun 4th.  Went over to a family friend's house after the girls' naps for swimming and barbecue.  I didn't take any pictures; just had lots of fun.  It was a crazy LOVELY 77 degrees!  Super unusual for this time of year.  We enjoyed the heck out of it.  

We headed home a bit after 8:00.  The kids loved watching random fireworks all over the valley as we drove home.  Gaby kept saying, "Kaboom!" (very demonstratively).  Super cute!

When we got home, put E down for bed and headed out front to do some fireworks of our own per the boys' request.  Ronnie was pretty excited about kids old enough to set off fireworks with.

Sparklers in the driveway.  Totally thought G would be scared....nope!

Lots of people in the surrounding neighborhoods were setting off fireworks much bigger than the ones we bought, so we got a pretty good show at home.  Gab, my pink fan, said with just about every firework that we or others lit, "I want pink!"  Too much!

Quick Update in Photos

He (the big one) wanted a buzz cut a couple weeks ago.  Not my favorite.  Maybe glad his hair grows fast. ;

He's officially ready for Christmas!

We left the kids with our sitter on Friday night and stayed at a hotel to celebrate our anniversary.  A lovely and utterly refreshing 18 hours.

He had his first swim meet on Saturday after only four days of swim team.  Great effort!  Maybe that buzz cut was fitting.  ;)

She loves her some corn on the cob....

and watermelon!

She's just dang cute (if maybe exerting her independence a little more than I'd like these days).  Good thing she's dang cute!

13

By the way....

we're 13 today.

Ronnie, I love you.  I treasure you.  I'm so very thankful for you.  It's been hard, but it sure has been way fun too.

Can't wait to surprise you on Friday with our special celebration!

A Fav

This photo's actually a bit old.  It's from November of last year.  I was there when it was taken, but as it was day 5 of a migraine, I wasn't too with it.  Ronnie was scrolling through the photos on his phone last night and it popped up.

So stinkin' cute!

Maybe a little diva-esk too!

Beauty-full

She's so beautiful to me.

Pieces vs. Whollness

     "My mind wanders to my home, where Todd and I are currently parenting nine children.  How can I be more like God, instead of trying to break myself up in equal size pieces for everyone, which never feels good or works out right anyway?  What if, instead, I could be all myself, wholly offered to Him, so that He can spill out enough onto my family?"  

From Reckless Faith: Let Go and Be Led by Beth Guckenberger

Wow.  Yes.  PLEASE.  Sign me up!

Last Day of School and First Days of Summer

Sigh....back again at last.  Only a few (thousand) things to catch up on here.  Here's the short version.  Less words, more pictures.  Both the boys finished school on June 7.  Here's Clayton before heading out for the last day.  He looks like an almost 4th grader, right?  (Or maybe....6th grader!)

First day of school--August 2011

Thomas's school had a graduation ceremony this past Friday for the Kindergartners.  Here he is afterward with his teacher.

Posing with the fancy certificate.

Mom and Dad and our 1st grader!

The fab four!

T just had to take a photo of us.

Last Monday, Clay did a three-day long football camp at UNLV.  I think it was one of the best experiences of his long nine years.  He learned a ton, got to work with real college football coaches, meet some of the players, tour the locker room (he reported it smelled like feet!  Ha!)  The staff did a really great job of giving the kids the full picture of being a student athlete.  Pretty cool, except that he's ready to go to college now.

There's been lots of reading so far this summer.

Some playing too.

LOTS of backyard swimming.

Some bathing suit modeling. ;)

Did I mention the reading?  (Love her foot on him.  Read--I own you!)

Some kisses with Daddy....in public!

And we've fit in some cooking too.

It's been a busy first couple weeks of summer.  Tons of camps right at the get-go and then....nothing.  The boys are both doing camp/VBS at our church every evening this week and Clay's doing a model car camp today through Thursday as well (right before VBS).  Sprinkle in a couple doctor appointments too, and feeling a little chauffer-ish these days.  Anywho....that's what we've been up to.  Catch up with you soon!