almost time!

saturday, sunday, monday, GO.
school starts tuesday.
jack is ready.
luke is ready.
mom is tired from a SUPER CRAZY past two weeks and hopes tuesday brings "normalcy" at school.
dad is indifferent except for making lunches.

ready. set. break!

small things

it's always the smallest things that make the biggest difference. that are the most important. that make your kid get the biggest smile.

well tonight it was that i made "stuffed animal sleeping bags" and "silkies"--one set for each of my boys and then after luke so thoughtfully offered, a set for k-man. they were in love--even the "too big for their britches 8 year olds" LOVED them :)

my boys went to bed with bears in sleeping bags and a twinkle in his eye.

oh happy day jack-o

i can hardly believe it but 8 years ago thursday, jack-o turned 8!!!!!! that sassy, intelligent, atheltic kiddo is growing up so quickly! we celebrated with kaden and cyrus two weeks ago at craig's cruisers (i will try to post pictures--at least remember to do that) and that was a BLAST! and on his birthday we celebrated with family at our house--with pancake supper! it was fun! the bartletts also joined us--and scott's family for cake--and the looney's to drop off shadow (more on that cute 12 week old puppy later).

i love you jack thomas. we are blessed to have you in our life!!!!

dad's birthday :)

sentimental sunday

my two favorite young men

proud wife

my husband is a computer nerd. and a darn good one! he is gone for work right now and i miss him dearly (working in south carolina)--he sent me this link of him giving his state of the kernel address. it is rather long (starts at about 10 minutes) so don't watch all of it but nice to see my awesome super smart hubby in action!

beaming

Jack beamed from ear to ear today: Grandpa let him drive the farm truck in the fields BY HIMSELF :) He was finally tall enough to touch the peddles :) He hauled around the hay wagon and got it it's correct spot.

oops

just another TB moment........... and keep in mind I am not an excellent laundry "do-er".....

we had some extra stinky laundry so I put it in with regular laundry soap and saw Josh's "deer hunting soap" that said "takes the scent away" (meaning no scent) so I added it in........... only to read it this morning and find out it "leaves a light fragrance of dirt and leaves" LOL

rewashing that load.

creating memories

i've been a bit sentimental lately. maybe it is because the kids are getting older. maybe it is because i am getting older. maybe it is because i am headed back to work and that time of year always makes me feel sentimental. well anyways...... my light bulb has clicked on as i listen to the "little things in life". what has encouraged me to step back and just smile? so glad you asked :)

--listening to my boys play with the neighbor children--hide and go seek, running, chasing dogs, jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, using imagination--and just plain old enjoying each other's company

--playing games--all kinds of games--card games with grandma and grandpa, soccer with the neighbors, monopoly as a family, sorry sliders as a family--just relaxation, laughter, and good sportsmanship

--reading--reading together, reading on your own, reading anything you can get your hands on--and then the discussions that follow about the worlds and people/characters that reading opens up to you

--discussion--the lost art of conversation--discussing life, real world things, imaginative things--just talking every day to be involved and cohesive

--family--taking time to be with family--our family of four, grandparents, aunts/uncles, cousins, extended family--appreciating all that we have

--careers and future careers--just grateful for all we have and all that our boys aspire to be

slow down. live life. enjoy your family.

WOOOOO HOOOOOO

today i signed my first official FULL time special education contract!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

manly glasses monday

guess who is getting reading glasses?!?!?! :D

fourth fun

we had five days of jam packed fourth of july fun--vick, gordo, carter and logi-bear came for a visit! highlights: swimming, playing at the playground, ice cream, more swimming, playing, reading, playing at the farm, fireworks with my amazing neighbors, good food, good fun, great friends, awesome laughter.