Last Day of Summer

Where did the summer go? Shane and I were talking about this just this morning. When summer begins you think, "Wow, a whole summer to do whatever I want." Then school is getting ready to start and you say, "How did the days of summer disappear so quickly." I don't feel like I was as successful with the grand organization plans but it was a great summer none the less. It is hard to believe I am sending my son to 2nd grade and my dear sweet baby girl to kindergarten. Not only where did the summer go, but where did the time go...one thing I know for certain, these type of "milestones" are coming faster and faster. The journey of life seems to be learning to let go one step at a time.

Durango, CO part 1

We had a very memorable time in CO over the weekend. The kids did great and LOVED the train! We got home today, early evening, and haven't really began to unpack but I wanted to give just a taste of the trip with a couple pictures. I will post more soon.

3mths already?

Could she be any more gorgeous? I am having a blast with her these past couple of weeks. She laughs, smiles endlessly and started "talking" to me regularly. Not many milestones to report, but pure joy. We adore her and as our time with her is coming to an end I am so glad I captured these shots of her because they are her personality...exactly!

PS Same bow as 2mth picture, but she is growing into it.

Jacob's Day

We took Jacob out for a special dinner all by himself, (a treat to get us both all to himself) and he of course choose Mexican food. We enjoyed our evening together and talked about the up coming school year and his hopes for the next year. He has been asking alot more deep questions today which Shane and I find intriguing. We then went to my In-laws to pick up the rest of the kids and had to have a little cake.

He sure is looking more like his dad everyday!

"It's a boy!"

Those words ring in my ears 8yrs later. We did not know if we were having a boy or a girl on this day in 2001, but as soon as he came out Shane yelled "It's a boy!" Today, that boy is celebrating his 8th birthday. We are so proud of him as we see his growth and maturity blooming. I watched him sleep this morning and his face is exactly the same as it was when he slept 8yrs ago. Many things are different however, like his size shoe is just one size smaller than mine. He is also very tan from a summer full of swimming. What a blessing God gives when he gives a son. Happy Birthday Jacob Anthony!!

I am having one of those times where I feel like I am failing in my job as Mom. I know I am letting God down, and I have not been His light to my children. I just get more and more embarrassed with myself when I let those words sink in and I try to run like heck away from the conviction. I am struggling with being "grumpy mom" all the time these days. I hate that some days all I do is discipline, or at least that's what it feels like. I finally got an opportunity to chat with a friend this weekend, (thanks Suzy!). She is so good to me, and I get more from her than I give, but she is ever faithful to me. We talked about a lot of things, but our "spiritual life" conversation is the one that has been resonating with me. Where am I spiritually? If I answer that questions with brutal honesty...yikes! I have seen God move in my heart with regards to surrender and trusting, but I have been running at a full sprint away from Him with regards to my parenting. Ok, so can we say control issues? It seems like when I am letting go of one thing I grab another and hang on tighter than before...that makes no sense. Last summer I bought a bible study book with full intentions of completing it before fall study, well that was a year ago and I never started it. Suzy reminded me of that study this weekend. At first, I dismissed it. But God dropped that book back in my lap yesterday so I can't really ignore it. He does have His timing! I read the first chapter and of course it is speaking directly to me...duh! (Reminded me why I wanted to do it last year.) The title "The Bathtub is Overflowing but I feel Drained" by Lysa Terkeurst. (She is a part of Proverbs 31 Ministries) The following is a quote from the book that is exactly my hope...
"Changing your perspective on motherhood will not happen in one day. There will not be a moment when you feel a magical transformation occur. Instead, you will learn over the course of this book that you can make little decisions each day that will transform your motherhood experience. Each decision will build on itself. Bit by bit you will find that the right decision lead to hope, and hope leads to transformation. 2 Peter 1:5-6 says 'Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge self-control; and to self control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, LOVE.' Just as the virtues mentioned in this verse build upon themselves, so one good choice leads to another choice and results in a change in your life."
Can I get a big AMEN!!! Finding hope when feeling a bit down and out sure can make my whole body feel better...from my head to my toes. I can sense the change coming and I am excited. I want to be the same Mom whether or not "people" are watching, because God is always watching and He is who I desire to pursue.

Perfect Birthday Treat!

This was Jacob's favorite truck this year.

Instead of a big friend birthday party for Jacob this year we opted for The Monster Truck Jam with friends! He was so excited to go and went with two of his truck lovin buddies. He turns 8 on the 5th and we can't hardly believe it. He had a great time last night!