Pretty girl

Joy

"I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

where, down in my heart.

I got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart,

where, down in my heart today.

And I'm so happy, so very happy,

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart.

I'm so happy, so very happy,

I've got the love of Jesus in my heart."

With so much going on with all the kids, all the court dates rapidly approaching I can't get this song out of my head. AND, I figure if I am singing this all day everyday through all the anxiousness I will be at peace. My Lord goes before me in battle...thank you JESUS!!!

Accountable

So now that school is starting its 7th week I have found myself getting in some bad habits which of course have brought stress and frustration into my mornings. Our kids are up early, so we are not "rushed" in the mornings, but I found myself carrying most of the work load AND being the nagging reminder about simple tasks like getting dressed, teeth brushed, shoes on, etc. I had myself a little mini break down last Thurs, overwhelmed with everything that needs to get done on a daily basis let alone just in the mornings before school. My hubby of course is my barometer and he jumped in to bring me down. We talked to each other, I talked to my mom and other friends and realized that I was causing some of the unnecessary stress thinking it was just easier to "do it myself". So I would di it myself, and then when I would ask the kids to help all I got was whining...not a great thing to add to a busy morning. After much reflection over the weekend I came up with a morning check list. I explained my expectation and that I would not be reminding them to do anything. They have all morning before we leave to complete these tasks and if they are unable then a privilege would be lost in the afternoon. In addition, I am starting their chores chart back up today that worked so well last year and some how we got away from doing it. So, I enjoyed a much less stress morning, things got done, and now I can focus on the things I need to do. Here is to a fresh start...

Season Officially Started!

Competitive soccer has officially begun...today was their first game....they won 2-1! Jacob is FAST!!! He has this whole other speed I call his "after burner" and steams for the ball. He played middle forward today and was right in the middle of the action. It was a bit hot, so coach did a great job rotating boys in and out to keep them watered and cooled down. Looking forward to next week!

Aunt Lynnette and Cousin Sydnee came out to watch....Nathan and Syd love hanging out each week she comes over to play. All we said was give each other a kiss..and this is what happened!!! SUPER CUTE!!!

Sweet or Savory

On Wed afternoon/evening Shane took the little ones out to the air park to fly his planes and there was a make shift pond from all the rain and these two got eaten alive! This is two days later so not as bad as the first morning, but they are itchy!!! Both are handling it well and I just they don't scratch too much and make sores. Next time...bug repellent!!

One last time this season...

We made our way to the ballpark one last time this season on Fri night. Of course we had to take the train again, another big highlight of our trips. We also were "wined and dined" by the Dbacks Season Ticket Sales staff and got a behind the scenes tour. Shane said I was drooling and had eyeball popping out of my head when we realized we were mere steps from the clubhouse down below decks. I saw our best rookie Gerrardo Parra in the batting cages...so EXCITING to be that close. We stood next too the dug out and over all I was just a kid in the candy store. Besides me, can you tell which kids are fans and which ones are there for the food? (Look at the clothes) Once again, we had a great time as a family, but we did leave early as it was not a good game and the kids can only take so much baseball. However, I was asked first thing the next morning by Nathan, "Mommy, we go train and go baseball today?", "No baby, we are not." I love this fun family outing!!!

Peaches, Apples, and Veggies OH MY!

I did "Bountiful Baskets" again today...(haven't done it in over a year), because they had boxes of peaches and apples. And when I say boxes I mean boxes...38lbs of apple and 32 lbs of peaches! Cobbler anyone? I LOVE peaches and I can't wait to start canning them this weekend. Also, I made homemade applesauce to give away at Christmas last year and everyone loved it so I am going to be making applesuace too. I have wanted to do this more but my kids are poor veggie and fruit eaters and I don't like to waste the fresh stuff so this time I took all the kids and they helped me load my basket full of food and their excitement bubbled over. Jacob and Samantha each started eating an apple in the car on the way home and Nathan is currently working on his second apple. They were all trying to tell me which item was a fruit and which one was a vegetable. I had no idea I sparked such interest simply by taking them along to help serve. Then my wonderful son grab a big box stuff with a bunch of other borken down boxes to bring home and recycle...what a little servant! Here is to becoming that reall "hillbilly" by canning!!