Learning how to...

Learning how to..."Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


Wednesday, August 17, 2011

New cut for a New Year!

I did it, Sarah Claire got a cute hair cut yesterday....we were wanting to do "locks of love" but her hair was not quite long enough...
We absolutely love it!!
First day of ballet with her friend Ellie Grace.










Tuesday, August 16, 2011

First Day of School 2011-2012

Projects done...
Lunchboxes ready...
Backpacks ready...
Clothes chosen!
They are so ready:)
My sweet kindergartener!
Hard to believe he is in 2nd Grade!
Family pics!
Ready to GO!
And they made it...still smiling!
Going back for day 2!






























Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sweet Memories

This past year I have begun picking up books for ME to read again. Since having children, it's been hard for me to read as much as I would like. This past year I have really gotten back into reading books I enjoy. (I really enjoy ALL books, but I am talking about books I want to read for myself. I did love The Chronicles of Narnia with Blaine- it was fun! We just finished reading The Tale of Despereaux another favorite.)

This past week I went with some friends to see The Help- I cannot say enough good things about it! LOVED it!!! I think I feel a connection to the characters in the story. My mom grew up in Mississippi and when I visit I feel like I take a step back in time. When I read the book, I couldn't get enough of the characters- and how their lives were chosen for them. It took me back to the memories of Mary, my Grandmother's maid when I was little. Oh how we all loved Mary (and her delicious cooking) and she loved us. I believe there was a mutual respect there- she took care of my Grandparents and they took care of her! Those memories are sweet and comforting- I never saw the other side and what was portrayed by some in the movie. It was emotional to me and I have been pondering over so many different aspects of the book. May go back and reread it after I read the other books I have on my bedside table.

I went and bought 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Daughter and 5 Conversations You Must Have With Your Son by Vicky Courtney. I have just started reading the "Son" one- for some reason, I have more of an urgency to read this one! (Maybe because we have had somewhat of a difficult summer with Blaine) I will say, I LOVE what I have read so far! Basically, the first conversation is about letting your son know it is ok to be a "MAN". I guess that this one I really hadn't thought a whole lot about, but she is right in that society today does seem to "wimp" down a guys role. Chivalry and being a gentlemen is not out of date- I still have four more conversations to go- I do believe these are going to help me as Blaine grows older in a culture that seems so watered down in many ways-

My mom just sent me Tim Tebow's book Through My Eyes- I started it last night and I am already taking parenting advice from his parents! For example, I love that rule his parents had that came from Proverbs 27:2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips The rule was- you cannot talk about yourself (BRAG)> If someone asks you about yourself, you can answer. Love it! I have been trying to instill an "Others before yourself" attitude in my kids. We have a little(long) ways to go yet- but this rule fits in nicely with the road I want to take with my kids as far as humilty.

Blaine met his teacher, Mrs. Word, this week. His eyes lit up when he entered the room- he knew so many names! Mrs. Word was so WONDERFUL! I am excited about what is in store this year!

The girls, Mark, and I had a special ice cream treat this week!
Having a little outside fun with "shades".
Today was the "blessing of the backpacks" at church. School is here! I have two kids ready to go- so thankful for good schools and teachers:)














Wednesday, August 10, 2011

It's Been A While

Blogging has taken a back seat to life these last few weeks. We have been busy getting ready for school and enjoying our last days of summer.

Sarah Claire brought this picture down one night after we had put her to bed. It's a picture of her, Blaine, and Anna Britten playing in the rain. I cannot believe she will begin kindergarten Monday...so hard to take in. I know she will do great and I love her teacher, Mrs. Privett. She is excited, but I know she has no idea what is in store for her!
Mrs. Privett's classroom is wonderful- turtles, frogs, fish, and a bird. Sarah Claire had a fun time exploring!
This is Blaine meeting Mrs. Privett two years ago!! He had a fabulous year- I am excited about what's to come for Sarah Claire!
Blaine will meet his teacher Friday- more on that meeting later:)

We took a trip to the Gulfarium in Ft. Walton this past Monday. It was a GrEaT trip! Leigh had flown in from Houston for a week so she got to go with us. We miss "E"!
Mark also took a day off- we were glad he got to go too!
The kids enjoyed the dolphin show the most- but it's always interesting to see all the animals including sea lions, penguins, otters, sharks, seals, and alligators.
Anna Britten and Blaine enjoyed the touch pool.

Days like this are ending- but we are ready for a new school year to BEGIN!!