Saturday Morning Scones

It's the first Saturday in a long time where we have nothing on the schedule. Of course all boys were up by 7 and Anna slept in. I didn't really get to sleep in but I did stay in bed and Beau entertained Owen.  As a thank you I made scones for everyone, but it was also a gift for me because they were all in the kitchen area with me. No TV no computer noise just laughter and littles begging for dough while big ones kept peeping in the oven (I've been known to burn a thing or two.) Memories like these make long weeks like this one seem distant and makes the long week ahead of me bearable. 

A Disguised Turkey

Good thing he was this cute once. Luke had to disguise a turkey for homework. I suggested leaves or flower petals. He went to the rose bush without me, there is now a bare section but he has a very pretty pink turkey although it is very well disguised as a rose bush. Such is life in our crazy house.

This was the rose bush this weekend only one section is bare now though so it isn't terrible.

Family Fun

Tonight we went to Georgia Tech to enjoy a family fun fest for Ben's MBA program. The kids had a fantastic time getting something from the GT bookstore and seeing where Ben went to school. They had ice cream sundaes, cotton candy, snow cones and lots of other little treats. Then there was face painting and balloon animals. The boys both had swords made at least two each and right before we left Ana got a white Werner dog. My favorite part was that Ben stood in line and got me a ballon flower, the kids thought it was silly to get a flower and wouldn't do it, but Ben did. One of the greatest flowers he's ever given me. Then it popped, oops. It was fine the fact he had done it was enough for me. But my great fortune wasn't over, we sent Beau to do something and he took forever we thought he had gone to the restroom. When he finally came back he had stood in line and got me another flower. It was so thoughtful and I'm just so thankful and filled with joy that my main man and my almost man would go out of there way to make me happy because its the little things like balloon flowers that are my greatest gifts because it is so much more than ballon. Love family moments like today, my cup overflows.

Halloween

My picture taking was minimal. We went with a huge group of people and there were a lot of crazy kids. I dressed up as bat mom for the first time in a long time. Luke was Captain America Beau was James Bond but mistaken for a waiter Anna was spider girl (our version and super cute I thought) and Owen was Spider-Man to the rescue. It was a fun night for all and today we are in a sugar coma.

She's Ten (Started in June but I finished it)

 

She has passed the half way point.

Transitioning from girl to woman.

How I long to make it easy,

how I pray she slides through with grace.

She's an amazing daughter 

I couldn't and wouldn't want any different.

She is sassy and sweet and smart and hilarious.

She is great at being a little sister 

and fantastic as a big sister.

Her role in our life is clearly defined,

I'd be lost without her.

There is no mistaking who her mom is

and she is proud to look just like me.

I can read her mind and I can have no idea what she's thinking.

It drives her crazy and it drives me crazy.

When she grins her whole face lights up.

When she cries her whole body cries.

When she gives a look it is felt.

Her emotions run deep and wide.

She loves forever.

She is strong, 

She is sensitive,

She is beautiful,

She is kind,

She is generous,

She is treasured.

Anna we love you, you make us proud just by being who you are

always remain confident in just being yourself

because you are PERFECT just the way God made you.

Beginning of Fall

I can't believe November is just a few days away. It seems like fall sports flew by but probably because we have submersed ourselves in busy. Nothing has been easy this fall. Ben and the kids started school on the same day. Ben has entered a global MBA program at Georgia Tech. It is lots of hours for him which means i get to hold down the fort. Thanks to some great friends Beau and Luke still played soccer and Anna played softball. I have missed many great plays the most significant being Beau's first goal but they have learned I have limits and its okay to ask for help. It definitely isn't easy to admit I can't do it all but it's reality.
Beau has adjusted fantastically to the demands of middle school. Ben is committed to his school work but finds time to read a book to Owen at bed, hang out in trees with Luke, tease Anna and watch The Walking Dead with Beau. We sneak a lunch together once in a while.
It hasn't been an easy three months but as all seasons and life bring their own rewards and challenges, this one has too.
I'm thankful for  God who holds me together when I want to fall apart. I'm thankful for the right person being there when I needed a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on. I'm thankful for the Holy Spirit whispering to others to make me hear and act when needed.  I'm thankful for children who listen and love in spite of my faults, and laugh at my mistakes with me. We all grow together in our house and learn as we go. I'm thankful for Ben and how hard he works and studies for our family. He makes me laugh when I'd rather cry and he keeps me sane when I feel like I'm spinning out of control.
So as the season changes outside I'm praying for a little change of season inside. We are taking a season of sports off to slow down and enjoy the moments without being on the go all the time. A difficult decision for me to take but I believe the right one. Hoping to capture some memories in a season of peace.

A crab spider on the trees by the kids swingset, Beau told me what it was. Helping me remember to be still.

Our garden flowers that brought color to my life everyday this season.

Corn Maze

We have had a busy fall, with Ben in school and kids in soccer and softball it's been nonstop. However, that hasn't stopped us from having a little fun. One Saturday afternoon we packed up the kids and went to a corn maze. It was some great family time enjoying the outdoors and laughing together. Sometimes finding an activity for an 11 year old and a 3 year old can be difficult but we all had a lot of fun.