When This Mommy Works

When mommy works a swim meet this is what happens...

Guess she likes honey mustard!

First place in breast stroke!

So now you know what we've been doing this summer ~ lots of pool time.


Poolside Playtime

Just a few {or more} shots of my baby at swim practice yesterday ~ 

Hope that puts a smile on your face!  How could it not?

It Is Your Special Day

Sweet Stephen, you are correct.  It is your special day, and I hope it is as special to you as you are to each of us and all of those you meet.  You are a blessing to us, and we are so thankful that you joined our family five years ago.

Five years!  Five years ago just before you were born, I remember Dr. Brown saying something simple and profound about the importance of having siblings.  Five years later I can't remember her exact words, but even then I agreed then.  However five years ago I didn't know how true her words were. 

You have always been in a special place in our family.  You get to be the little brother to Mary Frances and the big brother to Walker and Betsy.  I'll never forget Mrs. Kay teaching you that.

And what a brother you are!

And what a son you are!  Your daddy and I are so proud of you and we love you so much.

Here is your birthday video!  Happy Birthday!

Poppin' In

Hey Y'all

Just poppin' in to say hello! 

...and goodbye!  La Rosa came home from school with us.  The model was Mary Frances!  Can't you tell?  After our large bulletin board crashed to the floor, it was time to let her go but not without some photo opportunities.

 Betsy thought it was hilarious to crawl all over her and pose.

 I had to get one with the model!

Frank spent the weekend with some high school friends at the lake so I took the opportunity to load the car and head south.

It was good to all be together again on Sunday.  Late Sunday afternoon our yard was covered in this!

This week we have Vacation Bible School at our church.  Going into this week, all I could think of is how exhausting VBS is.  After yesterday, I wondered why I felt that way.  It was such a good, calm, easy day.  After today, I remember why I think it is exhausting.  It is!  And then you come home with tired children to a house that still needs tending and meals that still need preparing.  My hat goes off to all of you mamas who work outside the home.

Hoping tomorrow is better!

Signs of Summer

Mary Frances finished up her first grade year on Friday.  It was a good one!  Thank goodness ~ at the beginning of the year I was a bit concerned.  I am thankful to say you love to learn as much now if not more than when you entered first grade.  I love that you always have a smile on your face.  I hope you don't ever lose that.  You really do love to learn ~ you listen well and have a fantastic ability to retain information .  You have become a proficient reader, and I never cease to be amazed with your math skills.  You are responsible and take care of your things.  I'm proud that you are always willing to try even when you aren't the most comfortable in the given situation.  You know what you want, but for a six year old you are remarkably flexible and willing to adapt to changes.  That my love will take you far in this world.  You seem to get along well with others and have some good friends.  That too is a blessing! 

As I've stated here before, I'm looking forward to summer and having all of my chickadees close to me.  I love watching my children play together.  I love watching them interact with each other and their friends.  I love watching them look our for each other.  They have incredibly vivid imaginations and they learn from one another.  Now don't let me give you any false ideas that it is always peaches and cream around here.  Trust me is it isn't - they fight just like other siblings, however they love each other so much and that love is evident to all who see them together.  If you hear me say it once you'll hear me say a million times, my children will each have their own set of accomplishments, but together they can do anything they set their minds to.  
No school year is complete without field day ~
Field day is a fun way to end the year - even for the spectators ~ 

Summer is in full swing at our house!  The signs are everywhere we turn.

Discarded crocs ~

Strapped in ~ on the road again ~

Catchin' critters ~

Life jackets and boat snacks ~

A house {and table} full ~

Dripping in sweat ~

Peaceful moments ~

Excitement ~

Fun ~

Snacks and snuggles ~

Swimming ~

Swinging ~

Lounging ~

Tubing ~

Boat Driving ~

Time together ~

Surfing ~

Rocking ~

Loving it all...