Splash in the Rain Puddles

I'm not sure what happened to that one week of carefree summertime that we had right after school ended.  That was a nice week.  and then it ended.  and then we found out  that both Jack and Chase made All Stars.  which is so amazing.  but whoa.  2 different teams.  2 very intense schedules.  throw in leading VBS music, getting a wisdom tooth pulled, hubby tearing a muscle in his back,  wheat harvest on the farm, swim lessons every morning, ear infections and tonsillitis for my littlest guy, and baseball practices every night....what you are left with is a slightly frazzled mom :)  But we are surviving.... and having some really amazing moments in the midst of all the craziness.  Like when Chase made 2 outs on the field in the first inning of his very first all star game....or when I got to look out at 40 kids at Vacation Bible School lifting their hands to praise their creator....or when Jack got an amazing hit at his first al...

Let me tell you about something amazing.  something that seemed too good to be true until I gave it a try....and wow....it just really is that good.  I'm always a little behind when it comes to current trends. I keep hearing raving reviews about grocery delivery services, particularly Amazon Fresh.  So I figured what better time to use my one month free subscription!?  With three boys out of school who think there is just nothing more terrible than going to the grocery store with mom....yes, this was definitely the time.  So I compared prices and discovered that most things are very comparable to store prices...made my list...chose my items....placed my order and tada!!..... a day and a half later these lovely totes showed up at my doorstep....full of all of my groceries.  And it was pouring down rain which made it all the more gratifying!  Oh Amazon....there you go again making life just way too easy for us!  there was no trying to fit everyt...

Happy Memorial Day!   so grateful for each and every person who gave their life as a sacrifice for our country and for our freedom.   School is out.  and I am currently doing my happy dance.  All three boys wrapped up their school year on Friday and what a great day it was.  A preschool festival for the youngest and a morning full of field day fun for the older two.  Thank you to Grandma for stepping in as you always do when mommy cannot be in two places at once.  I am so proud of all my boys.  Luke has really enjoyed preschool and it's been so much fun to watch him learn and develop some really sweet friendships. He received the Wild Dog award.  that's right, wild dog.  maybe it helps to know that it was an animal theme and everyone was awarded the title of some type of animal.  but oh my....how appropriate...as his certificate read..."For eagerly taking on tasks with much eagerness and excitement."  which might be...

Busy days in our household as May always seems to pack a very full schedule of activities.... These two handsome guys are having great starts to their seasons Chase also happens to have the best coach ever.  who also happens to be my hubby :) DC field trip air and space museum mom is trying not to stress too much when this guy is on the mound:) zoo field trip with the littlest ready for the run-a-thon at school.  14 and 18 laps!! a big thanks to all who sponsored them! Wishing a very happy Mother's Day to this lovely lady and my wonderful mother-in-law.  We are so blessed to have such amazing, godly mothers.  We love you both so very much!!

This is how we felt yesterday about the last day of school before spring break.... Is it possible for mom to be more excited than the kids?  Why yes, I think it is :) We are loving some beautiful spring weather and have had a wonderful week celebrating Easter.  There is no better holiday.  Without Easter, our faith loses it's cornerstone.   There is not a more humbling, more mind blowing, more important day of the year for a believer.  The day Jesus arose....giving those who believe in Him everlasting life.  It just does not get any better than that.  And this Easter will be extra special as my dear oldest boy is getting baptized.  When I asked him why he wanted to be baptized he said, "well, pretty much because I want to live for Jesus forever."  And that my friends, is what it's all about.  Wishing you a wonderful Easter as you remember the cross....the sacrifice that was made....and the promise that was given.   ...

I'm convinced that one of the keys to living a life of contentment is finding joy in the little things.  I strive to do it and here are two things bringing my heart joy today..... even on this rainy, dreary day I can look out my office window and see a glorious sign of spring.  blooming camellias! and this guy.  I know there will be a day in the near future when it will probably be the last time he says it....but for now....I bask in his sweet little voice....when he climbs up on my lap...wraps his arms around my neck and says, "mama, you're my best friend."   heart be still.   Happy Friday!

The journey of motherhood is full of surprises of all kinds.   here are a few from my current stage of life..... 1.  Third grade is hard.  I'm convinced, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that third grade was not this hard when I was the student.  Fractions. yikes! Converting equations of measurement.  even worse!  Learning all fifty states, capitals, abbreviations, and the spellings.  well that I actually love, but in third grade?! book reports, presentations, 6 tests every Friday.  whoa.  I'm not complaining.  mostly because my third grader never does.  Which is amazing.  and humbling, when I do find myself grumbling about the work load.  He's learning a ton and for that I'm so grateful.  But the fact still remains.  Third grade is hard.   2.  Friday's are awesome.  Up until this school year I really did not have a favorite day of the week.  Most Saturday's hubby needs to work an...