4 months

Just LOVE experiencing being mom to a girl! I love having time just her and I while the boys are at school! She is a good sleeper and she is a pleasant and happy baby! I keep telling people when they comment about her surely being spoiled that it's really ME who is spoiled. I'm so thankful that I get to thoroughly enjoy the time with her - with grins and giggles and not fussing - though I guarantee that it does happen... even still I smile when it's hard and take the good days with the bad!! I just have a special appreciation for this precious girl we get to raise!

Thanks for praying us through "the valley of weeping to the place of refreshing springs"  -Ps 84:5-6

Cross Country

***WARNING*** Proud Mommy Moment***WARNING***

Tis the season...I was surprised last year to find that our schools offer a cross team. I can't say that Trent would ever have given this sport a shot in middle or high school with all the other sports he enjoys! With that in mind, I encouraged him to give it a try. Little did I know...he's got some wheels :)

Being that this was one of "my" sports back in the day, I've enjoyed going to the meets, scouting the courses, and cheering along the sidelines...and to our surprise Trent has been pretty successful!

His school ran in 3 meets this year.  He amazed me with his determination, even through the cramps. I enjoyed the races when I ran...but mind over matter was hard to conquer for me...Trent, however, set a goal and gave it everything he had - and sure enough it payed off for him. Here is some bling for his effort. His boys team came in first place in all 3 of the meets. His first meet about 600 kids ran 3rd-5th grade, so it's no small feat!

3 months

It has been fun to try and capture a good shot of her each month. I opened the front door to let in some light, set her on a bean bag, got down on my belly and caught this happy face!! Her cute bow a friend of mine made along with a dress up princess-super-hero-cape...can't wait to see her zooming around the house annoying chasing her brothers.

Packing and house showings are in full swing! We are excited to see what the Lord will provide...meanwhile I'm enjoying a clean house :)

Changed Much?!?

Last week I got out some of the newborn outfits Anna wore when we first brought her home.  Looking back at those pictures it looks like she had plenty of room to grow...but now...wow, she's busting out of them.

(and speaking of busting out - we are going to have to go up to the next size diapers - let's just say I've been using A LOT of spray 'n wash lately) #explosions

Bittersweet...she's growing and changing so much.  It's been so fun to interact with her - batting at toys and smiling back and cooing now - just makes me realize those newbie days are a memory. So glad for pictures!!

Here, see for yourself...

My Boys!

...Because I'm to cheap to pay $60 for school pictures...

I made the boys stand by our fence before they left for school...yes, on picture day.  BUT I don't think they turned out to bad :)

New School Year!!

I can hardly believe I have a 4th and 2nd grader!!  They are getting so grown up. I remember thinking how BIG and grown Trent was when he went into 2nd grade and now - with Drew - I just think he seems so young still.  It's a little weird for me to have a 4th grader...I remember sitting at my desk (as a 4th grade teacher), having deep conversations, answering some hard questions, learning, laughing, cheering on, but still reading to :) some pretty amazing kids.  I would dream about what MY life would be like when my own kids were that age.  NOW it's here and it's a bit surreal :)  Excited to see my boys continue to learn, grow, mature, and become good friends and leaders and athletes...but most importantly have a heart that desires God and His Word.

So, here's to another year...can't wait to see what's in store!

The Great

We had the chance to see my grandpa and step-grandma at the beginning of August.  They were visiting Ohio from Florida and so I took the kids on a short trek to meet up with them. He hadn't seen Annalise yet - and after all our losses and g-pa and g-ma's many prayers...it was an emotional introduction! This makes the 7th living great grandchild for them :)