Oh Happy Day!

SUMMER!

change is inevitable

"change is inevitable, but growth is purposeful"

i'll have to give credit to my principal for this line, since I am the new language arts teacher and should not be encouraging plagiarism . . . .

but how true, and it has been in my mind since his 8th grade graduation address.  actually, since he told me about his speech earlier last week.

change can sometimes be cliche, and how we deal, accept or cope with change.

but change is very real in all of our lives.  even the simple act of "graduating" preschool brings about change for Kirsten, and for me, mom.  or turning 7 and getting pierced ears, or going from 1st grade to 2nd grade, or going back to work full time, or teaching something new after 12 years . . . or change in friendships, family relationships, and marriages.  change is very real.

but when change comes, bad or good, do i always choose to grow?  do i surround myself with people who will push me to grow . . . do i choose to grow, or do i choose "self-pity", or maybe anxiousness, maybe resentment?  i'm thinking lately i have been too focused on the later.

i guess the end of this year is really making me think about the changes in my life and in the life of my family, and truly focusing on purposefully growing through these changes.

with that said, some end of the "year" photos that represent just some of the changes going on . . . (there are a lot . . . was trying to figure out how to get them all in under one post ;)

Jenny's 7th Birthday  

Aunt Julie was "guest reader" in Jenny's classroom on her 7th birthday

yes, those are Dunkin' Donuts in the shape of a 7 . . .
May for a middle school teacher is a bit active . . .  no judgments, please! ;)

ears pierced!

Jenny's princess party at her dance school

seven, really??

Kirsten's Pre-School Graduation

yup!  that's my daughter . . . the only EC pre-schooler with a halter top
dress on!  

my graduate!  so darn cute!

pretty sure this picture explains itself ;)

ever wonder?

ever wonder when the last time you washed your sheets, was?  how about the sheets on the rest of the beds in your house??

no, really, i mean it! 

tonight, i am really pondering this question . . .  

God's promise . . . from an i-phone

lunches . . . check!

Things are winding down . . . or are they?

I'm pretty sure May and June are busier than November and December.

But the promise of warm sunshine and days that are a little bit lazier are in our future.

This summer is going to look different than other summers as I will be spending more time on school and developing my brand new 6th grade LA/SS curriculum, but I trust that I will have plenty of time to spend with friends by the pool and enjoy some fairly non structured days.

One of the things I am most looking forward to, is not having to pack lunches!  One thing I remember from my school days, are the surprise notes my mom would leave me in my lunch bag.  I'm pretty sure I never told her how much those meant, but it is something I have been doing with my girls.  Every day you say???  Heck, no!  Once a week, but they will remind me if I forget a week! =)

I may not be the most crafty mom, the most creative mom, the mom most likely to win the mom who spends the most time with her kids award, but I am doing my best at being the best mom God has created me to be, along with all the other stuff he has created me to do =).

Happy almost summer, girls!   Love you!

sweet baby

Audrey Grace    6lbs. 5 oz.   born Thursday, May 31, 2012
sweet baby girl to my little brother Jon and amazing sister-in-law Julie
precious baby cousin to Jenny and Kirsten

loving Audrey!  loving these girls!

Perfect

near perfect.

memorial day weekend.

very little traffic,      sun,      2 days of glorious warmth and sunshine,     nearly bug-free(!!!!),      the smell of suntan lotion,      deliciously cool water,      boat rides,      mom planting flowers,      kayaking,   content children and sand toys,      family,      grilled corn,      God's amazing beauty,      owls,      chipmunks and hummingbirds,      blisters that served as evidence of hard work (raking) that was enjoyed,  catching fish,      laughter,      peacefulness,      magazines,      tubing,      corner store coffee,   3 mile mom/daughter jog/walk with Jenny,      relaxing,      butterflies,     QUIET,      setting up baby gear for the soon to be newest member of our escape,      games,     feeling the anticipation of summer.      

feeling blessed.