Harder Than I Thought

I mean, I figured that I would get a bit teary eyed, but the waterfall that came wasn't exactly what I expected.

When he started getting ready this morning he said, "I've been waiting for this moment!" I was excited with him then. He could not wait to get out the door.

When we started walking up to the school, his steps got slower and slower. As he sat in his classroom and took everything in, I could see the overwhelmed look in his eyes. I asked him if he was nervous. He shook his head up and down, not trusting his voice. I told him that the first day was the hardest, but that he would be so excited to come back. His voice quivered as he asked, "Will it be easier tomorrow?" My voice quivered as I promised him it would be.

Oh this is hard. But I'm so excited for him at the same time.

God, watch over and protect Isaac today. Give him sweet friends and a love for school. And help me to trust you, his Creator.

Monday Is Coming

Whether I like it or not, school is coming. 2 days and counting. On days like today, I'm more than ready. But then I have setbacks and want to keep my kids with me and never let them go. This will be a good year. I know it.

Josiah finding out his teacher's name.

I don't think he cares.

Isaac found out who his teacher is for the year and also found out that the only boy he knows in the school is actually in his class!!!

Josiah was sad that the surprise Jay had for them wasn't a Sonic drink, but looking on a wall to see who their teacher is for the year.

Always ready for a photo op.

Josiah and his teacher, Ms. Pignone

Olivia and Josiah's teacher, Ms. Pignone. Haha!

Isaac and his teacher, Ms. Tomack.

(Olivia also tried to get a picture with her but we turned her down. She was completely disappointed.)

We Love It!

Jay and I host a college group in our home every Tuesday night. I couldn't have been asked to do something that I enjoy any more. Hmmm...did I word that correctly? In other words, I really like 'em.

We had a cookout the other night at our neighborhood park along with Ultimate Frisbee and Bananagrams.

deep concentration

Our kids LOVE college night.

Maybe because there is always food?

(Oh wait. Isaac was reading over my shoulder and corrected me. "No, not because there is lots of food. Because there's a lot of people!!")

I Asked My Kids If They Will Miss Each Other When School Starts

They didn't answer, but kept on doing their thing.

I think they will.

The Swelter of an August Day (2nd Post)

This past winter, I promised to not complain when the heat came for the summer. And I haven't really complained. I mean, it is HOT, but it's also summer in Florida...

But this week has been another story. Oh the heat. Oh the humidity. Winter is sounding really good to me right about now.

This evening, though, the heat died down a bit and we enjoyed some great family time outdoors.

We quickly learned that sidewalk chalk and white puppies do not mix.

This is the most adorable purple mustache I have ever laid eyes on.

Precious.

Those dirty elbows are pretty darn cute, too.

"Hi y'all!"

Oh no. This is the sidewalk chalk artist. She takes decorating the driveway just as seriously as she takes decorating herself.

See?

Two-hand touch.

I love the sound of it because it reminds me of my own front yard when I was growing up.

You have got to be tough to make it in our yard.

Posing for Mom is just not on the agenda.

Unless...

Cheese!

Lately Olivia has been posing and asking us to take her picture.

At Last

I guess that there are no excuses, so I'll just dive right in.

Car washing has taken place.

Olivia doesn't want Andy to have to work for his food so she usually serves him and bonds with him at the same time. It's very cute.

She bonds with her brothers, too.

I had the privilege of taking senior pictures for Hannah, our sweet friend.

We went back to Texas and found out that my youngest brother, Zach, and his wife, Shanna, are expecting their first baby. Yay!

We had so much fun with family.

Unfortunately, I didn't take my camera with me so the only photos I have of the trip are from my mom. In other words, only Dietz peeps...no Wrights. :(

Cousins are the best friends to have. All of the grand kids are stair-step for the most part.

Caitlin (11), Alexis (8), Isaac (7), Ryan (6), Josiah (5), Addilyn (5...just had a birthday!!), Olivia (2...almost 3), and Sweet Baby on the way

We host a college group once a week and had a surprise birthday party for a guy who didn't show. It was fun. :)

My kids will be sent to public school next year...

We've had lots of wrestling.

Andy is growing and is just about the calmest dog I've ever met.

Olivia wore shoes "like Aunt Shanna".

And we've played in the rain.