Busy Bees Princess

Olivia has been ready for Busy Bees to start back up since it ended in May. She is a Busy Bees fanatic.

Isaac, Olivia and Josiah ready for a new day.

So excited.

I just kept taking pictures because she makes me smile.

And she looked so adorable with a backpack and lunchbox.

Daddy and Liv

The lunchbox is bigger than her head. :)

Olivia and Mommy

I tried to take her picture with her friends, Amelia and Grace, but her friends were too busy trying to figure out what was behind those curtains.

Olivia and her teacher, Mrs. Austin

(Mrs. Barbra (aka Barbar) was sad to let Liv go to another class this year.)

If you look at the first picture, you'll see Isaac holding a plastic bag with a rock in it that he was taking to his friend at school. Olivia thought she needed a plastic bag to take with her, too.

I'm sad to let all of my kids go, but I'm enjoying my time. Josiah is having the hardest time adjusting and wants to just stay home with me. Maybe another week will help?

Excuse The Man Behind That Curtain

What a difference a day makes! Was that really me yesterday? Did I really cry? Alright, I know it was. It was a tough day...all day long. And I was really dreading this morning as I never know how Josiah will react to a new situation.

Well, he did great! I did great! He walked right into his classroom, took his seat, and began working on his coloring page. He was the only boy in the class today. His elementary school does staggered first days for the kindergartners. So yesterday all 4 of the other boys (there are only 5 in all) went to class and they will all be together tomorrow. Josiah seemed to like knowing he was the only boy. I think it's a middle child thing...no matter what the situation, if you are special, you take it.

So after I got the dog poop cleaned off of his shoe (don't ask), and got back home just to notice I forgot his important first day folder and ran those back up to him, he was set.

Isaac told me to just stick with Josiah today, he could find his own way to his class.

Olivia is all about being an only child.

God, thank you for Josiah. I pray that he blossoms this year in school. Help him to find his own place in this world and to glorify you with his sweet little life. Watch over and protect him and bless his school year.

I love that my boys chose to wear t-shirts the first day of school while all the other kids were in Polos and dresses.

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...