Oh My!

It has been 3 weeks since I last posted! Yikes! My parents have made it very clear that this lack of photos is not working for them. So, here's an attempt to wrap up the last weeks with some pictures...

Peter's class had a year end field trip to Mrs. B's farm.

The end of Pre-K - Peter and his teachers

Just a sample of artwork sent home with Peter on the last day...with this caption...
It seems I have quite a bit of power. : )

Last day of school silliness.

And on to strawberry picking at Butler's...

with our crazy friends.

Oh, and we have enjoyed many make up soccer games in June's heat, end-of-season soccer parties, swim practices every day,
and a piano recital...

(last year her feet didn't touch the floor...)

And the highlight of this past week... a preview of our new American Girl store! My dear friend Laurel somehow got us reservations for the "Friends and Family" complimentary dinner at the American Girl Bistro 4 days BEFORE it opened. Hannah was over the moon!

We were actually there when they ripped the paper off the windows!

Kit, Hannah, Elizabeth, Lindsay

We are inside!... still a little left to finish before the opening.

Dinner at the Bistro complete with seats and place settings for the dolls.
And the hair salon needed some extra practice, so all the dolls were taken away dolls for free styling while we ate. : )

And there's more to come. It's been too long.

The Last Day

Moments after finishing their last math lesson today...

Oh yeah!

I'm so proud of them!

Summer Dreaming

A dear women with over 30 years of teaching experience once told me that the productive school year really ends around May 10th. That's when the students (and teachers) start their summer dreaming. Boy are we feeling that around here! But we press on with two weeks to go before we begin our summer break!

And so begins the string of last classes, last games, last lessons, year-end recitals and parties... all seemingly paired with a pizza party. How much pizza can one child consume in a few short weeks? I believe we will find out.

our last homeschool "sports class"... and a goodbye to our amazing coach

Will's general attitude towards math drills these days.

This says it all. They are literally climbing the walls.

How's it going at your house?

Uncomplicated Parenting

This post was the breath of fresh air I needed yesterday. Enjoy.

Parenting 001 - Kevin DeYoung

Sunset on the Gulf

We visited my in-laws in Southwest Florida last week. One of our favorite things to do there is hop on our bikes after dinner and head to the beach. Every evening a new bit of theater...

There is a surprising brightness that follows as the sun finally sinks into the sea...

and then the moon winks at us.

Mother's Day

We arrived home from the airport late Saturday afternoon and raced straight to a wedding. Sunday morning was coming quickly for my pastor-husband and I was certain that Mother's Day would be simple, if celebrated at all. I didn't mind. After all, I needed to work on the piles and plan for our school week.

Our wonderful Saturday evening sitter had each of the kids make cards. My husband appeared in the kitchen with flowers Sunday morning. And I was treated to lunch out after church. It was a perfect celebration!... and a perfect ending to our week away.

Very thankful this week, I keep counting.

{1001-1017}

My godly, praying mom.

The privilege of motherhood.

Handmade cards.


Backyard bouquets.

Right now. 5, 7, and 9 years old.

Peter's whispers in my ear.

Will's joyful exuberance.

Hannah's thoughtful words.

Their sweet appreciation.

Leaning on my side in evening worship.

Falling asleep there. (And staying asleep long after the service ends.)


His eyelashes.

Her freckles coming out in the sun.

Being the one who comforts.

And cheers them on.

Prayers over them while they sleep.

Cultivating home.

Happy Mother's Day!

I am so very thankful for these two women.

my *amazing* mom
(and most loyal blog reader)


and my wonderful mom-in-law