Thoughts and Prayers

How fortunate I feel today for the life I have. I have a wonderful husband who is loving and passionate about his life and his family, an involved father, hard working, sweet, and an awesome provider for us. My children, for the most part are loving, sweet, funny, healthy and intelligent (I may revise this in about 2 1/2 hours when Josh returns from school.)

It seems like everywhere I turn someone I know is suffering in some way. It started a few weeks ago when we found out our dear neighbor found out his cancer has returned, a different incurable kind. He was given months to live.

Last week my brother told me his father in law is sick. He has an aneurysm that has grown and a spot on his lung. I was fortunate to spend a day with him and his family for Renee's baby shower. I have some great memories of the time I spent with my own father on that trip. Without their hospitality I would not have this fond memory.

Yesterday, a day that started with the joy of life and wonder quickly turned to concern for a close grade school friend. My friend went for her ultrasound. On the screen in 3D, she saw her baby girl sucking her thumb and moving. Shortly after, her doctor delivered some concerning news that the baby only had 2 ventricles and has a mass in its stomach. The baby may not make it through the pregnancy and if it does there is a chance she will die shortly after delivery or live, but have complications. Obviously, they hope the baby lives and does not have any major complications, which is a possibility. The thought of delivering a still born baby or burying a baby is too much for her to grasp. I just reminded her God will only give you what he knows you can handle. I for a fact know nothing I say will comfort her. All I can do is offer her my prayers.

A secretary at church just learned her husband has cancer. He was having problems eating and went to the doctor. They admitted him and just found out the diagnoses.

Some of you now that I have had struggles since losing my father. Death looms over me and I always fear the worse. I know it is Gods will, but when I am surrounded I just begin to shut down. I grieve for those suffering the news of their loved ones illnesses. I am thankful that my own family is flourishing, but I know the pain of grieving and I hate to see others suffer. The best thing that I can do for them is offer my prayers and ask my friends and family to to the same! Please keep them in your prayers and thoughts.

Are you smarter than a second grader?

I hope so, because apparently I am not. The other day Josh came home with a comprehension test. The teacher asked us to review it with our children. It had a short story at the top. So we read the story about Mrs. Young's 2nd grade class that went on a field trip to the zoo, where they saw a bunch of monkeys playing. The first question Josh got wrong, because he did not read all the answer choices. He marked the answer as Mrs. Young's 1st grade class instead of her 2nd grade class. So I explained how he needed to read all of the choices before making his decision. We get to the last question, it ask where does Mrs. Young's class go next. So I quickly scan the story for the answer and it does not say and I say to Josh, "how do you know the answer it is not in the story?" Let me just tell you this was not one of those questions meant to get him to answer because I already know the answer. I truly had no idea. He looks at me and says with a smile on his face, "well Mom whales aren't at the zoo, dinosaurs are extinct and cavemen aren't around anymore, so it has to be the tigers." Oh of course it does. That just made Josh's day. I have to say, although I felt really stupid, I was so proud of Josh and his logical thinking!

Off to Second Grade

Off to 2nd grade he goes...Josh woke up with no trouble this morning, but was a little nervous that he forgot everything from 1st grade. I reassured him he would be fine and that they would not be doing any heavy work the first day. Of course he decided he wanted me to walk him in, which was a bit hectic as it was pouring down rain. Luckily, as we got out of the car it had stopped long enough for me to walk him to his class and back to the car. I think that was God's sign to me that this was going to be a good year. Below is our normal back to school photo in front of the door and him at his desk. This is the first year that they have desk of their own. In past years they have been at tables. Scroll down past the photos to see how his day went...


So I made it to school and was the 11th person in line. Which for other car rider parents you know I was there very early. Well, I had the car rider time mixed up so Belle and I sat forever. I was a bit worried when the first ten cars left and Josh was no where in site. So I ask where my son is and if I am supposed to pull up. They do not know the answer to either one. They called Josh's name and he finally came, with a big smile I might add. He is excited because he saw a bunch of friends and apparently another Joshua from his Kindergarten class was transferred into his classroom. His teacher was great and a lot of fun. Thank you Lord! We have been so blessed with this school system. Let's just hope the remainder of the year goes this smoothly!

End of Summer Fun

Driving our way back to school!

Well, today was the unofficial end of summer. Josh goes to school tomorrow. Poor guy is just so sad to be going back. So today we had a day full of fun. We picked up our friend Natalie and went to lunch at McDonald's. Then we went to Chuck E. Cheese, stopped and had shakes, got a car wash and back to the house to play. Although I am excited to have some free time and no bickering, it is sad that he is another year older.

Meet the Teacher

No photo tonight-Mom forgot to take a picture while we were at school.

Well, Josh met his teacher today, Mrs. Janes. Josh was happy that there were 3 kids in his class that he knew. Two from last year and one from church. His teacher said peanut butter is ok! That is a huge bonus as Josh has been in the peanut free class the last two years. I am waiting for the note to come home saying it is not allowed. As I walking out of his class I noticed a peanut allergy kid in his class. Urgh so close!

He met his teacher. He could care less. I really think this is not meant for kids. After Kindergarten, really what is the point. It is for the controlling parents to check out who is going to be taking care of their children for the next 181 days. Yes, I admit I fall into this controlling parent category. I was more excited to check her out, than Josh was. He wanted to stay home and play with Joel. I was very ncouraged when 2 friends with 3rd graders said she is very good and fun. Maybe that will get Josh excited about school.

He is at a new school this year. So drop off and pick up will be a new routine. As we are walking to the car I ask Josh if he wants me to walk him in the first day. His response, "No." I guess 2nd grade is not such a big deal. Wait while I wipe away my tears:) So he is growing up. Sad-yes. I do have to admit I am a little glad that I do not have to look for parking on the first day of school!

Only one month left until Belle starts school. She was mad today that she did not get her school supplies together. This is very encouraging!

There's a Sniper in the House

Check out Josh's new pet. A green iguana, named Sniper. He has been helping mow our yard and my dad's yard so as a special thanks Joel bought this for him. Belle of course talks to it like it is a dog and sits at its cage saying, "Sniper no sniping." (Dora the Explorer sings something similar to this on her show. FYI for the non-Dora watching public) Of course that just aggravates Josh. How many more days until school starts?

Lights Out

Last night a storm came through and just sat on top of Olive Branch. The kids were both exhausted and in bed early. Joel was in Josh's room and I was in Belle's when the lights went out. Belle looked at me and said, "That's not nice." So after about 5minutes with no electricity, we scrounged around for candles and flashlights and started doing shadow puppets. Then Josh decided he would scare Belle. This brought back great memories growing up.

Since we had no power we went out side to enjoy the pleasant temperatures. (Yes it was actually a cool 73 degrees)Josh found this cute little frog.

Natures beauty at its best. I love when the rays of sun shine from the sky like this. It is hard not to think at moments like this that loved ones are not just shining down on you!