Picture Day

Yesterday afternoon when I picked up Major from school, a few of his friends were going to the park across the street so we decided to join them (including his "girlfriend" Alana). There were six of us moms sitting there and little ones running up. I had just met the two moms I did not know. Then one chimed in "Oh! I didn't realize you were a mom. I thought you were her (Alana's mom) daughter! You look so young!"

Wow! Flattered I was. But talk about awkward! Alana's mom said "And I look old!?" all in good humor!

Today was picture day for Ella Grace. I was able to volunteer in return for a voucher for free pictures! Yea! I took Major to a friends house (Matt). Major and Matt go to VPK together but are not in the same class. Conveniently, Matt has a sister named Zoe that is in kindergarten at Ella Grace's school, but they are not in the same class. So, I took Major to Matt's house and picked up Zoe, then took the girls to school with me. Matt and Zoe's Mom Maggie took the boys to school and picked them up.

It was really an easy day - lining kids up, passing out combs, etc., etc. I was able to see Ella Grace when she came in for her picture and then also during her lunch time. One of her little girl friends kept saying "Ella Grace, your mom is cute!". So funny! I guess that is a kindergarten expression.

I loved being in the school, being able to interact with the kids and teachers. I was even able to see two of the kids that I help "teach" (I really use that term loosely!) in choir on Wednesday nights.

All in all, it was a good day.

What I am loving!!

• The weather here is becoming awesome!
• I volunteered at Ella Grace's school earlier this week and had fun! Well, as much fun as you can have shelving books! ha! Maybe this will help me when I try to find at book at the library! he! he!
• I love that my babies love church on Wednesday nights.
• I am starting to develop a slight love for pilates. It is such a change from running and using machines at the Y.
• I love fall.
  

to take a job or not?

I have had the worst luck in finding a job. No, I believe it has just been a God-thing. When we knew we were moving I started looking and applying for jobs soon thereafter. And honestly, it has been a tough job market to compete in. But, also, it has even me the best opportunity ever - I have been able to stay at home with my babies since our move.

Yes, I have stressed over not having a job (because it is what I have always done). And I have enjoyed not having a job. I cannot imagine, right now, someone else taking my children to school or picking them up. I love being available to make those appointments (doctor, hair, etc) and not have to take off work and work around career obligations. I enjoy bringing them home and having them a snack, completing Ella Grace's home work early and not having to be so rushed.

I have only had three interviews so far, one phone interview and two in-person. My last interview I prayed it would be obvious - obvious it was a NO and obvious if it was supposed to be YES. After they said working weekends and a couple of evenings I was sure it was a NO. The interview was on a Tuesday (about 2 weeks ago) and they were planning to make a decision by the end of the week. I walked out of that interview laughing to myself. I recall even saying "ha! That was obvious!". I was offered the position last Monday or Tuesday. (jokes on me, right?) That was probably the first time I interviewed for a position/job change and declined the offer. And you know what? I was so at ease about it. Yes, I called my husband and talked it over with him first. But, wow, what a great feeling!

Then, today I received another call for another interview. I have the same prayer. If it is God's will everything would work out simply, to get the position or not, and it would be obvious once again. That I would have flexible hours, the ability to take care of drop-off and pick-up or doors will open where my family has needs.

But, I am loving being with my family. I love having supper ready when Jeremy gets home for work, trying to maintain some grasp on laundry and ironing and cleaning and grocery shopping! ha! Who knew I would EVER have this opportunity!?

Thank you, God, for those blessings in disguise!

I love my babes!

I have noticed some things our kids do lately that I can't help but love!

I have always loved their feet! Whether singing a made-up song about them while they were small or holding them in the car during rides (because I can't reach back to hold their hands). I still like to kiss their toes!

Major is getting so big. He really looks like a little man to me now. I have noticed that his whining may be on the decline now! (yea!) He SO comes alive when Ella Grace isn't around, and he talks so much. For instance, yesterday afternoon he and I were playing with sidewalk chalk. I was trying to draw a fish and asked how it was drawn on an episode of Yo Gabba-Gabba (dislike!). He couldn't remember so I did the best I could. He said "Yeah, that's the spirit!" ha! ha!

I love how Ella Grace can be such a good helper. No matter if she is trying to help in the kitchen cooking or washing dishes or helping her brother clean up his room when she really doesn't have to, she is such a sweet girl!

Lately, Major has been sneaky and turned on a bathroom night light after I tuck him in bed. I guess he knows what he needs!

And I love how he repeats things. For example, if I tell Ella Grace something or give him directions I often notice his quietly repeating part of it to himself "going to the store..." or some partial phrase!

Ella Grace is going through some phases where she gets totally involved in something. It might be writing or coloring or looking at a book - I love that she is becoming more focused each day!

Sweet babies! Why do you have to grow up soo fast?!?

Better Late...

My parents visited with us a couple of weeks back! We had such a great time while they were here. We surprised the kids with their visit first of all.

 

I think it was Friday we ate out at one of my FAVORITE new restaurants....riverside!

And we visited the local farmers market and playground on Saturday.

 

 

 

 

 

And here's the turtle we saw on the way home sitting on the side of the road, munchin' away!

On Sunday we had some family over for a cookout (and some cornhole!).

 

 

 

Then, on Monday we drove north a bit, we saw where I was going for my interview the next day and visited a splash pad (where Mom and I had to FORCE the kids to play in the water....seriously!) and watched them play on the playground, while Dad and Jeremy went to look at the river, boats, etc.

 

My parents flew out last Wednesday (9.7.11). Dad had his second knee surgery on Monday (9.12.11). He is doing FaBuLoUs from what I can tell. It seems this surgery and the recovery has gone a lot smoother than the first!. Yea, Dad!!

Saturday we took a trip to the beach. We met friends from small group over there and enjoyed a beautiful day on the east coast. We got there pretty early - saw a rocket taking off, dolphins, sand crabs...pretty neat! Then, of course we made it home in time to watch Alabama get a W!

Jeremy & I participated in a parenting class our church offered on Sunday afternoon after we went to church. Plans are for more resources and ability to gather and discuss parenting - things that work, how to be a witness to your children, etc. Definitely needed! ha!

Oh, and I forgot. We went to a baseball game back in August (8/20 I believe). Check out this sign:

 Can you say "Gross"?

 
 Okay...enough recap for me for know!
 
I wanted to share this awesome performance from First Baptist Oviedo's July 4th Production. I hope you will take some time to enjoy the choir and orchestra!

http://www.fbcoviedo.org/resources/media-archive/ - from here scroll to the correct date and select the "television" icon.

There was also a great September 11 program...but I don't see it up just yet!


Allergies are here for us, and I'm feeling it! Here's to kicking it quick!

God bless America!

10 years. Already.

Thank you, God, for protecting our country. For protecting the men & women who fight for us daily. Whose lives were taken 10 years ago today. Continue to give our President and leaders wisdom to protect us and our freedom.

God Bless America!

Celebratin' Major

 We had a lot of fun celebrating our little man's 4th birthday. We had previously had a party in Alabama at the first of August, but we couldn't let his birthday go by and not celebrate again! So, we celebrated on Saturday evening with our friends Beth & James. Mr. James even gave Major his very own disc golf frisbee!

 

 

 

Major had asked for cornhole for his birthday, and Mommy & Daddy pulled through and found it (whew!). So, we had a fun time playing that, too. Until Major realized he had a HELMET from Grandmother & Grandaddy. Then, he had to run around the yard playing some football. Later he said "I LOVE my helmet. We're going to have to practice." So right! I hope he loves some football (he does right now at least!).

 

 

On Sunday afternoon, our neighbors Mr. Daniel, Mrs. Courtney and their son Dylan came over. They have a little bounce house which they brought with them and we had our pool up - the kids had a big time!

 

Ms. Tammy and Miss Chelsea, some other neighbors, came over, too, and gave Major a bowling game. Lots of fun!

All in all, I think he had a fabulous 4th birthday!