this sweet girl

had her tonsils removed two days after Christmas. Doing well. Almost back to normal.

The Christmas Card

aren't we cute????

most important

people in my life!! I love these 5!

silly boy

always "cheesin"

we saw fish!

the family
me & my honey

the girls

my 4

"see fish"

Grace giving a science lesson

Ella checking out the fish

holding hands with Grandpa

Over the holiday, we went to the Fish Hatchery. So fun! and FREE! The kids loved the fish and the man who worked there let them see every stage- eggs, minnows and all! Sometimes it is just nice to get away.

job well done

Good job Jonathon on a great football season! Way to go #73!

while we were away. . .

a sweet girl turned 5!

a reminder

The other day, I found this on the copier while I was making copies for my class. It was just the reminder I needed and I thought I would share.

1 Corinthians 13 for Mothers

I can read bedtime stories till the cow jumps over the moon and sing "10 little Indians" until I want to call the doctor, but if I don't have love, I'm as annoying as a whining child.

I can chase a naked toddler through the house while cooking dinner and listening to voice mail. I can fix the best cookies and kool-aid in the neighborhood. I can tell a sick child's temperature with the touch of my finger, but if I don't have love, I am nothing.

Love is patient while waiting as my child learns to do it all by themselves.

Love is kind when I am teaching my children how to respond nicely to one another and stop arguing for the 10th time in the last hour.

Love does not envy the neighbors' swimming pool or their brand new mini-van, but trusts the Lord to provide every need.

Love does not brag when other parents share their disappointments and insecurities. Love rejoices when other families succeed.

Love doesn't boast, even when I've multi tasked all day long and my husband can't do more than one thing at a time.

Love is not rude when my spouse innocently asks, "what have you done today?"

Love does not immediately seek after glory when we see talent in our children, but encourages them to get continued training and make wise choices.

Love is not easily angered when my 15 year old acts like the world revolves around her.

Love does not delight in evil (is not self righteous) when I remind my 17 year old that he is going 83 in a 55 mph zone, but rejoices in the truth.

Love does not give up hope.

Love always protects our children's self esteem and spirit, even while doling out discipline.

Being a mom is hard, but so worth it.

It's official!

I am the worst blogger in the world!! A new post is coming this week, I promise!! Until then, how about a picture??

snoozing

Nothing beats a Sunday afternoon nap with Daddy in the recliner!

sliding

Where did my baby go??? He is such a big boy now!!

wordless wednesday

love

these four more than they will ever know!

busy

This week has been so busy! Instead of trying to tell you about it in great detail (which I am sure all of my many readers would love- by many, I mean 3 or 4) I am just going to recap!

* Football- Jonathon has football practice after school everyday until 6pm. This makes dinner later, and baths later and bedtime later. Not good!

*Volleyball- I am coaching a volleyball team for a private Christian school and have practice everyday from 315-445. This wouldn't be so bad, but I have to take my youngest 3 with me. They do okay, but loading everyone up, making sure we have drinks and snacks, and getting there on time is sometimes (read every time) stressful.

*School events- Jonathon had open house on Tuesday 6-730 and had "Meet the Jackets" on Wednesday 6-730. Late nights= very cranky kids!!

*Coaching debut- Thursday was my coaching debut. To say I was nervous is the understatement of the year!! The nerves created a huge amount of unnecessary stress (read yelling at everyone in sight!) To top it off, as we were getting ready to leave, Matthew fell down the stairs! He was okay, just scared. I was pretty sure my heart couldn't take much more!!! We didn't win, but the girls did really good.

Last week was busy, and this week looks pretty much the same.

first day

Today was the first day of school! I took my 3rd grader and my 7th grader and dropped them off without any tears from any of us! :)

Can you tell who is who???

Someone thought he was too cool to turn around for mom to take a picture!

blessed

beyond words! It is so amazing to do what God has called you to do!

Right now I am called to be a mom.

wordless wednesday

The beach in pictures