1st Day of School

It's unreal to think the day has finally arrived for my baby girl to start Kindergarten. Wasn't I just in the hospital starting this whole Mommy thing? To say she's been excited is an understatement! I don't know how many times she has asked us when she was turning 5 so she could start K. She's actually still 4 for a few more days, but there are lots of interruptions going to happen this year, so we started a few days early. 

Here she is with her teacher... :) Actually, Mommy has been pretty excited to start teaching again. I had always said that if at all possible I would be a SAHM, and I am VERY thankful that is happening. But, now I get to use my degree on my own kiddos. How cool is that?! 

We made her "schoolroom" at the top of the landing upstairs. We had contemplated the basement, but they are so used to playing down there and tearing up jack that we thought this might be a quieter more formal place to study. I think it turned out pretty cute! 

We got her desk at an auction for $2, but it needed the hardware (Hobby Lobby 1/2 off). I just gave it a fresh coat of paint. The chalkboard was a frame I had and Wes attached some plywood leftover from another project. The tins were from Targets $1 bin and the cabinet door was from a pile of boards my in-laws brought me. Again, the knobs were 1/2 off at HL. I found the wine carrier at goodwill and didn't have a clue what I was going to do with it, but I liked it. Trish told me spaghetti jars fit, so we've been eating that to fill it up. HA! I saved several of my decorations from when I taught and plan to change them out every once in a while. 

Weston's 2 Year Pictures

I love these pics, but let me tell you he was no angel during the shoot!!! I usually come away with a few less hairs after taking my kiddos pictures. HA! (Maybe I should start feeling sorry for what my mom went through to just get a simple snapshot of us. Pretty sure we never cooperated).

This one cracks me up! It's like he's working on his swagger.

I really wanted one in his sunglasses looking at me, but he was NOT impressed.

Family News

Just in case you're not on facebook:

It never gets old...we're super excited!

Summer Happenings

Here is a quick update of what's been going on in our lives:

I got the boat at a yard sale and painted the sign using an old cabinet door. The boat weight was on clearance at Hobby Lobby, but it reminds me of children clothing sizes (5T) instead of a weight. HA! The jars, books, and greenery were on hand. Cheap mantel. YAY! 

Mother's Day

Father's Day

Weston didn't care a lick about his birthday except that it provided a noisemaker. Arilynn, however, is constantly asking when she is going to turn 5 so she can go to Kindergarten. **gasp...this cannot be possible**

Both are growing like weeds! They have managed to stay dirty the majority of the summer, so far. :) 

We went to family camp this year, but I didn't take a camera. What is wrong with me? Weston was literally covered in mud from head to toe one day (mud provided by his sister bringing water from the bathroom). Wesley just took him to the showers and hosed him down, clothes and all. I heard him hollering outside! 

Arilynn is cracking us up with some of the things that are popping out her mouth (btw...she can't keep a secret). We were all in the kitchen eating lunch and Wes mentioned something about Weston being a big boy. At the same time, Arilynn was whining about something. I just mentioned to Wes that Arilynn wasn't being a big girl because of her whining. She overheard and said, "It's because I have sooo many problems!" Yeah, she has it rough!

Arilynn's Room

Before:

After: Lots of hodgepodge in this room, but that's ok. :)

God's Promises

The other day we had a good spring downpour. When we went outside afterwards we noticed this:

The rainbow was framing our street. How cool is that?

While I was standing there taking a picture, God sweetly reminded me that He keeps His promises and we were doing His will. Just in the few months we've been here, He has kept several. One of the biggest ones has been "supplying our need." If you notice, the Scripture says "need," not want. However, there have even been "wants" supplied. He has been so good to us and I know He will continue to take care of us.

One of the ways He has supplied is by using our church people. They have blessed us over and over again by kind words (this is a big one for a couple who really doesn't know what they're doing), food poundings, money, fresh eggs every week, scrumptious baked goods, and much more. They truly are a blessing to all of us.

Sometimes this world can become so oppressive, depressive, aggressive, possessive, (just trying to see how many 'ive words I can think of) and, you know that God is up there still in control, but it's nice when he literally sends you a smile and confirms it.

Have a blessed weekend to all 2 of you! :)

He's 2!

Happy Birthday to our sweet, but ornery Weston! 

No, that isn't chocolate. ;)