First last day of Pre K

Yes, just like that I sent my oldest off to his last year of preschool with Mrs. Nelson.
Sigh...It is so nice to know what to expect this year and Liam is already familiar with the teachers and class room which has made it an easy transition so far.
I am so excited for God has in store for this little man, each and every day I am in awe of how sweet and loving he is.

Here are a few pictures I grabbed from the first week of school!

Enjoying Each Season

I love seeing everyone’s pictures  of the first day of school plastered all over  facebook and instgram today.  But I can’t help but feel a little sense of relief that I am not posting a picture.  I am so thankful that Liam has one more year to be home with us before stating Kindergarten next fall. This year he will start his second year of pre-k, which he is super excited about. 

The first five years can seem long and hectic, I remember distinctly when the girls were infants Aaron and I would just pray for them to grow up because the days could be so trying with two infants and a toddler. After almost three years I can’t help but reminisce at how far we have come and how distant  those days feel. I love where my family is right now their ages are so much fun!  I am choosing to remind myself to enjoy the moments because I have found that the saying is true that  “the days are long but the years are short”

I am choosing to celebrate and enjoy the little things rather than longing for things in the future. I want to be a mom present and mindful of Gods grace and blessings on my life. So, today I will enjoy the snuggles, 101 questions, walks to the park and lunch dates with my littles.

If you are having a less than perfect day with your children, I encourage you to find the joy in each and every little squeak  and smile. Remember today that your joy is not contingent on your circumstances but, comes from within.  And, be careful not to blink because if you do they will all be getting on the bus or heading to collage and you will be in a new season all to soon. 

The Weekend

Labor day weekend is here, ready or not!
It's has been full of quality family time so far which is always wonderful! Yesterday, we went out for breakfast at our favorite place in town. It was rainy all day so we headed to Sky Zone which is a indoor trampoline park. The kids had lots of fun showing us how high they could jump. 
Today we ran errands and the kids played a fun game of soccer in the backyard. 

Need help finding your joy?

Do you feel overwhelmed, like you can’t seem to find peace amidst the fog?

Take heart Momma you are not alone, in this world that we live in distractions come in all shapes and sizes.  From a cell phone that can seem to run your life to several mini versions of yourself, all screaming for the same and equal attention.  Charlotte, my youngest, newest phase is “Momma I need you” which paints a pretty clear picture of where she feels my attention should be.  Don’t forget about dinner, dishes from last night and of course you better do laundry or the kids will have to wear their dirty jammies to bed again.

There are days that my” to do lists” have their own “to do lists” (if you know what I am getting at). The truth of the matter is that finding peace and joy in this life takes work. 

In our Moms bible study we talked about mindfulness and what that means in our everyday lives.

Mindfulness is the awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment. (Kabat-Zinn, 2003)

I just love that! In order to have peace and joy we need to mindfully take time day by day and minute by minute with our Creator.  

Is God your portion today? “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him” Lamentations 3:22-24

“I made all of this out of nothing, Trust Me, I can take care of you.”  God

I love that my God cares about my to do list and all the details of my day and when I choose to give it up to Him then and only then will I find my peace and joy.  Rejoice that little eyes are watching, they see and feel the love and joy that I have found in Jesus.  This will be my legacy of love from the Father poured out onto my children.

Thank you, Jesus, for loving me in my mess and right where I am at today. You alone are worthy of all my praise!

I want to encourage you to be mindful today while you are doing life, find those times and give them back to Him.

Stories from a 4 year old

Soccer

Liam played soccer again this year through community Ed in town. He loved having Gram and Auntie Kate come and watch him play. 
He played for the orange team (He is the one in green shorts)

Photo Shoot