Friday, August 15, 2014

And They're Off!

The first day of school has come, and gone. Today they are at their second day of school. The excitement of it is slowly dwindling. They didn't have quite the pep in their step this morning as they did yesterday. I'm sure as those alarm clocks go off again on Monday, it will be even worse. :)

They all had a great day yesterday. Two of the four started at a new school. Big steps. Chesley a Freshman, and Abby a 4th grader, and with that comes a locker and actually changing classes some during the day. (Granted, the entire class goes together when they change, but it's still a big difference to them.)

I was happy, excited, thrilled, ELATED that Ches wanted me to drop her off the first day, rather than our usual friend that picks her up to save me time in the morning. I was glad I had my emotional break down before we actually dropped her off at school. Although, once we got there, she wouldn't even turn around for a quick pic!!
What evs'

She came home and told me so much about her day, which thrilled me as well. :) She had a couple of "embarrassing" moments, such as getting left in the lunch room with a group of girls because they didn't realize that their teacher had gone back to class. ;) There was another, but I won't share that one. She might kill me over the lunch room thing. 

Abby still wanted me to walk her in- which I had anticipated, but with her being so independent, thought there might be a hesitation on her part. There wasn't. Apparently the Intermediate school is a little overwhelming. She even held her daddy's hand to go in.
I think he loved it. :) I did. 

The other two, well, they were pros. They are the top dogs in their schools this year. No worries came from them. 
Owning that room!!

Lauren wanted to take the lead and show me how to get to her class. 

I wasn't sure just how ready I was for them to return to school. This was the first year I have ever felt that way. I'm usually ready the middle of June! :) I guess we have just gotten so busy that I felt like I blinked and summer was over. These girls are my life. Yes, they run me crazy and wear me out, but I don't know what I would do without one of them. I won't take this time with my girls for granted. I will appreciate what I have in them, and love them to the best of my ability. 

I know their Heavenly Father loves them more than I ever could. He can give them more than I will ever be able to. I gave them back to Him many years ago. They are His and He is theirs. I don't have to worry or be afraid because each of my children have asked Christ to be Lord of their life and I know He has them in the palm of His hand. He has ordered their steps. They will be victorious in all that they strive to do, because we place our trust in Him. 

Do you know the Lord? I don't just mean know OF Him, I mean KNOW Him. Do you have a relationship with Him? Do you need to know peace that passes all understanding? I know He will do for you what He does for our family. If you have a Bible, read Romans 10:9-10. It is that simple. If you don't have a Bible, Google it. It is as simple as it gets. My prayer is that if you don't know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, then today, you will make Him Lord of your life. I promise, you will NEVER be the same again. 

Enjoy the Journey, 

Paula




Monday, August 4, 2014

Just Half The Family

Ryan had been gone the week before to Orlando for some church business meetings, and I missed him in a bad way. (more than normal for me) Most of the time when he says he's going off for a few days, whether it is for church business, or hunting, etc, I'm usually pretty great with it. Don't get me wrong, I love my man, but I love having that break to read, watch what I'd like to watch on tv, if I want to see a girlie movie, go for it, etc. And if the girls and I want to have cereal for dinner, who cares? You get the drift... anyway. He went to do a wedding ceremony for his cousin in TN practically as soon as he came home, and I ended up not being able to go because of Chesley's volleyball schedule. (life of a teen...) 

So when Sunday morning rolled around, I was still kind of missing him. After church, it was such a pretty day that we took the top and doors off the Jeep and headed out with #3- Emileigh. The others had gone with various people in the church for the afternoon, so it was just the three. Half the fam...Three peas in a pod... The three amigos...The three musketeers. You get the drift. I enjoy going out in the Jeep with my husband. Mainly because he loves it. And I love being with him. 
If you like my cap, (it's got a teal and yellow cross on it) I got it from Staci  @ The Picky Cricket. Super crafty and talented gal. Love her lots! Go check out her FB page here and like it! 

So it was crazy windy, hence the hair wrapping around my cute cap! We rode wherever the rode took us, which at each turn Emileigh said "where are we going?" or "Are we lost?" Gotta love kids. We weren't lost, but found ourselves in Guntersville State Park. We love it there. Went to the lodge, so therefore, Ryan had to get his piece of pecan pie, Em had chocolate ice cream, and me...basket of fried okra. :) While riding around the park, Ryan let Em take the wheel a bit (under extreme supervision) She's a natural driver. :)


Then we went looking for the deer. I think that's the whole family's favorite part. I got a little nervous with the doors off, the deer were pretty close to the road. (Deer is closer than she appears) Bahaha! She was beautiful. 

Ryan of course acted like he had food in his hand, leaning across me, I just knew that deer was going to come get in the Jeep with us. lol She just checked us out really well, and then paid no more attention to us.

It was a much needed time with my husband and as an added bonus, we got some alone time with Em. With four girls, it's hard to get one on one time with them much. So when we can get it, we cherish it. 

What's something you like to do with your hubby, or little ones on the spur of the moment? Most of the time, the free things are the most precious...don't you think?

Enjoy the Journey!

Paula