Bathing Suit Wearing, Naps, The Letter B, and Library Things...

We have been busy, busy around here.  Not a "oh my goodness- we have no time for anything" type of busy, but a taking care of kids, doing school, the big kids made a swim team, Ellie's doing pre-school, serving at the church, exercising, studying our bibles, teaching Sunday School, discipling our children- kind of busy.

Anyhoo, things are running along pretty smoothly.  Babies are finally on sleeping schedules- both are finally sleeping through the night- and I feel like a new woman just having a full, uninterrupted night of sleep-
BAM- New. Woman.

Ellie, as always, is totally a rock star and continues to be sweet, kind, and the Queen of silliness.

I took her on a little date the other day and had to stop by the Post Office.  While there she was eating a box of raisins.  The lady behind us in line asked her if she knew where raisins came from.

She said, "Yeah.  This box."

I'm mean really?.  That. Kid.

The kind lady then proceeded to explain to her that yes, while her raisins did come out of that box, they originally started life as grapes.  That made her laugh.

She basically refuses to wear anything other than a swimsuit these days, and being the "totally on top of things" mother that I am- I totally let her.  Dentist. Library. Home. Grocery Store.  She's shown them all that bathing suit wearing has no season.  We've even had a few friends give us some hand-me-down ones just so she can change it up a bit.

I found her asleep like this the other day.  I wish my other kids were so dedicated to their studies.

Henry- Just because he's so cute...

On our date we headed to the Library for Story Time...

They hear a story and make a craft...

She's so fun.

This past week she was learning the letter B in school.  So we totally traced her Big Brother and then she decorated him...

It was so fun she insisted on decorating herself...

That's what's been going on.  Hope everyone has a great day and week!

Happy Monday!

School Is In Session...

So School is officially in session here in the Land of Helder.

Three weeks in and I'm just now getting around to a First day of School picture post.

At this point in my life it's just a miracle that I'm finding time to do it before they're married.

Kane is a Big 6th grader.

Ruthie girl is a 3rd grader.

Ellie is starting some pre-school stuff.

And the Henry-man is crawling around eating stuff off the floor and pulling-  Every. Single. Thing. off of -Every. Single. Shelf. in the house.

It's going great!

There's always a few bumps getting started but I think it's finally all worked out and we are now well on our way to a fabulous school year.

Ruthie Loves: Chic-Fil-A Sandwiches (I mean who doesn't?), having friends over, gymnastics, playing house, and movies.

Kane-man loves: video games, having friends over, reading, pizza, and going to his Aunt Tori's house.

Goobers...

Her desk all ready to go...

His desk all set up in his bedroom this year...

Daddy pics!

Ellie Loves: Bathing suits, marshmallows, swimming (she learned this summer), playing with her sissy, and pizza.

If you're curious what a day in the life of a homeschooler looks like- here it is- Our Giant wall of School work...

Hope Everyone is doing great and your school years are all starting off with a great, big, awesome Bang!!!

Blessings,

Celebrating 50 Years...

When we went home in July we were there to visit family, but a large part of why we went when we went was to celebrate my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary.

50 years of marriage.  Isn't that amazing!!!

I can't even begin to tell you how thankful and blessed I feel to have parents that love each other and are committed to each other.  Talk about security and a great example!  

Their marriage has been such a godly example to me of God's design for marriage.  

One man.  

One woman.

Sacrificial.

Loving.

Faithful.

Committed.

Respectful.

Trusting.

So in celebration of this grand event we did what most red blooded Americans do and we threw a party!

Me with my parents, and siblings...

Cousins...

Tons of friends and family stopped my to celebrate the happy couple...

My sweet friend Lindsay- was so good to see her!...

Thank you Mom and Dad for allowing me to grow up in a home where I knew that my mom and dad loved each other and were committed to the vows that they made before God and one another. I'm sure there were times when it would have been easier to throw the towel in and call it quits, but instead you made a decision to remain committed and faithful.  Thank you for respecting the importance and the permanence of marriage.  

Marriage is magnificent and glorious and often mysterious, and I'm so thankful you showed me the importance of fighting for it and enjoying it as the special gift from our loving creator that it is.

Blessings,