Girls Weekend

I spent a large portion of last weekend on this patio with dear friends from college. It was wonderful and went by all too quickly. We can honestly talk about everything under the sun for endless hours. It's amazing how much women love to talk ;)

 

Michelle and I traveled (4hrs each way) together. Apparently we aren't the best navigators, especially while talking, but made it safely both ways.

 We gathered for many reasons, the funnest one, being these two boys and their 1st birthdays.

Don't they look exactly like their momma :) The little guy in the swing isn't 1 yet, but he is catching up to the twins in size, quickly. His momma is holding him in picture below.

 I tried to get my baby fix whenever I could :)

Most of these photos were taken by Courtney on the right, also getting her baby time.

It is a privilege and a gift to walk life with these ladies. In no time at all, I was laughing so hard my stomach hurt and I was crying. It felt awesome. We really need to start making some new memories together and not relying on our ancient college past for laughs. Someday we won't have little babies in tow, but for now we will soak up all we can and be ever so thankful for the times we have together.

His Tune

The photo credit goes to Ryan's preschool teacher. How she captured his most precious smile is a mystery to me. I see it every day, but when I take his picture a different smile appears ;)

Have I mentioned he sings A LOT? Not for show, just for himself, although many times we benefit. Sometimes its the perfect song at just the right moment. Like when I was reading an email from a friend who needed prayer because two boys, "like sons to her," had been in a terrible car accident. As tears welled up, I heard him "randomly" singing in the background "soon and very soon we are going to see the King... no more crying there, we are going to see the King."
Our bedtime routine has always included reading books and then singing each child one worship song. As babies it was usually "Jesus Loves Me" and as they got older we transitioned to songs they might hear on Sunday mornings at church.
Most nights by bedtime (which keeps getting later) I am done and my heart is not in the reading and singing, but usually by the second verse my heart is changed. Amazing how that works ;)
Certainly it would be quicker and easier just to kiss them and say good-night. After all we have been doing this 11 years (!). However, Ryan's singing, reminds my heart it's not just for routine. These songs are being pressed into their minds and hearts. I pray the words will forever come quickly to their minds and draw them closer to their Father.

"I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." Psalm 89:1

Our Fun-Filled, Work-filled 3-Day Weekend

We had very minor and vague plans for Memorial Day weekend. I was okay with that because most weekends are too busy (in my book). It still ended up being FUN. The perfect combination of productivity and family time.

On Friday evening, we ate dinner on the back porch. It's been a slow start to eating out there as the pollen has plagued it. Anyhow the weather was so gorgeous, I nonchalantly said, "it be a great night to sleep on the porch." My sister and I slept on our grandparents porch A LOT. My kids have never done that until this weekend ;) That's all it took and EJ was setting up the tent. He even rigged a movie. The kids were super excited. Avery did not sleep out there and Mason didn't last all night. But it was fun to play in most of the weekend.

  

On Saturday, we did lots of chores and house projects. Then we went to a baseball game with another family from church. Avery was much more comfortable at this game than the one we went to a few weeks ago. She also sat through the fireworks, more like clung to me with ears covered and barely peeking. But she did it :) Avery wasn't too sure about the cotton candy. If she had it last summer she definitely doesn't remember.

Sunday evening, was Mason's birthday "party." He invited one friend to a nearby drive-in movie and sleepover (his first). They saw Tommorowland and got back super late :(

 Waiting for the movie to start with a juggler for entertainment.

The Littles and I enjoyed a quiet dinner at home, a walk and frozen yogurt. 

They weren't sad to miss the movie at all ;_

 

Somehow on Monday, I managed 2 hours to myself at home. It was heavenly! I ate lunch all by myself and spent time on pinterest getting organized because next week we are starting another home renovation!!! Yep, it's about to get messier up in here. The contractor starts Monday on our 47-year-old-master bathroom. I am nervous about the interruption in our home especially with the end of the school year quickly approaching. But the changes are exciting for sure! It will be worth it in the end.

Mason's 8th Birthday

He is such a joy to celebrate. 

His meal choices were SO funny. Sausage was his request for breakfast. We added waffles and raspberries (his favorite) to the menu. Hot dogs, mac and cheese and asparagus for dinner. How could I complain, cheap and easy ;)

One of the local YMCAs opened a new indoor family pool with two slides and a splash pad. I took the littles on Tuesday this week and we HAD to go back with the bigs. It was perfect for a rainy birthday afternoon!

 

My birthday cakes are getting lamer, but the kids don't mind and it allowed us to have more fun together. Win, win!

 

 If we are not careful, this one, flies under the radar. Especially in his own little video game world. He continues to do great in school and I am very proud of his work-ethic. He makes friends easily and with that smile, seems to be attracting the girls too, yikes! He enjoys playing baseball, basketball, video games, cub scouts (especially camping) math, and eating (he is our biggest eater). He is much more content in the quiet at home, like his momma. We can't wait to see what 3rd grade brings for this boy. Happy Birthday Mason. You are SO loved.

His Course

This is going to seem a bit deep for the subject matter, but my first-born is getting ready for middle school, so bear with me ;)

He had his heart set on the trumpet. He was fifth in line for the fitting with 12 spots for trumpet open. Surely it was a done deal. He choice 3 instruments to "blow into." He choice 3 because that's what the teacher said to do, he would have been fine stopping after the trumpet. He told the teacher his first choice. We waited for an email.

We received the assignment. Trombone, not the trumpet. Devastation and confusion. Yes, he wanted to play the trumpet, but his lips wanted to play the trombone. It is a far more natural fit for him, according to his future teacher. Her opinion didn't really convince him. I can't say I blame him, he doesn't know the lady, but since she is the band instructor, she clearly knows more either of us ever will (at least in my thinking).

 In their hearts humans plan their course,

    but the Lord establishes their steps. 

Proverbs 16:9

When Owen received the assignment of trombone, I hoped he would quickly change his tune and trust that God knew best. Easier said than done. When I sat down to write this post, Proverbs 16:9 popped to mind for him. Just because we think we know what is best, isn't always what God has in mind. God is there.
Well, now that I have written this, I realize the lesson is really for me. You see, my heart starts racing when I stop to think he will be in middle school soon. He will be a small fish in a much bigger pond. A pond that I know very little about and will rarely be invited into.
I am praying mostly for the new friends he will make, the ones I will know very little about, at least in the beginning. I am tempted to fear that his choice of friends will likely determine his future in middle school. Friends can be very persuasive after all.
As his mother, it feels like my job to steer him away from "harm" and protect him, because surely I know best. Soon I will have less and less steering control.
The promises and comfort of knowing God is there in Proverbs 16:9 is for me too, God is there establishing Owen's steps even when he has his heart set on the wrong thing. Just like he establishes my steps as a mom when my human heart wants to cling too tightly.