51!

Today, the two most amazing people I know, will celebrate their 51st Wedding Anniversary together. I am humbled when I think of these two people and what they mean to me. There are no words to express the gratitude and unconditional love I feel towards them.

Mom & Dad - you are the greatest parents a girl could ask for. You and your marriage has been the most amazing models for what I can only hope my life to be.

Mom - thank you for being my best friend, for loving me unconditionally and for all that you do for me, David and our boys.

Daddy - thank you for loving mom the way you do! I am a lucky girl to have a father that loves my mother so completely for 51 years!

Happy 51st Anniversary to you!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today is my 36th birthday! Really? 36? Holy Cow! Where did the time go? I don't feel 36. And I'd like to think (at least I hope) - I don't look 36. I still feel like I should be in my 20's. Everyone says age is just a number. Yeah - I don't buy it. I am pretty freaked out about being 4 years away from 40. Who isn't, right? Oh dear... that's another bridge to cross. I serioulsy don't want to think about that.

When I was in my 20's, I thought my life would be different than it is now. I would be single, living in a large city, in a high-rise in downtown (maybe New York City), wearing freshly pressed suits and high heels that coordinated w/my handbag to a fabulous job everyday. Yeah - that would of been great, huh?

Well - that's not what was in store for me. I met the love of my life when I was 20 years old and that was the start of history. We met, fell in love, broke up, and then got back together 6 years later. And 10 years, and 3 boys after that - here we are! I am a stay at home mom, whose clothing rarely coordinates w/anything and this is my suburban life! It has it's great moments, it's up and downs - but it's my life. And I would take it over any other life. I am thankful on my birthday for my incredible husband and my three beautiful, loving boys.

I pray time slows down abit so that I can enjoy the life, the family I have. It seems as I get older - time goes by so much more quickly. I want to savor it and I want to be young enough to be an active part of my boys lives. My 4 boys are my world!

Here's me at 36 years YOUNG

and my sweet (silly) baby, Andy,  he's 3!

A 3rd Grader and a Kindergartener ....

Today was the first day of school for Ben and Will. The boys have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this day. They were so excited!

I woke up at 6:20 am and Ben was already awake, dressed and watching TV. I barely got up - got dressed and he was ready to go. Not too bad - only an hour early : )

It was time to go - so we loaded up the truck w/backpacks, school supplies and teacher gifts and headed to school. We got there about 10 minutes early - so I took a few minutes to take pictures before walking the boys inside.

Ben, 8 years; Will, 6 years

Ben and Will next to the Flag pole : )

I took Ben to his class first. He told me I didn't have to walk him everyday (ha!). I told him I was there to carry his school supplies because they were heavy. Totally the truth - but a good excuse for me to take my boy to class on the first day of 3rd grade.

Ben hanging his backpack

Ben standing next to his desk. My sweet boy!

I walked Will to his class next. He was really excited to go to school and tell his ID number to his teacher. If he memorized it - he got a sticker and he was so excited about it!

Will's kindergarten class : )

We got into his classroom and things changed quickly with him. He was sad, nervous and scared. He was fighting back the tears (and so was I). I felt so sad for him!

Here he is sitting at his desk.

Look at that face. He's so sad : (

More sad : (

The little boy next to him is the brother of one of Ben's friends in his grade. We were able to get them moved next to each other - which helped a little. He still looks scared, but he felt slightly better.

Me and Will

(Man, I look old! Actually today is my 36th birthday! Happy Birthday to me : )

Will's backpack hanger.

After I left Will - I went back by to check on Ben. He was putting away his supplies and organizing his binder. He was happy.

Then I went back by Will's class. Mrs. Cole was asking them questions about what they liked to do (play on computer, color pages, etc) and Will wouldn't raise his hand. Poor lil' guy!

Our awesome principal (white shirt). Our school is phenominal b/c of her.

and our new assistant principal. Excited to see what the year holds.

I finally left the school. I didn't want to leave. I was so sad for Will.

I went back to eat lunch w/Will. I actually just sat on the table in front of him b/c he wanted to sit w/his friends. Which I was glad about. And he was actually doing better and was happy. He hugged me several times and was still alittle unsure - but he was ok! My boy was ok! I am so, so relieved.

Here's Will eating his pizza, mashed potatoes, corn and chocolate milk

He got his sticker for knowing his ID number. He was so proud! Way to go William!

Andy and Will : )

We are excited about school starting. It means many things.... schedules, more organized days and evenings, school activites. And it means cooler weather is on the way ......

Happy Almost Fall and Happy 1st Day of School!

Jamie is a Senior!

My babysitter, Jamie, is graduating this coming year. I am so excited for her - but so sad for me. She has been an extraordinary blessing to our family! She started babysitting for us when she was 13. Ben was 3 and Will was almost 1. We have really grown to love her and are so thankful to have her in our lives.

We did Jamie's senior pictures this summer while she was home for break. We had a lot of fun! Alot of locations and alot of outfit changes : )

Here are a few photos from our sessions....

My Annual "Back to School Breakfast"

Every year - I do a "Back to School Breakfast" in my driveway for the neighborhood kids who live around us. It's become quite a tradition! The kids ask if we are doing it as the school year approraches. It's a lot of fun for them and for me.

6 dozen donuts, 1 gallon of milk and 40 packs of orange juice

My sweet hubby put up the tent for me to block sun from the kids. Even at 8:30 am - it was warm.

Me, Will and Ben are in our green "One World" shirts : ) Andy's on my lap. I forgot to get him a shirt : (

A few of the kids ....

I had 16 kids come and there's probably still about 5 missing. And these kids live on my street : )

We have a great neighborhood. Lots of kids to play. My kids have grown up with all the kids. It's really special!

It was a fun party with a great turn-out! We are ready for the new school year : )

Meet the Teacher Night

This school year is really exciting - because this year, Ben and Will are going to the same school. Will was able to get a spot at the Academy that Ben goes to - which is awesome! We LOVE our school! It is phenominal and was actually rated #2 in the state of Texas and #1 in North Texas. And we couldn't be more thrilled!

Ben is going into 3rd grade (wow - i still can't believe it) and Will will be starting kindergarten! It's going to be a fun year : )

Here's Ben and Will posing (reluctantly) for me : )

Excuse the hair - we still need haircuts : )

Ben - standing in front of his classroom list for the year

Ben and his friend, Aaron, in his classroom

Will's class room lists. Will wasn't up for much picture taking : (

Here's my sweet kindergartener standing near his classrom table : ) He didn't want me taking pictures of him in front of the other kids. I barely got this!

He was really nervous. He kept telling me how nervous he was and asking if he would see Ben during the day and if Ben was going to walk him to his class everyday. It was sweet and sad. I KNOW he'll be fine - but I am still worried!

Our school theme for this year....

Ben, Aaron and Will being silly ....

Ben : )

William : )

We have all of our school clothes, shoes, supplies - I have joined the PTA and we are ready for a fun, fun year. I'm excited they are both at the same school b/c it makes it easier for me to get involved .... which I plan to do alot!

Happy School Year!

The Herings!

I did family photos for the Herings (my babsitter and her family) before the Hering kids all went back to school and college. We got some great shots. It was a lot of fun! I love hanging out w/them - they are so much fun to be around. I really enjoy them!

I know a little early - but I made a Christmas card for them to use in case they wanted one. I thought it turned out really cute!

Front of card:

Back of card: