Joy:

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.  Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.  (Psalm 34:4-5)

Nap Mat (for Charlie)

Made a simple nap mat for Charlie.  He and his kindergarten class take naps everyday.  His nap mat was getting a little dingy, so we picked out some cute fabric to make a new one.  I had no clue where to begin, but I think it came out ok for not having a pattern.

Cute dog theme. Batting in between, nice & comfy.

Audrey testing out the final product.

Rolls up like a sleeping bag.

My Little Girl:

Wow can't believe my Audrey is 2.  Forgot to post something on her birthday.  She has been keeping us busy.  She talks more and more clearly everyday.  I thought we'd do something special today, just her and I.  So after we dropped the boys off at school, we headed to Disneyland.  We both enjoyed the morning by going on a few rides and having lunch together.  I know she might not remember today, but I sure will.  God has truly blessed me in so many ways.  My daughter is my little buddy.

Mommy and Audrey time at Disneyland.

With her pal Dumbo. One of her favorite rides.

Her new jacket mommy embellished. 

It's okay to cry.

Why do you cry?  Why do I cry?  

My boys always catch me crying.  They ask "mom why are you crying now...is it a good cry or a sad cry this time"?

I've cried so much lately, you'd think I would have run out of tears by now.

Today I cried because I was remembering my dad as I watched Stand Up 2 cancer.  Remembering his awful death made me so sad. Grieving is ok to do.  But remembering what a wonderful loving dad he was made me cry "happy" tears.

  

Yesterday, I cried because someone told me they were proud of me.  Proud is a word I didn't hear much growing up. Proud of myself too for facing some fears and conquering those fears has made me...yep you guessed it...CRY.

So what make you cry...the loss of someone you love, a broken friendship, maybe even your own broken heart, your child getting hurt...your son hitting the baseball, a hug from someone you haven't seen in a while, seeing your daughter dance whenever she hears music?  I hope you don't hold back those tears.  I'm learning that it's ok to let go and let my tears flow.  Such a relief.

It's ok to cry.  

     

Proud (Charlie) Moment:

What a great day.  Feeling good! Happy!  Went to watch my little guy play baseball.  Thought about my dad tonight.  I now know how he felt when he watched my brothers and I play ball.  Seeing Charlie crack that ball....was WOO HOO!  So exciting.  Can't wait till his first game.  Makes me smile that Charlie truly enjoys playing this sport.

The mouse in the dugout wasn't fun or cute...yuck!

New School Year

Summer is officially over for my boys...

Today was the first day of school.  Connor is now in first grade and Chalie is now in kindergarten.  **SIGH** My boys are growing up too quick for this momma.  Just seems like the other day we were walking Connor in to preschool at the age of 2 1/2.  

Both boys were excited to start the day and see their friends and meet their teachers.  

John and I took Audrey to breakfast and to Build A Bear.  We had a nice morning with our daughter.

Here are a few pictures from the day.

My two handsome guys.

1st grade.  He's a big boy with his own desk.

Our Char-char is 5 and in kindergarten.  Love my little dude.

Special morning for daddy and his little girl. 

Summer fun almost over:

Trying to squeeze in some fun time with my kids, before school starts next week.

Disneyland!  

Los Angeles zoo.  Hot day...lots of BEES...

This summer has been a busy summer.  I got to spend a lot of time with my 3 little ones.  I will miss my boys when they start school.  BUT it will also be kind of nice getting a little break.  Learning that it's ok to take a "mommy break" every once in awhile....time to read, write, movie, cry....pray!