And just like that Halloween is over. Done. In the books and the holidays are ready to be unwrapped! This Halloween was low key since Nessa Bessa had been sick. The funny thing about it? According to the kids it was also one of the best! I love when that kind of stuff happens coincidentally!
Last week, Fall Ball started our season off with dancing and friends.
Keeping an eye on an almost four year old who has her own friends is rough. She wants to be big so badly. . .but then there's mom right there capturing shots that just melt me.
Those ringlets in the back--just do me in. My little strawberry.
The big kids and dad went to the event at church Wednesday night--Nessa wasn't up to it so we picnicked on our bed and watched tv. I thought it was pretty perfect. We dressed her up to go to the My Gym party with the big kids where she donned costume #2.
But she wasn't feeling herself so we came home. We didn't want to push it so she would be okay for the actual Halloween day.
That day, we stayed home and rested up before hitting uncles house and then the grandparents. It's kind of like a tradition. Living so close definitely has its perks!
Then back to our quaint, little city where EVERYONE seems to come to escape their own. The trick-or treating is out of control--kids are dropped off by the car loads and it's quite the mad house. But we live here and we enjoy going to houses of people we know--so we put on our brave faces and head out into the costume chaos and enjoy it. This year we started and ended at a church two blocks from home. Our neighbor told us about it and they had free food, games, and the best part? A magic show.
We could have stayed here all night. The kids loved it.
Did I mention this one changed her costume again? She came downstairs after brother had "painted" her face with my eyeshadow--a shade of gray. So we changed up her costume so she was one happy kitty.
And finally we met up with some friends and then we lost our friends and then we met up with other friends and we all just did what we do for our kids. We walked and they went door to door totally oblivious to the crowds. That cracked me up!
These three littles had to put on their glow necklaces and hold hands the whole time so they didn't get separated. It was way cute! At the end of the night we went to our friend's house for food and came home by nine. Daddy still had to work the next day--but the kids and I? We got a full night's sleep and had no school the next day! I love that the kids enjoyed it so much. I was reminded (again) of how fast the time is passing. I love these celebrations woven into our family tapestry. I just hope they love them as well and always are a part at some level. This year when they gave me their candy to donate--we took them to Target and gave them twenty dollars to spend. They were excited and surprised. We were grateful that for them Halloween is all about the dressing up and gathering with friends. We wanted to gift them something instead of set them up for cavities. Works for us!
First off, I have never worn a strapless dress in my whole life. Never. That being said, having worn it and after receiving many compliments, I knew I needed to document it. Girls, if you're reading this--it took me thirty-seven years to feel comfortable in my own skin and find a dress that didn't have me busting out at the top (pun intended).
Second, the love I have for this guy just keeps growing. Be it beside me at the table, on the dance floor, in the car. . .wherever we are, whatever day it is I just give thanks. To be at a wedding and to know that we've committed to not only inviting Jesus to the wedding--we've invited Him to the marriage has made all the difference. And that face? So handsome.
Third, (because girls are allowed to change their minds), nothing beats a night out than spending time with friends you treasure. Time doesn't allow us to do this as often as we would like, but being with people who know you, who get you, who've been a part of your life since your roots were planted in this place are the makings for a perfect evening.
The days pass by and I'm really trying to enjoy them. I'm trying to keep my phone in the car to stop acting as if everything is urgent. Because the only urgency I have in the summer is to enjoy these kids of mine. It is hard to believe that in two weeks, one of them will hit double digits. I swear I remember her birth as if it was yesterday...
Last week we found ourselves at the neighborhood pool early each day. Nessa did her first private swim lessons--who am I kidding? Her first ever lessons! We skipped the mom and me ones last summer because whenever she was in the pool, I was with her--and she was comfortable so I didn't see the need paying money or spending the time with an instructor. Worked well for both of us as she willingly went into the pool each day and loved her teacher this year. See, sometimes mommy really does know best! She loved the water. She mastered the crab walk and blowing bubbles; however she could have taken or left the whole going under water thing, but my brave girl never cried.
And I videotaped way too many minutes but I like this one because it served as evidence to dad that although she didn't like going under water, she did it. And she did it well, my girl.
This week I've found myself with a couple hours a day while the kids are enjoying VBS with many of the kids from our GMG group. It feels foreign to me, this whole having time to myself thing. I realized that even though Nessa was in school two days a week, I occupied those hours working in the classroom or facilitating book club/prayer group, so I never ran my errands kid-less. I'm amazed at how much I've been able to accomplish kid free. . .but I'm so used to doing everything with them, I feel like I'm trying to get too much done instead of just enjoying the me time. Tomorrow I am enjoying some me time with friends, so I am looking forward to it. And Friday Ernie is off so we will enjoy some us time kid-free. All is right with our world.
Mean mom still has the kids sharpening up on their skills and they love me for it...at least that's what I tell myself.
The park has been good to us. The heat has been bearable and I must admit that one park date lasted seven glorious hours. Glorious because there was no fighting or complaining or crying. I think that is a world record for us.
Another day water balloons kept them entertained.
And our life wouldn't be complete without more dentist or doctor appointments. However the lungs are clear so that was a great visit to receive the news!
Drama concluded with a banquet complete with certificates, trophies, and an evacuation because the fire alarm went off for a half hour. Fun times, I tell you!
And finally, the kids were surprised with a gift from grandpa. To say they are thrilled is an understatement.
Oh, to be a kid again--I used to have a play house that I just loved in the back yard. I am so excited the kids have this creative space to retreat to--which means they will definitely want more time at grandma and grandpa's house. Camp Sausedo should occur. Just saying, dad: )
And today, a few of us met with the principal about character education and building our school community. I'm still praying my Anything prayer, trying to be still and really listen to His spirit, fill my days with fun and laughter. . .and completely enjoy the extraordinary summer days that are flying by.
This little light of mine, decided to run for student council. Fortunately, she made it and is her class representative. Then she decided to run for an office. Keep in mind, most often these are positions that fifth graders tend to win. That did nothing to sway her.
Miss Fearless designed her two posters and late Monday night, we walked across the school to hang them up. All the while, I'm amazed at her willingness to try; to not be so afraid of failure that she doesn't try at all. She must get that from her father. I sure do admire it though!
Yesterday as she crossed the street to meet me, I could tell she was not in her normal good spirits. Apparently someone had taken one of her posters down and she found it in the bathroom. Her teacher helped her hang it again, but by the time school let out it was gone again.
"Why is someone being so mean?"
What was I supposed to say to that?
We had a nice little chat last night when I was tucking her in. We talked about winning and losing and all the stuff in between. I told her how much I admired that God had created her to be so fearless and to try new things. We talked about celebrating Friday night because she's already a winner--she is trying something that most other fourth graders are not. We will be celebrating her courage, commitment, and the success of her first public speech. . .which I will miss due to work: (
This morning I lit all the candles, made her bacon and eggs and am waiting for her to rise and greet her. I am focusing on placing value and affirmation here at home so the disappointments from a mean kid might not hurt as badly. For as strong as my girl is, her heart is an open book. I want to fill her up with love, understanding, patience, and joy this day. I want her to see the simple act of running for an office is a big deal--because she sees a way to make a difference, to shine His light and even if she doesn't win, then she has experience to help her in the future! How she handles the "mean"kids is part of the challenge before her. I am praying she rises up to meet it with dignity, grace, and love.
Note: She did not win the election but I am so proud of her for trying. dad and I pulled her out of school for lunch and she was already laying out the plans for next year--that's my girl!
Someone in the family accomplished something BIG! We are proud to announce that our "Little" has graduated high school! We were off to the racetrack to celebrate him and his 949 classmates on Friday night. Their graduating class was so big that they held the event at a race track! It was quite the scene, unfortunately the big television was what we had to watch in order to realize his name was being called. It was such a blur of a moment when I really think about this kid's school life and some of the struggles he has encountered through the years.
He is very much his father's son. They are hands on, fix anything, build anything--kind of people. I think his real passion lies in set building and design, which he was the head of during his time in high school. I hope he is able to figure out what is the best road that will help him accomplish his goals...whatever they may entail.
What a proud moment, for his parents--who had him their senior year in high school. How far they have come in their joint parenting through the years to benefit his success. I wish I had been there after the two hour ceremony to see him and celebrate in person, but someone wasn't feeling well so sadly, we headed to the car. I sent this picture to wish him well and I should have known in today's tech savvy society, the guy had his cell phone in pocket as he sat on the track waiting for the barrage of names to be completed. . .
He called us and we were able to wish him well. Bubs asked when he was coming to spend the night again--just what all eighteen-year-olds want to do, right? And that was it. Sadly we missed all the family shots that take place after an event as big as the days. . . and we ended up in Urgent Care in Sunday with said sick, little guy. . .but in that moment--Little's phone call meant the world to both of us, I think.
So, people we have a graduate on our hands. The future is wide open. The possibilities are endless. Adulthood is a constant in his life now and we can only pray he has learned from the lessons his parents, both sets, and other family have taught him. . .it takes a village. It does.
Dad, Godfather, Little, and Second Dad (who handed him his diploma--cool!)
May blessings abound, Little. Congratulations on the accomplishments you have made thus far and all those just waiting to be claimed by you!!!
Yesterday turned out to be the kind of Saturday I will always treasure. It started out with a blessing for Ernie, who was off to take the final he thought was last week, but wasn't. The kids and I made a run to two grocery stores to stock up for the week and attempt to keep to the new budget.
While unpacking the groceries and the kids cleaning their rooms, there was a knock at the door. A sweet friend, I met through one of my other friends was dropping by to give me a hug. She has such a sweet heart. I've run into her random times and each time it is such a blessing. She is secure in her faith. She desires to raise children who will spread God's word and heart. Everything about her is so genuine and her stopping by unannounced just to see how I was doing was a little gift from God. She had no idea the changes I'm contemplating as we don't talk often, but a few minutes into the conversation, she is sharing her heart, advising me to trust mine and I can do it: "just take baby steps."
I was smiling as I shut the door, appreciative of who she is and the role she played for Jesus yesterday. Back inside, I had received a text that another friend was going to be able to meet up with us at the park. This sweet friend I met as I helped in my little brother's kindergarten class years ago--she was the substitute. Three years later our paths would cross again as I came to teach at my little brother's school where she too was working permanently. I can't remember exactly when our relationship deepened beyond the creative teacher ideas, and surface-y stuff. But I am so thankful it has. She is an original GMG girl. She gave me her Bible in a Year--which is truly where I began my journey. And such a journey it has been!
We were able to meet up at the park and picnic with the kids. She was blessed with the opportunity to job share while her kids were smaller and she just this year went back full time. She shared her heart. She encouraged me to follow mine. We were just two friends celebrating the beauty of the day while watching the children we love so much playing in the distance. We shared our stories--no matter how similar or different, and I felt God's gift again so generously that day.
Then, Ernie came home rejoicing in his 94% which signified the end of his classroom work! Three and a half years has come to an end. He is six months away from his final step test and journeying out. Yahoo!
We went to celebrate a friend of ours who was going out on disability due to her cancer. Thirty years she has tirelessly worked to engage her students, support them, challenge them. . .and now it has ended because her body is tired. It has been five years since Ernie and I have been back to the high school we worked at. It's actually the high school we met and fell in love at. . .so many good memories, so many great people and yet we've never returned.
Could it be that life has been that busy for us to not take the time to keep in touch with the people that meant so much to us, if only for a season? How had I never taken our third child there to "meet" our friends who had been such a part of celebrating our other two? I shake my head typing this because I'm not sure what it was.
Last night we were able to see and catch up with many former co-workers. A large number of people attended to celebrate this woman and all she has achieved in the work world. I was happy to hug on her and share in the celebration while she is still here--not simply coming together at her funeral.
Life is meant to be a daily celebration. Life is meant to encompass others. Life is meant to be lived fully.
I am so thankful for the life three women breathed into me yesterday.
