Back to School

Today was the first day back to school at our house. Wow! Everyone was SUPER excited! Josiah is headed off to 3rd grade and Alayna is starting Kindergarten. Alayna has been asking how many more 'sleeps' for the past couple weeks and Josiah has been excited to go see his friends and overall, he just really likes school (I'm very thankful).

We had a great summer, but now that we are getting into the swing of school again...I'm looking forward to a more consistent routine. I'm not totally sure what Seth and I will be up to while the other 2 are gone for part of the day, but I'm looking forward to some quality time with the cutest rascal I know. :)

Paper Airplane

Amazingly enough it was even able to fly. I love how his mind works!

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Screens...

So yesterday was a very laid back day. We played in the house (it was SUPER hot and WINDY), read, and watched a couple shows. Fast-forward to 7pm, after church. Seth was cranky and beside himself. I was talking to Dan on the phone (I had the older 2 in the van with me) and explained that because we hadn't done much that day, he was probably needing to wear off energy. We watched more 'screens' (that's what we call TV, computer, video games) than we normally do.

After that phone call...this is the conversation I had with Josiah:

Josiah: Mom, you're right, we did have too many screens...I think tomorrow I need to not have ANY screens.

Mom: That sounds like a great idea.

Josiah: Mom, I know that tomorrow I might feel differently about it, but I want you to remind me to stick with it. Even if I tell you I don't want to continue anymore.

Mom: ok, that's a great plan. I'll do my best to help you, and I'll remind you that you asked me to, ok?

Josiah: Ok, so you will help me?

Mom: for sure buddy, I think that sounds like a great plan

He's been doing great! He's played more legos than normal, he read for 1 1/2 hours, he drew car pictures...I'm so proud that he knew he would feel weak throughout the day, but still asked me to hold him accountable. We don't watch tons of TV or anything, but in the mornings, they will watch a short show, something maybe later in the afternoon. He had to break himself of that and think of other things to do. I think 'unplugging' has gone well! Way to go buddy!

Business Owner

Last summer Josiah tried mowing the lawn...he was able to do part of it, but he was just a bit too short yet to really be able to handle the mower. However, after trying to mow he REALLY wanted me to make him a business card. I work for/with my clients to come up with something that represents them...well, with minimal say from me in what it looked like...this is what he came up with. He had the ideas and picked the font and look for his card. Maybe next summer (he's already asked me) we can get them printed and he can mow for a couple neighbors. I love watching him work, he is very thorough and takes his time doing a really great job!

Lawn Mower

We have come along way....we have kids old enough to help with bigger jobs around the house, and even better is the fact that they enjoy it. Alayna loves helping me fold laundry and this is Josiah's new job. It's his 2nd time and he's been doing a great job!

My Best Friend

The kids had their final time with grandparents for the summer...they went to my mom's for an extended weekend. They had a blast with grandma, grandpa and 3 of their cousins!

While they were gone...Dan and I had a blast too!! The best part....we didn't really have anything planned! We just enjoyed spending time together, talking about anything and everything anytime we wanted...no interruptions! :) We went for a 18 mile bike ride together which was a workout (my bum was feeling bruised for a few days...I think I need a better seat!), but we had a ton of fun! It was a great reminder that I truly am married to my best friend. I'm never bored when we are together and I can't imagine having as much fun with anyone else. Though I was ACHING to have our kids back...I appreciate our parents and their love for our kids and their willingness to invest time into their grand kids which in-turn also invests time for us in our marriage. Thanks!

What Would You Do?

Last weekend I took Josiah and Alayna clothes shopping. They each picked a few things and we had a lot of fun together! Neither of them are overly picky about what they wear, so that definitely helps the situation. :) However, while we were at Kohl's I heard a mom YELLING and I mean YELLING at her kids...(she could be heard across the aisle in the adjoining section) She was hollering empty threats that she never followed through on....my first thought (I'm sad to say) was judgment about her being a mean mom. Later, as we were still in the same section and she continued yelling, I started to feel bad and decided to pray for that mom and her kids, I don't know what was going on in her life and I hated that I had judged her. At the same time, I hated what she was doing to her kids. If you're willing to yell THAT loud in public, what do you do at home in private?? Anyway, on the way home I kept thinking....what SHOULD I have done in that situation?? Approached her and asked her if I could help? Continue praying? I don't know.... It reminded me of the show they used to do on 60 Minutes (or some show like that) "What Would You Do?" -- they create situations and see how people respond. Anyway, days later it stills bugs me and I still find myself praying for that mom and her kids....