My Hunter

I came across a picture today of my nephew Hunter on his first day of school in 2002. I thought it would be a good time to FINALLY put up his back to school pics from this year! First, here is the picture of him six years ago eating his McDonald's breakfast that Nanny brings every year on the first day of school.

NOW, here he is getting his locker ready for the first day of 7th grade!!

Hunter, I can't remember your friends name! 1,000 apologies!

Serious Jr. High students

Little sister Emma...one of the sweetest little girls I know!

Detective Dad, Leigh, Hunter and Emma

Lookin' good!!!

Calling ahead for reservations at the "cool table" at lunch.

I can't believe that my Hunter is already in Jr. High. I can't wait to go to his FIRST FOOTBALL GAME! I only have a few days left to get my air horns and foam fingers ready so I better go! It seems like only yesterday we were listening to "Elmopalooza" and watching Blues Clues.

Happiness is...

a clean house (basement included!), dinner in the crock pot, a husband home early, two kids playing well together, a light rain, a peaceful dinner and a pan of rice crispy treats!!! Life is GOOD!

Well, the dinner was mostly peaceful unless you count the 10 times that Brother Cohen yells "PRAY!!!" and tucks his little hands under his chin. The dude prays all the time! We were in Sam's a few months ago and I asked him if he wanted this pair of shorts. Of course I was just making small talk because I don't think he REALLY cares. Boy was I wrong! Apparently it was such a big decision that he had to pray on it. He tucked his hands and squeezed his eyes shut and just sat there. The lady standing next to me was on the verge of tears and said, "Well, I never! That is about the sweetest thing I've ever seen!" Have I ever told you how much I love that kid?

This is His world...I just work here.

Do you ever get the feeling that you are infinitely blessed? It's like Claire said just a few days ago, "My heart is all filled up!" That's how I am feeling today. Just plain old blessed! Maybe it's the fact that my kids were dressed and ready this morning BEFORE 9:00 which is when we are actually supposed to be at school. Maybe it's the fact that my sweet girl put on a pair of jeans this morning without complaining (the excitement there is three-fold). Maybe it's the fact that my upstairs (NOT downstairs) is in perfect order. Maybe it's my new beautiful bathroom upstairs that just makes me happy every time I walk by! Maybe it's the perfect cup of coffee I am enjoying in peace and quite while my children are making new friends, new crafts and new memories for just a few hours while I recharge. Maybe it's the thought of my insanely hot husband working so hard so that I can stay at home. Maybe it was the trip to Mama Jean's (the new organic market that recently opened on our side of town!) and the yummy snacks I got for the kiddos and the tea that I can't wait to try. Or, maybe it's just gas...who knows! What I do know is that NONE of this would be possible without the undying love of a Father in Heaven who knows me inside and out. A Father who loves me so much and has so much faith in me that he has given me this amazing husband, beautiful children and heart that is "all filled up." It's amazing.

Check out my little nugget!

In a tux! This was Coco and Grandma Connie at Uncle and Ashley's wedding. I wish I

had more pics of him but I was busy being a bridesmaid! So thanks Steph for snapping this one! LOVE IT!

These faces....

could they be any cuter?

Claire story of the week:

We were laying in her bed after reading our nightly installment of Kit Kitteredge (The American Girl series) and had just finished our prayers. Claire looked at me with a sweet smile on her face and said, "Mommy, my heart is all filled up with love for you." OH. MY. GOODNESS. I wanted to say, "My heart is full of nothing because you just single handedly melted it into a big pile of mushy sweetness." But instead I managed to squeak out, "Mine is filled up too honey bunny."

God is so Good!

Claire is still doing great with the medicine. Other than the bad taste, we have had no problems. I think next time we will get it flavored at the pharmacy. For now I just put a little orange juice in with it and all is well! For those of you who have been praying for Claire, I can't thank you enough. I felt those prayers each day as Claire went about her business like the happy healthy 4 year old she is. She is such a trooper. A few days ago I was painting the bathroom (pictures later!) and she insisted on helping. I told her to take the water bottle and clean the tub. She scrubbed and scrubbed for about 20-30 minutes. Finally, she wiped her forehead and said, "Whew Mommy, it sure is hard work being responsible!" Don't I know it baby doll! We had a great weekend. We worked a little and played a little but it just felt so good to be at home. Sunday at the zoo with Grandma was SO much fun. I would have pictures, but I walked out without my camera! Monday the kiddos spent the whole day with Grandma Connie while Brian and I painted the living room. (again, pics later!) It took longer than we planned because we changed our minds on the color once we got one wall painted, but we are so glad to have it done! Next up, our bathroom! It was a great weekend!

Thanks Momzoo....

for leading me to this blog. I laughed so hard, I nearly woke the children! My favorite is the house where the Kool-aid man lived! Oh, I'm still giggling and I think I pulled something. P.S. if you don't "get" my sense of humor, I totally understand. I pity you, but I understand. Ohhh I needed a good laugh, so thanks again Momzoo!