Helloooooooo?

Have you given up on me yet?

It's only been a few months since my last post.

YIKES!

Well, I have some fun news . . . I started a new blog.

I have LOVED this creative space, but my heart and vision has changed since I started this ol' blogging gig.

So I needed a fresh start.

I'm hoping it motivates me to blog more.

Because it really does bring me joy.

So I would be so happy if you clicked on over to check out my new digs.

Scout

Tell me what you think of the new place!

Always My Favorite

Oh the pumpkin patch!

 We look forward to this day every year.

It is such a sweet tradition for my family.

 I know my head's chopped off 

but it's better than this one.

I think I'll still be attempting toe touches when I'm a granny.

I tell you . . . I LOVE this day!

I will probably make my girls go with me 

even when they're in high school.

So blessed.

So thankful.

Take A Moment To Refuel

Happy Friday!

I hope you've had a wonderful week.

Ever since school started, our weeks have been flying by in crazy light speed.

Our weekends haven't felt long enough to get everything done.

Ya know the feeling? 

Last weekend I was reminded that it doesn't take much to refuel your heart.

Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking I have to plan a big hoopla outing to feel like we had a good weekend.

But most times, the hoopla outings can add more stress because of the time it takes.

Last weekend we packed our water bottles and headed to a little trail just a few miles from our home. 

 It was a beautiful day to take in the beauty of God's creation.

We hiked, talked, giggled, tried to catch frogs,  and took many replenishing deep breaths.

It was exactly what our family needed.

I was delightfully reminded that a simple hour can do wonders for the heart.

Admittedly, as I begin this Friday morning, my heart feels full of anxiety.

We have a FUN and full day planned today

but I have A LOT to accomplish this weekend.

 So before I allow the 'to do list' get the best of me, 

I am joyfully planning a simple way to refuel this weekend- 

even if it's just an hour.

God rested on the 7th day for a very good reason.

 I hope you're able to find a way to refuel this weekend!

My Cute 2014-2015 Class

Happy Monday friends!

Today we're starting our third week of school
and
we've had a great start to our school year!

I am so incredibly blessed to be their momma and teacher.
I am so thankful.

10 On 10: September 2014

13 years ago today was an indescribable tragedy.

I will never forget when I heard the news.

I remember exactly where I was.

I can't help but think about all the families who were directly affected by this catastrophic event. 

I can't imagine the pain they still feel.

This morning as I sit and look through my 10 on 10 pictures I took yesterday,

I am feeling an extra dose of thankfulness 
that I get to experience the little joys in the every day.

Each day is a gift.

I am reminded how blessed I am to experience all these little moments with my family.

Early morning prep in our classroom.

I love turning on all our lamps- makes our room feel so cozy.

Baking breakfast muffins.

Sometimes I like letting my girls wake up to the sounds and smells of a yummy breakfast.

First fire of the season

Thankful I get to start each morning in the word of God 

with my girls.

This view

Maggie was struggling with writing the number 3.
Then we got a serious case of the giggles.

Gathering from our garden before the  first frost.

Picking our last bouquet of the season.

I know this is grainy and blurry.
Oh but if you could have heard the giggles  . . .
Thankful for late afternoon dance parties.

I am so blessed.
I am so thankful.

I hope you get a chance to thank the Lord 
for all the little gifts this day brings. 

So Long Summer

Yesterday was our first day of school.

But before we said hello to school books and schedules,

we bid summer a fabulous farewell.

We spent the weekend camping in our favorite neck of the woods.

It truly was the BEST weekend.

Just what our family needed.

 We spent our days reading,

hiking,

jumping,

dutch oven cooking,

chopping,

pickin',

shootin',

 (gun safety)

(don't worry mom, it was just a BB-gun)

 fishin',

and lots and lots of priceless, focused, much-needed family time.

Alright 2014-2015 school year,

 let's do this!