A clear night...

Today was busy but ended very relaxed. Marcus has two great telescopes and has gotten pretty good at finding the planets and other cool things to view in the sky! (He knows all the real names for them.) Tonight after the kids were in bed we went outside and he was able to find Mars and Saturn so we could see them through the telescope. Saturn is so beautiful! You can see the rings around it. It is very awesome! It was a clear night and the temperature was perfect! I love this time of year.

***Gratitude Journal.... I am grateful for the opportunity to work. For quiet nights, for the ability to hear the sounds of a summer night. For family and friends who go the extra mile.

Christmas Jars

This morning I woke up to what Mom's dread.....the voice of one of your children saying, "Mom, I threw up." Today it was Troy. That was at 4 a.m. After getting the mess cleaned up and him settled back down I lay in bed with my mind racing. I knew I better just get up, sleep was not going to come! So I did. It was nice to get a good head start on the day. I went into work for about an hour then spent the day at home making sure Troy was taken care of. Thankfully he bounced back pretty quick.
So anyway, this evening I took some time to finish a book I started this weekend. It is called "Christmas Jars" by Jason F. Wright. It is definitely one of my new favorite books. In fact, I want to read it to my kids. I would highly recommend getting this book! The main point of the story is this family collects their spare change in a jar all year long and on Christmas Eve they anonymously leave it on someone's doorstep. You have to read the book to really get the feel of it so please do!! It has inspired me as I hope it does you.
I ended up really enjoying another day at home : ) Tomorrow is back to work!
My Gratitude Journal ** I am thankful for my home, to be curled up with a good book, a blanket and a window open to a cool breeze. For the last day of school, the memories, the emotions. For quiet moments of prayer.

Memorial Day

Today was a great day! It was so nice to be home. This morning everyone pitched in to get the house ready for company. Marcus's brother and his family came over. They have four boys that are our kids ages so everyone plays together. Toni invited a friend so she would have someone. Marcus bbq'ed and we relaxed. It was so nice. It is a shame the kids have school tomorrow, it feels like we could continue in this mode! But tomorrow is their last day of school, then they get Wednesday off and start summer school on Thursday. One more month of mornings for them :)
***Gratitude Journal: I am grateful for extended family, summer days, sleeping in, and lazy afternoons. I am grateful for the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives so that I may live mine.

More soccer

Here are a few more soccer pics.

Are we done yet???

Tyler wasn't too thrilled about soccer this year. He loved his uniform but playing.......not really. Here is a picture of him.

A place to check in..

Life is busy, I'm hoping to slow things down a little with a place to reflect. I wanted to start by creating a gratitude journal. To remind myself of the blessings poured out upon me each day. I'd also like to add the things that the kids are up to, funny things that are said and done; what life is really about. I welcome your comments and advice as I stumble through this journey.

I am so grateful for Sundays. For the chance to go to church, to be with my family and to set my goals for the week. They are often the same goals with the hope to do better this week! I am grateful for a wonderful family. For kids who pour out their love to me in so many ways. For a husband who so diligently provides for us. For good friends who inspire me and a Mom who is always there. I could go on and on.....

A quick update on our happenings:
All of the kids played soccer this spring. They have one more game left. Toni is sad and looking for ways to continue. We have found a few things we are looking into that will help her continue to improve until fall soccer. I'll let you know what we decide. Troy is looking forward to football. TJ is ok with no sports! Tori will continue with soccer next fall or spring. Tyler is going to just hang out for at least a year. He spent his last soccer game laying on the ground watching the clouds. No rush!
Summer is here!!! We are all looking forward to the break. School ends Tues. Summer school starts Thursday and goes for a month. But homework i
s OVER!!! We are looking forward to sleeping in (the kids at least), camps and lightning bugs.