FUN day!

(by the way...the picture above is a year old...but we both look similar to this...use your imagination :))
I love where we live! I'm SURE I have already said this, but I'm going to tell you about my day and you'll see what I mean...

The kids and I rode our bikes to the playground at the beach and saw 2 families we are friends with. The kids all played for about 1 1/2 hrs, then they left and we went down to the beach. We spent 4 hrs playing...and by playing I mean: G&E played in the water, in the sand, with kids around...and V just sat with me, talked to me, jumped all over me and laid on me.
Then we packed up, began our trip back home when we rode past another friend's house and she and her neighbors were just sitting outside with a glass of wine. We stopped and I had a glass of wine, the kids snacked and played until around 6:30 when we headed home for a bath, another quick snack and sleepy time. It was a fun day full of unplanned time with friends! I love this small community!

The Couch

As I previously posted, HE PROVIDES! Yes, in HIS timing and yes, in HIS ways. NOT mine. I may think I NEED certain things, and God may not think so.

There are certain things I have prayed for for a long time. I'm talking years. And for whatever reason, He wants me waiting. And when those things happen - as I've prayed -- I can't help but GLORIFY GOD!!! Its obvious its His Hand. His timing. And my humbled heart. This couch is a small example of how God has blessed us recently. There are several other things lately that have happened that have just been EXCITING because I KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt, GOD IS WORKING!!

God has been showing me how often I am NOT living fully focused on HIS purposes. How sometimes I am more concerned about what other people think of me than what HE thinks of me. How quickly I doubt, question, second-guess and falter. And despite that. Despite my unbelief, doubt and reluctance...I feel the tug at my soul...I am showered by grace, redemption and mercy. How can I NOT respond with FULL devotion, passion for Him and a desire to serve and live for Him?? After all, THAT IS OUR PURPOSE.

Violet the Sassy Princess

Violet has an awesome personality. She is fun, happy, sassy and sweet. She loves to snuggle, chat, read books, and play whatever the boys are playing. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with her while her brothers are at school the last few weeks. Last weekend I decided to take her to get a haircut. Her bangs were in her eyes and her hair was just looking "straggly." Every day brushing it was a nightmare because that bottom area knotted up so quickly. She chose her outfit:

See what I mean about the straggly ends??

And off to Supercuts we went. Hey, they did a great job and its much cheaper than the specialty kids haircut stores!

She loves her haircut - even though its not "like Gavin's" as she requested. We compromised.

HE provides!

When Jason's parents got new couches, they offered their old one to us - since the couch we had (also a hand-me-down) was getting fairly beat up. This couch was the couch Jason grew up with...so its fairly...aged. It has been great for us but I have never loved it (no offense D&J). On top of that, Shima (our dog) has slept on it from day one and because of the material its made of, it now STINKS like dog.

I have really wanted a new couch for awhile. I have searched craigslist, looked at furniture store sales online, and spent a lot of mental energy on something so silly as COUCHES. After reading the book Radical I just couldn't justify spending hundreds of dollars on a couch. It is a possession. It has no heavenly value. It does not do anything to glorify God or further the name of Jesus. SO, I started praying that we would find a couch. That God would provide one somehow. And guess what?? GOD PROVIDES!!!!!!!!!

Do you remember my neighbor Mrs. Glam I think I called her? We have since become friends and have even hung out a few times with the kids. She just recently bought a new couch and yesterday asked me if we would want their old one. I wanted to jump up and hug her...but we're not quite on hugging terms yet. It is exactly what we need...and when its in place, I'll take a picture. What is so cool is GOD PROVIDES. I have been asking for awhile and in HIS timing, He provided for us. Thank you LORD!

First Day of School!

Wednesday was the first day of school for Gavin and Ezekiel. They were both nervous, but also excited for the new year.

Gavin really likes his teacher and was super excited to find out one of his best buddies from his kindergarten class is in his class.
Ezekiel is in "Developmental Kindergarten" - it is a special class for kids who are technically old enough for kindergarten but not quite ready for one reason or another. Ezekiel does not sit still super well and is still fairly immature emotionally. His teacher, Mrs. Hobbs has a Masters in "Learning to Read(or something like that)" and is excited to teach the kids the building blocks to reading. They work on basics like cutting, writing their name and playing.

The boys didn't eat much for breakfast due to nerves and once we got to school, Gavin was slightly nervous but just excited. Once Ezekiel realized this was really happening, he got very emotional. He wanted to be very close to Jason and I and when it was time for us to leave, there were tears. Mrs. Hobbs said he was fine after a few min. He cried on Day 2 as well, but Day 3, he walked in with smiles. Gavin suggested Violet wear her princess dress and she LOVED the idea.

Family picture at school

Me and my boys

Mrs. Hobbs with all her new kids

The princess sitting in brother's seat

First day of school tradition: ice cream after school!

Gavin's best buddy Alex was even there with his dad and brother...and so was half the school...turns out many others share our tradition

I am not one of those moms who counts down the days until the end of summer - wishing my kids back to school. I have loved spending time with them this summer. It was very difficult for me to encourage Ezekiel through his tears when I felt so torn inside. It will be great for him...but its so hard releasing a little bit of control. And its hard watching your child be sad and wanting you...and pushing them to Independence. BUT - this is a good process and Ezekiel is happy at the end of the day and loves his teacher and class. We will take it one day at a time.