First Day of School: The Reality of Homeschooling

"First day of school! First day of school!" I can't think of the first day of school without thinking of Finding Nemo. Cole went through a phase when he was 2 that he begged for that movie everyday. The first scene scared him so we always started it with Nemo singing, "First day of school!" But I obviously digress.

We started back at The Huddleston Academy, or whatever we are calling it this year, today. It was a good first day all-in-all though definitely trying at times. Getting back into a routine is always easier on paper than in reality.

As we were finishing up this afternoon and I was checking things off that we did, I began wondering what school really looks like at the homes of other homeschoolers. Before I actually began homeschooling, the picture in mind was way off. I had this picture of me reading stacks of wonderful books, the boys engaged asking challenging questions, and begging for more. Of course, this was going in a clean home with the boys helping me cook in the kitchen. I know I'm a dreamer.

In reality, we do have stacks of wonderful books, but I have one child who begs for more, another who declares "he hates school" at least once a week, and a little one who wants nothing to do with any of it unless it's time for his "wetters" (aka ABCs). There are sometimes tears (occasionally by me). Some days we get everything on our list done, but more often than not, something gets left out. The house is sometimes clean, the laundry basket is rarely empty, and some days we order take-out for dinner.

While it's not the ideal dream that I had in mind years ago, there are those beautiful moments that I would never trade. I remember the week reading clicked with Cole. It had been such a struggle for both of us and, then, he got it. I still remember him reading a book to me that week and hugging me so tight afterward. Or watching all three of them re-enact together one of our literature books. Then, this morning, Jason reviewed what parts of the Old Testament they studied last year. I was amazed at what Cole and Connor have retained and love hearing their versions that are in light of their unquestioning faith. In truth, homeschooling isn't easy but has been a huge blessing in our lives in many ways. I am so thankful that God led us to this path for our family.

Oh and one last thing from today, Cole informed me when we started math that he completely forgot how to subtract and he just wants to add this year. It was only an 8-week break and math has been his strongest subject. This is one of the many excuses I will hear this week. ;)

My Baby is Four Today

I'm having major issues today with my baby being four. It just can't be. I am in denial. Seriously, it seems like only months ago I was sitting in the hospital waiting room telling them, "No, thank you, I'll stay and wait for a bed to open up. I've been in labor for well over a week now and I do not want to go home until this baby is born." And he's kept us on our toes ever since.

I asked Caleb what is it like being four and he replied, "I'm REALLY a big boy now." He's so excited about four and has been telling people all day.

He got to have a fun, family party on Saturday with some of his cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Today, we went to play at Chuck E. Cheese (or Chucky Cheeze-its as it's called by our boys for some reason) and then to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. It's been a big day for a brand new four-year old.

He are some pics of our "REALLY big" birthday boy from Saturday and today,

Our Little Valentine is 5

Connor turned five years old today. I truly cannot believe our little Valentine is that old. He is still the sweetest boy I know (yes, I have two other boys, but Connor is just plain sweet and the other two can be known for something else ;0) ). These days he is into reading more than anything else. He reads everything and if he can't, he starts asking me what it says but I am only allowed to read the "really big words" and he'll get the rest. His favorite foods are a surprise to almost everyone. He loves broccoli, spinach, salad, and just about all the veggies mommy makes. Of course, cheese still tops the list though. Don't get me wrong, he loves a cupcake or piece of candy, but only one a day for him. The dentist told him once to limit sugary things to one a day and our little rule-follower gets very concerned on days like today (which happen to be Valentine's Day AND his birthday) where multiple sweets were offered to him. That's our Connor James.

I told him I wanted to take some photos are our new 5 year old today and I thought I'd share a few.

Mommy Exercise Plan

I've been wanting to shed a few pounds and get into better shape for awhile now, but just have not stuck with anything really. We've been eating healthier (I know "healthy" is a highly subjective word these days, but we are trying to eat more whole foods, traditional foods, and not processed or refined foods), but my weight has pretty much remained the same. Some friends told me about the site, My Fitness Pal. This is a great, FREE resource for helping keep track of calories, exercises, weight, etc. Also, you can add friends on there which is an awesome accountability tool.

So, I know my biggest problem is twofold- sweets and lack of exercise. Keeping track of everything I eat really helps cut down on the sugar, but I still needed to exercise. Well moms, apparently all you have to do is let your children know you want to exercise everyday and they will get your hiney in gear.

Here's what my "Mommy Exercise Plan" has consisted of this week,

• Seeing who can do the most jumping jacks in a minute
• Letting the boys trade off who sits on my feet while I do sit-ups and "bonk" them on the head
• Chasing the boys around the park, house, or pretty much anywhere
• Taking the boys and dog (having a 70lb dog pull you along is whole 'nother kind of workout) for a walk
• Them laughing at me and urging me to do one more "game" on Wii Fit
• Seeing which boy I can lift higher with arms and then with legs (the obviously answer is Caleb since he's almost 20 lbs lighter than the other two)
• Letting Cole lead me in stretching (I wish I had videotaped this)

I don't need a gym membership. I've got three little "trainers" running around me daily.

The Bible Alone is Enough

As I continue on this exciting journey of reading through the Bible in 90 days, I have realized one thing that I think is helping me is that I'm reading the Bible on it's own. I'm not reading any commentaries, not using a Study Bible with notes, or stopping to looks things up online. I'm a researcher by nature and rarely ever read the Bible from something other than a Study Bible and often consult other sources while I'm studying. I'm not knocking these study helps in anyway. I love them. They are incredible resources.

The other way I might study the Bible is through a Bible study written by someone like Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and so on. Again, I LOVE these. They are wonderful authors who teach us about God's word and how to apply it to our lives.

This time I'm reading the Bible through on it's own. Simply God's Word with no other commentators, no interjections, and no one else's thoughts. It's AMAZING! I am so thankful for these other study ways I've mentioned and know I will continue to use them, but for right now I feel like I'm falling in love with the Bible all over again. I have no idea if that makes sense. I am reading from a Bible with no study notes and no distractions (as they can be to someone like me at times). The Bible alone is enough. I thank God for all these authors who study and write about Him, but oh how the beauty of His Word stands alone. Honestly, each day as I simply read the Bible, which is not simple at all, I think maybe this is one of the reasons the Holy Spirit prompted me to do this. I need this! I need Him!

Leviticus, Numbers, & Deuteronomy...

I know I've been quiet this past week. I struggled a bit to get through by Bible reading last week and therefore kept myself away from the computer in order to finish. My struggling was not from a lack of desire to complete it, but over the last 8 days, I read through Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Those are tough books to get through.

Still, I think God can teach us much through these books. For one, you cannot read these and not realize what a truly, HOLY God He is. The line from that song What Do I Know of Holy that posted a couple of weeks ago that says "I think I made You too small, I never feared You at all" kept running through my head as I read about the sacrifices and unclean/clean rules. I am so unbelievably grateful to live on this side of Jesus, but I wonder how often do I approach Him with a lack of reverance for His holiness?

Secondly, I think reading through these books in the Bible has to increase one's faith. I keep thinking of Isaiah 55:9, "For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts." I cannot wrap my brain around so much of what I've read these past few days, but I know that God doesn't think the way we think. That thought used to only bother me. I don't know why other than I'm the type of person who likes to figure everything out. Then, I realized at some point that if I could figure God out, He wouldn't be God. Now I'm am comforted by the fact that God works differently than us. And it only presses me on to learn as much as I can about Him from His word.

Lastly, I will readily admit that I feel somewhat victorious getting through these books of the law. Every time I've started reading through the entire Bible, I either get distracted, burnt out, give up when I tried to get through these books, or if I'm being completely forthright skip much of this information. I feel immature admitting that I've completely skimmed or jumped right over Leviticus and Numbers in past efforts. This time I committed to reading through every word of the Bible attentively and this time is different because I can only do it through God's grace, wisdom, and strength.

I am now looking forward to delving into the book of Joshua and seeing what God will reveal to me this week.

My Time is His, Because it's ALL About Him

As I re-read through some of my posts recently, I am seeing a lot of "I" statements as I've been sharing about things God is laying on my heart or working in me. I have to apologize, because it has nothing to do with me. I never intended for it to sound that way, but it's easy sometimes to say "I" am doing this or "I" have changed that. The last post I wrote has a line that says something like "I have been more purposeful with my time." It should read more like this, "Only through God's abundant, undeserving grace and His Spirit's conviction have I realized and finally succumbed to the fact that I must be more purposeful with the time He has given me in order to truly seek Him."

See my motto in life for as long as I can remember has been "Less of Me. More of Him.", yet my hours, for way too long, have been filled up with "me" things. I was desperately praying for God to show Himself to me and asking Him to ignite a fresh passion in me, but I was not giving Him any of my time.

In our culture, it is ingrained in us that our time is ours, that time is money, that there isn't enough time, but in reality time is His. In Matthew 6, after Jesus has addressed every need and worry we might have in this life, verse 33 says, "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need." (NLT) How else can seek Him "above ALL else" if you we don't fully give Him our time?

I love the way The Message puts the same verse, "Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met." I feel like Jesus is saying "Relax. Don't worry. Just fill your life with Me and everything else will be taken care of."

I, for one, have too often been doing life the exact opposite way. I would worry, try to take care of everything, and then fit Jesus into the schedule somewhere. It's not that He hasn't been a part of my life, because I cannot remember a time in my life when He wasn't in it. It's that I was not allowing Him to truly be the center of my life. I am now working on this very thing and He is already showing me amazing things. I do not deserve any of it, but I am deeply grateful that He is a God who never lets go and does not give up on His children.

Humbly, I've leave you with this. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's ALL about Him!

Bible Reading, Busyness, & Distractions

As I mentioned last week, I started reading through the Bible in 90 days. It has already been an incredible and eye-opening experience. I have a friend who does this once a year and spends the other 9 months of the year studying specific texts more deeply through various studies. I will admit I first thought it a little crazy, but no longer and I'm only a week into this.

I'm amazed at the things I'm learning and the verses that jump out at me which I don't remember noticing before. I was worried I would feel like I was chugging so much information that I couldn't process it but it's simply a different learning experience. While I may not be studying each passage or story in depth, I am seeing how stories relate to each other and the repetition of certain things (which I think if God's repeats it, I'd better really pay attention).

The other thing I've definitely seen is how much Satan does NOT want us in God's word. I've had a couple of people ask me how do I have the time to read that much (it's about an hour a day if you're wondering). Time is a funny thing. We often complain we don't have enough and I completely understand this sentiment. I think I said it myself today. But once I really looked at how I spent my time, it's no wonder I constantly felt like I was beating my head against the wall when it came to my relationship with God. I wasn't giving Him a priority in my time. Through the Holy Spirit's conviction, I took an honest look at how much time I spent watching TV, on the internet, reading other things, some times sleeping, and most of all just plain busyness. The things that often fill my time are not "bad" things, but they are not God things. It's not like I've suddenly freed up loads of time, but I have been more purposeful with my time. I'm probably rambling at this point. I'm just trying to figure out the best way to spend the time I'm given.

Something I have to remind myself daily is that we have made Satan's job very easy these days in that all he has to do is keep us busy or distract us from the good things of God to keep us from growing in Christ.

Impromptu Days & Milestones

Today has been a really good day. I love to look back on a day and be able to state that. I think God is changing my perspective on things and I'm enjoying my days more. I am truly blessed. Life isn't always easy, but it's easier to enjoy when I view it through the eyes of gratitude.

We started the morning at the dentist office for Connor and Caleb. It was Caleb's first appointment. Caleb usually does not care for any doctor, hair cut, or basically anyone messing with him. So, we've been role playing going to the dentist office and he did GREAT! He was a little unsure about the chair moving up and down, but other than that loved it and says he wants to go back. He's a nut.

Afterwards, we realized it was such a gorgeous day and decided it should not be spent indoors. We ate outside at a great burger place. Then, we went over to Bastrop State Park and had fun playing and walking some nature trails. Cole said he was our "fiercest leader" on the trail. I think he meant fearless leader, but either one really fits him most days.

Below are a few pictures from the afternoon. I'm glad my iPod has a camera since our impromptu day meant I was without mine.

Then, we came home and the boys continued to play outside. I was inside doing a few things when Cole and Connor came running in, saying "Mom, come watch, you gotta see." I replied, "What's going on?" Cole excitedly says, "Connor can climb over the fence all by his self." I wish I had brought out the video camera as he went over the fence. He was so proud of himself.

Later, Cole came in telling me all about how he caught a football while running. This was the first time he was able to catch it without stopping to do so. I had no idea these were such big things to boys, but am so glad I was here to hear about it. Jason came in and said "Fence-climbing and football-catching are milestones for boys."

Impromptu family days are sometimes pure bliss!

Music Speaks to the Soul

On Sunday, Jason gave some challenges at church. One was to try listening to only Christian music for the next month. Well, I rarely listen to anything else, but I realized a few months ago that most of time I'm not truly listening. I am even singing along, but not really hearing what the words are saying. In the Beth Moore study on Psalms I just did, she talked one week about the affect music has on us, that is speaks to our soul. So, for the last month or so I have really been paying attention to the words of the songs I hear. I've re-discovered that most Christian music is good and much of it is AWESOME.

As I've been truly listening and contemplating the lyrics, it really does impact me and my attitude. In fact, there are a few of those awesome songs that have caused me to search God's word and spend some time in prayer. Also, as I spend more time in my Bible and listening to these lyrics, these are things filling my mind, which reminds me of Philippians 4:8, which says, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

There are several incredible songs rolling through my mind, but there is one that has really struck me. It's What Do I Know of Holy by Addison Road. If you haven't heard this song, here is a YouTube video with the lyrics,

Gratitude: My Word for 2011

I don't typically do New Year's resolutions or the like, but I was reading about Ali Edwards' One Little Word a couple of weeks ago and it stuck with me. She talks about choosing a word or that a word might choose you. Well, when I read that, the word "gratitude" immediately came to mind. The concept of gratitude and thankfulness have been in just about everything I've read lately from my Bible to blogs to even some fiction books. I've also been reading Ann Voskamp blogging about her gratitude journal and One Thousand Gifts (her new book which is in incredible so far and I'm sure I will write more about once I finish). I believe God has impressed this word upon me.

As I began looking at this word, I looked up the definition of it. Dictionary. com defines it as "the quality or feeling of being grateful or thankful." And Merriam-Webster's current dictionary similarly states that gratitude is "the state of being grateful." These do no justice to the word in my opinion so I continued to look it up and came across a beautiful definition in Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language (you can look up words in this dictionary here),

An emotion of the heart, excited by a favor or benefit received; a sentiment of kindness or good will towards a benefactor; thankfulness. Gratitude is an agreeable emotion, consisting in or accompanied with good will to a benefactor,and a disposition to make a suitable return of benefits or services, or when no return can be made, with a desire to see the benefactor prosperous and happy. Gratitude is a virtue of the highest excellence, as it implies a feeling and generous heart, and a proper sense of duty.

This paints a better picture of this word I've been studying. As I have researched "gratitude," I've been most intrigued by words that are associated with it. Words like grace, indebtedness, abundance, response, praise, simplicity, and contentment have been repeated as I've searched.

I will continue to seek the word in scripture and started a gratitude journal myself a few weeks ago. I'm interested to see what journey God has in store for me with this word.

Reading through the Bible in 90 Days

Last year, I heard about reading through the Bible in 90 Days. I started it and never completed it once we started our move. This year I heard about momstoolbox.com hosting a 90 Day reading challenge with mentors and encouragement. I have signed up and today is day one of reading. I'm excited about completing this.

I know this reading plan is not for everyone. Jason usually says (he is quoting someone who I cannot remember right now) "The Bible is meant to be studied not finished." The Bible in 90 Days program itself says it's not meant to be an in-depth study. But there are also many reasons for reading it through like this. One is that people are having a higher success rate of completing this than reading through the Bible in a year. Committing to 90 days, even though the readings are longer, is less daunting to some. The reason I am choosing to participate is simply the same as the mission of the Bible in 90 Days organization, "To read, ATTENTIVELY, every word of the Bible in 90 days."

I am excited about this and seeing what God will teach and impress upon me during this time. If anyone is interested in doing this, here are some links to information and resources that might help you.

• The Bible in 90 Days website

• Tools to Help your 90 Day reading program at Moms Toolbox

• The Bible in 90 Days reading plan at You Version

If you are interested in other reading plans, check out youversion.com. They have many reading plans from the One Year Bible to Chronological Bible and several others. They have apps for your iPhone, Android, Blackberry, etc. to help you complete the reading plan you pick. All that I've seen on their site is FREE (there may be some plans that are not, but I've not come across them). It's a great site and resource.

2010: What a Year

All this week, I have been thinking back over the past year and am almost overwhelmed with all that has happened this year. I cannot remember a time where I would look back over my life and not see God's hand, but this year His hand seemed to be more evident, more seen, or something. Or perhaps, I am learning to listen and see better. I don't know what it is but I am blessed.

This has been a year of changes for us. It's been interesting to think back over these changes and how they've impacted us. Some of the small changes have had huge impacts on us. If I had to sum 2010 in one word, I would have to say EDUCATIONAL. I feel like I've learned so much this year. It's been amazing for sure.

Some of the changes that have taken place this year for us,

• Moving to a New Place - This was, of course, a major change for us this year. We moved away from an awesome church family and amazing friends to start a new journey in our lives. God has blessed us with another incredible church family. Seriously, I wonder how we could be so blessed to be a part of these wonderful churches.
• Homeschooling - This was another big change for our family. God placed homeschooling on my heart several years ago, but I was hesitant to commit to it. We continue to pray and decided to at least give it a try. It's been a great blessing to our family. It's given us the flexibility to be involved in many things this year that we wouldn't otherwise been able to do. I am continuing to learn how to teach and plan and look forward to the rest of this school year.
• Moving the TV out of the Living Room - This was a small change with a major impact on our family. For the last few years, the television has been a source of frustration to me. It seemed to be on way too much even though it was not my intention. I would turn the TV on to watch one show and end up watching three. Then, a dear friend was telling me about the year they turned the TV off. This really stuck with me. I started talking to Jason about it and praying about it. So, with the move, we got rid of cable and moved the TV out of the living room. It's been wonderful. I feel our home is more peaceful. We still have a TV and DVD player, but it's not the center of our home and when we view it now it's more intentional. It sounds silly, but it's been one of the best changes we've ever made.
• Eating more Nutritionally - This change actually began in 2009 as I started researching nutrition and how our food affects us. This year though I was introduced to Nourishing Traditions and "real food". Everything I was reading made so much sense yet completely contradicted the Food Pyramid and so much of what I've been taught about low fat, low carbs, etc. This is still a work in progress for us, but we are feeling so much better. It's been interesting for sure and I still devour just about any book on the subject.

I'm sure there's been many other changes, but these are some that stick out to me. I am excited about the new year and what God has in store for our family. My prayer is we follow hard after Him.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I hope you all are having a very merry Christmas day. We started the day with our birthday cake for Jesus as we have for several years now (Jason got a little "artistic" with the icing this year). We finished our Jesse Tree book. We opened presents. And then I took a nap. It's been a wonderful day!

My 4 Shepherds

Last night was our children's Christmas pageant at church. It was so cute! Since there were so many shepherds, Jason was recruited to be one. To be honest, I was recruited to be a shepherd, but Jason was much better at "herding" the shepherds than me. He has made it very clear though that I "owe him big time" now.

I know I'm a little biased but these are the cutest little shepherds I have ever seen.

Silence is Sometimes Necessary

While my lack of blogging has not completely intentional, it has been somewhat purposeful. It seems that every time I blog, I'm talking about how busy have become. We seem to just get busier and busier as time marches on. As this fall became so busy, I felt I could hardly function, I realized it was way past time to figure why we are so busy. Are all these things that fill our days so important? Do we have to be running around all the time? What do we really want to be doing? And more importantly, what should we be doing?

My lack of blogging has come as I've tried to sift through answers to these questions and prioritize. I enjoy blogging and following other people's blogs, but the internet as a whole is such an easy distraction for me. I haven't been on Facebook lately either or been keeping up with some of my beloved friends on a couple of message boards. I'm easing my way back in hoping to find a balance. I want to use these things for good not simply as a way to spend (or often waste) time.

Water Balloon War

Yesterday as Connor and I were waiting on the return of the rest of our family, we decided to plan a surprise.  Cole has been asking to play with water balloons all summer and it was time.  So, Connor stretched them and I filled them.  We even made a trip to the store for some more since I popped half of the ones we had while filling them.  When they arrived home, the war was on.

The Ammunition

The Participants (with one sad Caleb who had already dropped several balloons accidentally)

First shots fired

 

And IT was on...

 

I'm not sure Caleb ever actually hit anyone with a balloon but he had fun

Connor would stand very close to Jason waiting to be hit

Jason got a little into it

 

And when we were down to the last balloon, everyone wanted to get wet

I think everyone won

 

And when I woke up this morning, my legs were sore and aching.  I thought "what in the world did I do."  Then, I remembered that I squatted for over an hour filling balloons and I'm about to turn 33.  That about sums it up.

Date Day with Connor

Yesterday Connor and I had an entire day to ourselves.  This rarely happens with any of the boys, but probably the least with Connor with him being the middle child (no, to my-middle-child-sister, he is not neglected or ignored ;0) ).  The funniest part of this whole thing was when we told Connor he was going to have an entire day with mommy.  Once he confirmed repeatedly it was only going to be him, he looked right at Cole and said "And YOU'RE not going."  He didn't care where we were going or even when, he was just so excited it was just going to be him and mommy. 

So, yesterday was the "date day", and Connor was the perfect gentleman.  He held the door for me, held my hand, and gave me lots of hugs and kisses.  We went to Chick-Fil-A for lunch, Chuck E. Cheese for games, and Target for mommy.   Sometimes Connor gets lumped in with Cole as one of the "big boys." Watching him so enamored with Chuck E. yesterday and wanting to ride in the shopping cart, reminded me that he is still my little boy.  Then, last night we met some friends for dinner and Connor had his first soccer practice.  It was a perfect day.  He is such a sweetie!  I told the boys this will be become a regular thing and Caleb's turn is next.  I'm scared that date might be a little wild.  Here are a few pictures of Connor on our date,

 

 

Our School Year Begins...

... and with a bang.  We kicked off our first day of school yesterday here at home.  It was a long, but good day.  As usual, I was too scheduled.  I need routines, not schedules, yet I constantly make schedules for myself for some reason. Fortunately, I recognize this in myself quickly these days and already adjusted.  Today was more laid back and we had fun getting into our new curriculum. If you stop by our house these days, there is a good chance you will see books piled high on the coffee table.

Since a few have asked what we are using this year for curriculum, here is a list below.  While I consider this our family's curriculum, these are basically for Cole. Our younger two are invited to participate as much as they want.  Our choices were made through prayer and lots of research, and they are primarily influenced by the wonderful curriculum guide at simplycharlottemason.com .

• Genesis Through Deuteronomy & Ancient Egypt: A Family Study Handbook


• Exploring Creation through Astronomy & Nature Study


• Math-U-See Alpha


• Various Literature Books: My Father's Dragon, Stuart Little, Charlotte's Web, Peter Pan, and others that are not coming to mind right now


• Continuing to work on reading skills through Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons and Pathway Readers


• Drawing with Children and Art with a Purpose

We are also doing Hymn/Worship Study, Poetry, Composer Study, Artist Study, Personal Development, Scripture Memory, and an introduction to Spanish, but I'm using various sources for these and not a set curriculum.

I am already excited about Jason getting involved. We are doing our Bible/History time before he heads to work in the morning. It is one of the beauties of homeschooling. Here's a little peek into this morning,

No Routines & Summer Adventures

If you have been reading my blog for any period of time, you know every summer I completely fall off the blogging wagon (if there is such a thing). I have learned something about myself that I probably already knew, but didn't want to own up to.  I need routines.  I crave routines.  My sanity wavers when there is no routine.  Moving causes the loss of all routine.  Summertime is notorious for having no routines. So, yes, I am a little crazy at the moment, but sanity is on the horizon.

There is much about summertime I do enjoy though.  While my routines might be turned upside-down, there is freedom with summer to do just about anything at anytime.  Plus, 3 of us (not me) have summertime birthdays, so Caleb, Cole, and Jason are a year older than probably the last time I posted.  Our summer has looked something like this,

Lots of Swimming * Seaworld * Disneyworld for Cole * DeeDee's House * Parties * New & Old Friends Visiting * Caleb's Birthday * Father's Day  * VBS * Lots of Nana & Papa * Western Days * ER Visit * 4th of July *  Houston * Youth Camp for me * Cole's Birthday * Farmer's Markets * Jason's Birthday * Date Night * Round Rock Express Games * Cousins *  Picking Watermelon at Mr. Alvin's *  Austin's Park & Pizza  * Bowling * Library * Movie Nights * Way too much Eating Out * Lots of Driving

And now I'm tired all over again. 

With the lack of my much needed routines comes the lack of picture-taking.  I seemed to only remember my camera about half the time during the summer fun.  Here are a few pictures of this crazy, fun, busy summer.