Life's Blessings

I am blessed! I thank God everyday for what He has given me. I know that sometimes I get lost in life's daily challenges, but I do know what is most important in my life.

Even though summer ended some time ago now, I never stopped to post about how wonderful it was. We were not as busy as usual because it's harder to travel with a newborn. As a family, we went to Port Aransis to visit my Dad and Dale. My dad to have a chemical stress test and he was really worried there would be complications. After much prayer, it went fine. His heart is not strong enough for the knee surgery he needs, but he will get some kind of routine shots that are supposed to help. The boys each went back seperately for about a week to spend time with them (and to take a break from each other). It's so different when one of them is gone. The dynamics really change. I missed them while they were gone, but it was nice to spend one on one time with each of them.

Zoey and I flew to Nashville for my cousin Tiffany's college graduation. We actually missed the graduation, but were able to spend a few days and celebrate with them. Towards the end of the summer, the kids, mom, and I drove back to Tennessee for another visit. Uncle Ronny gave us scare with his heart, but he is now okay. Geesh, my family and their heart.........what am I going to do with them?

Why did Darrell not go with us, you ask? Well, the Lord works in wonderous ways. There was quite a bit of turmoil with our vacations being changed up and Zoey and I having to fly to Nashville alone. During all the confusion and trying to decide what to do, Darrell actually got two job interviews for Asst. Principal positions. I can't even put into words how I felt as everything unfolded. In the end, he was hired at a wonderful elementary school. When he started to work, it was a little hard because we were still home playing. That's when I decided for the second trip to Tennesse. I've prayed a long time for God to send a way for me to be a stay-at-home mom. I believe we are on that path. Stay tuned.................

Zachary has now started 5th grade. Where has the time gone? I just can't believe that my baby is in his last year of elementary school. I can't imagine him in middle school, the same age as the kids I teach. He is still so young and naive. Just recently the Tooth Fairy's secret cover has been blown. Can you believe he lost and tooth and did not tell his parents, just to see what would happen. I made sure to explain to him and Zander that if you don't tell your parents, then we can't communicate with the Tooth Fairy. He's not buying it. I don't know if he has thought about a certain jolly old man yet. We'll see very soon. My motto is going to be, "if you believe, you will receive."

Zander is not so babyish any more. He seems more mature than his brother did starting 1st grade. I think he is going to be so much more independent. I guess that comes from being the 2nd child. He makes friends so easily and really seems to be a leader. I do hope he continues with that confidence. However, he is as stubborn as his dad. I do dread when Zander is a teenager. I think he will really give us a run for our money. He still loves to cuddle, though. He is the first to crawl up in my lap and snuggle. My lap would be his permanent seat if I would let it. He is going to make a fantastic husband and dad one day. You should see him with Zoey. So loving!

My sweet baby Zoey is growing like a week. On August 24, she was five months old. Can you believe that??? Yesterday I held a newborn and I really realized how big Zoey has gotten. She is still on the smaller side of the baby percentiles and I hope she remains that way. The boys were always so big, so it's nice to have a delicate little girl. She really is the textbook baby... sleeps great, eats great, and just smiles all the time. I do hold her too much but I just can't help myself. I hate having to leave her each day, but I know she is in loving hands with Nana and Grandma T. I could go on and on about how precious she it, but I'll some pics to prove it. When she turns 6 months, she is getting her ears pierced. I hate to cause her pain, but I can't for her to have earings. She has not choice but to be extra girly!

Darrell loves his new job. I absolutely love hearing the stories about what goes on with the little kids. I just crack up and there is always something different everyday. He really needs to blog about his experiences, becauce they are priceless.