August 2023

 August is ALWAYS the fastest month.  It is the merge of summer ending and school starting.  This year the beginning of school holds a WHOLE new meaning.  Our first born had her last first day of school as we always have known it.  That is both so exciting and a little sad at the same time. As parents our children are our most important decision we ever make.  We love them though every crazy moment  life brings and we prepare them to launch.   Every stage of this journey has been so JOYOUS, a little FRUSTRATING and so very IMPORTANT.  My journey has been on my knees praying for the precious gift of God choosing me to be theiir mom.   I have not been prepared at any stage, and by his grace he has equipped me.  I know this next stage He will show up and wrap his arms around us as a family and guide us.  I am so thankful for that truth.   So this August I am cherishing this time a little more and I am so very grateful for this journey.   I am so proud of these amazing girls!

Here are some pictures to mark the month.  

Jammed July 2023

July is the last Hoorah of Summer and we packed it FULL.   The month started with Mia and Scott driving to the beach to visit Grammy and PawPaw.   There were lots of projects completed and some beach time.  Ansley and I stayed home for Nanny's heart Cath, and Aunt Miss joined us for a few days.   Then I drove to IL to celebrated Dad's 80th Birthday, with the rest of the family joining for a few days.  Then Mia flew to Mobile to celebrate her birthday with her JH friends, while we stayed home to celebrate mom's 76th birthday   When Mia arrived home we had a night of celebrating her 16th birthday.   I think she LOVED being with her friends, but it was strange for us to be without her (the first time since they put her in our ams that we weren't together)!   Then the BIG EVENT of getting her LICENSE occurred.  She has literally been waiting for over a year!   Scott had business in Nashville and Ansley and I tagged along.  We did all the things, and visited our old elementary school and saw one of our favorite teachers.  We also met up with Grace and Beth for lunch.  Gosh we love our people in Nashville!  Mia stayed back to play tennis because she had missed while being out of town.  I am not going to lie, she loved being home with her car and taking care of herself, not depending on someone to get her places.  Before leaving for Nashville, Ansley squeezed in her Senior yearbook pictures. It is hard to believe that our girl is a SENIOR!  Here is to a year of making more memories.  

1st paycheck!  All other pay has been Venmo!

Lake day with Bella

Waldo Mennonite the church where I grew up! 

Last school shopping.  We have always made this an event.  So many fun memories picking out all the supplies!