So special

I meant to post a picture of this earlier in the year but just didn't because it was made during a hard time.  John made this for my Aunt Pat because she requested a piece of stained glass for her window in her den when she moved into her new house.  Then she got very sick and life got crazy and busy but John wanted to live up to his promise to make her a piece of stained glass. I love and respect that he did that for her. It meant alot to me for him to do that.   I think it turned out beautifully!  I know she didn't get to enjoy it as long as we wanted her to but I hope it brought a small sliver of joy to a very hard time.  I cry when I look at it because I know the cross is what we have to stand on, rely on and put our hope in.  I know that she is with Jesus and she is well and whole again and rejoicing with the Lord.  And someday I'll see her again!

A nice ending to a stressful day

Wednesday was our first day of school at home for the 2012-2013 school year.  It was a little stressful to say the least.  We were all a little grumpy by the time the afternoon rolled around. So when we went outside that evening and saw this it brought smiles to all our faces and made us remember the promise God made to us and it reminded me that God is with me.......even during the very stressful days when I feel like I might pull my hair out.  :-)

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First Day of School

Today was our first day back to school.  The kids were excited to go back and I think we are all ready for a little bit of a routine again.  But, I will miss not having to set the alarm!  It was hard getting up at 5:50 this morning!  I like to get up and get myself ready and get a cup of tea before the girls have to get up.  I am dragging already tonight and it's only 7 pm.  Can I go to bed this early?!  ;-)

 2nd and 6th grade

They were so excited to have new rolling book bags!

Elisabeth is 7!

Elisabeth is so excited to finally be 7!  She promptly reminded me that she's almost 10.......just 3 more years.     She wants to be as old as Ansley so badly.  I told her she shouldn't rush it.  Just enjoy being 7!  She started the day off with chocolate ice cream,   then went to day camp and had a huge chocolate chip cookie cake and then had a 2 layer chocolate cake at her party that evening.  That was one sugared up little girl!  She had 16 or so friends join her at Monkey Joes for a party Friday evening.  They had a great time and played and played and were exhausted afterwards.  She had a great birthday!