Our garden 2013

Just a few pictures of our garden this year.  Noah's sunflower was amazing.  It had tons and tons of buds on it.  He was very proud!

 Our tomatoes did much better this year, but I think they were having a hard time keeping up with me as I am waiting for more ripe ones to eat.  I ventured into making pasta sauce out of these beauties, and it was so yummy!

 We had lots and lots of cantaloups.  They were juicy as usual.  Truly, I think we mostly enjoy growing them because they are fun to watch grow.

 When Nana was here she showed her love too.  Maleah enjoyed working along side of her.  I sure needed help with the pruning and weeding!

Welcome to school, little one

August 20, 2013-This is a big week for Maleah.  She is done sitting on the sidelines watching big brother as she is now joining him with all the fun!  This week she started swim lessons (which she loved!) and is starting school two days a week.  Her teacher is Mrs. Kyong, who also taught Noah.  She had a great first day. Noah was so sweet to help reassure her that school was not scary, but a lot of fun.  I have to admit that I teared up dropping both kids off this morning.  I think I am realizing that from the moment I was handed my sweet little babies, part of my job as their mother is letting them go one day at a time.  Here is another day of practice! 

Noah's in Pre-K!

August 19, 2013- I cannot believe that my "baby" is only a year away from kindergarten.  It was so surreal to visit his pre-k class.  He was very excited about his new teacher, Mrs. Lore and that two of his classmates from last year joined him.  This is an especially exciting year since he has moved out of the environment of Mothers Morning Out and into real "school."  I am hoping all the work we did together this summer has prepped him well.  I am glad to report that he has really enjoyed his first two days!

My little diva

Maleah is growing up too fast. Last night she asked me to paint her finger nails and toe nails purple. This morning she wanted her hair twisted in a clip like mine. She looks so grown up! What will tomorrow hold?

Nana visits

We sure had a great time with Nana here.  It rained a lot, but when the sun was out, we enjoyed swimming, Botanical Gardens and working in our garden.  (We got lots of cantaloupe and cucumbers this week!)  Mom and Nana also did tons of crafting!  Cora, also enjoyed Nana's company as she had to be at her feet at all times.  We had a lot of fun and mommy enjoyed both the company and help.  Thanks for everything Nana, you are the best!

Swim lessons accomplished

August 2, 2013-After the first class of Noah completely melting down from his fear of swimming pools, it was amazing to watch him paddle around at the end. He couldn't get in the water fast enough! Many moms approached me with praises of how far he has come, which was nice since I was pretty frustrated with the first couple of classes. He starts his second session next week and couldn't be more excited!

Half Way There

We are half way through this trip.  105 days is a very long time to be apart.  Though I am so thankful that we are not doing this for a straight year.  I feel like our family and each member in it has stretched to new heights, accomplished new things and suffered in various ways.  I have found myself doing things I never thought I could, yet I have learned that I need to learn to take time to rest.  It is hard to do that while wearing 50 hats.  I can say, I am not near as good as a daddy, carpenter, or wrestler as david.  I constantly have to remind him that when he leaves our world spins a different direction.  Typically the kids save their illnesses for this time, and my body starts to fall apart.  It is such a reminder for me that I need to remember who is in control and let go so God can do his work.  If anything, I think that is what God needs me to learn from these trips.  Let go, Let God.  Apparently I am a slow learner, but I am coming around.  It only has taken 4 trips!  As I sit here, missing my husband and longing for my family to be a whole unit again, I am encouraged and thankful for all that I have.  Counting down the days until it's back together!