Pics from Summer

More Awards Day Photos

Summer, here we GO!

We wrapped up the end of the school with Awards Day. Collins got the Spanish award, Reading Counts, Character Trait of Respectfulness, and the Principal's Honor Roll. Mary Blake received a Duke Tip award, all A's and B's, Reading Counts Millionaire Club, and the Character Trait of Creativity. Then Mary Blake had a 6th grade promotion ceremony. We partied on by having Trinity, Sara Beth, and Kasey to spend teh night. Poor Mary Blake ended up having an awful allergic reaction to poison ivy. When still had a great time, yesterday morning, she woke up with her eye almost swollen shut. We sadly wrapped up the party and I took her to the doctor. Poor girl is now on steroids for 5 days.
We also got a new water slide. I convinced Brad that it would make these long summer days easier! We shall see.
Today we started off by sending Brad and Andy to Jackson to visit JJ and Pops. I took Collins to HOT baseball practice where Griffin charmed his way into trading bikes with Lucy (friend at the ballpark). Then we continued on with Ben and Luke coming to play. SUMMER, here we go!! 

how does it translate?

Lately, I have been struggling. nothing big or earth shattering. just struggling to read my bible, keep up with the laundry, keep up with homework, school projects, cleaning my house, staying organized, spending good quality time with my children, spending good quality time with my husband...shall I go on? I was recently talking with a friend about how when we have time to step back, reflect, and just THINK clearly in general, we are able to see the joy in our crazy lives. My question to her was, OK, so if we can do that how does that translate to those moments that you feel like you could punch a hole in the wall or those moments that you want to just scream with frustration??? I mean, I can sit here right now and picture us sitting at the table laughing and talking loudly over each other and making a huge mess and it makes me just smile. BUT then, tomorrow someone will spill their drink, throw some food (what, ya'll don't throw food at your house?) or heaven forbid tell me they don't like what i fixed and I just LOSE it. And then I spiral, unable to reign in my emotions, unable to let go and ask God to help me...... Then in my alone time (which is the bathroom and even then I am not always alone), I was reading the Jesus Calling For Kids and this was devotion for today: (read as Jesus talking to you) I know how much that future mountain worries you. But it may not even be part of our path. You don't know what will happen today, much less tomorrow. I may suddenly turn you away from the mountain or show you an easier path. But I promise that if I ask you to climb that mountain, I will give you everything you need to reach the top. My angels will protect you. And I will be right by your side every step of the way. "For he will order his angel to protect you wherever you go." Psalm 91:11 I am going to try to accept the insanity. Things are gonna get crazy. Life is just that way. It's messy. And I'm gonna try to remember that He is with me. AND that I am not alone. Just a quick 15 min conversation with my friend confirming that things are hard for her too, and that we are gonna make it.....we are gonna pray for one another can help so much. So, tell a friend how you're doing -ask a friend how they are doing. You never know. You might be the one that is blessed in the end. It is quite fitting that i chose to get my thoughts out today on Mary Blake's 12th birthday. 12 years of being a mama. 12 years of having the honor off being a parent. God is good.

WREN TURNS 3!!!

Being 3 is so much fun. Especially for my Wren Wren. He had such a great birthday. The cool part is the way Griffin, Mary Blake, and Collins celebrate along with him.  Here are some things about Wren right now. When he wakes up in the morning, he wants to be held. And then wants to eat. Immediately. He loves to do anything the big kids are doing. He really loves his mblake (said all as one word). If I am not available, mblake will work. His favorite song is jingle bells. At nap time and night time he would (if i was always available) fall asleep curled up next me with his arms around my neck. ( I love this and hope he never stops) He LOVES preschool and going to the wellness center. He has a really sweet nature, but if he does get angry, then back away. Oh, and he also practiced really hard to hold up three fingers! Happy Birthday Wren Wren!!!

At his preschool party

Mrs. Jennifer. He adores her.

At D'Casa

I am 3!!!!

Not too sure about the hat

maybe he likes it??

Family birthday party in the studio

Bekah, Garrison, and Elliott

Coach and Wren

Ann Perrin. sweet.

Time to blow out the candles. What am I pointing at? but I like that nail polish

This is him saying, "no, i do it..." he wanted to cut the cake.

Got some cool spidey gear!

A little picture into how things work around here.....

there are many days in our house that someone falls apart and Mary Blake swoops in and just fixes it. I don't know it is even happening. Sometimes it is me that loses it... sometimes (most of the time) it is Griffin or Wren. There are also many mornings that Mary Blake is the one that talks Wren in to the shirt he is supposed to wear. I thought the girls were supposed to be the divas....these boys caring what they have on is killing me! anyway, last month, I took some pictures in hopes of getting one for our Christmas card. {side note here: I did get a card pic....despite my #2 child (trying not to name names) acting like a maniac...uggghhhhh. why do i end up taking these pics by myself???} This tiny portion of shots shows so vividly how MB comes to the rescue.....

 

 

Little behind

Why am I 3 months behind in my pictures? I really couldn't say....I am really just trying to figure this mama stuff out. You might be thinking, "well, it's a little late for that, Sarah." But honestly, when they are little your main job is their physical needs. Then with every month that goes by, you begin to take on more and more responsibility. And each child needs so much. SO much. But it's a good thing. I am humbled everyday by my lack of ability at handling four children. I CAN'T handle four. BUT with a whole lot of prayer, a great husband, an amazing family, and friends, I stumble along. Not perfectly - quite imperfectly actually. Just wanted to put all that out there in case you are feeling overwhelmed. You are not alone. We are ALL overwhelmed. Just remember God's mercies are new every morning. I can promise you that! Here is a random picking of what's been going on with the Brashiers the past month: