~Blessed~

So much has happened the last couple of weeks that have made me stopped and count my blessing, I have been reminded many times over that my little family is very blessed.

A couple of weeks ago Ward was offered a job, a really good job, but he already was employed and doing really well. He had no reason to accept the job, then he was given another offer and yet another one. At the time I thought it was great to have so many offers and to be employed, when so many are without work at this time.

A few weeks later Ward came home and said they told him there was no work, he wasn't laid off, there was still busy work, but it gave us both time to pause and really look at what the future held. It was time to make some hard decisions.

The first offer he was given was still on the table, he interviewed with the second offer and turned it down. The third offer was a little side job he can do at the same time he does his

full-time job.

Ward accepted the first offer and was very pleased with the agreed arrangements so

he is changing companies at the same time the kids were starting school.

The first week of school was a little crazier then normal with the new schedule to get use to.

After I got home from taking the girls to school, I sat back and took a deep breath, I am so grateful Ward works hard so I can be a stay at home mom. When the girls call I am here, when they need me I can be there, I can take them to lunch, I can be home with them when they are sick, I get to be their main influence before and after school.

Many times I have stopped during the day, overcome with emotion at how very blessed we are. We have work, we have a beautiful home, we have healthy children, who despite all the challenges thrown their way continue to choose the right.

I am very grateful.

I have been blessed.

~School Days!~

It's here again, the first day of school!

It never gets easier, except when I have Ward by my side like I did this year.

I think I have as much anxiety as the girls do about the first day. The hardest part for me is always the drop off. This year with Raychel it was "easier". I dropped her and a friend off, they were so excited and happy to be walking in together.

It helped a little with the empty feeling I get when I leave them behind.

Jolene is a different story.

As soon as we got out of the car she grabbed my hand, as we walked through the parking lot together she talked non-stop about everything. As we walked through the door she held my hand a little tighter. We found her classroom, and her desk, put her stuff away and then she gave me a very tight hug and gave me the look where she isn't sure if she is going to smile or cry. I hugged her really tight and whispered in her ear that she is going to have a great day, that I can't wait to hear all about it and I will be waiting for her to come out after school. She relaxed and told me I could leave now.

I am glad I had Ward's hand to hold as we walked out.

It always surprises me how quiet and empty the house is when they are gone, I can't wait to pick them up and listen to their voices and have them download about their days.

Jolene is in 4th grade, her last year at the elementary school.

Raychel is in the 8th grade, her last year at the middle school.

Simple Joy

I love how the simple things bring the greatest joy.

All this little cutie has wanted the last several weeks was a basket for her bike.

She talked about it, told us what she would put in it, and how it would look on her bike.

She was so proud of her new basket, once we were home we put it on her bike and off she went to see how it worked. She even put her little Guinea pig, Captain, in for a ride.

She couldn't have been happier.

I love how the little things bring great joy!