Everything In Between

It's Monday and I'm writing random and linking up to lowercase letters.  I've also linked up to Lisa Leonard, Hello, Monday.  Today I'm trying to embrace the here and now.

{one}

I love weekend trips to the donut shop.  It's a special treat we try to reserve for Saturday and Sunday.  My boys love it as much , or more than, I do.

{two}

I've been absent from blogging for over a week.  I managed to put together a post about Will's birthday party, and that's all I could manage.  The end of October and beginning of November are always very hectic for our family.  We give away over 1000 pieces of candy for our church at our town's local Halloween festival.  Then, just a few days later we celebrate Will's birthday.  His birthday party is usually the following weekend.  Getting things prepared for the candy giveaway and for Will's birthday party can be overwhelming.  The week after it's all over I'm usually exhausted and this year was no different. Whew!

The exhaustion is worth it because look at this happy face.  Love this 5 year old more than words!

{three}

There's another reason I was absent from blogging.  We had a terrible tragedy in our small town.  One of our elementary teachers was killed tragically in a car accident.  She had taught at the school almost 20 years.  Although I teach in the junior high, I know many of the elementary teachers.  I didn't know her personally, we were just acquaintances, but I am friends with a lot of the elementary teachers who were close to her.  We send our children to the same daycare, we attend the same churches and we teach each others children. Small towns are close-knit, and when tragedy strikes it hurts everyone.  Maybe it's because my grandpa died less than two months ago, but it's hard to attend funerals.  I still feel very vulnerable.  I'm emotionally exhausted and I wasn't even that close to her.  I hope that after the funeral services this weekend the elementary teachers, staff and students can find some closure and move forward in the best way that they know how.  Please keep all of her family, friends, students and our community in your prayers.

{four}

I'm sorry if my blog has felt serious and sad.  I never want to be Debbie Downer, but I don't feel like I'd be real and honest if I didn't share the good with the bad.  Let me try to lighten things up for the remaining randoms in the list.

{five}

Experiencing loss and tragedy is the greatest reminder to appreciate every moment we are given.  Despite the reminders in my life lately, I'm terrible at being in the moment.  I worry about insignificant things like dirty dishes in the sink,  piles of laundry that need to be washed and stains on the carpet.  Since it's in my nature to sweat the small stuff, I've really made an effort to appreciate the here and now.

I'm trying to take more photos (which sounds like a joke to most people who know me because I take so many photos already) with the focus being on everyday life.  I want to capture the everyday moments that sometimes seem ordinary but are what make our life extraordinary.

Moments like this...

 Ben playing in the dirt.  True happiness and contentment.

What is it with little boys and dirt?   

He could stay there all day long if I'd let him. 

Or this...

Will playing outside.  One of his favorite things to do.

Will loves to swing. 

He spotted an airplane.  He kept staying "Look there's an airplane in the sky!"  Such a curious and inquisitive little guy.

{six}

I got a haircut!  I forgot to mention it.  It's been about two weeks ago, and I'm loving it.  I had about 5 inches cut off in August and it grew back really quickly.  This time my stylist took off at least three inches so it's the shortest it's been in over 6 years. 

{seven}

It's fall, I think?

It's fall, but it feels like spring.  We had such a dry summer with no rainfall that most of the grass died.  Since we've received rain the grass is green again.  It's the time of year when it should start turning brown, but instead it's green.  It's an interesting combination with the fall leaves.

{eight}

We went to the Dallas Arboretum on Saturday for Will's 5 year photos and Christmas card photos.  We met up with our favorite photographer Lauren.  We tried some new poses for our family photo (thanks, Pinterest!). I can't wait to see the photos and share them with you.

{nine}

Giveaway!

I have an upcoming giveaway.  I'll be introducing you to the neatest company, Let's Go, that sells pre-made activity kids which encourage you to spend creative, quality time with your little ones.  I can't wait for you to see their products.  They are perfect if you have preschoolers or would make a great gift to a parent of a preschooler.  So, look for a giveaway here later this week.

{ten}

My facebook status this week was this Bible verse,

Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

May you find rest in Him this week.