really quick update

I have been absent in the cyber world lately. Yes, even Facebook! This past week has been INSANE at work. Pair that with JP/Scott/housework (or lack thereof) and I'm POOPED at the end of the day. My thoughts run together and I am a zombie at night.

We are beginning to settle into our new routine. It's nice actually. We come home and chill for a bit. Eat dinner, bathe JP, work on his "homework" (awww...), shower and both Scott and JP are in bed NO LATER than 7:15. JP falls into bed with no problem and is asleep within five minutes. Scott's energy level is so poor, he falls asleep in no time, too. I'll admit, it's kind of nice for me. I usually go to bed around 9:00 or so. So, for a couple of hours the house is quiet and I enjoy time to myself. Usually with Dr. Phil! LOL

I am on my way to bed now.....I just wanted to let everyone know that we are doing pretty good. JP LOVES kindergarten and is excited to go each morning. I let him out in the car line and he walks in by himself! He's turning in to such a big boy! We have worked out a little carpool with a friend and he's enjoying that too!

I will post some pictures soon....even if I have to scramble to take some! I hope everyone is doing well!!! Good night!

seriously....could he be any cuter???

Bubba & Preston

happy camper w/ his happy napper

Bubba scored big time when he ordered JP the Happy Napper dog for his birthday!! Thanks, Bubba! We love you!

life is still good

We all know that the primary way to "hear from God" is through His Word. However, every now and then, He speaks through different people and circumstances. It's no secret we are having a hard time around our house, emotionally. God knows that and it is important to Him. He reminded me of that last night.

I was sitting (my lazy tail) in the recliner watching a movie when JP ran into the room, jumped in my lap and said, "Mommy, thank you so much for adopting me." I melted in my seat. Naturally I teared up and told him that GOD gave him to us and adoption was just a way to make us a family. He let me hold him for a while. THAT NEVER HAPPENS! In that moment, I knew that God was using JP to remind me of His blessings.

Life is so hard. At times, life is painful. I thank God for reminding me yesterday that life is still good.

1st day of school

JP eating his pop tarts and drinking his water before the BIG day begins!!! He was SO excited all morning!

This is it!

Here we go.... I CANNOT believe this baby I waited (and waited, and waited) for is in KINDERGARTEN!!

This is the part where I began to tear up. BTW, when we pulled into the parking lot, JP says, "Mommy, I'm growed up now, do not cry about me!" He has NO idea....

He had a great day! He loved it and is ready (as of now) to go back tomorrow! My day was not too terribly bad either! YAY!

time flies

My sweet boy begins kindergarten today!!!! Woohoo!!! Stay tuned for pictures.....

The sun was shining as mom and I went to Ingles to get groceries last night. As we were checking out it began to POUR DOWN RAIN. I mean, REALLY rain. Mom ran to get the car and I waited with the food under the awning. I was soaking wet by the time I slid into the car!

If we had waited 20 more minutes to leave our house, we would not have gotten caught in the rain. The upside? On the way home we saw the most beautiful rainbow. It was, by far, the most beautiful one I have EVER seen. We all know that rainbows come from God as a reminder of His promises. That is not what the Holy Spirit reminded me of last night, though. As we turned onto our street, it hit me. The rainbow came AFTER the storm.

God wants all of us to enjoy His beauty. But, often times we must first endure the rain.

build a bear & party at gaga's

This is my FIVE YEAR OLD little man!! On the morning of his birthday, Scott, Laurie and I took the boys to Build A Bear Workshop. JP was SO EXCITED!!

JP and daddy on the way...

Sweet face!

Scott's parents always have a party for MacKenzie (her birthday is one day after JP's) and JP. They had such a good time...

Eating dinner...

The birthday babies! They are growing up SO FAST!! Boo!!

Gaga bought them each a mini karaoke player...a big hit!

new day, new perspective

I don't mind telling you, I have been an emotional WRECK this week. I have wondered to myself, "What in the world is going on?" If I sit and think about it though. A lot is going on. Here are a few stressors that I listed in my journal last night:

• Scott is not doing well physically


• I am going back to work


• JP is beginning kindergarten


• JP is going to a new daycare this week (never been in daycare before)

I think that my emotions in this season of my life are stronger than when we adopted JP! Seriously. I mean, I remember all too well what that felt like on some days, but this may be worse. Last night I had, had enough. You can only cry so much. So, I sat and wrote out my feelings in my journal. Man, I forgot how freeing that can be! It was almost like a light switch...just by putting my feelings on paper, I felt lighter. I thanked God over and over again. I felt at peace for the first time in a while. Now, I just have to leave my burdens at His feet. I am a champ at giving them up and then taking them right back.

I am always telling my sister to not borrow trouble from tomorrow or next week. I tell her to take things ONE DAY AT A TIME! I need to take my own advice!!

I sat down this morning to have my quiet time. I read the first chapter of John and re-read some old sermon notes I had in my Bible. There is one that JUMPED off the page at me.

"If God brought you to it, He will lead you through it!"

I love that!! I needed to hear that! Anxiety and pain are human emotions. Normal. I am not going to beat myself up over having them. I just do not want to waste them! God has allowed me to be in my circumstances for a reason. I pray that God will help me to be open to what He wants me to learn through my trials. I don't want to miss it because I'm crying!

Well, I'm off to take JP to daycare. He seems excited this morning, which helps! I hope everyone has a great day!!!

birthday part 1

Preston taking in all the action...

JP will miss Mrs. Connie this year!! (So will we...)

JP and his "family" of animals...pretty soon, he won't have room to sleep! He had such a nice birthday. I'll post the rest of the pictures tomorrow!

happy 5th birthday to my sweet (not so) baby boy!

Just some pics of my FAVORITE five year old! Happy Birthday, sweet boy! You are our favorite part of EVERY day! We love you!