Another First

Can someone please tell me what the appropriate punishment is for a 3 and 5 year old who spray half a bottle of laundry spot treater on a cat?

This is post-bath.

Bittersweet Countdown

1 1/2 days + 1 1/2 hours.

That is how much more school Z has left.

Tomorrow is his last full day, then a half day, and then on Friday they have church and get their report cards and we are done. Done with 2nd grade, done with uniforms, and done with his current school.

For those who do not know, he has gone to the Catholic school near our home for the past two years. We made the incredible difficult choice to not re-enroll him or enroll his sister for next year because of how expensive it is! For three kids we are talking about in-state college rates. It is the smartest choice and I have not felt any twinges of doubts that this is the best choice for our family and where we are today. Emotionally I am not so confident. I hurt knowing he will not be getting the religious education at school and I hurt knowing he will have to join a new school and be the "new kid" again. In that respect I feel like I have failed him (yes in my head I know that is not true but my heart is louder than my head right now!)

So if you think of me please pray I will not be too self-involved and emotional over all of this. Oh and that Z will get into the school we hope for the fall. More on that another day. Now back to my tea and pity party.

Hearts Breaking

I heard the news today that Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter, Maria, was killed in an accident at their home. On their blog is a sweet video of Maria and hundreds of posts with the most beautiful words showering this family in love. One was this poem. I have no idea who wrote it but wanted to share it here.

GOD'S LOAN
"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the while she lives
And mourn for when she's dead.

"It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you till I call her back,
Take care of her for me?

"She'll bring her charms to gladden you
And should her stay be brief,
You'll have these precious memories
As solace for your grief.

"I cannot promise she will stay
Since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

"I've looked this world over,
In my search for teachers true.
In the crowds that throng life's land,
I have selected you.

"Now will you give her all your love
Not think the labour vain,
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, thy will be done.
For all the joys a child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,
We'll love her while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

"And should the angels call for her
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

Birthdays and Bubbles and Bears oh my!

Yesterday was my neice's 1st birtday party. This is my only brother's daughter. They also have a 4 year old son. It was so fun to hang out with him and his family an dhis in-laws. The two of us are really the only ones left from our family in the area so any time we get to spend together is wonderful.

My sister-in-law gave the kids bubbles and these are from this morning when E and I were playing in the yard.

On Friday was Z's Cub Scout Picnic where he was honored to be chosen for the Color Guard
and was promoted or whatever to the next level (I have no idea what animal he is now Bear or something).

It was a busy and fun weekend!

Say Cheesey!

"Yee-haw"

For the next year K has to wear a hat whenever she is outside to protect her skin as it heals. She has chosen an irridencent pink cowboy hat. Sorry cow-girl hat. Of course - there could be no better choice.