Growing up

As the school year has drawn near, I keep hearing parents, especially those with children starting kindergarten, talk about these emotional reflective feelings they have sending their children off to school for the first time. I figured I wouldn't have these since we have decided to home school this year. My moment came though this weekend, when I was not expecting it at all.

Zane has promoted at church and during our Saturday service, he now comes to "big church" with me during the worship portion and then is dismissed to "children's church". Most of the children head out of the worship center on their own during this time. I have been walking Zane out the last couple of weeks, to make sure he knows where he is going and until we get into a routine he is comfortable with. So like the weeks past, we walked out together into the lobby. But instead of walking all the way to his new room together, this time when he spotted one of his leaders in the lobby, he gave him a high five and took off excitedly, on his own, to his room. I was fine at this point and stopped to watch and make sure he made it in. What threw me though, was when he stopped half way to look for me and came running back to my side. I was worried he might be getting "cold feet", but soon found out he was just being a good kid. He looked up at me and said, "Mom, can I go on my own?!" And I said, "Sure, Honey." smiling. Then he took off again excitedly. My eyes immediately welled up with tears. He's growing up.

God has given me a great appreciation the last few weeks for the opportunity that I have to help educate my son this year. This time is precious.

"School on a Hill" begins class after Labor Day and we are thrilled!
Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put in under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

One month old

Just home from the hospital

One month old

I can't believe how long the last month of pregnancy felt and yet how quickly this first month of Ruth's life has gone by. We feel incredibly blessed. She has had a few little health scares that have kept us on our toes, but we are thankful it hasn't been too serious. We love our little Ruth!

There's a new Sooners Fan in town

Ruth's Birthday!

Apparently it is very difficult to blog with 3 children! Here is an update of the events of July 9th, 2010...


About to go in to surgery. Bryce calls this my lunch lady picture.


Ruth makes her appearance and weighs almost exactly what Gemma weighed.


Daddy holding Ruth for the first time.

Mommy holding Ruth for the first time.

Proud big sister

Proud big brother

Gramps

Mama Frita

G'pa

Grampy & Joyce

Aunt Abby

Aunt Erin

And Dr. Whiddon.

So thankful for a smooth delivery and healthy baby. What a wonderful day!

Ruth Adelle

She's here! 6 lbs, 10 oz and 18 in long. So thankful for a smooth c-section and beautiful healthy baby. We are busy adjusting and falling in love.

Goodbye Annie

This week we said goodbye to Annie, my Camry. I purchased her after I got my first "real" job out of college. I had her almost 10 years! She had over 160,000 miles on her. She was very faithful to our family. As the arrival of Hutson Baby #3 has drawn near, we have been praying about a new vehicle to comfortably fit us all. This past weekend we finally made a decision and welcomed Bessie into our family...


She is also a Toyota. Zane had a name for her by the time we got her home. We are grateful and looking forward to the many new memories that will be made in our new-to-us Sienna.

Happy July!

This spring has not been one of my favorites, in my large, easily over-heated state. There are a few things that have managed to keep me smiling nonetheless...

My newly planted balloon flowers in the front yard. So lovely.

Some SWEET treats...

Apples baked on the Grill ~

6 Granny Smith apples cored

1/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 c. coconut

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Mix the above 3 ingredients and fill the center of the apples. I also added a few chopped pecans. Then wrap the apples in foil and place on the grill for about 20 minutes. Delish!

Watermelon Cooler ~

4 c. watermelon seeded

2 tsps honey

2 sprigs of mint leaves

Ice

Blend all until smooth. So refreshing!

And of course my Adorable Family, which includes my amazing hubby. He's taking the picture here.