My Babies on their first day of School!
Clay started 2nd Grade and Caleb started Kindergarten!
They were both so excited!
On our way to school, we stopped at a family favorite - Old Tyme Donuts
I just cannot tell you how proud I am of my men.
Aren't they precious :)
I feel so blessed! I love my family so very much!
Clay is enjoying 2nd Grade and his teacher, Mrs. Bever.
Caleb LOVES Kindergarten and his teacher, Mrs. Chambliss!
Clay and Caleb started school on August 1. Clay started 2nd grade and Caleb started Kindergarten. I had mixed emotions about this day. Both boys were so excited that I couldn't help but be excited with them and for them.
I have been sad about this new phase of life. Caleb and I have been inseparable for two years. He and I went shopping, cooked together, played together, learned together. What was I going to do in an empty house for 6 hours? I am amazed how God helped me transition into my empty nest.
Just before school started, a friend of mine called and asked me if I could fill in for her at her office during the second week of August. It is a counseling center and I have such a heart for those who are hurting, it was a gift from God to be able to help out. Not only was I able to help her while she was on vacation, but I was able to keep my mind off the fact my house was empty.
During the second full week of school, Richard took me on a cruise to Europe. I cannot wait to share about that experience. We had an amazing time together and it once again kept me from having to focus on my new life as a stay-at-home while my children are at school mom.
This week marks my first week of actually being in town, not working part-time, no busy plans, just me and my very quiet house. I have often wondered if it was ok for me to not go back to work. Is it ok for me to just be a Mom even without my kids at home. My husband and I agreed that this is what is best and I knew in my heart that it is what I desire, but that "what is my purpose in life" feeling just dangled in the air. Well, just as God always does, he affirmed my decision on Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, I went in for my annual physical with my doctor. An appointment that I had originally planned for several weeks ago, but I forgot to attend. God knew I needed to wait and go see my doctor after school got underway. Just before my doctor released me, he asked me if I was going to continue to stay at home. I said Yes, and he gave me the most heartfelt response, "I applaud you," he said. He wanted me to know that I could still be a valuable contributor to my family while my boys were both gone.
PLEASE NOTE: I know that not all mothers have the opportunity to stay at home with their children due to personal or financial reasons, but I believe it is extremely beneficial to our children if you are able to do so. I am so blessed that I have had this opportunity and that I continue to have this opportunity. It is definitely been worth the financial sacrifice of a smaller home, less eating out and less material things. And amazingly, God has still blessed us in those areas as well. Wow! God is good. All the time.
Well, I don't know what God has in store for me this year, but I am excited to find out. I do know that I miss little things like:
Our children are such gifts, and I am reminded as they start school that I need to appreciate every moment, the happy and challenging ones. Don't take the moments you have with your children for granted. God has gifted them to us for a short time, to love, to teach, and to raise, but ultimately, they are HIS children. I am just so privileged to get to spend any amount of time with my boys and I will rejoice when the bell rings each afternoon.
Give your kiddos a hug today and tell them what a blessing they are to you.
I have been sad about this new phase of life. Caleb and I have been inseparable for two years. He and I went shopping, cooked together, played together, learned together. What was I going to do in an empty house for 6 hours? I am amazed how God helped me transition into my empty nest.
Just before school started, a friend of mine called and asked me if I could fill in for her at her office during the second week of August. It is a counseling center and I have such a heart for those who are hurting, it was a gift from God to be able to help out. Not only was I able to help her while she was on vacation, but I was able to keep my mind off the fact my house was empty.
During the second full week of school, Richard took me on a cruise to Europe. I cannot wait to share about that experience. We had an amazing time together and it once again kept me from having to focus on my new life as a stay-at-home while my children are at school mom.
This week marks my first week of actually being in town, not working part-time, no busy plans, just me and my very quiet house. I have often wondered if it was ok for me to not go back to work. Is it ok for me to just be a Mom even without my kids at home. My husband and I agreed that this is what is best and I knew in my heart that it is what I desire, but that "what is my purpose in life" feeling just dangled in the air. Well, just as God always does, he affirmed my decision on Tuesday morning.
On Tuesday, I went in for my annual physical with my doctor. An appointment that I had originally planned for several weeks ago, but I forgot to attend. God knew I needed to wait and go see my doctor after school got underway. Just before my doctor released me, he asked me if I was going to continue to stay at home. I said Yes, and he gave me the most heartfelt response, "I applaud you," he said. He wanted me to know that I could still be a valuable contributor to my family while my boys were both gone.
PLEASE NOTE: I know that not all mothers have the opportunity to stay at home with their children due to personal or financial reasons, but I believe it is extremely beneficial to our children if you are able to do so. I am so blessed that I have had this opportunity and that I continue to have this opportunity. It is definitely been worth the financial sacrifice of a smaller home, less eating out and less material things. And amazingly, God has still blessed us in those areas as well. Wow! God is good. All the time.
Well, I don't know what God has in store for me this year, but I am excited to find out. I do know that I miss little things like:
- making breakfast for Caleb around 9am each morning.
- how, when I would go up to the school to see Clay or volunteer, Caleb would always want to press the call button to get into the building. Now, I just wait for him to press it, and then realize that he isn't with me.
- how Caleb would help me unload the dishwasher, always piling the silverware haphazardly into the drawer. It always made me smile to see the spoons and forks all in one big stack :)
- I even miss the extra time it took to get in and out of my car when I run errands, but I know that will pass :)
Our children are such gifts, and I am reminded as they start school that I need to appreciate every moment, the happy and challenging ones. Don't take the moments you have with your children for granted. God has gifted them to us for a short time, to love, to teach, and to raise, but ultimately, they are HIS children. I am just so privileged to get to spend any amount of time with my boys and I will rejoice when the bell rings each afternoon.
Give your kiddos a hug today and tell them what a blessing they are to you.
Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Berkli- I am all over the board emotionally this week. I love being able to get things done while Eliana is napping, but greatly miss my little helper, Natalyn.
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