SUMMER TIME

     We have had an awesome summer so far. Tanner finished his swim lessons. We have spent many days at the pool and library. A few awesome trips to Disney the most recent being with our friends Jess, Bella, and Taylor. SO excited that they have passes too. We have a family vacation planned in a few weeks to the beach. (OUR FAVORITE) And Billy and the kids and I have even been out to the lake a few times to spend time with Meme and Grampy. We spent a wonderful Father's day out there. Yesterday we stayed out there all day and even made SMORES, which Tanner loved. We are always grateful when they invite us out. The boys have attended a couple camps at St. Paul's and so enjoyed it. There has a been a few Sundays that Billy has worked on a paper and I drove the boys and I  to the beach just the 3 of us. Driving the truck right up on the beach and playing for a few hours. We would have so much fun and then stopping for Ice Cream before heading home. Precious memories just me and my boys. Tanner starts Kindergarten in a few weeks. (6 to be exact) I can not believe my baby is going to be in Elementary school. He will be going to Madison Street where we look forward to him being involved in theater, music, and track.  I look forward to volunteering at both the boys schools and seeing what lies ahead for Tanner.  Holden will be going to St. Paul's and be a Firefly. He is so excited to learn and make friends. It will be good and I am so excited for him.  I was in God's word this morning once again meditating on James and trying to slow down and not take things so seriously. Slow to speak and quick to listen. It's a full time job parenting these boys. Within 2 days of each other Holden busted his chin at the pool and had to have 3 stitches and then busted his lip bad on the bathroom counter trying to climb up to wash his hands because "they were dirty." He is constantly banging himself up. :) Tanner told me the other day "When I grow up I want to live all by myself." I said, "OK buddy a lot of people in the world do." He then said, "But you can still come over and cook me dinner mommy." :) I love that boy so much!! I get it Tanner!  I think there's times we ALL like to be alone. Family gets the best of us and at times the worst of us. That's what love is though!! ACCEPTANCE on a deep level. I am learning Grace daily and not just with my kids. I fall short but GOD gives us the beauty of a new day. Parenting these 2  small and active boys is not for the faint of heart but it sure is a gift and a blessing. I have so much to be thankful for and I am keeping my eyes focused on that. Holden is officially getting a big boy room soon. We are excited to re-do his bedroom and graduate from the nursery. I always say to Holden "I'm going to kiss that baby to death." He says it right back to me. I enjoy him so much. He is a very bright boy. I call Tanner my "sidekick" and he will say "mommy will I always be your sidekick?" YOU BET BUDDY!! He is so smart and loves to hear stories about himself when he was a baby.  Closing the baby and crib chapter makes me a little sad.  I definitely do not want more kids but it is bitter sweet to leave one stage and enter another. There are some things I will miss and others I am glad to see go. I learn more from being a mommy than anything else I've done. I have been missing my blog. Billy got me a new computer so I am all set again. I LOVE IT!! Ready to start tackling my photo books and organizing pictures and videos. Holden and Tanner both love people, books, and being at the pool. Looking forward to Blizzard beach, bike rides, and beach days. Maybe when Billy and I retire we can own a condo at the beach!! WE have a lot of years a head of us to enjoy Florida summer days. THANKFUL!!