{us lately.....}

I don't know why I just can't keep up around here! I have no excuses, really. Everytime I log in and realize its been 3 months since my last blog - I really do try to make a promise to myself to be better. I really do.

So much has been going on! That's why I've been MIA.



Delaney is doing wonderfully in school. I couldn't be more proud of her. It literally brings tears to my eyes sometimes. She's so eager to learn and to do her very best AT ALL TIMES. Kindergarten in an amazing time. I didn't really know what to expect. Everyday she seems to grow just a little more. She's reading at the top of her class. (I admit that is a mommy brag, but I just HAD to. I can't help it.) And, just last week she ate lunch with the principal as she was one of the top five AR readers in her entire grade level.





Avery continues to be such a ball of laughter to us all. This child is just funny. Everday, the girls make us laugh! She's started dance and she LOVES it. I do know that she is an entertainer. She has started to really sing to herself and its the cutest! My favorite is "Jesus loves me this I know, to the Bible tells me so." Yes, she has her own version - as she changes words, but that's what makes it so sweet to me! Her imitation of the Barbie from Toy Story 3 is nothing short of HILARIOUS!!! I have, have, have to get it on video! Her imagination is soaring and she's loving to read, as well.. making up her own stories from the pictures of books.
She's also reached a major milestone which I will share SOON. It deserves a post of its own!





and last but not least... part of my absence can be attributed to...




B-a-b-y #3! I think almost everyone has heard this news but consider this the blog announcement. 14 weeks and just weeks away from the answer to the BIG question! Place your bets..... :-)

We are thrilled for our growing family and feel so thankful for this precious child.

I'll end for now with another photo or two from our family session with our favorite photographer! I'm withholding my very favorites... until I design our Chritmas card. I'll share them soon.

{wordless wednesday}

after school love :)

{her thoughts on kindergarten}

*the mornings come early
*its hard to wake up





*it is exciting
*it is fun
*i told my teacher she could call me laney-bug
*the swirly thing on the playground is my favorite
*i made a new best friend but i can't remember her name
*thank you, mommy for my note.
*i love my note
*we sat on the learning rug
*i almost know my way to my classroom





I'd say she thinks its AWESOME!!! Look at that SMILE!

She was so excited on Saturday morning to work on a practice math packet her teacher sent home. It wasn't real homework as we didn't have to turn it back in, but this child is on top of this. We've done it twice over I think. Love her.
















ps. I thought this child of mine was shy and timid. Not so much! Every morning I drop her off I hear something new and usually something funny that she has done or said to someone. Most of it seems a little out of her element but I guess she's a little chatty. Thankfully, though, its nothing getting her into trouble and fingers crossed will stay that way.

She also helped a little girl in her class yesterday who was a litte shy and afraid. She told me she held her hand. This morning, Mrs. Graves told me that D took sweet care of her. Made this mommy's heart so HAPPY.

{kindergarten}

Yes, the past five and a half years of my life just flashed by me.



My babygirl is a big kindergarten student. We've been excited. We've looked forward and all of a sudden it was the day.



As my sleepy head woke up this morning it was so cute, she stumbled down the hall with groggy eyes. (her mother's child). I couldn't help but smile. We made her lunch as she sat on the kitchen counter. She refused anything to eat for breakfast. (Again, her mother's child). She had the biggest smile. We quickly got her dressed. As we went through our new morning routine I thought back on all her "baby" days. I remember when this day seemed so far away. And today we live it.













We got to school a few minutes early and had to wait in the cafeteria, that was torture for her. As the bell rang, we then made our way to her ladybug classroom.

She walked along with daddy and baby sissy a little ahead of me. I smiled. I didn't cry! This is going to be such a fun adventure for her.



We made it to her classroom and tucked her things away in her cubby.



Found her seat.



We didn't linger long. A little pep talk and a kiss goodbye. This is when baby sissy lost it. She was pitiful and cried as we left D there as we walked out.



and one last glance..... my sweet girl.





Its 9:37 and baby sissy is sleeping soundly. We can't wait to pick D up today and hear all about her very first day.

{wordless wednesday:: rainbow}

Remember me?????????? Anyone???? :)

Not sure if I can stay wordless on this one.... I mean can you say beautiful???

Friday evening, we endured one of our typical summer storms. I had to reschedule a session, and somehow I had to get us out for something to eat. About an hour passed and the rain stopped, so the girls and I loaded up to go straight to the grocery store and home. When I stepped out in the driveway I looked up to the most beautiful rainbow and gorgeous sunlight. It literally was breathtaking. It stopped me in my tracks. As we drove a little ways the brighter it got. A full, bright, double rainbow! We drove around a few blocks and I decided to let the girls get out and take a (few) pictures. For a split second, I thought "you should have brushed their hair.." and quickly I realized no matter what this was picture perfect. They were in awe and it turned into a sweet little memory for us. ♥ See....














It seems rainbows have been in abundance lately. With all the storms, so many rainbows. Each and every rainbow reminds me of God's promise and I don't find that its 'by chance' that I see them on the days I need to be reminded the most.



So, the next time you see a rainbow, think of Noah and the flood. Remember that God loves you, and that no matter how bad the storm, there will always come a bright new day.

That is God's promise, and God always keeps his promises.

{snapshots from today}

It's just barely June and its already.....BLAZING HOT.

I dreamed for an hour and a half of a huge shade tree in my back yard. This mama finds it harder and harder to handle the heat for long periods of time.

But they sure were having fun. :)





ALERT THE PRESS...... LOOK AT THIS......
they love each other almost all the time...but they never make eye contact with the camera at the same time!