So thankful

For some reason, I had stopped reading Ann Voskamp's blog for awhile; but randomly started again yesterday. Of course, the first two posts I read made me cry. Maybe that is why I had taken a break. Her posts are usually pretty heavy. Ha She currently has a beautifully written post in honor of Father's Day, and how our true validation as people come from THE Father.

I am so thankful and grateful that my children will know that our heavenly Father feels this way about them, b/c they audibly hear it and experience it from their earthly father. "When you want the man that began you to bless you, to say that you are one of his dreams come true, that you are what he hoped for, you are his desires and love incarnated and there is nothing he will leave behind that compares to the masterpiece of you changing the world and everything coming ahead." (Ann Voskamp)

We love you, Andrew. More than you will ever know.

Free children's books!

Just thought I would pass along the word in case you are interested in a few free books for kids! Barnes & Noble has a reading challenge and so does Pottery Barn Kids. Both stores only require 8 books read with PBK having certain books to choose from. After recording the 8 the child has read, you can go to the store and receive your free book. Don't forget to check out your local library either!! ;)

Travel ideas

I tell people about this blog ALL the time, b/c I love her suggestions SOOOOO much. Orange Marmalade is a blog that reviews classic and new children's literature. I don't remember how I ever stumbled onto her blog, but I'm so glad that I did. I have been reading from her suggestions for two years now. She never disappoints! So, I was super excited to see a this post this morning about non-electronic play time for travel (or really any 'waiting period). A lot of these ideas we use, but to have so many great ideas in one spot is awesome. If you have young children, I recommend you 'favorite' this page so you can reference before the next big meltdown in the car! ;)

www.orangemarmaladebooks.com/2014/06/05/non-electronic-waiting-part-two-glad-games-and-perky-projects-to-while-away-the-hours

D-Day

We will forever be thankful for the men (most mere boys) who suffered the atrocities of war, and the ones who gave their lives to begin the end of the Nazi reign on D-Day. In honor of that anniversary yesterday, Andrew found this article in the Economist. I dare you to read it without crying. ;)

www.economist.com/node/16885894

I love Summer!

Every once in a while Andrew tries to convince me I love Fall the most, but Summer wins out every time! I hope you are having a wonderful start to a great season!!

Pool exhaustion

The next Patagonia magazine cover. ;)

Awards Day

I had been getting winks and smiles in the pick up line at school, every time awards day was mentioned by Ceilidh's TA. Yesterday, I got a note in her folder that she would be receiving an award and should be at the program this afternoon. Pops and ZZ, and Grappy and Granddaddy joined us to see Ceilidh receive an Art award and the Principal's award! Her teacher described the award as highly coveted and very special. Two students in each class were presented with each award. I was very excited for her. There might have been a tear or two. ;) Congratulations to a job well done completing first grade. Second grade, here she comes!

She brought home her journals from the year today. This one had me weeping, and I immediately sent to Caitlin. :)  Most of the entries were about the beach, and how much she loves the water. There were quite a few about Jane and her friends as well. I loved reading her thoughts and ideas!

Ceilidh's Birthday

This video wouldn't upload at the end of the post. I love watching them feel free to dance and move... even G-man. It is pretty funny to watch him try ballet moves. ;) I was setting up for a Kindermusik class one morning, and couldn't resist the video. 

May 30th has already come and gone. Ceilidh is now seven years old. It really is crazy to think about! I refuse to feel old! ;) I am so thankful for her seven healthy years; and the beautiful, smart, and witty little lady she is becoming. She asked for a little party with a few of her school friends this year, so we went to the lake and ate cake and snow cones! I got them out of the lake long enough to throw a few water balloons, play pin the nose on Olaf, and have a sing-a-long to 'Let it Go.' She was thrilled to be in the water again, and have her friends with her. Happy Birthday, Ceilidh! I love you so much!

Hilarious