I want to first apologize to all of those stay-at-home moms that garnered no sympathy or compassion from me. I would always hear how they are tired or busy, and for the life of me couldn’t figure out how that was so. After all, they were HOME all day. Boy was I wrong. I have NEVER been more busy in my life, and for the first time I do not have a full time job. Whew!
Now that we have that out of the way, I never got a chance to post beginning of school pictures. So here they are:
This is the first year ever they have not had uniforms. I miss the uniforms, but my little fashionista certainly does not. She is really enjoying getting to dress how she would like to. Cade, on the other hand, is like his Momma. Athletic shorts, tshirt and either crocs or tennis shoes are his outfit of choice.
Not only did the kids start school, I started back on campus at UF. I am NOT a selfie person at all. But I took a picture of myself on my first day for two reasons: a reminder that God is faithful to provide a way for you to be obedient to His calling in your life. I never thought I would ever…EVER…go back to school. It seemed impossible. But God worked it all out! Secondly, I want my children (both big and small) to realize that it is never too late to realize your passion and go for it!
I was so nervous about being on campus as such an “old” person. But after my first classes, I am overwhelmed by how much I absolutely LOVE what I am studying. I have found my purpose that God has created me for. That is such a blessing. I actually ENJOY going to school!!!
Emmy didn’t start school, but she did start going to Mrs. Stacy’s. We all love Mrs. Stacy and Emmy is so excited on the days she gets to go. Mrs. Stacy has even trained her to wear a bow in her hair. A moment we have waited to arrive for the last 22 months. She even asks for one now!
In the weeks since school started, we have had some exciting things happen in our family. SaraGrace asked Jesus into her heart and was baptized a couple of weeks ago. As a parent, there is no greater joy than to see your child surrender their lives to Jesus Christ.
Cade has been busy playing football. He is the smallest man on the team, but he has a really big heart. He is loving life as a middle schooler.
This has definitely been a month of transitions for us, and some I was very anxious about. I can’t tell you how wonderful the Lord has been to us through all of this. Both of my kids just love their new school and I look forward to picking them up everyday to hear how wonderful it was. They even love the school lunch!
On a different note, many have heard about or seen the story of Danielle Walker and the loss of her daughter. She was featured on the Today show, along with her family. Danielle was so brave to share about her daughter’s diagnosis. Check out her story on the link above.
If you know anyone who has experienced the loss of a child, please share our story with them. Our Faith Renewed is still available at Amazon.com, and Crossbooks.com. I also have some on hand if you need one quickly. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God brings us through trials to share hope and encouragement of healing in Him. He has certainly allowed us to glorify Him in our the life of our daughter, our marriage and our family. We are so grateful!
