The Hunger Games

These three words: The Hunger Games, changed me.

This book series is so hard to describe to someone, but they are amazing.

Filled with joy, sadness, tragedy, and mostly the courage of the human spirit.

Literally, I read these books and stayed awake in bed with the book themes running through my head.

I could not escape them.

The Hunger Games is action filled and pulls you in right from the start.

Really pulled at my heart.

Catching Fire, the second book in the series has even more of what you loved about HG,

if it was at all possible!

Mockingjay, the finale, leads you through twists and turns you never see coming!

Thank you Suzanne Collins for inviting us into Panem and District 12!

Anticipation!

Everyday around 2:30, I get this feeling I can't explain.

Joy.

Anticipation.

Excitement.

I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for my kids to get home!

I love to hear about their day at school, get their snacks, & start homework.

We fall right into routines and it's so nice! Fridays, I have a movie ready to relax and watch with them. Some days, it's smoothies, some days fruit.

Adam 9 times out of 10 requests a PB sandwich and so I always have it ready.

The kids eat lunch pretty early in the day, so they are so ready to snack when they get here.

Do you do anything special to prep for your kids getting home from school?

What Are You Watching?

Here's a post about tv. Yes, I need some tv time to unwind and just escape the duties of being a wife and mother. So here's truthfully what I'm watching. My mommy only tv time ;)


Some are so thought provoking that tackle some really tough issues:

What a completely relatable show!

Grey's takes on alzheimer's, post tramatic stress, and way more!

Ok, what hasn't gone on with PP?! It's been a tough season to watch, lots of me crying in each episode lately.





Now what I watch for a good laugh:

I just really discovered Modern Family. If you don't watch it, don't be left behind like I felt ;)



Yes, I am a new Gleek! I have said it before- I wish (if I could sing) that my life could be a musical. These kids are living my dream, lol! This is one that deals with loads of social issues as well- ones I'm not ready to discuss with my almost 10 year old, so it's just for me.

And to name my biggest (not so secret) indulgence:

Anything on Bravo pretty much!

Everyday is Valentine's day

Valentine Tribute to My Family

I Love

How you make me smile with just a glance

How you bring me to laughter with one word

How you know what I need before I need it

The biggest hugs you give

The sweetest prayers you pray

The kisses you give

The kisses you try not to give

How you wave good bye to me from the bus window

How you love to snuggle in the big bed

How you’ll never be too big to sit on my lap

The quiet times we share

How your imagination is always working

The stories you write

The art you make

The songs you sing

That you are mine

To my husband of 10 years and our amazing children, I love you more than my own life.

New Year, Big Changes

2011 is well on it's way and I'm at a place where I can stand in awe at the progress and growth of my family.



Our life is so full and completely blessed...now I say blessed, not perfect. Not everyday is sunshine and butterflies, but we know that at the end of the day we all love and care so deeply for each other. Yes, my kids can bicker and fight with each other, but I have seen an amazing sense of sensitivity, kindness and compassion for each other grow as well.

As a parent, it's pretty remarkable to stand back and see how life has changed. Just a few years ago, it was just non stop with diapers, feedings, chasing, changing...now it's deeper and they need me differently. I guess I'm changing too.

I'm So Blessed

Yes, it's been a really long time since I have blogged. The last part of the summer and beginning of school was so in need of my full attention. Moms, you can relate. Life is what it is and mine was busy.
I've never had much time to myself since the kids were born. Now that they are all in school full time, my life has changed. Stress levels have dropped, routines are flowing, life is good. Well, not without it's bumps and bruises- some literal.
I am a thankful person, but lately I am making a real effort to say exactly what I am thankful for in prayer. Sure saying "Thank you God for all my blessings" is good, but recounting many of the big and lots of little blessings is a great way to remember that He is with you all day long. He's with you folding laundry, packing school lunches, running errands...
Isn't that amazing! The little things that make up our day, the things that keep our family running are blessed by God.
Now on the flipside- He's with us when things go wrong too. My 7yr old son was rushed to the ER after a head injury at his school playground. God knew that would happen and placed the people in place to care for him and react in the way they all did. His teacher and school nurse especially have a special place in my heart. Both were so concerned and caring. Thankfully my little boy is fine, but you just never know what could have happened, I know that God had his hand in this situation and for that I am so thankful!

Count your blessings friends and remember "A thankful heart is a happy heart."

So, It's July...

And it's hot, muggy, and the mosquitoes are swarming. No fun. Here's a quick catch up on us.

Adam is loving his summer school class. He comes home so happy and is excited to wake up in the mornings to get going. This means the world to me!!! His speech is improving everyday :)

Travis finished up his 5 week golf session with First Tee. He loved it! Trav was so proud to get his official shirt and certificate. He's spending the days filling out his Boys Only book and making all kinds of crafty things out of paper, soda bottles. lol

Cayley is half way done with her golf sessions and is reading a lot. Right now she's reading Red Pyramid by her new fave author Rick Riordan. We had a the best time at the SE Texas Twilight Moms Eclipse event that we volunteered at. She even won a raffle prize. I handed her 2 raffle tickets to put into what ever prize jar she wanted and bingo! This girl won 2 gold passes to the Dallas Twilight Convention in November! I was so shocked and for once she was speechless.

In January, I had this weird feeling and I told Tim that this year would be different. Things are changing so fast and that I knew that positive things would be happening...so be ready. Now that the year is half way over and I've seen how much our kids have grown...it's amazing.

Thank you Lord for blessing us with these wonderful children and for allowing us to witness them growing. There's a line from a song that's been stuck in my head the last few weeks..."Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same." Isn't that true?!

Romans 8:28

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."