Days of Our Lives

Our lives are but specks of dust falling through the fingers of time.  Like sands of the hourglass, so are the days of our lives. -Socrates-

I learned at a young age how precious time can be and truly what a gift it is. I also learned the above quote from a daytime soap opera.  Little did I know these words originated from a great philosopher. I guess no matter what age we are, we still our constantly growing and learning. Too bad Socrates can't be here now to help me with this new thing they call 3rd grade math. 

Through the winter months we learned to appreciate what little snow we had and that the holiday season still puts huge smiles on everyone's  faces.

Unless Santa chooses to bring your 5 year old a learning toy. Who wouldn't think a talking world map was cool? Apparently everyone other than Santa himself. Bennett took one look at, and with a disgusted face told all of us, "I didn't ask for this"!  Good thing his favorite Hulk showed up to put a huge smile back on his face.  

A couple birthdays came and went but not without some surprised faces and new additions.  Connor celebrated his last year in single digits with friends and a new nerf gun.  He learned quickly cause and effect with his new toy; swollen eyes and ice packs. 

Corynn celebrated her entrance into the world as an 8 year old with some new jewelry. She learned that being brave can have a huge payoff.

And Bennett, well,  have you ever heard a parent use the saying the kids have so much energy they are climbing the walls? Talk became reality in our household when Bennett actually learned how to do just that. Even in the face of fearlessness though, the comfort of a warm embrace is never far away.

The couple that rows together, stays together:) So maybe it took us 15 years of wedded bliss to get into that perfect rhythm, but working hard at something always pays off.

Who would have thought that when this handsome boy crossed my path our senior year in college, we would end up together with a wonderful family? I guess that was my hope when I saw him.  Who wouldn't fall for that face:)? My face, on the other hand, appears to resemble one too many college keg stands. 

My mother always said that one day you will just know when you have found your soul mate.  As a young girl I always thought these words were something parents said to make you feel better through a breakup and that there was no way they knew what they were actually talking about. As you get older, one learns they were correct in more ways than one.

From our first movie date to see 'Remember the Titans, 2 states lived in, 3 children and a million more stories and memories to boot, I couldn't imagine going down this road of  life with anybody else.  

From honeymoon to 15 years; Cheers to many more!

 

Life Moves Pretty Fast

 Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. - Ferris Bueller

 

In the blink of an eye, our three little babies are in elementary school! But before we get into that, let's see how we celebrated our summer break before the daily grind of school started! Boating, beaches, baseball, birthday, and barbecues can sum up our experiences in a nutshell. 
 

We kicked off the summer with baseball and a trip to Six Flags.  I have vivid memories of going to Great America in IL when I was a kid.  Arm in arm with my girlfriends, dressed in our matching umbros, we spent all day riding our favorite rides.  How fun that there is a Six Flags in driving distance to our home in MO.  We got to spend our first experience here with friends who are old pros.  How can one not have fun trudging through a park in wet clothes with the stench of ketchup and BO all around you.  We all can't wait to go back!

Everyone knows I was ecstatic when the Cubs won the World Series last year, but I think I was even happier when Connor and his baseball team won first place this summer.  He worked hard all season and was always there to cheer on his team and make them laugh.  Way to go Orange Crush! 

Our little firecracker is not little anymore.  A Guardians of the Galaxy theme complete with fireworks ushered Bennett in to the world of a 5 year old.  Fast cars, friends, and fiery pooping dogs made this birthday a success. 

 
 
Boats and beaches rounded out our Summer vacation.  We spent time at Lake Geneva and lived at the Lake Ozarks for the better part of July.

We added a boat to our lake experience this year.  We cruised, tubed, anchored, and ate our way around the lake.  The kids learned boating skills and also managed to become dare devils out in the water.

 

Time for school.  All three kids started at a new school this year with Bennett entering the Elementary education game.  He was excited to shop for school supplies this year, but I'm sure the thrill will have worn off by the time we have to do it again next year.  They toured their school, met their teachers and got ready for their big first day!   

 

 
This was a pivotal year for Mom as well.  She needed to figure out what to do with all 3 of her beautiful kids in school.  You can't help feeling a little sad to close that chapter of them staying at home, but one learns quickly how exciting the new chapter can be too:)

 

In all seriousness, though, or as much as one can be who quotes Ferris Bueller, life moves rather fast. And just like the eclipse, if you don't stop and relish and be present in the moments, you could miss something wonderful and memorable!