more & more candles

"The years tell what the days are doing."  Love this quote from J.Douglass.  September is a month of milestones for our family....100, 7, 11, 41.  My wonderful grandma was surprised with so many birthday cards.  Way over 100 cards, maybe 150?  I'm not sure of the final count.  I'm so thankful for her steady influence on my life.  I feel like I've blinked a few times & the boys have gone from being babies to being half grown.  I love them both so much.  The boys enjoyed spoiling me on my birthday.  A few more gray hairs & glasses too, but that's okay!  Russell was able to work from home some this month instead of going to Dallas every week.  I'm glad he didn't miss the celebrations.

And remembering my sweet friend & sister-in-law.  She would have been 38 in September.  I cherish memories with her and will never forget her gentle spirit.  What a privilege to be married into the same family.

1st and 5th grades

Summer ended with a special treat...Rachel J spent the evening & night with us.  I remember what Benjamin told me once "our house feels very safe when the workers are with us.".  I marvel at the children's insight & perception.  So true, we love what they bring into our home.  What we share with them is so little compared to what they share with us.   For this we are so thankful.

 Trying so hard to give me one last smile before I leave the classroom.  Yes, my shoulder was wet from his little tears.

A quick snapshot of the 3 of us.  Russell had already headed back to Dallas.

the sweetness of summer

Summer is ending...the sweetness lingers as we remember some fun times and special memories.  I've loved our quiet mornings and relaxed pace.  That will soon change.  The boys played in our neighborhood basketball league.  They did amazing.  The 4-5th grade teams are very good.  It was never Russell's intention to coach, however there were not enough coaches.  Their team had no one.  With the help of several Dads, they worked really hard and ended the 6 week season with 3 wins, 3 losses.  In the playoffs, they won kept winning their brackets...3 games back to back.  No wonder they were tired for the championship game.  It was so, so fun watching them play together as a team.  Proud of each one of them!

 After their last game (minus 4 players)

 In Trevin's league they are just learning basketball.  It was great to see improvement.  No scores were kept at the games, but Benjamin kept track of points & updated Trevin on all their wins.  :)

 Our last visit with our wonderful sister workers.

 Andy's frozen custard....great taste, cold, refreshing, but too sweet for me!

A quick trip to Houston to hang out with these great friend.  We even got to help Mr. Paul set up for gospel meeting.  

Random pictures

Things that make me smile:  huckleberry shakes, family trips, fireworks, & my wonderful husband