May Shenanigans..

This photo might capture how we all felt as May came to an end...soaked up every second and didn't leave anything on the table!

In May, Millie sang at chapel for school again (so fun to listen to her) and then was recognized for the character trait FAITH.  Wow, blow away by Millie and how much she has grown this year.

Just more time outside as the sun started to come up earlier...and so the Ford and Mom morning walks resumed!

Share Chapel for Leighton and 1st grade!

And an end of a chapter...Millie sat her for 2.5 years while she learned more than how to play songs, but was mentored by an amazing woman.  We look forward to Millie's continued love of piano to grow and she even has an audition to serve at church this summer. 

And yes...the new keys are now home.


1st grade field trip chaperone...check.

I've officially completed that stage of life...and it is bittersweet.  Grateful for a fun day at the zoo with Leighton and friends.

Going on 11 years of school together and I still see the 2 little boys on the left.

It had been 4 years since their "big kid bikes" so they got "BIG KID BIKES" for summer!

Happy 3rd Birthday Ford. You bring so much life to this crew.

That one time when Griffin decided to try drama...again!

He was Mr. Ohare and really nailed his part as the greedy corporate monster of a man.

Life is worth taking risks...and open containers are about as risky as we are these days.

Late night events...to discuss generosity, yes please!

A "mother's day" weekend away....it had been months since the family was able to get away together to the cabin so mother's day weekend seemed like the perfect getaway. 

Mother Nature even gave us blue skies and a beautiful day on the lake.

Ramblings on being their MOM:

Proof of MOM from a year that continues to challenge me but I’m able to reflect and count my blessings for the strength that has come and grown me in ways I never thought possible.

A friend recently shared to replace “LOVE” with my name to show how great God’s love is for me. As a mom, I can confirm that this is how I try to love each day. To draw from the fruits of the spirt and grow each and everyday. While relationships can be challenging, may my children always know that I LOVE THEM MORE!

MOM is patient, MOM is kind. MOM does not envy, MOM does not boast, MOM is not proud. MOM does not dishonor others, MOM is not self-seeking, MOM is not easily angered, MOM keeps no record of wrongs. MOM does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. MOM always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. MOM’S LOVE never fails.

It’s in the little moments….not the BIG where I sit and stare at how blessed I am that I can and they can make all the mistakes and LOVE remains, that they can talk to me and I will not judge, that they can be silly and crazy and angry and mad and all the things and I will love them unconditionally FOREVER.

Being their mom is not a today thing it’s an always thing and I will never take it for granted.

I thank the Lord daily for blessing me with this amazing tribe.

His favorite spot...and maybe mine too!

Last track meet of the year...and lots of smiles and even a record or 2 that was set.

National Day of Prayer Chapel with NJHS running the show.

And the one who needed a little extra mom time...and she got it. Trying to be better about responding to the requests for more hugs, cuddles, painting, walks and holding my hand...

I don't know if they will stop, but I never want to miss the chance to hold her (and the other bigs) every chance I get.

I'm reminded, they will never be this young again...and this is their childhood.  The memories we make today, the patience and grace I show when life is hare, the forgiveness I ask for when I miss the mark will shape their little hearts more than anything else I could give them.

So I choose to give my time...today and forever.

May was almost wrapping up....with the Memorial Day weekend kick off to summer extravaganza!!!