Blessed

Do you ever sit back and realize just how lucky you really are?

I don't very often...but I should. I have a great life, really.

I have a wonderful husband who takes me out to eat whenever I don't feel like cooking, who encourages me daily, and who keeps me up to date on all the political stuff that I never would keep up with myself. I have a beautiful thirteen year old who still tells me about her day, kisses me goodnight before she goes to bed, and listens to me when I talk to her. Not to mention the little three year old cutie that brightens my day with her sweet sayings, snuggles with me for bedtime stories, and begs to spend time with me. Seriously, could I be more blessed???

My Hero

Today is my Grandma Hillman's birthday. She is celebrating it in Heaven as she has for the past few years. But as her birthday neared this year, I found myself thinking more and more about her.

In my second grade classroom, we have a star student each week and one of the items on a poster that the students share with the class is their "hero." Well, I made a sample poster to start the school year off. When I got to the part about my hero, it didn't take me long to know who to put...Grandma was so patient. She never complained. She was forgiving. She was giving. She was loving. She had a gentle spirit that never made you feel wrong. She was everything I wish I could be. She was exactly what Jesus wanted her to be. I know for a lot of people "hero" would mean someone who risks their life or someone well-known or famous, but for me it means the person who didn't do things for selfish reasons. It means the grandma who made time for me very summer. It means having a refrigerator and freezer filled with every kind of special treat in a town that didn't even have a grocery store. It means asking blessings before every meal and never letting anyone leave the table hungry. For me a hero is the person that modeled Christ to me. It's the person who was so strong after losing her husband and after moving into a retirement home.
I know any one in our family reading this has a list of their own about the love that Grandma showed to them. She made everyone feel so very special.

Grandma, I love you!!! I can't wait for our reunion in Heaven!

Rockstar Soccer Girl

So, soccer may not exactly be Legi's thing!!! But she does enjoy getting out there. I say anything that promotes team spirit is a good thing, so what if her favorite part about the game is the snack time after? :-)

Now this is more up Allegiance's alley...dancing around in her "twirly" skirt. She is definitely ALL girl!

Recognize this story???

Score for Mom!

Last night was Hannah's Open House. It is crazy to think that she is taking classes this year that will count for high school credit. Even crazier that the teachers last night were talking about the "track" she is on and that she will be able to earn college credit in high school!!! She is growing into such a beautiful young woman, and we are so proud of her, but I am not sure I am okay with it happening so fast!!!

So, about last night. I was tired and a little punchy...we had a quick supper, then Han and I went to Open House and Rich and Legi went to the first soccer meeting. We had to get to Hannah's school by 6 p.m. for parking and we didn't get home until 8 p.m. After working all day, that made for one tired little family.

Anyway, in one of Hannah's classes, the teacher kept looking directly at me. I leaned over and told Hannah that the teacher kept looking at me and was probably thinking to herself that there was no way that I had a 13 year old daughter, I looked WAY to young. Of course, I really figured she was looking at me because my hair was super windblown or I had a piece of supper stuck on my face.

Well, today in Hannah's class, the teacher asked Hannah if I was her real mom! Ha! Okay, it could have nothing to do with age and more to do with the fact that Hannah and I don't really have a lot of the same features. But, hey, I'm going to say that it's because I look so young!!!

Allegiance

Allegiance is growing up so quickly. I hate that we are not around family, so I will do my best to keep you guys informed about her and the rest of my little family ince I guess many of you read my blog (even though I only have ONE friend that ever leaves comments!)

This is Legi with her friend Julianna (JuJu) from her babysitter's. JuJu is Ms. Carmie's little girl. Allegiance loves getting a chance to act as a big sis to this precious 2 year old. They have lots of fun together.

And here is Legi painting. She is quite the little artist!