August...

August has come and gone and we've been drawn back into some semblance of normalcy. The boys have started back to school (three days a week this year), and I've returned to work one night a week. I must confess that, as much as I dislike routine, it does feel good to have a little predictability in our lives. This summer was a whirlwind of experiences, from the highest of high to the lowest of low. Right now I feel as if life has settled in a comfortable place, somewhere right in the middle. Though not a place of unbridled happiness, we are in a place of deep contentment for what we have been given. These three children bring me so much joy and laughter. The things that they say and do have me in stitches every day. Someone suggested that I start writing things down. Their words are just too good not to be documented. They remind me of God's constant provision and grace. I am so blessed to be their mommy....

As I mentioned, the boys have started back to school. Brody is in the three year old class and Brax is in Pre-K. They both LOVE school this year and have the most amazing teachers. Unfortunately, it was quite humid the first day of school and my lens kept fogging up!

Here is Brody with his sweet teacher, Miss Dele. She loves him dearly and he returns the sentiment.

And, as luck (and lack of preparation) would have it, my camera battery died just prior to getting a picture of Brax with Miss Amanda. We could not be more grateful to have our boys at this school. They are so covered in love and prayer every day. The teachers are like family to us. I can't imagine my children being anywhere else.

(On a side note, Brody gave up his paci the night before school started. He asked me to cut it and throw it in the trash. We had about ten minutes of crying that night, but he has done great. He hardly asks for it anymore. To me it is just one more thing that makes my little boy seem so much bigger :(.

The middle of August brought the annual Williamson County Fair. The boys always love riding the rides and playing in the little farm. This year was no exception. We had a great (albeit very hot) time!

And we rounded out the month with a little trip to the lake with the Allens. They are so sweet to invite us to come play with their 'toys' and eat their food at least once every summer. The boys LOVED it this year, jumping off of the dock, swimming in the water, and riding the jet skis.... Here is Brax, playing with Caden on the 'slide.'

And Brody, helping Mr. Allen drive the pontoon boat...

Mimi and Caden, Josh and Brody on the jet ski...

My big boy!! I can't believe that he's almost five~

Flipping!!!

Sweet Little E was so good, just riding around on the boat and sleeping. She loved Mrs. Allen!

Brax and Ella with their red hair and Brody and Avery with their blond curls.

Show my your muscles, Brody!!!

Daddy with Ever...

Love this pic of my three guys on the lake!! Such 'cool dudes' as Brody would say!

And me with my little buddy, Bro. We're getting ready to go tubin'! Both he and Brax loved it. Maybe next year they'll try to ski :)

Stay tuned for more posts. Brax will be turning five next week. It so hard to believe that my little 5lb 1/2 oz baby can be so big already!! We're looking forward to some cooler weather, football season and (maybe) a little camping!