Back to School ...

And we're back. 

Back into our school routine ( although homework hasn't started yet - yay!!) 

We had our annual Back to School Feast which is becoming a fun tradition I like to do with the kids. 

Our theme for this year is " I can do hard things." 

Hard as in school work or hard as in doing the right thing even when its not easy. 

B was put to the test the second day of school and I have to brag she did amazing and is making us so proud. She really is coming into her own and watching her grow into this little 7 year old lady is so fun. I think Im gonna love age 7. 

Something new this year is we decided to homeschool Boden and Brooklyn. 

Our reasoning wasn't that Im trying to be super Mom or get an award for doing it all. 

It simply came down to what would work best for our entire family this year. 

2 kids in a good preschool is expensive and after having one child in school I realized once they start K it goes so fast and they are gone A LOT. 

I wanted to savor this year with both Boden and Maye at home together before next Fall when Bo starts K. They are super close and I know Maye is going to miss him so much next Fall. 

So far things have been going smooth. The kids are excited and cooperative. 

Im enjoying the flexability we have which I think will be nice once the baby comes too.  

Kindness Matters.

 With Summer coming to a close,  I have to admit the ending of this season left me feeling defeated. 

This Summer wasn't an easy one.

 It was difficult for a lot of reasons and of course it could always be worse but, overall I just felt let down in how our Summer played out and was left questioning my parenting. 

I felt all Summer all I did was correct, discipline, yell, and take away privileges. 

Still the kids were giving me a run for my money. 

This last week though, I got the boost I needed from some unexpected places. 

A few acquaintances and strangers randomly over the course of the week complemented the kids and their behavior. 

A stranger in line behind us, a family friend, and a older gentleman. 

Parenting is tough. 

Many times you don't see the results of the hard work and sleepless nights for months or even years. 

These small but so important acts of kindness came at an exact moment for me transiting into this next season. 

My goal for myself is to do the same going forward.

Many times in Target I have seen a new mom walking the isles with a crying newborn and keeping her cool. I have thought " She's got this." Instead of keeping these comments to myself my goal is outwardly encourage and praise people when I see them doing a great job. 

If its my own family, kids, or strangers I think these small comments of encouragement and kindness can go a long way. 

We started school Wednesday so Ill have a post up about that and our back to school feast!