*Mommy Brag*

So the kids are back in school and things are going very well. Our oldest, J, has a FULL class load! In 10th grade he's already doing college prep work and hopefully he'll be setting himself up for some scholarships! He's a smart young man, and headed in the right direction!! We've had some unexpected bumps along the way, but he's definitely back on track now!! We are very proud of all his hard work and strong determination.

Our youngest, B, is settling in to 2nd grade and making new friends. Unfortunately none of his classmates from last year are in his class this year, but he does know some of his classmates from around the school so he wasn't completely "new". B is a wonderful, friendly, outgoing child with a heart of gold. He showed it again this morning while we were getting ready for school. I was packing his snack and he told me about a classmate who didn't have a snack the first day. He asked her if she forgot it but she didn't answer him. He said, "I thought she was just shy." On the second day of school she didn't have snack again. When they went to wash their hands she told him that she was hungry. He asked if she brought a snack today. She said no, her mother didn't have any. He told me that he felt so sad and that he had shared his snack with her. While they were talking over snacks, she told him that her mother didn't have any money to buy snacks. My heart broke. So as I was packing his snack this morning he asked me to pack extra for her, so he could share again. :o) He is just the sweetest, kindest child I have ever met. He loves and cares about people in the most amazing, unassuming ways.

We did pack extra snack today, another bag of Cheese Nips and another juice box. The smile on his face was amazing, just knowing that he was caring for someone else, and he was so happy to do it. God has truly blessed us in SO many ways, and we are so lucky to be able to share our blessings with the world. I've said it many times, but I wouldn't be at ALL surprised if B grew up to be a pastor. Our kids are our biggest blessings, and they continue to pass it on. That's the best gift of all.

It's Time!

Yep! It's that time again... back to school! New uniforms, socks, shoes, even underwear! These kids have outgrown it all! Add to that the supplies that are "required" to stock not only their own desks and backpacks, but also the entire classroom, and we are well into the hundreds!

I now have one in 2nd grade and one in 10th. It's amazing how fast time goes by, and how soon my oldest will be in college!! COLLEGE!? We've been talking about schools, his plans for the future, career paths and such. Each time, his younger brother gets teary-eyed at the thought of his best buddy leaving home without him, so now we've had to start discussing it privately.

Our oldest ended last year on the Honor Roll and I have no doubt this year will be the same. :o) Had there been an Honor Roll for 1st grade I know our youngest would have been on it. He reads well above his grade level and is as smart as a whip! They are both extremely smart young men, although the oldest forgets to apply himself from time to time. I've been told that comes with being a teenager. ;o)

Like most parents, I'm full of hope and high expectations for the year to come. I've really enjoyed having them home this summer and being able to spend more time with them. The ability to be a stay-at-home Mom is truly an amazing blessing! Don't get me wrong, I DO enjoy my peace and quiet!! But my kids are my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way!