What is Sweeter ...

...than a pink ballerina?

 

And, Of Course, This Day

13 years.  Oh, how I love my JB.

And This Day

Our little tiny contribution to our 9/11 remembrance. 

Today marks 12 years.  It's amazing to think that 12 years have passed.  But then I look at Jacob and say, yep, he's turning 12 soon.  I was six months' pregnant on that awful morning and I'll never forget it.  I have to admit, I don't turn on the television on days like this because those feelings of sadness and terror overcome me -- again -- and I find myself angry and sad and wiping tears streaming down my face.

But I also love the stories of heroism and bravery and selflessness that were displayed on that day and ever since then.  My kids asked me today if we knew anyone that died on 9/11 and thankfully I'm able to say no.  But my heart aches for those families, as if they were my own family.  The pilots.  The passengers.  The firefighters.  The moms and dads.  The military servicemen and women.  They are my family.  They are my people.  They were my fellow Americans, patriots, and they are a part of my circle, in a way. 

I smile when Jimmy calls the Pentagon the "Hexagon."  I love that boy.

And another picture of Christiana today, holding Scout, as we watched Fox and the Hound on DVD.

This Day

Seeing my little girlie pie head to preschool is definitely bittersweet.  She was so ready, though.  She went over the drill with me over and over again.  "So I stay at school and I say bye-bye to you and you say bye-bye to me, we kiss, and then you come back later.  Right???"  Absolutely zero anxiety, this girl has.  Which I am grateful for, I guess.

I did double-ponies in her hair today with a french-braid starter.  She looked so cute.  The outfit she had on before this one was so funny.  Pink t-shirt with red velour pants.  I helped her change and then she sat perfectly still getting her hair done.

I love my baby girl so much. 

Get to Class!

Good morning, students!

Jacob is entering 6th (middle school), and Jimmy will be in 3rd.  So glad they got some amazing teachers this year.  Everything aligned in my favor.  Ha ha

I was in a slump all day yesterday because I will miss the freedom of summer and being with my kids all day.  But at the same time, it's okay to get these dudes out the door and on their way to awesomeness.  I'll just miss them a lot.

 

 Yesterday, Jacob sat down for lunch and said, "I think I have the 13th Article of Faith memorized."  So he recited it perfectly and we were all amazed and thrilled.  He said that while he was mowing the neighbor's lawn, he just kept repeating it over and over again.

 Jimmy James.  What can I say about this darling boy.  He wanted to wear his sweat bands over his long-sleeved T-shirt.  I said, "Are you sure?"  He was sure!  Okay, then!

I love these boys so much.  I'm so glad they're friends.  I can't believe how fast they are growing up.  I love being their mom.  It's my favorite thing.

And I just want to add how proud I am of Jacob for earning money for a new bike this summer!  He mowed lawns and worked all summer.  Great job, Jacob.