wrapping up this week!

a birthday dinner for the birthday boy.  

he was so sad to leave the house that i told him he could bring his legos with!  he spent the evening doing his legos!!!

just saying cheese!

our view on wednesday morning!

this kid.  it was too bright, and he "needed" sunglasses!

sweet james and his new lego.  that he built by himself.  even though the box says "8-14 yrs old"

career day at school.  he was a detective.  

at the parade.  

up on stage!

just chilling with daddy!

this transition to 4 has been fun.  and so helpful that alyssa has been here!  the other day it dawned on me, however, that i don't get to redo this time.  i won't come back to this time when it's less busy.  or i am a better mother/housekeeper/friend.  this is it.  (i know- not a huge surprise… that's life, right!  and i also know, i am not even guaranteed tomorrow… but for whatever reason, this was a revelation to me!)

for years, i have talked somewhat on here (and in real life) about wanting to be more intentional.  and in some regards, i am making small improvements.  this year, for example, instead of overcommitting myself, like i can do, i chose to be involved in what i felt called to do, and what i wanted to do.  i said no to things (good things) that just didn't work for this time of my life.  

but there are so many areas where i could be better, still!  (that's also part of life, right?)  i am working to be aware of those areas and make better choices.  

and something that has come up quite a few times this week, since last weeks' sermon at church, is whose approval i am seeking?  i went to james' class for career day, and felt like i was so not cool.  and was kinda bumming about it as i drove home.  and then remembered WHY i went there.  because james wanted me to.  he said i was the coolest and he was so glad i was there!  and changed my whole perspective on it.  

the same goes for my four kids.  sometimes i feel like we are a crazy whirlwind and people wonder why i have four kids, or just think i can't handle it.  but i can, and i am.  and it doesn't really matter what they think.  the important thing is between God and me.  and God and my kids.  and we are going to be messy and crazy.  (come on- i have THREE BOYS!)  but i don't want little robots.  i LOVE my kids.