Not much..

Not much to say. Life has been pretty usual I guess. Jim has started band camp and the kids and I are gearing up for a new school year. We plan to start this week. This should be interesting because Grace now has curriculum and some of Blake's is computer based. I know it will be a juggling act.

Had our living room painted the other day. It looks really good. I really want to repaint the whole house, but it will have to wait. So many house projects. {Sigh.}

Hope everyone is having a great summer and gearing up for another school year.

Sweet Words...

This week the children from our church have been gone to children's camp. This led to a discussion with Blake, on the way home Wednesday night, about how he would be old enough next year. He was pumped for about 5 minutes. Then he decided he wasn't going. I was like "What!" I knew he had been looking forward to it since kindergarten. So I asked why. His reply, "Because I'll miss you." Aww! I was almost brought to tears. This was extra meaningful because Blake has recently begun his shift to Daddy. I know that he's coming to that age where Daddy is more important to him than momma, but it's still not an easy transition on this momma's heart. Those words were golden and will forever be cherished by me.

On a lighter note, I can't remember if I shared a funny Samuel story so I will share it now. When Samuel came home we would tote him around all the time. Well we found out he could hang on without us even holding him, so it earned him the nickname "Monkey". After a while he got tired of it and would plainly state "No, only Samuel." So the other day he wanted something, but he couldn't have it. He kinda pouted and I said "Sorry Charlie." He looked straight back at me and said "I'm not Charlie. I'm Samuel." Too cute. Love the little things they say.

A quick Grace story. We are spending the weekend at my in-laws and Grace has taken it upon herself to bring her Bible and some verses from the Rome VBS and share them with Mama Kiki. She got out her Bible to read this morning. I pray that these children can change the heart of this devout Buddhist.

Prayers...

I don't normally have links and ask that you read someone else's blog, but today is different. I pray that you click the link below to Linn's blog and read.

http://www.aplacecalledsimplicity.blogspot.com

School Excitement!!!

It is so nice to have nerdy kids! My kiddos can't wait until school starts. Grace has asked me on several occasions how many days until she starts first grade. She is so excited by the idea of workbooks and all the work she will have to do. Let's just hope I can keep that excitement going. Blake is excited that he no longer has phonics. It doesn't seem to bother him that we are adding Science, Social Studies and Bible.

Sam, well he's just excited to have a desk. This year Blake out grew his desk and the little table that we use in the school room. So yesterday we went to Wal-Mart and got their little parson's desk. Nothing fancy just a flat surface for him to work. Well, that meant that Samuel got his old desk. That thrilled Sam to no end. As soon as we got it situated he wanted to get his school work. I told him let's stick to coloring right now.

I too enjoy preparing for another school year. Buying new supplies and books. Organizing our day and mapping out our year. Let's just hope I can mantain my enthusiasm as well. We do plan on starting school when Jim starts pre-planning so it won't be long.

My Eager Beaver

In other news, I have serious home project fever. I recently started chipping paint off of our living room wall in anticipation of the painter. Well, I also sanded the bottom coat just little to reveal the heart of pine walls. Now I can't decide if I want to repaint or strip it all. Most likely repaint for now because it is cheaper.

Yesterday Jim had to remove the boys sink to look at how he was going to mount it back. (The guy who "re-modeled" our house did a shoddy job.) Anyway, when he did he showed me that "the floors'" are still under there. I wanted to go right then and get a sledge hammer to break up the tile. However, I am not sure how heart of pine would do in a bathroom. Anyone have any experience or advice? Jim had to stop me and remind me that we need to tackle one project at the time. He said this because while he was gone I "found" that our bedroom also still has "the floors" under the carpet. I almost started ripping right then. I would LOVE to refinish the floors in both mine and the boys' room. Add this to the fact we are going to have to redo the school room floor and perhaps the kitchen still has "the floor" under it, I need a really good but inexpensive floor guy. Any ideas? I mean how hard is it? Could I do it?

If anyone knows a good construction guy looking for work send him my way. I have several projects I could put him on=)

Paying tribute...

I'm not good at links, but I want you to click on the link below. It is a video paying tribute to a fallen soldier. My husband had the honor to play taps as his fellow soldier was laid to rest. He said it was one of the saddest funerals.

Please remember our military as we have lost 6 Georgia Guardsmen in just the last month.

http://blip.tv/play/AYGJ5h6YgmE

Happy 4th

Sorry, no pics. I was too busy ooohhhing and aaahhhing to take pics.
Happy 4th to all. I am proud to say my hubby has served in active duty and is still serving in the reserve. He is truly my hero.
Today, the oldest two were off with Granny so Sam and I hung around the house until after lunch. Then we decided to go over and help the English crew do some unpacking. After a couple of hours we came home to prepare for dinner and fireworks.
Every fouth my uncle and cousin put on a fabulous display at our clubhouse. So we loaded up and went out there for dinner and then the show. People from all over come out to see it. This year's show was 45 min. long and they added music with it. The display was great! The kids have a great time because all the people from around come out and the kids get to play together in the field. It's nice to have the fellowship and fun without crowds.
I hope everyone else had a great 4th!