In the morning...

A couple mornings ago, I was looking for Emma to hurry her a long to get ready for school.

I found her in Joseph's room reading to him.

She has been loving to read to her little brother and HE is loving it as well. 

Even though she was running late for school, I couldn't hurry this one along. I had to capture it in a picture. I love them so much.

Emma has been such a great help to me as of recently. I know sometimes it's a little much for her to have the responsibilities she has as being the oldest but I am grateful for her each day.
I'm grateful for each of our children and the love and laughter they bring to our family. I love how different each and every one of them are.

Raspberry Picking...

Every year at Raspberry season, my family has a tradition that started way back in 2008 to pick at a Raspberry Patch in Payson.

They came extra early this year and so we made a last minute trip out there and got our pickin' on.

 Joseph was really only interested in rocks, dirt, and picking raspberries out of my bucket to eat. :)

Emma working hard.

 Thomas and Daddy very focused.

 Once again, Joseph playing in the dirt.

We got a good amount to start with for the season. We had to get out of there quick before the storm came rolling in on us. 

We got dinner at Cracker Barrel afterward. Good times are had. :)

Meet the teacher and Back to School feast 2014

 I have had a very hard time with school starting this year. I've been dreading the count down. 

I think part of it is because of my exhaustion I've had this summer due to pregnancy. I haven't been able to do as much as I wanted to. I tried and did what I could but still....

I have loved being with them all summer and as crazy as I got on some days, I'll truly miss being with them all day. 

Thomas' Preschool teacher, Mrs. Ridge and Emma with 2nd grade teacher, Miss Connell.

Emma is starting 2nd grade and I was barely ready for her to start 1st grade and now that's gone. :) They grow up so fast, don't they? But she is very much looking forward to it. Especially after meeting her teacher, Miss Connell last week and learning about some friends who will be in her class. I pray so hard that she'll have a great school.

Thomas starts his second year of Preschool at Learning Dynamics and it will be wonderful. He is really excited to learn to read and have fun. We met his teacher Mrs. Ridge today and she is delightful.

 Tonight, we had our annual Back to School feast. I haven't felt very good and so we got take out from Noodles and Company and had some Martinelli bubbly. :) The kids were very much happy with the choice of food for our feast so I count it successful. :)

They received their handmade crown and little school supply gifts. Thomas got some markers and crayons and Emma got some pretend money so we can practice counting money.

 Derek prepared a great lesson on our family theme for the school year,
"Be strong and of a good courage..."  Deut 31:6

We talked about the story of Abinadi and King Noah and the courage Abinadi had, to risk his life to stand for truth.

We brought up different life scenarios that the children may face in school, bus, and in life that can relate to having courage and being strong. I hope it sticks. :)

 Then we put on a modeling show. The kids showed an outfit they will wear for first day of school.

 Then saving the best for last; the father's blessing given to each child, even Joseph. 

Words of hope and encouragement for our little ones as they face things in this world and to always remember who they truly are.

 Joseph insisted on receiving a blessing too. So sweet.

It was a good night. Let's hope and pray for a great school year for our family. :)