My Family

Certain recent events (both personal and in the news) have reinforced in me to be thankful for what I have. I definitely have been, but it is so easy to become complacent and discontent. But one thing that has never changed is the love and appreciation I have for my family. They are the constants in this crazy world, and the ones who always are there for me, even when, selfishly, I have not been. Or at least it feels as if I have not been. I know at times I am caught up in my own emotions and feelings, and can tend to brush off those who mean the most to me, and the ones whom I would never regularly pass over.
This week I have been just going through the motions of life when I received a ping on my phone yesterday. "I love you," it read. Sometimes that is all it takes...I love you.

These beautiful pictures were taken by Creative Photography By Amanda.

Academic Night

We attended the kids' school's Academic Night a few weeks ago. Most of the primary school's (minus kindergarten) classrooms had a topic or theme. There was ELA activities, STEM, art, etc. You name it. So much Science which made me very happy. Christian has decided to make STEM his focus this year and is getting very excited about activities and assignments that will be assigned later in the year.

There was also a bounce house where Elias spent a lot of his time (LOL), but Christian, along with one of his best friend went to nearly every room to learn and do the assigned activities...which made for a very happy Mama. :) I couldn't keep that kid at one place for long! He would finish whatever he was supposed to do or learn, and he and his friend would race across to another room. The longest he spent at one room was the Candy Corn math, where he and his friend had math races, supervised by their teacher. She really put them to work!

Anyway, below are some pictures of this night. Enjoy! :)

Minnie's Food Pantry

I want to talk about an organization that is doing amazing things. I was privileged to be able to serve at Minnie's Food Pantry today through my job, and I am SO glad that I did. They are almost non-government funded and all food, and clothing donations (in addition to everything else) comes straight from volunteers and grocery stores wishing to contribute healthy foods. It's really amazing. Especially when you get to see and meet the people you are serving. Look at them. Converse with them. Put a face and a name with a cause.

I have been hungry before. And, there was a point in my life that I could have been homeless as well, if I hadn't had family. Some people don't have that luxury. Yes, family is a luxury. NOT being hungry is a luxury. Hunger is all consuming. Its all you can think about and worry about where your next meal is coming from. It affects your physical and mental well being.

We all hear about the homeless. We all see them. We see the billboards, we hear the news. But it means nothing if we aren't actually doing anything about it. Even a small contribution is a huge help. One of the quotes that is literally everywhere around Minnie's Pantry comes from Mother Teresa; "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." It REALLY does make a difference.

Check them out here!

Summer Days

This summer seemed to fly by! It was glorious, though. So many good times and memories. However, I was THAT mom and made sure the boys kept up with their summer bridge work and reading. Much to their dismay, ha. But, I think frequent visits to the pool made up for that. And Christian's fiesta birthday party...vacation to the beach and Austin, and general relaxation. Aaaand...I may or may not have allowed the boys to get their start in graffiti. Oops. :)
My ode to summer 2018 below in pictures. :) Happy Wednesday!