Summertime

Summer 2015 from Tysha on Vimeo.

Last year, I made a little video at the end of the summer - and it was so fun, I did it again! I think it is now going to be a summer tradition! I simply take little snippets of video on my phone (when I remember ;) and at summers end, I put them all together. It's fun to see how a few seconds here and there add all up and then - abracadabra! - we have a short little 5 minute video that captured some of the fun memories we made. SO fun! The kids and I spent the afternoon uploading the clips to iMovie and then put them together and added some Bela Fleck and called it good! We had a fun fun summer exploring, adventuring, swimming - and simply just being together. Though our weather is still in the triple digits and the neighborhood pool is open until Halloween, I suppose summer has come to a close now that school is back in session. So...until next year - enjoy!

Hudson at 10 months

Today we have been loving on this boy for 10 months! He can stand on his own for a few seconds, and cruises around the house, taking steps here and there. He loves climbing the stairs, and we're teaching him how to go down them on his tummy. He is a busy boy, but will always stop for cuddles. He adores his big brother and sisters...and bath time! He also adores being pushed on the swings! He's turned so brown this summer and has sun-streaked hair like a little surfer boy, and tan lines between all of his deliciously chubby rolls. He loves blueberries, spaghetti, and steamed broccoli. He loves his stacking toy, and wooden blocks. He's got pretty amazing coordination and loves to build towers...and knock them down. He drums on everything and enjoys music. And when he says "mama", it's like music to my heart. He's such a fun guy to have around - couldn't imagine life without him here. We're continually grateful for the joy he brings to our family and everyone he meets. I can't believe it's time to start thinking about what kind of cake he might like for his birthday!

life lately // august

Triple digits. So hot that it's almost too hot to do anything besides go to the pool - and it's almost even too hot for the pool unless you go early or late in the day. Yes, this is the time of year that is like the middle of winter for most people - just the opposite extreme. I start to get a bit of cabin fever, honestly. We do our best to stay cool and get outside as often as we can. We eat lots of popsicles. We drink lots of water. We live on watermelon and smoothies. And we also do our back-to-school preparations, and get ready to say farewell to another wonderful summer, for the books.

1. my little sous chef
2. swimming at the blue hole 
3. first time at a real barber shop
4. handsome new haircut...and lollipops, always
5. shop til you drop
6. pool life (part 1)
7. pool life (part 2)
8. sweetest lil mama around
9. exploring mckinney falls at sunset
10. family night adventuring
11. water baby
12. we officially take up all the swings at the playground
13. love the huge gnarly oak trees in texas
14. bones
15. on the lookout for turtles and dragonflies
16. my happy = outside, with a baby on my hip
17. dino pit
18. angel baby
19. a little excited for school
20. back to school feast
21. little prince and princess
22. when she realizes she gets mama to herself while the big kids are at school and the baby naps

First day of School 2015

This morning was Aspen's long-awaited first day of kindergarten, and Sawyer's first day of first grade. I have surprised myself - so far, I haven't cried dropping off my kindergarteners! I get a little teary thinking too much about it, or when we first walk in and they leave us for orientation - but the morning of, they have been simply so happy and excited about the big day - how can I cry? I just smile, and my heart is so happy for them, excited that they're excited, grateful for the wonderful neighborhood school they attend, and for the zest and love for learning. I love these two so very much, and it is a joy and a pleasure watching them learn and grow! We had a wonderful summer together, but now on to new adventures! I tried to catch a few moments as they were getting ready this morning. It was fun to see them goofing off together - and then, as if on cue, they decided to hold hands as we walked to school. Sawyer held the door open for Aspen - and insisted we take her to her classroom first, because "ladies first" - he is a sweet little gentleman. These two are seriously best friends. They are so lucky to have each other, and to be so close. I hope their sweet relationship continues to bloom and grow throughout their lives. I am just so grateful to be their mama and to watch them shine, as they share their spark and spunk with those around them. What a treasure, and what a gift they are to our family, our community, and our world! Off they go! May it be a wonderful school year for them both!

Family Theme // Have Courage & Be Kind

This afternoon, we unveiled our family theme for the upcoming 2015-16 school year (inspired by Cinderella, herself ;) -- "Have Courage & Be Kind". We had our now-traditional back-to-school feast, talked a bit about our theme, talked about all things exciting, and even gave our little scholars a back-to-school gift (to share), something fun they could do when they got home from school - a spirograph. Anyone else have one as a kid? I thought they were so fun, and as our kids spend hours a day drawing and such, I thought they'd enjoy it. After we enjoyed some chocolate cake and ice cream, and got them all fresh and clean and in pjs, they each received a special Father's Blessing from Jacob. Hazel even requested one, she is such a sweetheart. And then, we read little notes that their new teachers had sent home - and sprinkled some magic glitter under their pillows, as their teachers had sent some to help with any jitters and to get a good night's rest before the big first day. The night before school traditions we are establishing in our family are something quite special, something we all look forward to as we embark on another year of both formal and informal learning, of studying at home, outdoors, and in the school setting. 

We will continue to revisit our theme throughout the year during our family nights. There are always occasions in which we will each need to draw up our courage, and their are always opportunities to be kind to others, as well as our selves. This evening, as we placed crowns on our children's heads, I couldn't help but think of the great worth of their souls - not only in the eyes of their adoring earthly parents, but in the eyes of their Heavenly Parents as well. What a great gift and great responsibility it is to be their earthly parents, guides, and stewards. Also, their teachers. Cheers to a wonderful year ahead!