overrated.

i say the first day of school is way overrated.
too much pressure.
i say we just skip right to the second day of school.




















today jack drew a story.
this ones a keeper.
this is an octopus
who has a teddy bear [down in the right hand corner]
who has a bed that fits him perfectly
and he likes to watch the stars
in his bedroom
when he falls asleep.

i share this not with the notion that my son is a genius [even though i think he's pretty close].
i share it with a heart that is so full of love
for every single
moment
i get to spend
with these kids.
yesterday was simply awful [not going to hide that one].
and because of today.
a new day.
i know that the Lord has mercy and grace beyond
anything i can possibly imagine.
He loves me like i love this boy.
He loves me like i love these kids.
and if i take the time and sit with Him and listen [like i did with my boy]
He really will tell me the story.
my story.

and i know that my story never has to have another first day of school ever ever again.
big smile.

happy second day of school.
alicia

what does 13 look like?

she is officially 13.
but when we did this photo shoot she was not.
love the sign that we found.
had a moment on friday.
her actual birthday.
kind of like the moment i had when she rode her bike for the first time.
and
kind of like the moment i know i will have when she goes to college.
i am feeling that tug on my heart.
that little tap on my shoulder
telling me
that time keeps moving
and
she
will not
be with us forever.
taking advantage of every moment i have with her.
a blessing to this house.
to this family.
thanking the Lord so much for every moment
the good and the not so good
everything
has lead me to this moment
loving her as she is
with all my heart.

happy sunday.
alicia