Maeve's Dedication

We dedicated our sweet girl to the Lord today. Although we had already done this from the instant we knew she was on her way, this was our public confession to raise her in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Psalm 111 is the scripture our pastor chose to read over her:

1Praise the LORD. I will extol the LORD with all my heart

in the council of the upright and in the assembly.

2 Great are the works of the LORD;

they are pondered by all who delight in them.
3 Glorious and majestic are his deeds,

and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wonders to be remembered;

the LORD is gracious and compassionate.

5 He provides food for those who fear him;

he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works,

giving them the lands of other nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;

all his precepts are trustworthy.
8 They are steadfast for ever and ever,

done in faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He provided redemption for his people;

he ordained his covenant forever

—holy and awesome is his name.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;

all who follow his precepts have good understanding.

To him belongs eternal praise. We love you, Maeve, and thank God for the blessing of you!

Bulldog Babies

Cam and Maeve were all dressed in UGA fashion for the first time. (Looking so cute, I might add!) We will see a lot more of these colors in the coming weeks. Go Dawgs!

So Proud!

While I am usually posting something about being proud of my babies, this time it's about Tony! He was selected as Teacher of the Year at his school! While he's acting all humble about it, like he was shocked that he was selected, I am not. I'm telling everyone who cares to listen. I know how hard he works to make sure his classroom is a place where students are getting exactly what they need and more. He really does have a special way that he connects with those high schoolers. And while I've never seen him teach, I have seen the way his former students respond to him as they run in to him while we are out and about. I can tell that he's one of those teachers who leaves a lasting impact.

He was reflecting on this honor and noting how many capacities he has served students in his ten years of teaching: two schools, math, CTAE, coaching. Being the math nerd that he is, he said, "I've done alot in my teaching career. You know, this is 1/3 of my career so far." Gotta love him!

Tony, if you ever read this, you know you do really have a special gift. I am so proud of all you do. Teaching is just the tip of your iceberg! I love my TOTY!

Preschool Here I Come!

Backpack and freshly combed hair...he's ready!

What a BIG boy!

Returning home with his Crayon Crown

Monday was Cam's first day of three year old preschool. He's going on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday each week and has been so excited all summer about going three days. (Of course three is his favorite number these days!) Moo, Doo, and Maeve dropped him off in the carpool line and he jumped right out and headed to his new room. Nonna was there to see him too. Both Moo and Nonna said that him being so big almost made them want to cry. He's becoming so independent; he almost doesn't need us anymore. He was all smiles and commented to everyone who asked, "I had a great day!" What a difference a year makes! Here's to lots and lots of learning!

5 Months Old

Look at me sitting up in this beach chair! Where is my Cabana Boy?

I think I see something over there I want to try to get!

Holding on to my toes helps me sit up

I'm a little late posting these pictures. My little five month old has been busy tasting new foods. Rice cereal with bananas is still her favorite. On the last day of July, she got her first tooth and then almost a week later, the second one came in too. It does no good to put her on a pallet anymore because within minutes she's off of it, on a mission to get to something out of her reach. She's almost mastered sitting up but still has a few "timber" moments when she just falls right over. She loves to play "peek-a-boo" in her bed and laughs out loud when she catches a glimpse of me. I love my busy, busy baby girl!

Getting in to a Routine

Getting back into a working/school mode has been even harder than I imagined. I feel like I am running from the time my feet hit the floor till the time my head finally rests on the pillow. There were several times last week when I found my mind drifting into thoughts such as..."What can I do to still make money and but have more time at home with my babies?" It's not that I don't like teaching, it's just that it's VERY demanding from a physical, mental, and emotional standpoint. I think my body is in shock as it's had to go from not working at all to 10 and 12 hours of working each day.

I found myself trying to do a little bargaining with God..."Lord, I will do ______ and ______ and ________ (fill in the blanks with awesome works for His Kingdom) if you let us win the lottery so that I don't have to work." So far, I think He's telling me that His mission for me is right here in my current situation.

I pray for strength. Lord, help me be both a devoted mother and a jam-up teacher all rolled into one. Help me remember that you have the power to move mountains; therefore this little request is a simple one for You.