lions game

 this was sooo fun.  a Detroit Lions pre-season game in August, with all the hype and atmosphere and take away memories we hoped for!

good times!  grateful :)

grade one

 this boy of mine.  we adore him.  his insights, thoughts and reflections make us smile every single day.  somehow he is six and he's taken the significant leap to grade one.  he's crushing it.  working more, bemoaning the loss of his preschool and kindergarten days still, but moving ahead with a good attitude even as he processes the differences this new school year brings.  he loves his teacher, Mme Rosalie.  he loves the new friendships he's forming in his new class.  he loves playing soccer at recess.  he's practicing reading and he's picking up French so quickly.  a literal sponge. 

and for the first year ever he stepped onto the bus with no obvious nerves or hesitancy.  thankfully i still get the pre-board kiss and wave from the bus window.  i'm holding it close while it lasts.  

the French tooth fairy

 who knew?!  we had a French tooth fairy visit recently.  Cree was delighted.  

the child's teeth are moving "up and out" fast these days.  he is sure he'll catch her one day soon.  so far, some very close calls but no clear visual obtained yet :)

alrighty then

Cree, with one of our decently sharp (rare find) steak knives, announcing one Saturday morning that he was helping me out.  "i decided to feed Jessie for you!"

he actually nailed it.  as per the grin, he's guarded, yet proud and hoping he's not in trouble for taking the task upon himself.  dear boy is growing up.  

 

Layla's shower

 it was special and pretty.  generous and sweet.  

so grateful to celebrate Jack and Lay and their love and exciting future!

summer kid

Cree is at such a fun and cute age and stage, i kind of want to freeze time.  ❤

pretty and true

 this post contains a little pretty and lot of true.  some close up phone pics of some gorgeous wild flowers. back on my birthday my big kids gifted me a monthly flower subscription running through spring and summer.  it's been so enjoyable.  looking up really close at these vibrant bouquets i truly stand in awe of the Creator.  the magnificent colours and shapes and varieties are breathtaking and the delicate design is meticulous.  and that's just wild flowers.  

the other bit i read recently was a quote by Savannah Guthrie, from her book "Mostly What God Does"....she writes "God does not require us to ignore or gloss over the sorrows we experience or the unjustness we see but to believe past them.  believe that he is on the case, that his intentions toward us are good, that he is ever inclined toward forgiveness and reconciliation.  that the pains of this world are not his original plan and will not be how the story ends.  This is faith."  

i like that reminder.