five years in a flash

August, August, August.  You've just arrived and I'm afraid your about to pass!  Time truly is sailing!!  Yesterday I put my 5 year old on a school bus and with a great big "Noah" grin he waved goodbye and was off to his first day of kindergarten.  I shed a small tear in that moment, just thinking about how his days home with me went so fast, how he wouldn't be at my hip saying "momma, may I please have ANOTHER snack", and how he was heading off to a big school, with BIG groups of people and BIGGER challenges than he has faced thus far in life (atleast that is how I was feeling).  Almost immediately I recieved some much needed words of encouragement from friends and one even described my feelings and validated them by reminding me *its a mom thing* "seeing the bigger picture and being ok with it even when it puts a tiny hole in our heart!!!"  As I have previously described, I am a worrier to the core!  I just pray that Noah is accepted and making friends.  Besides, I can't imagine even 5 and 6 year olds being able to resist that GREAT BIG smile :).  The true tears started falling when Noah's bus dropped him off.  The ride was a bit longer than anticipated, being a new kid he did not get dropped off right away.  He rode for about a half hour longer than he normally will, but the bus driver gave a big smile and thumbs up at Noahs behavior.  It's good to know that he was patient, and kind, and polite :)

Lucky for me, I was able to spend the day before school started with Noah.  We both had dentist appointments, and he did EXCELLENT!!  He listened very well, responded when necessary -- and who knew his mouth could open THAT wide.  It was impressive!!  Neither of us had cavities, so we had to celebrate with an ice cream treat!  I'm so glad I was able to seize that moment and spend some special time with just Noah.  The truth is, each of my kids enjoy there one-on-ones.  If it wasn't for there therapy schedules and individual appointments, I don't think I would give them near the undivided attention that I do.  While all three of them truly enjoy eachothers company, I can just sense the appreciation when I spend just an afternoon with one of them.  I took Kendra with to Fairmont while we waited for Matt to get done with the dentist and we went out for breakfast.  This little lady talked my ear off!!  She was able to express herself and enjoy some mommy time.  Sometimes being a mom can seem a bit thankless, but I've found that when I dig deep and make the effort to give them a chance they are most certainly grateful to have me.

I have to say, August is my favorite month :)  This year I turned 25 and my amazing husband organized an AWESOME evening for me!!  With the help of my mom and sister, they pulled off the BEST surprise I could have ever imagined.  More often than not, I struggle with self value.  I feel unworthy at times or even just invisible.  When I walked in to the Olive Garden and saw a bunch of people sitting around a table waiting to have supper with me for my birthday, I was over the top elated!!!!  Matt really gave me a gift this year; in your face-you cant deny it- FRIENDSHIP & LOVE!!  That is what immediately entered my mind and heart in that moment.  Thanks friends, for the effort and time you took to eat supper with me, bowl a couple games, lazer tag AND the ice cream to top off the night.  This girl felt loved.... not an easy task to accomplish!

I spent my actual birthday, Sunday, with a great day of church and my mom had a cookout at her house.  My mom, Nick, Ash and Dylin gave me a Paula Dean Cookware set and the babies got me an impressive cookbook!! (Easy and inexpensive meals... too cool!!)  I have been amped up and ready to cook since the middle of August now, I hope it doesn't wear off :)

August is also ALWAYS the month of the Global Leadership Summit.  Matt and I have been blessed by an awesome employer who has sent us the past 3 years.  I look forward to going each year because it encourages me and stretches my leadership abilities.  I'm a leader at home, at work, with my siblings etc.. In general I just find it encouraging and I love the push it gives me to GROW.  This year I was enlightened by what I think took over me this summer with all the working I have done.  Its called productive paranoia :)  Go figure, I'm paranoid!  Anyways, Jim Collins said that productive paranoia is what you do during good times or blessed times so that when tough times arise, you can still thrive and BE a blessing!  Powerful stuff :)  This year, my sister Ashley came to the conference.  I was really happy to be able to share the experience with her.  It's exciting to see her grow and I am really proud of some of the post summit conversations we have had.  It's great to see Jesus at work in her.

The good news is, this month is not over yet and its going to keep getting better.  I have a friend getting married to an awesome Man this weekend and my husband turns 26 in just 7 days!!!