Life happenings.

Life has been rolling right along around here.  A lot of good things have been happening, and we are reminded this season to be thankful.  There is no doubt we have much to be grateful for.

This little man got to go hunting for his very first time with Daddy.  It was a big day; for both of them!  While Dallas has had to majorly scale back on hunting with the nature of his job and the time factor, the love of the outdoors is still so deep in him.  He has been dreaming of this day with his son for years.  And the little boy?  He was beyond the moon.  This is all new to me.  Was I scared?  Totally.  Do I trust his daddy?  More than you know.  I am so excited for them in the years they have coming up of bonding in the tree stand or tripping over corn stalks. 

The girls with their fabulous teacher, Ms. Cara.

The girls and their good friend, Molly.

Maleah and Layla had their first violin recital.  Layla played with a group, and Maleah played a solo.  They did a great job!  Layla was not so sure about being in front of people, while Maleah was confident as can be (opposite their personalities, it seems), but after building Layla up and encouraging her, she did fantastic!  I look forward to many years of music lessons and recitals.  It's a new phase of life for us, and an absolute joy.  (Minus the miles and money; all part of the territory!)

And then there's this little girl; what a gift she is!  She is so easy going, only rolls from front to back, and bounces and bounces all day long.  And, can you believe it, she sucks her thumb!  She likes her pacifier, but if it's not there, she will find her thumb.  I have to admit I think it's the cutest thing ever (but won't be when she is five!).  She goes with the flow of the busy life her brother and sisters lead, and we call her "Smiles."

So, that's what we've been up to.  We are in a great rhythm of being home, as in not even leaving the garage, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.  I have come to love that!  I need people.  I thrive off of being around people.  My friends fill me up.  But, more than ever before, I am more than okay to just be home.  These days dedicated to intentionally not going anywhere started as a discipline challenge, and has become one of my greatest joys. 

Some days I feel overwhelmed.  Some days I feel lonely.  Some days I feel defeated. 
But, more than those days, I feel really, extremely grateful.