smilin' moon

5 months

I remain in awe of time and it's awful habit of passing much too quickly.

Little Edie (Edith Rose) is 5 months old already.

She is incredibly happy, cute, aware, cuddly, funny and sweet.

And she smells so good!

She is such a blessing.  Her existence has truly changed our family in so many ways.

Oh baby Edith, we love you!

what to do...

when I have a lot on my mind, a lot on my schedule

and just too much to think about?

I swing by my favorite vintage shop and browse.

It's definitely a form of procrastination...

 

but it always leaves me recharged and full of creativity!

xxoo

jody

fresh start

(Our theme for the school year)

It's that time again!

Back to school!
I have mixed emotions---summer seemed too short, I will miss lazy mornings and spontaneity.

Mostly I will miss having all four kids together at home...I love the dynamics between them and their laughter!

(don't get me wrong, there is plenty of yelling and fighting sprinkled amongst all the laughter.)

Inspired by Nie ( I discovered her blog last summer while spending most of my time on the couch "surfing" and severely morning-sick.), I loved her theme idea for back to school.

We're hoping that we can tie that message into many aspects of our lives.

I want our kids to know that doing your best doesn't mean being the best or being perfect.

Sometimes it can just be doing your best to stay calm and take a breath before hauling off and hitting or yelling.

Maybe it can mean to do your best to be aware of your gifts and talents and not waste them---

or doing your best to be grateful for the many blessings we often take for granted...

Will it work?
I don't know...
But I really like fresh starts and I like to be hopeful.

xxxoooo
jody

hey there!

how are you today?

my husband sent me this last week when reading about Eunice Kennedy Shriver's death:

As Thomas Merton, the Trappist monk and social activist reminded us: "the beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image, lest we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them."

 apparently it was something that Eunice held close to her heart, and her son, Tim (who leads the Special Olympics), shared it last week in a press release.

i've found myself reflecting on that a lot in the past week...

especially last night, as I lay awake between my daughter's (Lucy, 6) bouts with the stomach flu.

hoping for a better day for her tomorrow.

xxoo

jody

turning 10 and going all out!

 Another birthday...
Henry turned 10 last week and planned a camp out overnight party at my parent's house.
He planned this for weeks...he even made up survival kits and schedules for his friends. 
He really did this on his own...I just made the purchases at wal mart!
(flashlights, mini-compasses, kleenex, granola bar, water bottle, fruit snacks, bandana) Here's where my parents live...about 5 miles from town.
They have a log home, pond, cabin out in back, "cabana" out in front, beach, dock, boats, 12 acres...
It's pretty amazing...it's their dream home
and they generously offer it to friends, family, people from church, etc. for
gatherings.
They had promised Henry this party for his birthday!


The boys explored, played games, fished, hiked, danced, boated, laughed and celebrated until after 1am!  Thank goodness my husband, the good sport, agreed to "supervise" and sacrifice a night of sleep.

In the morning my mom prepared a giant breakfast for them...

And now...
Here is little Lucy after waking up and exploring the property.
My dad built a "Lucy" bridge for her and she just had to make sure it was in tact!
She' soon to turn 7 in September...
I know she's wondering what's in store for her birthday party---yikes!  I need
to start thinking!  And these sweet kids need to know that next year, birthday parties will be much more low key!


xxxooo
jody

pool party!

Charlie turned four on August first. 
He wanted a "sports" birthday party at the pool...
So in Bennett style, making a big deal about birthdays and going a bit overboard, we loaded up the car with a cake, goodie bags, beach balls and presents and threw Charlie his party!
This year he really had "friends" to invite...he was thrilled to invite some of his preschool buddies...although he mostly played with his big brother.

Happy Birthday, little buddy!
We love you!
xxooo