Carpool Conversation Starters

Are your kiddos heading back to school soon?

I love these carpool conversation starters over at Courtney DeFeo's blog! 

Check it out! You are sure to find at least one idea that might work for your family! 

The Great Carpool Challenge

3 Years Home

Today we celebrate a big day in our family...the day Beau came home!
Three years ago today he made his grand entrance into our home, even though he had been in our hearts for many months!  

I still remember it like it was yesterday!  I made our family get to the airport really early, just in case his flight was early.  We ate Chipotle on the way, which looking back, was an odd choice.  I still can't believe all our friends that showed us to support Beau's homecoming.  God was and is in the details.  

So much anticipation! 

 And so much joy! 

He was finally in our arms! A miracle of tremendous proportions that I will never take lightly!  

And in our home! 

When I look back at those early days, weeks, and months, I am even more aware of how scared he must have been.  I honestly can't imagine sending Palmer across the globe with a stranger and only a few belongings.  

 He constantly clutched {for weeks} a Korean potato stick that his foster family sent with him.  While we were experiencing great joy in having him home, he had lost everything he had ever known.    

Now, having the joy of knowing Beau's true personality, he is extremely observant of his environment.  He is quite detail oriented and I think proximity is his love language, lol! 

Being taken away from his environment and foster family at 13 months was no doubt a challenge on his sensitive soul.  He feels deeply, which I totally get because I'm the same way. 

But now, at three years home I believe his true self is shining through.  Don't get me wrong, he was always a complete delight! But he has really come out of his shell.  He is pure joy! 

I teared up the other day talking to Raleigh and thanking God for what a special boy he is.  He loves fiercely.  His smile is contagious.  I melt when he says, "Thank you Jesus for the breeze" especially with the added cuteness of articulation errors.  He is super proud of himself when he learns new things and is really into letters and numbers right now.  He raises his hands when singing his favorite songs "Oceans" and "10,000 Reasons."  He tells Palmer, "You are so cute" almost every morning.  His favorite place to be is home, but he is happy to be out and about too.  He loves going to Publix and almost always requests meat and nuts (almonds) and milk.  It is true that with two growing boys, we need milk almost every trip to Publix.  I could go on and on and maybe I'll do another update post soon, all about Beau at 4 years old.  He's only a month into being 4, but so far it is such a fun age!  

Beau, you rocked our world in the best way possible.  God is constantly using you to remind me what is really important in life.  I pray everyday you will be strong and mighty in the Lord.  I have no doubt that God has big plans for you buddy!  I pray the Lord would draw you close to Him and that you will ask Jesus into your heart at a young age.  

Happy Three Years Home Beau! 

You are loved more than you know!    

     

GaGa for Stripes

Even though we are still in the heat of the summer, stores are marketing their fall clothes as "back to school" items.  I went gaga over all the adorable stripes in the new Hanna Andersson catalog! So much cuteness! 

Hanna Andersson pjs are our absolute favorites.  Beau has some from when he came home 3 years ago that still look brand new.  Occasionally Costco gets them in, and we try to stock up.  We very rarely pay full price for them.  They are pricey, but definitely hold up well! 

I won't name names, but my oldest child strongly dislikes jackets and coats.  I'm determined to find one this year that he will actually wear.  This probably isn't it with the big hoodie, but it would be so cute on him if he would actually wear it! 

Show Your Child's Teacher Some LOVE

I don't know when school starts in your neck of the woods, but here in Atlanta,  lots of teachers are headed back to work tomorrow and students are soon to follow.  

As you and your child gear up for a great school year, think about how you can show your child's teacher some love at the beginning of the school year.  Let the teacher know that you are excited to be in their room and that you are looking forward to a wonderful year.  

All the teachers I know (a lot!) have spent countless hours this summer in trainings, prepping new ideas, and getting their classrooms ready.  Show them some LOVE for all the hard work that sometimes goes unnoticed.  

With pinterest and such, there are countless ideas, but here are a few to get you started! Just a simple gesture can go a long way in getting the school year off on the right path! 

Here are a few options to show some LOVE to your child's teacher! 

~ Let your child draw a picture or write a note telling the teacher something they hope to learn.

~Ask your child's teacher for his/her favorite drink (think Starbucks or Chick-fil-a) and then drop it by the school at the end of the first day.  

~Pop in Trader Joes or Publix and pick up a bunch of cheery sunflowers!  Give them to the teacher at "meet the teacher" day.  

~These printables are adorable and could be used to make a sweet little first day of school gift.  Just pick a few and it would still be precious and appreciated.

~Email the principal one day during the first week and highlight a positive experience your child has had with his or her new teacher.  

~Say "Thank You" to your child's teacher for preparing a warm and inviting classroom.

~Teachers usually have miles of lamination to cut out at the beginning of the year... name tags, labels, word wall words, flashcards...you name it! Offer to take some lamination home over an evening or weekend and cut it out.

Now go spread some LOVE to teachers in your community!  And while you're at it...don't forget the  staff that is often behind the scenes making things run smoothly...bookkeepers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, food service staff, bus drivers, etc!  

Four Generations

Over the last couple of weeks we were blessed to be able to take a couple of road trips to visit Raleigh's grandparents.  

First up...Florida to see Raleigh's dad's parents. 

Next up, we headed to Michigan to visit Raleigh's mom's parents.