paris

Matt was invited to a Mayo Clinic conference in Paris. So, naturally, I invited myself along. Well, actually, that's not entirely true. I needed a bit of convincing to make the trans-Atlantic trip but I can say now that I'm so happy I did. It was incredible. I have lots and lots of photos to share so I'll be doing several posts. Enjoy!

my isaboo

Today was Isabel's first day of preschool for the year. She was thrilled that today was "her day." It was tough staying home yesterday, watching the neighbor kids and her sister/best friend get on the school bus and drive away. We kept ourselves busy - both for her sake and mine - and we were happy to have C home at 3:30. Today Isabel asked me to pack her the same lunch Caroline took on her first day (even though she doesn't eat lunch at school but I packed it for her and we ate it together on the deck). She wanted her first day photos taken in the same places as Caroline had and even tried to smile like Caroline. Just melted my heart, this girl. :)

first day, first grade

Sent my girl off early this morning for her first day of first grade. How did this happen? Where has the time gone?

Do you think she was excited??

last of summer

Today we'll finish a busy week of last-minute school shopping and open houses for the girls. Come Tuesday, we'll be sending these three beauties off to school. Isabel to her last year of preschool, Caroline to first grade and Nana to her 34th year of teaching English to pimple-faced, hormone-crazed teens.

We're off to celebrate Labor Day in a big way, Wisconsin-style, this weekend. Don't worry - I'll eat some deep fried cheese curds for you. I'm all about taking one for the team. ;) Enjoy your holiday weekend, friends!

nine years

Happy Anniversary to the guy that still makes my heart go pitter-patter.

not now

Here's what I know for sure: God, in his infinite wisdom, has plans and purpose for my life. There are no accidents. Nothing is random. Every gift and blessing I have comes from Him. All my trials and roadblocks in life serve a purpose though I cannot always see what that may be in the moment. Prayers are always answered. I may not like the answer. Maybe I won't see the answer to a prayer in this lifetime or in this earthly place. But I know that He is listening. And sometimes...maybe..."no" doesn't mean "no." Maybe it just means "not now."

not yet

you watch the big kids ride bikes and play hide-and-seek. you follow along behind them, jabbering and shouting, hoping they'll wait for you. they'll wait for you...but not yet.

you put your hands in your pockets like a big guy. i find all kinds of treasures stuffed into your grubby shorts at day's end.

you sit on their big wheels and try to get on your sister's bike. you're not quite there yet, buddy. not yet.

you will be there soon, sweet boy. you will chase and run and hide and seek. you will bike and you will skate and scoot. soon. but please. please, not yet. if i could bottle up this time and keep you little for just a little longer, believe me...i would.