So Vain

(Is it weird that I'm posting a picture of myself? I don't know...I think my hair looks halfway decent and I wanted everyone else to see. Ha!)

John Palmer Turns 5!

This year, on October 7, John Palmer turned 5. It's so hard to believe that he's half-a-decade years old. He had a Toy Story party, red and yellow cupcakes, and some great presents!

Just Tell Me What to Do

I want answers and I want them now. So much of my life seems like a daily mystery, especially when it comes to parenting and business. It feels like as I get older and take on more responsibility that every step I take is out on faith...and I'm not so great, YET, at taking steps without seeing the path in front of me. I want the easy, clear path, even if I have to carve it out myself. That's not always the best route, however. I just recently read Proverbs 2:3-8:

"Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk in integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him."

A1, if I want answers, and the right ones, I have to boldly ask ("cry out.") Next, I need a LOT more patience then I am currently using to get answers...I need to search...like, actually spend time looking. (How many days do I go without seeking wisdom in the Scripture? Yikes.) Finally, I need to desperately search, as I would "for lost money." How hard would I be overturning my house if I had lost a twenty dollar bill? My parenting and business skills are way more important and urgent...why don't I overturn God's Word as I would for something of lesser value? The benefits of these habits are endless...Proverbs 2:9-11 go on to say,

"Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe."

An answer on how to find answers...

Morning Playtime

This is one of my favorite pictures of the year...my kids are into so many different things. They are learning and growing and exploring and mega, mega active. It's a challenge and puzzling and wonderful all at once.

First Day of School

I imagined the morning of the first day of school going a little differently, especially because I had seen pictures of my friends' kids standing on their front porches or in front of their school, smiling with their cute new outfits and backpacks.


I was a little nervous dropping my kiddos off in their classrooms because they've never "done school" before. There were so many people at the classroom door that John Palmer literally got sucked in and I didn't see his eyes look back at me before I had to leave and drop Ellie off. Ellie immediately connected with a sand table her teacher showed her. She started searching for sea shells. That made me feel a bit better.

When I picked the kids up three hours later, they didn't want to leave and they were chattering all about what had happened. Even though the pictures didn't turn out quite as well as I wanted them too, I am so excited that my children have the opportunity to go to preschool and know they're having a great time!

David and Goliath Part 2

David and Goliath as told by Ellie Hall @ 3 years of age:

David and Goliath

Ellie loves the story of David and Goliath. I do too, especially because it's all about having faith that God does what He promises and helps us overcome enormous obstacles.

Today at church, Mrs. Jenn told them this story and helped them to retell it using stick puppets. We did the same thing at bed time tonight. I LOVE their versions! Just had to share the cuteness and brilliance of my kids.

John Palmer's Version:

( I love how Ellie pipes in to help with the dialog!)