Thankful

Just wanted to take a minute to reflect. The Fall has flown by but it has been a sweet season and there are many things I'm thankful for.

NURTURE
I cannot believe that we have one meeting left of Nurture. At the end of the Spring I took on the position of Director of Nurture, the moms group at Rock Harbor. It has been such a wonderful journey. It had all the potential to be overwhelming but it has been the perfect fit for me in this season of life. I also think that God really had His had in the timing because it has been good for me to have something outside the home to focus on.

I so love the women of Rock Harbor and love the chance to deepen relationships with them. If you know me well, you know that deepening relationships is my most favorite thing.
This semester has been a gift. I've really loved it, including the challenging parts. It's good to be stretched by them.

My Nurture Table - (our table name is Chosen)


KINDERGARTEN
I felt so apprehensive sending my 5 year old to full day school, until 3:05 everyday. Now that we are in the swing of things it's working out quite well. Noelle is really thriving in Kindergarten. She has the most incredible teacher that loves, appreciates and challenges her. Her name is Ms. Villa. Noelle loves structure and knowing what to expect. She finds that everyday.
Our little rule follower is the only kid in class to never change her card (their discipline system). She's pretty proud. It's fun that Noelle is the 3rd generation at Killybrooke. I went to my first PTA meeting, in my new minivan no less, and as I pulled up I felt like a full fledged mom. Crazy.




PRESCHOOL
Natalie has Noelle's same preschool teacher and a really sweet class of 3 year olds. She just says the cutest things and I love that her teacher is capturing so many of them.
Natalie is such a little sweetie pie and I love all of the time we get together.
I had figured that come fall a new baby and I would have time together but when that timeline didn't work out, I realized that there would be a few hours to myself every week. I've been soaking it up. A great little gift before baby comes.

Natalie's Preschool Thankfulness Turkey


BABY
I cannot express how thankful I am for this baby girl and for this pregnancy. I experienced a lot of ups and downs with my previous pregnancies as well as a ton of anxiety. That has not been the case this time and this fall has been a wonderful season. God has met me in so many ways.
I fluctuate between wanting the baby to hurry up and come and wanting to slow down time and just enjoy this season.

I have some fun pictures that I will soon share of the belly. Stay tuned!

And of course I am incredibly thankful for Ryan, his hard work and his attentiveness to us, his girls. Wild to think that it will soon be him and 4 girls in the house!!

Locks of Love

Here is the before picture of Noelle's hair. Months ago she saw a blog post on my friend Katie's blog. Katie's daughter had cut her hair and donated it to Locks of Love. Noelle determined to do the same thing.
Ryan and I were commenting tonight on how decisive Noelle can be. Definitely not one of my strong traits. Noelle makes up her mind about something and doesn't ever go back or hesitate about her decisions. Since deciding months ago to donate her hair she continued to bring it up and it really was her thing. She was ready.
So today, my friend Cheri came over to cut our hair. We put Noelle's hair in a ponytail and measured out 10 inches. Cheri styled it and Noelle ran to the mirror, coming back with a big smile on her face.

I felt a little hesitant about chopping all her hair off. It's never been short. But I knew I couldn't say anything to sway her not to do it. Not the message I want to send - that somehow her hair is important and she should consider what it looks like. So we embraced it and she's lovin' it. So are we. Good job sweet girl!