A Blur of a Month...

   These two pictures basically sum up this month. We've been packing like crazy and more exhausted than ever... The girls are each reacting to back to school and the move in their own ways. Payton Joy has been more clingy than ever. She cried the first 2 weeks of August when I dropped her off at preschool and was whinier than ever each night. Luckily, she seems to be past that stage, but she's still very clingy. She begs to either sleep with us or have one of us lay with her almost every night. Most nights we give in. We just want her to feel loved and secure. Rylee has adjusted to 1st grade very well. She does seem a little insecure about the move, she asks lots and LOTS of questions and has been showing more nervous ticks than usual, but overall she's putting on a brave face and is doing much better with it all than I thought she would. It's been a tough month for sure, but there have been some good moments.

     The best moment of this month was last Saturday, 8-14-16, Ben got baptised!!!! It was such an awesome experience to be able to watch, and then when he came out, we were able to sit beside him during the church service. Hearing him sing along to praise our Savior meant the world to me. God is so good!

     These girls are both rocking back to school. Payton's preschool started back up this week, and she has been learning so quickly. Her teacher says she is well behaved at school, so that is great. She can be a little wild at home, so I was worried she would act out, but so far, so good. Rylee Love is loving first grade. She adores her teacher, Ms. Beth, and is constantly telling us all about what she learns in first grade.

     Rylee earned the most class Dojo points for positive behaviors last week, so now she is leader of the week! She was so proud of herself. She is gaining so much self confidence in first grade. I don't know what is going to come in the future or if she is going to come out of her next doctor's visit with some scary-sounding diagnosis, but I do know that she is one tough little girl and whatever comes her way, she is going to fight to overcome it. She says she wants to be a doctor and it's all she can talk about lately. I know she is capable of greatness. I can't wait to see what she becomes.

     We are officially moving on Saturday, then comes all the unpacking craziness and settling in. We will have limited internet access at our next home, so that will be a major adjustment. But this whole process has been completely insane, so it's nothing new at this point. I am definitely looking forward to ending this crazy month. Hopefully September holds some calmer days....

Rylee Love, First-Grader!

     Can you believe it?! Well, it's true! My little Love Bug is officially in first grade! Today was technically her "first day" but really it was just a registration day, starting on Monday she will be a full-time firstie!

    Payton Joy has been moved up in Daycare from the 2 year old room to the 3-year-old Preschool class. Because of her birthday, she won't be in kindergarten for 3 more years, but going to preschool early never hurt anyone! The earlier the better, I'd say. She's so excited to have her own little backpack and lunchbox. So of course, she had to take a picture with big sister this morning. She insists she's going to first grade, too. Slow down, sweet girl!

    I had to lead my parent orientation for my incoming Pre-K parents today, so Rylee had to spend a few hours in her new class. She was so nervous this morning, it made my heart hurt, but as soon as she walked to her class, she was greeted by an "old" friend from kindergarten and she went right in. I am so excited about this year. Her teacher, Ms. Beth, is AWESOME! She is so positive and upbeat and she has so much fun in her class. I know Rylee is going to have a blast and learn A LOT! At her physical this summer, her pediatrician suggested Rylee might need to repeat kindergarten due to her anxiety (even though she excels academically), but I prayed on it and talked to Ryan, and it just did NOT feel right. Today she did so great, and she is so excited about this year and her new teacher. I know 100% without a doubt that we made the right choice.

     Our life has been totally turned upside down this week. Sunday night we found out that we have to move out of our home by the end of the month. We were completely shocked. There have been lots of tears and lots of anxiety, but I have faith that God will turn this stress into something good. There was such a pretty sunrise this morning. It made me smile and think that God was trying to reassure me in this time of such uncertainty. Pray for us while we spend this month house-hunting, packing AND trying to balance the back-to-school madness.  Is it September yet?!