Happy July

July is here (1/4 over already!), and we are back to school. The night before we were to start back, I admit I didn't feel ready or excited. However, I love that schooling year-round (taking off June) allows me to not feel guilty when we decide to take off days just 'because', or because we need to for sickness or travel. So, this year I have a 10th grader, 8th, 6th, 4th, 2nd, and Kindergartner. And Sam and Eli are in the mix, too, learning in their little preschool ways. :) I have a workable schedule, at this point, and things are going fine. I do need to stay in prayer for strength and endurance and patience. I fail in each of those ways so often. I'm persevering, by God's grace, though!

  The girls with our dear neighbor, Deb. They made these dresses with her help.

This is our new little puppy, Bailey.  Sad, long story short, our other puppy, Bella, got sick and we had to have her put down after only having her for two months.  I now understand people's attachment to their pets a little bit better.  We were pretty sad around here for a while.  We won't be able to pick up Bailey for two more weeks, but everyone's excited.  I am excited, and nervous.  Wow.  Having a puppy is a lot like having a newborn.  I'm trying to gear up for all the work that's ahead!

This one's from Kevin's phone and is a bit fuzzy.  She's a cutie.  We fell in love with this breed with little Bella. She was a really good doggie.

Keely, who, by the way, took almost all of these photos, took this of the dinner table the other night.  The kids love to have lit candles, even if we are having pizza.  You can see our newly painted dining room.  It was a bright-ish yellow before, and quite banged up.  I like a dark, cozy dining room.

We were in Nashville for a family reunion a few weeks ago.  The kids enjoyed this cool castle-themed park.  I love that you can see Eli's happy little face upside-down. And my handsome hubby in the background.

It's funny, but out of our eight children, Sam and Eli are the first two boys born next to each other.  Sam is quite sweet with Eli, and Eli clearly thinks he's great.  If you know Sam at all, you'll understand why this concerns me a little.  I think we have some interesting mischief ahead.

Annesley is a total ham.  You can see some of her handiwork in this picture.

Here's a little sweaty-heady on the Fourth of July.  We had a nice time with some dear friends, though we didn't end up seeing any fireworks at all.  Next year...

Happy July to you!