It's almost that time!

School is just around the corner!  One more week!  My kids are not ready, but this mom is!  We have had a great summer, but I am ready for some routine and normalcy.  Highlights of our summer:

Going to the summer movies at Regal!
A visit with my brother and niece (Charlestone and the water park at Fort Jackson)
Atlanta to see two very good friends (one from way back to 5th grade and the other a friend from SC)
Many, many overnights both here and at other friends.
Swimming, swimming, swimming!

BRING IT ON HE CORLEY!!!!  THE DAVENPORTS ARE ABOUT TO INVADE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am so excited!!!!

I have the BEST parents in the whole wide world!!!  Thanks to them, we get to go on one of these:




To a place that looks like this:

It's like the honeymoon we never had.  Can't wait!!!

45 Years!

 Forty-five years ago today, a man and a woman changed the course of a little girls life.  Carl Sweatman married Meg Saul on June 25, 1966.  What they didn't know at that time, was that a woman in Wisconsin would find herself pregnant in about 8 years.  And when she would give birth, she would give that baby up for adoption.  That sweet couple would take that little girl to be their daughter.  It was a life changing decision, not just for the couple or for the mother, but for that little girl.

If it weren't for Carl and Meg Sweatman adopting me, I may never have known the love of God.  I may have lived a much more difficult life.  I would never have found Erik and had the four little loves of my life.  I wouldn't be living in this little town in South Carolina amongst some of the nicest people around.

So on this day in 2011, I want to thank my parents for getting married 45 years ago.  And, I'm even more thankful for the example you have set for Erik and myself (not to mention our children) as to how to stick it out even when things get tough.  The dedication to one other is a legacy you have set for years to come.  Thank you for making your home a place that is focused on the Lord.  You have passed that along to me and I pray that I do the same for my kids.

I shutter at the thought of what my life could have been if you had made other decisions along the way.  I love you both so much.  You are a treasure to me.

Happy 45th Anniversary!
Love always,
Carla

Another Hannaism

Last night when Hanna was getting ready for bed, she used the bathroom.  While sitting there she proclaimed, "Ahhhhh, that feels good.  Gooder than I ever thought it would."

Time Flies

This is Hanna on her first day of preschool.

 

 This is Hanna near the end of preschool on Zebra Day.

I cannot believe that in the blink of an eye, my baby is about to finish up preschool and be a kindergartener.  Hanna is quite a bright girl and I can't wait to watch her develop her writing and reading skills next school year.  Next year will be a monumental year in our home.  It will be Hannas' first year at HE Corley and Alysons' last year!  All 4 girls in one school.  I can't even imagine it.  But, I will enjoy it, knowing it will be my only sane year.

I love you Hanna banana!  I am so proud of all you have learned this year.  I have enjoyed every moment with you while your big sisters were in school.  I will miss that time for sure!

Where does she come up with this stuff?

Easter Sunday, we went to my parents for lunch.  My aunt and uncle were in town visiting as well.  We had a terrific lunch and then retired to the living room for some relaxation, easter egg hunts, and just some good ol' fun!  At one point, Hanna says, "Oh!  I farted!  I'm going to wear out my pants!"

Two Birthdays!!!

Oh my!  Where does the time go?  Since the lat time I blogged, we have had two birthdays in our family.  So, here is my tribute to both of these special people:

Erik:  He celebrated his birthday on the 19th.  The poor guy's day was spent working and then when he got home, I left for worship practice while he took care of one very sick Alyson and the other 3 girls.  Not exactly the way anyone should have to celebrate their special day.  Well, he got to go to Myrtle Beach to celebrate a couple days later, so I think it worked out just fine.  So, babe!  If you're reading this, know that I love you.  What an honor to get to celebrate the day you were born!  Next year, I promise to make it more memorable!  Besides, it will be your ___th birthday!  Love you!

Alyson:  So, who would have thought that her birthday would EVER land on Easter Sunday.  I sure didn't, but this year, it does.  She is very excited to share this special day with hers'.  On top of that, she is entering double digits!  It's her tenth birthday.  Oh my!  I can hardly believe it.  Alyson, you are growing up way to quickly.  I am not prepared for all the changes that are going on around us, but I won't let that stop me from figuring it out.  You are a beautiful young lady and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for you.  May year 10 be as wonderful as you.  I love you!