PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 9/4/11

Today, we, with more than 30 other "Carlson Connection" family members joined together at Grammama and Harvey's new "home" at Sunrise for a family gathering. She hadn't seen the boys in a while so she could hardly believe how much they had grown and in fact, didn't recognize Zach at first. What I did notice is that a lot of Grammama's spunk had returned and she was so so happy to have everyone there. So glad it was such a special time for her. She told me "I'm not going to forget this day" and I'm glad she has something to reflect back onto. I think she and Harvey have made a graceful adjustment to this new life...especially Grammama. Love that my boys really know their great grandmother.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 9/1/11

Making lunches has not always been my favorite morning task, however, this year, I have realized that doing this is something that I'm glad I can do for the boys and something I will miss when I don't make them anymore. Also, it will be a lot different without Nick here next year so I will appreciate making those 3 sandwiches, fruit, a nutrigrain bar or chips and juice with sometimes, an extra treat mixed in.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/16/11

I was at Tattered Cover yesterday when I noticed this issue of Scrapbooks Etc... was in. I was pretty sure this layout was in the October issue, but wasn't sure until I turned to PAGE 14 and saw it for myself. This was one of my favorite layouts I ever did when I submitted it and was so glad when it was picked up. It is one I will treasure forever and love that I got paid for something I love so much.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/9/11

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE...all off for their day at school. This is Nick's "last 1st day" in regards to k-12. He will have many more first days, I know, but they will be different so this year, while taking them, was bittersweet...however, I am trying so hard not to think too much about that and just be happy they can do all they do...they're good, nice, smart and oh so handsome kids and that is what I want for them...selfishly, I just miss having them around and time is going way too fast for me. I don't want to waste time on thinking and want to spend more time on enjoying each moment. Nick will be driving Chris to school this year and I think that made me as happy as anything...seeing them get in the car together and head off to the same school. Zach's day was much better than his first and he seems to be adjusting well. Nick was excited to start his senior year and that is the way he should feel. I'm excited for him, too. Well, we got through those first 2 days and now, it's time to drag Zach out of bed...Nick and Chris have block days/access today so they don't have to be there until 8:30...boy, they will love Wednesdays.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 8/8/11

FIRST DAY PHOTOS...a tradition every year. Since they started school, I took have taken these kind of photos in our backyards...first at English Sparrow Trail and now in our backyard here. Excited, sad and nervous as the boys start back...Chris will now be a freshman at ThunderRidge and I love the idea of Nick and Chris being in the same school for this next year. Zach will be at Ranch View and I don't think I will ever get used to the fact that my littlest boy is a "tween". I think those first days are really long and probably overwhelming, however, they both came home saying they knew how to get around and seemed fine with that. I am glad that I could feel the "nervous" for them and not let them know :) Looking forward to seeing all they will do this upcoming year.

PROJECT 365 PICTURE OF THE DAY 7/31/11

The grand initiation of our new patio room...we had the grandparents over to break it in with us. After getting a few things set up in there including seat covers, lamps, curtains etc... it was fun to show it off. More importantly, it was nice to all spend time together and talk and laugh and for the boys to have grandparents around that love them and care about them.