Thinking

Recently, a friend of mine included something similar to the following in her Facebook status:

"I wish I could sit down with God and ask some questions.  I know I'm here to follow his plan, but I simply don't understand it sometimes."

I couldn't agree more.

I refuse to sincerely question my faith, but certain circumstances throughout my life have pushed me to come close.  Watching Caroline battle with her disease.......the distancing from my parents.......jobs lost......tragic news events........etc, etc......all make me wonder what lesson I should be learning.  I'm torn with how to explain the world to my kids.  Carter is old enough to ask mature, thought provoking questions now and sometimes I find myself like a deer in headlights, stumped with what he is asking of me.

Because, as a mom, I'm supposed to have all the answers.  To fix what is broken.  To make sense of a seemingly senseless situation.

Anyone else feel like this?

Advice?

Pinterest - Are You In?

I'm still trying to figure this one out.  I joined several months ago......saw one board and was totally intrigued.  Haven't done a lot with it, but my interest is growing.

I've divided mine into 4 boards........and will add more as time goes on.  I've seen people use this to post ideas for remodels, holiday projects, meal planning and more.  Some are broad subjects - "Food I Love."  Some are more specific - "Easter Basket Contents". 

I love the idea of one place for all of your "likes".  It's pretty and beautifully designed.  It's simple to use.  It's fun to see what others are drawn to.  Think of your Favorites.......your bookmarked sites you plan to do something with when you have the time.......come to life.

Simply put, it's a virtual story board........colorful, exciting and full of inspiration.

I'm here.  Are you on it?  If so, let me know!

My Two Elementary Kids

It was a big day.  Big.

Carter took off first, with his dad for the first time since starting school.  Blake had to work and couldn't be there to walk Jack in, so he took Carter instead. 

With Laine, before leaving......

Then, it was Jack's turn. 

Of course, he asked to wear a tie to "be handsome".

God, I love this kid.

LC felt left out in many ways today, so I was quick to indulge her wishes, including a solo pic of her and Lamby.

Then, she took the camera.

Yep, that looks about right.

I made the dire mistake of including the red/white gingham dress in two options for Laine this morning. 

The significance didn't occur to me until she said, "Yes.  Dat one.  So we can be twins."

Mommy and Daughter dressing alike.  It was a new low.  But, again, I indulged.  Only two comments at the school.

Hey!  I kinda look like a Mom here!

Jack is button happy.

Hence the progression.

"Give me the camera, Jack!"

Time to go.  No tears yet.

These two are very proud of their backpacks.

Please don't miss the matching lunch box that clips on.  Jack is super impressed with this set up.

My precious Kindergartner.  The world is not ready.  But, it's coping, I think.

We got there early, turned in some paperwork to the office and then toured the grounds a little bit.  I got permission to peak into Carter's classroom since I missed him this morning.

He saw us at the door quietly waving......and then with about 50% affection and 50% feigned annoyance, remarked, "Dorks!" to his classmates. 

Awesome.

Time to go in.  Jackie found his name tag first.

Laine and I stayed for about 45 minutes, getting acquainted with his teacher and the classroom rules.

Finally, it was time to say 'goodbye'. 

Breaks my heart.  My two little buddies are on their own.  Lainey has spent nearly every single day with Jack since she was born.  This is Jack's first time to do something on his own.  It didn't phase him.  He waved at us and walked right in.

Lainey cried first.

Then, I did.

After 'girls day' at home......something I've actually been looking forward to for a long time.....(more on that later)......we returned to the school to pick up our boys. 

"Where's my brudder?!"

Jack walked out with his dog ears on, took his place on the black top and waited as he was told to do.  Upon seeing me, he shouted, "Wook, Mom!  We're s'posed to be dogs.  Ha ha."

Thank you, Jack.

Of course, after exiting Kindergarten and being asked for a picture, he remembered his grumpy face.  Keepin' it real.

And, they finally saw each other.  It was super sweet.

And, big brother, too!

Hugs all around.

I dragged Carter through the campus to take his obligatory 'first day of school' picture at his desk that I do each year.

Wasn't that long ago that this kid started Kindergarten.  Pictures and post here.

Check out his name on the desk.  Already made the "C" into a wave with a surfer.  Cute.

My grade school kiddos. 

So proud.

 Those are my boys.

We had a great day. 

Here's to an awesome 2011-2012 school year!

Last Day of Summer Scoop

Lots going on in the Starnes casa.

We babysat Moe and Lady, Rylee's dogs, last week.  They're now undergoing long term anxiety treatment, which may have been more expensive than the original boarding cost of the animals........but they would have missed the tea party.  So, I think it was worth it.

Time to go back to school, folks.  Look at what I let my kids wear to the movies.  We work better in a structured environment.

Our house has been overwhelmed with surf boards.

Some are for the ocean.

And, some are for design.  Isn't that cool?  Blake hung several on the patio to create shade.  Love it.

Headed into San Diego over the weekend to celebrate our last weekend of summer.  Intended to go to the zoo, but even the overflow parking was full.  Too crowded for us.

Went to Seaport Village instead to walk the bay.

Horse down.  Awkward.

Saw a pirate ship! 

The tourist in me is anxious to do this hokey tour.  Amphibious vehicle plowing through downtown San Diego, honking like a seal?  Yes, please. 

Caroline, are you in?

It was a fun day.

Sunday morning, we woke early to walk the beach and look at the tide pools.

Underwear.  Yes!  That is the sea life I was looking for.

Didn't see a ton.  Will go back earlier in the morning next time.

We did see some awesome houses in Carlsbad and Encinitas.

We're totally moving here.  I don't care what the cost is.

"Yeah, we live in the house shaped like a boat."

Grabbed breakfast and enjoyed the view at Moonlight Beach.

Sweet.

How does Laine have super model hair so early in the morning with no effort or styling?

Pa is in town. 

Dinner in Carlsbad at Norte by the water last night.

Then, we walked down to the beach.

Carter found a horse shoe crab.

Jack flew like an airplane.

The kids played with bubbles in the courtyard of the Carlsbad Inn.  Remembering this cute hotel for a future stay.

We returned home just in time for Laine to put on a "talent show".

She had to check her computer first to look for a song.

And, change costumes, of course. 

Plus, check her 'cue cards' Blake was holding.

I promise we're not hoarders.  The kids' toys pile up until I return them to their rooms.

Pa is forever fascinated with the patience of Batman.

He sat like this for quite a long time.  Such a weirdo cat.

School starts tomorrow kids. Backpacks have been filled with supplies.

The boys are super excited.

I am not.

I like summer and I like having my kids home.  And, tomorrow, I will have 2 kids in elementary school.

  Totally not ready for this.

Sweet Lainey Caroline is feeling left out.  She had to get her own 'pack pack' and fill it with the boys' leftover supplies.  Soon enough, she'll start her own regiment in Preschool.  Until then, lots of focus on the boys.  Not easy for our baby girl.

Back tomorrow with First Day pictures! 

(if my camera doesn't break from the tears)