Wow – it’s been so long since I’ve blogged consistently. I hardly know where to begin! Honestly, the break has been refreshing, and I’m not even sure I’m ready to be done with my vacation from blogging. Adding baby #4 to our family hasn’t been so hard emotionally or physically. It’s just SO BUSY! Add homeschooling to that, and I feel like I’m constantly running! (Except right now – I’m sitting on the couch with my feet up, typing on my laptop.) 
So, you can take the title of this post as you want – either “long-overdue” or “long and overdue,” because they’re both pretty much true.
So, we’ll start with darling Gracie…
A lot has been happening in Grace’s world this month. First, I cut her hair. Here it is before:
And after:
She looks 35 to me.
And the next big thing in her life is homeschooling! We originally planned to homeschool, as you may or may not remember from our Christmas letter last year. And then I got really overwhelmed thinking about trying to homeschool with a nursing newborn, so we decided to send her to the local public elementary school. I basically told God that I wasn’t planning to homeschool, so please change my heart if I should…And He did! As the time for school neared, something changed in my heart, and we decided to give it a go this year. We’re taking it one year at a time, and it’s still true that I’m a little overwhelmed with the responsibility of it all. But I’m also loving it. It’s so fun for me to have my own little classroom at home, and to be able to see Grace (and Caleb) learn new things. And I’m really hoping I can’t mess them up too bad, since it’s only kindergarten!
Here’s Grace on her first day of school, with her Bible story coloring book:
Moving on…
Yesterday was my birthday, and it was a GREAT day! The Lord has blessed me (and my family) so much above what I deserve.
My wonderful hubby took me out on a date to Bennigan’s and the fireworks at Celebration on the Grand. It was a nice, relaxing evening. And how many people get fireworks on their birthday?! (Well, besides all the July 4th babies out there!)
Part of Luke’s present to me is the promise to clean the house, including dusting; vacuuming; scrubbing counters, sinks, toilets, showers, baseboards, doors, windows, and blinds; mopping the kitchen, hall, and bathroom floors; and helping with the basement organization. WOWSERS! This is JUST what I wanted for my birthday. Thank you, love!
Here’s a snap of us waiting for the fireworks to begin (Jaden went on our date with us):
Okay, there’s so much more I could share, but I must sign off. I trust that everyone is having a great beginning to the school year!
Elyse says: “I love Grace’s hairdo. You did a great job, Lacey. Today I am going to go out and paint on the driveway. Grace & Caleb would love it. Loveyoubye.”
MOM says: Oh, Grace. You are absolutely gorgeous. What a brave mommy you have. You look so grown up. Please stay a little girl alot longer than you look. I love your Bible Story book. I bet homeschooling is alot of fun.
Keep up the good work Lacey. Glad your birthday was special. Luke, you da man! Was Jaden afraid of the fireworks? I remember Erin saying, “Bubbles, firesackers,” each time they lit the sky. Memories – keep making them. Cherish them forever.
Give my grandchildren a hug on “Grandparents Day” which is today according to many blogs I read.
Loveyouguys!
And another thing: I didn’t notice the first time, but Grace you did an amazing job coloring your Bible story page. Good job! Maybe you will be an artist!
I know we just talked, but I’m commenting anyway bc you left out a few details in our conversation! Grace’s haircut looks so sweet; she DOES look grown up. I love her new hairdo! I hope kindergarten continues to go well. Watch out, Mom always said she regretted not starting Betsey and I in the same grade; you might notice next year that Caleb thinks this is all a repeat for him!
You two are so good looking, thanks for the date photo! I see Jaden’s little hand. Enjoy the outside while it’s still warm enough (hehehe).
See you guys in a few months, one place or another!
Glad to have you back. I check every day really missed watching your family growing. Graces hair is cute. Glad you had a happy birthday. Jaden’s 3 month photos were so cute.
So, is the house cleaned yet? That sounds like a pretty big promise? Or is he going to call up a maid service?
Thanks for the update.
You’re RIGHT – she DOES look 35!!!! Oh my word. What a grown up little girl. I can’t wait to talk with her about school! She has been so excited about it; I bet she is just loving this special new event in her life. Is Caleb formally included in the education as well, or does he just hang around and pick up on things? (I remember doing that when Emily and Erin started!)
Speaking of how old Grace is, I can’t believe she colored that picture by herself. The last picture I received from her was the scribbles all in one color across a page. When did that change???
Jaden is a looker! I’ll have to send you the shot Luke got of him on my camera. It’s a great one of him laughing. In my opinion, he has his own thing going on when he is serious; I don’t see Grace or Caleb or Ava in him. But when he smiles, I think he looks like Caleb.
Love you guys! Happy birthday, Lacey! It’s so good to hear updates and see happy pictures of your delightful family!
love,
Aunt Betsey
She looks adorable!! And she colors way better than Noah. I never know if it’s because he is a boy, but he has never really liked to sit down and color – he’d rather be playing with cars and dinosaurs, but he does love to read with me. Anyways, way to go on the homeschooling. Let me know how it goes! And, what a fun birthday and great present. =)
Lacey – the suspense is killing us! What happened at Meijer’s. Were the people behind you mad? What about the manager? Surely Meijer’s coupons have to be accepted. I hope you didn’t have the kids with you. What a mess!
I got Target hamburger – the 93/7 kind – for $1.39 a pound (on sale for $2.39 and I used a $1 coupon).
I am learning!