Because it's the first day the kids are on Summer Break. As of today, it's the last day of the school year, and the first day of Summer Break. 

Because they're incredible humans with big, big hearts. 

Because they passed 7th and 9th grades. 

Because they are who they are, today calls for pancakes for lunch (in which I add a little sugar in the mixture).  

Our boy even added some chocolate syrup to his. Because today is special.

 It's days like today, I'm thankful to be able to come home on my lunch break!

Happy Friday, friends!

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So last weekend we was really, really busy taking care of our sheep dog, Sam. I mean, we are still busy with him, but last weekend, we were really, really busy with him. 

 You see, this is Sam.

He is our new (10 week old) Great Pyrenees puppy. He was born in a field full of goats and didn't have any human contact and interaction until we got him. 

As of last weekend, we hadn't even had him a week so he's a little frightened because of the new surroundings, and he is now actually around humans, but he's starting to see that humans can be okay, and even give him treats from time to time. He's slowly warming up to us (maybe it's the treats)! 

 You see, Justin and I (along with our kids) have started on a new chapter for us. We are officially sheep farmers and we also have bought donkeys and even Sam here to help protect and care for our sheep.  While we've already paid for our sheep (in which many will hopefully be having little babies running around this Summer), we will actually be picking up our many new farm animals at the end of this month. We're anxious to begin this journey.

 Prayers for a successful journey is much appreciated! 

 Then the week began...Monday, came with laundry day and my husband leaving for an out-of-town business trip. He's on his way home today though, and I couldn't be happier! 

 By the way, our washer...it looks something like this...okay, exactly like this...this is our washer!

Some little guy must have left gum or candy in his pockets. This is what the inside of our washer looks like these days, it's speckled red. 

 Tuesday, brought the Presidential Primary Elections, and the kids were out of school for the day. I was happy to have a bit of extra time with them, as it was a scheduled short day at work for me! Bree and I also got our hair done, the kids and I ordered Mexican food, and had a fabulous time. We really were missing their dad though.

Yesterday morning was filled with getting ready for school and work, conversation, and laughter. It was also filled with memories of my Mom. It was Mom's birthday. She would've been 66. If anyone feels the void nearly as much as I do, my daughter surely does. We miss my Mom daily. 

 This girl, she is my daughter. We share laughter and tears, and she's my best friend. 

 We also made time to take a photo yesterday morning. Just a moment in our busy day!

These days, I will never take for granted.  That is one of the many things my mother taught me.  Her love and appreciation for photos and scrapbooking has poured over into me, and I'm glad it has, because this is our story!

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Another Snow Day for these two!

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Some rainy December days are meant for relaxing by the Christmas tree.

It's a rainy December morning. 

The kids are at school. They'll be exchanging gifts with their friends, as Christmas break draws near. 

I'm scheduled for a late morning at work, and our Maisy is relaxing next to the Christmas tree. 

The kids' Cross Country Meet for District was this evening.  Troy got 11th and Bree got 7th place. Troy brought home a ribbon and Bree brought home a medal. While I am happy with their accomplishments, I found even more that made me even happier this evening...like the way Bree prayed before she ran, the way they were so happy for each other's accomplishments, and the way the whole team encouraged each other.  It was also great they each got awards, and it was awesome to see how happy all of the kids were at each of their own accomplishments. From hugs from their parents to some of the kids calling their family to share the news of their accomplishments...such great stuff!  I'm such a happy Mom!  :) 

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"Blue and White Day" at school for Homecoming Week. They're both painted blue and white and Bree even has blue eyeliner on!

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