Time Flies

I thought I would have oh so much study time in the couple of weeks the kids were in school before I went back.  Boy was I wrong.  I don't think I have had busier weeks.  The time has just flown by.  It is now less than 12 hours before we all sit back down and go through another semester!!  I just keep telling myself to B.R.E.A.T.H.E.

This weekend was Paige's friend birthday party.  She was surrounded by so much love.  I'm so, so thankful for that.  We tried to keep it small,  just with people we knew well to keep the tween drama down to a dull roar.

They spent hours in the pool.

They enjoyed handmade malts delivered straight to the pool.  Everyone had milk mustaches afterwards.

Some of the boys were able to play Wii games.  Luckily we have 4 controller wheels.

Of course, Paige was able to open gifts from everyone.

I'm not sure that grin has left her face yet.

I think the best moment of the day was after almost everyone had gone home.  Paige received money, which is actually an awesome gift in our house.  We have the kids separate their money into 3 envelopes spending, saving, and giving (modeled after the Dave Ramsey program).  We have been doing this for over a year and it is really working to show the kids how to manage their money.  Jay and Paige were sitting down to figure out how to split up all the money and gift cards.  We figure she is old enough to set the amounts for each.  Paige put $15 into giving.  Then came the big decision.  She still had $75 in cash, $50 in gift cards, and 2 envelopes to fill.  Paige was very mature and put the $75 into saving and $50 into spending.  The funny thing was, she never batted an eye.  She even know how she is going to use the giving money.  She is a cat lover and there is a local cat shelter that she is dying to volunteer for.  She wants to ask what supplies they need and buy some for the shelter.  Wow!  That does the heart good!