ratatouille

couldn't you just eat them up?  all so precious and sweet!  happy halloween everyone.  we are off to stir up some smiles.

take a little walk in the country with me

don't let them fool you.  they actually do get along.  caught this picture sunday afternoon.  it made my heart glad.  gosh, i wish i could hear their conversation.

god help us all.

preaching to the choir.

sprouting up.

okay, when did this happen?  do you see that sticker on allison that says she's 5 years old?  do you agree with me that she could pass for seven or eight in that picture?  my past, present and future flashes before my eyes.  by my sleep deprivation and exhaustion, I know all this to be true.  but my heart and mind are having a hard time catching up.

allison is five and started kindergarten.  she's the youngest and maybe one of the brightest in her class.  at least she thinks so.  and you will not hear me or zach tell her differently.

davis started first grade and lead us straight to the cub scout registration table.  not sure i'm ready for that jump either but how can i hold him back from something that would be fantastic for him that he is super excited about?  be prepared?  now that's funny.  prepared to accept chaos and whirling out the door is now normal? backpacks, papers, diapers and blankets flying.   prepared to accepted we will never again be prepared for anything in our schedule until last minute?  maybe this boy scout motto isn't such a bad thing.  maybe this mom could use a little more preparation in my life too.

be prepared to never be prepared again.

be prepared to watch your children grow overnight.  just add water.

be prepared to to be out-numbered.

be prepared to realize they are quickly becoming smarter than you are...and faster too.

be prepared to learn that hugging them tighter doesn't slow down this growing up process.

james is, quite frankly, the happiest baby on the block.  since he's the only baby on the block, this is a true statement.

they are my sunshine.

amazing grace!

this flag makes me happy.  i remember seeing it as i passed a school one time.  and today i wish i had a chain link fence in my yard so i could do this.  i wish my neighbor had a chain link fence and i would do it in their yard too.  we do have fences, but the gaps are too big for the cups.  i've already tried.

- under Boiling Spring's guardian landmark -

Greetings from Quinton, VA!  It's our last week of summer.  Though it does feel like much of a summer break with no break in the chaos of a long distance move and land of never-ending boxes.  And maybe by some godly miracle I will get everything together in these last few days before the start of the school year. Wishful thinking.

We are all thinking of our friends in Boiling Springs today.  It's their first day of school and I can't help but wonder what class Davis would have been in and which friends would also greet him in the same room.  Even though we are far away, our thoughts and prayers are still with you for a great, successful year.  Reed, Brye, Maggie, Cristian, Becca, Payton, Kensley, Emily, Carson, Trae, Kayla, Liza, Stella Heidi, Downey, Darlene, Kristin and Diane.

-precious ponderings -

- leaving our mark - 

- refueling at a local favorite, The Snack Shop, with our favorite server, Kim -

back to the future

no hover boards around. but we got close with texting, 360 holographic images, facetime & skype.

a sneak peek

a friend had a cancellation for a photo session on saturday. i scooped up the available spot as soon as i could. here are two shots from the kids' session. i'd say the early bird caught the worm.

tweet.

shiver me timbers

is this not the best, most handsome & scariest pirate you have ever seen? move over will turner! davis trogdon is now commandeering this ship.

i believe kindergarten is the most magical school year! especially with a teacher like miss mathis.  who wouldn't love school and want to get there every day as early as possible with days like "pirate day"?  avast, the kindergarten classes have aboarded the school and taken over.  here are some pictures at the beginning of the day....

me matey brye

party grub

deckhands arrival

all crew must sign in

 ahoy salty dog colt

look here lad, miss mathis still be the captain of this ship!

pirates of an ally ship

first-mates carson & davis in the galley

even scurvy siblings ready to swab the deck

geniuses & push-overs

this past week needs to be marked in the history books.  davis told the family that "my dad gives him everything he wants" when zach bypassed the vegetable consumption rule before serving a 2nd hot dog.

but most importantly!!!!   allison proclaimed to me "Mom, You're a Genius!"  for what?  i can't remember anymore.  that's just how smart i am.

i really wonder what this one wants to say.......

a full quiver

love x 3

big and little.

davis is so proud to be a big brother again.  this kid has always loved babies.  and he REALLY loves his own baby.  davis and james get to know each other over a saturday afternoon movie watching shrek.  james eventually falls asleep and davis sits still with him for over an hour.  a marathon baby holder for 5 years old.

pleased as punch.

sweet kisses from a sweet boy.

davis listed all family members on easter eve for the easter bunny to know who lived here.

and more sidewalk chalk proclamations on easter afternoon.

the time has come. the time is near. little james is now here!

photo credit: allison trogdon

photo credit: allison trogdon

welcome baby brother!

james winslett trogdon

april 3, 2012

at 5:18 p.m.

9 lbs.  1 oz.  and  21.5 in.

shelby, north carolina

Every good and perfect gift is from above,

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows.

                                                                 - James 1:17