And so it begins.....

As a mother, I can't tell you how many times I've heard the phrase, "It goes by so fast. Enjoy this time while it lasts." I never quite understood the depth of emotion behind it until just after 10:00am on Monday, September 13, 2010; when Lawrence and I were walking back to our car from dropping Joshua off at school for the first time. All of the sudden I was back in the delivery room at Saddleback Hospital about to give birth to my precious first born.

Had 4 years, 9 months and 12 days really gone by that quickly? Did we really just leave our child with a teacher who will help him learn his ABC's, 123's and how to read? Am I really old enough and responsible enough to have a school aged child? And the answer to all those questions is yes. Yes 4 years, 9 months and 12 days have gone by in the midst of moving a gazillion times, job changes and welcoming a new brother. Yes, there are other qualified people than us (perhaps more so) to help fill in the gaps that we aren't able to fill. And yes, at 30 years young, I am old enough and responsible enough. Through God's help and strength alone.

And so my life as a Mom of a school age child begins. This new chapter of my life is going to stretch me so much. But I can do it!

Here are some snapshots of Joshua's first day of Kindergarten!

proud Mama

proud Papa

Mrs. Torris and Joshua

the gangs all here!

Goodbye, Mom and Dad!

I'm ready for this. You can let me go!

Sharing the Love

One of my all time favorite rides at Disneyland is Soarin' Over California

at California Adventure.

So you can imagine my excitement when Joshua was finally tall enough to go on the ride.

We took the boys to Disneyland over the weekend and our wait was finally over!

Joshua and I held hands the entire time. One of the greatest things about the ride

this time was that at each scene change he would tighten his grip on me a little

tighter. He may be turning 5 in three months and starting Kindergarten in a

few weeks, but yah, my baby still needs me!

That made my heart soar!

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

My Little Swimmer!

Hello World!

I'm back (I think) to blogging after a 7 month break since we moved and were without internet. Lawrence and I bought our first home and have really enjoyed where we're living. We get along with our neighbors, found a body of believers to connect with at a new church and are even expecting Gustafson baby #3, to arrive at the end of February/beginning of March! It's been a busy 7 months but we're thankful for God's provision!

One thing keeping us busy is swim lessons for Joshua. We signed up with Swim Venture through the city of Lake Forest and will be heading in to our final week of lessons this week. You may remember from a previous post about the struggles we've had in getting him to play in the pool. He has come SUCH a long way! We went to Mission Viejo lake with some friends last week and he was playing around, splashing and having a great time. We went to a pool party last night and same thing....having a blast! He even was holding on to a noodle and kicking around in the deep end - something that would not even have happened a year ago! The community we bought our town home in has a pool but the weather has been unseasonably cool this summer so we haven't had a chance to practice everything he has learned from swim lessons, but when he has a chance to be in the water he loves it!

Here are some pictures from swim lessons. Enjoy!

his graduation ribbon

diving for swim rings

back floats

big, happy smiles!

A rainy day

We bought new umbrella's at Target. Our neighbor gave us rain boots her kids had outgrown. Joshua is always trying to play with the umbrella inside and wants to wear his "new" rain boots whenever shoes are required. When we were on "storm watch" a few weeks ago, I decided to put the umbrella and rain boots to good use and head outside.

Enjoy...

Another birthday!

December is a busy month for us. First and foremost is Christmas!

Then we have Joshua's birthday, Lawrence's birthday, and other family birthdays on the 10th, 19th and 21st. To add a beautiful cherry on top of that, our anniversary is on the 20th!

We went back to Disneyland for Lawrence's birthday on the 6th!

Winnie the Pooh ride

heading over to Tom Sawyer's Island

across the bumpy bridge

coming out of the many caves

Man, can he throw!

I love you, Lawrence! I'm so thankful that God brought you to me!

the birthday dinner

After Disneyland, we headed over to my parents house to use my Dad's wonderful brain and financial expertise. They graciously offered to take us out for Joshua's birthday dinner to BJ's Restaurant. I love BJ's!!! And their pizookies are to die for! Yummy! My mouth is salivating as I type.

Joshua and Grandma

Hey! The gang's all here!

Time for birthday pizookie!

Never one to miss out on an opportunity for a free pizookie,

we told our server we were celebrating Lawrence's birthday too - 5 days early!

The Birthday Boy

My baby turned 4 earlier this week. It's crazy to have a 4 year old. I probably said the same thing when he turned 3. Motherhood is life changing, I tell ya! We celebrated with a day at Disneyland and Joshua had the privilege of choosing every single ride....it's not much different from any other trip except this trip had the fanfare and excitement. "Okay, birthday boy Joshua! What ride next!?"

Enjoy the day through pictures with us. We had a fun day celebrating Joshua.

When we entered the park, there was a marching band and Joshua was fascinated.

He probably could have stayed there all day had I let him.

He was particularly fond of the clarinet.

Time for Dumbo!

One of Joshua's new favorite thing to do is ride the river boats in Adventureland.

Another favorite is "Small World."

It's beautifully decorated for Christmas.

Time to drive on Autopia

Picture of Joshua at the time of his birth.

1:54pm

Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful son.

He challenges me, makes me laugh

and gives me a better understanding of your love for me.

I am truly blessed by this wonderful gift.