In the FINALS Stretch

B has officially finished all of his law school classes! They ended Friday and for the next 8 days he is throwing himself into studying for his two finals and writing a paper.

Seasoned as I am at these law school finals, I was still caught thinking that it really couldn't be that big of a deal this last time around. Apparently, I was wrong again. And I agree with my friend, Emily, that I'm spoiled and take so very much for granted. When B is so absorbed in his work that I am handling all of life around here... it's tiring and I find myself struggling against my fleshly BAD attitude. I truly desire to be a blessing to my husband (not a complaining, bitter, ungrateful wife!)... and these next 8 days will test my dependance on Christ to accomplish any blessing.

This weekend, as Daddy was occupied, I took the kids to the AAF tank museum for their extravaganza. I have boys; my boys loved this. There was a flame thrower demonstration, tennis balls shot from a cannon, a bomb-sniffing dog, a car crushed by a tank, and a seemingly endless array of weapons. The period clothes and hats were the best part for me. Though, I must say that overall, we had a very good day. (I love a good picnic and outing!)

In the line of duty, I also had to help Rhyle get a staple out of his mouth. I thought he was joking at first, but he really did have a staple stuck between his front teeth. I tried not to laugh, and I think we both had a few terrifying seconds wondering what to do.

In addition to that, Tate received his first bee sting. He was on the (poorly) screened porch, and I suspect he tried to catch the bee. (I had seen him attempt this earlier.) As he screamed and his hand swelled, I applied lavender, gave homeopathic remedies, and listened to him repeating, "Bum-Bee, Bum-Bee." I was pleased to see the swelling go down and Tate was calmed. For two days now he has told everyone about his finger and the bum-bee.

Owen lost his head when his cousins were over and went on the roof by himself, without permission.

And Liv... she continues in birthday bliss. At least once each day she happily states, "I'm still FOUR!" I love it. On her birthday she ran around telling OTHER people, "Happy Birthday!" We would say, "Happy Birthday, Livia!" and she would reply, "Happy Birthday!" It was so sweet.

So, all these sweet, traumatizing, dramatic, quiet moments... We shall see what the next 8 days shall hold for us! And when we make it through, B will be graduating and this season of our lives will be passing away.