Round-Up.

I've had so many things I've wanted to do this week and then I woke up and it's Friday.

M & I are leaving this afternoon for a Middle School retreat at camp with church. I'm going as a counselor. This brings me back in so many ways. First to when I was a camper over and over and over again and then working with youth and eventually chaperoning and counseling camp trips. I have to admit that I'm not super excited about the 3 hour road trip to camp in the blizzard like snow but I am looking forward to treating myself with a venti-carmel macciato on the way out of town. I'm sure I'll have lots of stories next week about my adventures with the seven 5th and 6th grade girls in my cabin.

I've been wanting to write more about LESS and what we're doing {or not doing} and what's working {and what's not} but just haven't found the time. Sure there has been gaps of time I could sit down and write but this last week it would have been at the cost of something else I needed to intentionally do. Like playing Monopoly Jr. with H.

T turns 13 today. Thirteen sounds so old to me. Not that twelve exactly sounded young but it's like this official entry into teenage-hood.

I took these pictures secretly yesterday afternoon at H's piano lesson. It's no secret that T has a super soft spot for Ms. E. She has got her big brother wrapped around her finger. And he is such a good big brother.
We all have those moments where the littles have asked 101 questions in 3 minutes and are pushing every button but he takes it all in stride and tries to jump in and help when he can.

We celebrated his birthday last night at our usual place and this year we went in on a Kindle Fire with his mom and stepdad for his gift. He was so surprised and excited because he's really wanted one.

He's a good kid with a big heart and I am still baffled that he's 13, where on earth did the last 9 plus years go? It seems like just the other day that he was a friendly 3 1/2 year old with a ready smile and friendly spirit. Life just keeps moving.

Finally, I have a Tiny Prints Valentines Giveaway going on over on my review blog for 50 free Valentines cards. They are the exchange size so perfect if you've got a couple kids that need them for school or maybe if you're a teacher? Last I checked there were not so many entries, so go enter!