light of the world

so last night, i thought it would be grand if we could set the pace for the school year.

i picked flowers from the yard, spread out a colorful table cloth, cooked yummy food, and we all sat down to a end of summer/start of the school year dinner.

banana pudding was involved, so you know i was serious.

--and i just realized that how i'm starting this story might lead you to believe there's some dramatic or hilarious twist. there isn't one. it's just a nice story. 

i had asked the hubs if he would pick a verse from the Bible and say a little something about it...something he wanted the boys to remember as they embark on this school year.

and he did not disappoint. 

he opened up the Bible and taught the boys from matthew 5:14-16

"you are the light of the world. a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. in the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

dang, hubs. way to bring it.

and then we lit a candle and we talked and we prayed. 

we prayed for courage and for obedient hearts and for friendships.

it was kind of a beautiful moment, i'm not gonna lie.

then i did dishes with this view.

my favorite in the house.

and then this morning these four handsome boys rocked it out with their awesome fashion sense and cool hair. 

gird your loins, local elementary school.

they're a force to be reckoned with.

 pics like the one above always make me laugh because you see this cute photo, but we all know that right after this photo was taken, they all wrestled and knocked each other down.

boys.

 i bought a candle last week and pledged not to burn it until the boys were in school as a kind of celebration that we, in fact, did it and they were all, in fact, at school.

what? you don't celebrate all your small occasions with fancy scented candles? 

just me?

so as i blog this post, i'm enjoying mandarin cranberry scents and a moment alone. 

this is the life. 

may this school year be one of learning, growth, and seeking God's will for our families.

happy first day of school!