… our summer is over.
My girl babies are at preschool this morning; 4K and 5K {kindergarten}. I am praising the Lord that they only are there half day. I know I will blink my eyes and they will be in high school. Our summer was very full and I still have so much more to share about it {including Italy and the end of our farm trip}. As I was sleepless last night for an hour or so I prayed for my girls, that the Lord would be gracious this year and grant them: patience, wisdom, confidence and courage. I love them both more than I ever thought humanly possible… even when I can’t get a smile out of both at the same time regardless of what tricks I try!
The little man is still here, safe in the arms of love! Which means I better get off of here and enjoy him because he’ll be joining them next year… sigh!
Thinking of you mothers who are sending little ones off to school… whether it be kindergarten or college… they’ll always be your babies!
Lauren
August 18, 2010 at 9:42 amHow cute they look ready for school!! And so glad you’ve got your little Rover there at home with you to keep you company (and busy!) 🙂
Bryn
August 18, 2010 at 9:48 amAww congrats. How blessed you are with those three beautiful children. But you know what this means…. time for a fourth! hehe 🙂
angela
August 18, 2010 at 9:50 amAs always, they are PRECIOUS…the ones going to school and the one staying home. Bless you!
Christina
August 18, 2010 at 9:52 amYour kids are beautiful! I watched my little guy run around so independently on the playground today and realized that he’ll be running off to school before I know it. The socks on your girls in this photo made me even more excited that we’re expecting a girl. I love my boy but look forward to girly things. Best wishes for a great year in preschool and home with Rover!
Kristen {a little ditty}
August 18, 2010 at 9:55 amThe girls look so cute, and alike! So sad that your summer is coming to an end. I dread the start of Fall, it always feels like all the good times are over. But it does look like you all had an amazing summer!
Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy
August 18, 2010 at 10:00 amThis post made me tear up a bit and I my little guy isn’t even off for school yet (he is 1 1/2!), but it made me think how fast time goes by. Good luck today and have a wonderful afternoon with them when they get home.
Cat from iBlog
August 18, 2010 at 10:01 amThose pictures are precious! Love their dresses and that they are wearing the same thing. I sent my rover to preschool yesterday morning. It’s so quiet around here…..
charity ogle
August 18, 2010 at 10:07 amGoodness how time flies! I’ll be sending my baby girl(my oldest) to preschool tomorrow and have cried almost every day this week just thinking about it. Oh how I wish I could just keep her young, innocent and a baby forever, but I can’t. Hope your girls have a wonderful first day of school!
Amanda
August 18, 2010 at 10:07 amyour kiddos are what I dub “portrait children”, they are so beautiful they look like kids that are in those family portraits you see at malls or dept. stores….so precious and adorable….enjoy this time b/c mine is in 1st grade, and now I’m like “what just happened to Kindergarten?”
Sarah@Clover Lane
August 18, 2010 at 10:10 amLove those dresses….and although I’m ready for all of mine to go back (from 1rst grade to 11th) it is a big transition for all of us. It never gets easy!
Cindy
August 18, 2010 at 10:35 amThey are beautiful!! I hope their days goes well!
Susan
August 18, 2010 at 10:41 amBeautiful children! Hope they have a great day and lots to share when they get home.
Tessa
August 18, 2010 at 10:47 amI hope they have a wonderful school year! Love their matching hot pink dresses, that way can easily spot each other from a distance. It’s so nice for both of them to still be at the same school. I’m not ready for summer to end or my eldest to head back to school either! 🙂
GRACE HAPPENS
August 18, 2010 at 10:58 amsuch a sweet post. i am dreading the day next year when i have to send my little boy who is close in age as rover to preschool. i will be crying like no other i’m sure. enjoy the rest of summer!
Sherry
August 18, 2010 at 10:59 amsometimes i wonder if my mom still watches me sleep, like i watch my children. she says she doesn’t, but how can you not watch your babies sleep no matter what age they are.
Ashley
August 18, 2010 at 11:00 amI’m sure somebody else will ask… but where did you get their darling dresses?!
Can’t believe either that it’s school time again…where does the summer go?!
Katie
August 18, 2010 at 11:00 amThey are adorable….just adorable! Poor little fellar, I’m sure he is going to miss his sisters in the mornings. :o)
Tara
August 18, 2010 at 11:16 amI’ve said it a million times, but you have the most adorable kids! I know back to school time isn’t easy, but it does mean we’re getting closer to fall!
Kristy Dorminy
August 18, 2010 at 11:17 amI love seeing your pictures…so cute. I have two girls and a boy and sent the girls off to K and 1st at a home school co-op just yesterday! We spend three days a week together, but the time they are away just seems wrong. 🙂
Mary
August 18, 2010 at 11:18 amWhen my daughter started school I cried. And I cried again when I dropped her off at her college. I cried all the way home in my car. They grow up so fast!
lala
August 18, 2010 at 11:44 amDarby, your family is so beautiful and precious! Best wishes for a great school year!
Katherine @ Grass Stains
August 18, 2010 at 11:44 amI have three boys who don’t want to smile (at the same time) either. One thing I’ve tried with some success is asking, “Who can laugh the loudest?” Now, you have to be ready for wide-open grins, but a lot of times it gives them the for-real giggles and I get some great shots. Maybe you could try that!
mary katharine
August 18, 2010 at 11:44 amThose dresses have been a favorite addition to our Fall wardrobe, too! I was thrilled when they put them out a while back … you gotta love Big W!!! 🙂
And your title … yes, it is “just like that” that it all sort of changes. Life is precious and is such a gift. Enjoy your time with just the one. Treasure those moments. Utilize the chance to tackle the things that “busy” your life, and then soak up the time “free” time you have when they come home from all you’ve accomplished while they were away. It’s a good balance.
Jennifer
August 18, 2010 at 11:45 amSuch a sweet first day of school picture. I’m sure you can’t believe Morgan is starting kindergarten – they do grow so quickly! There will be tears a plenty around here very soon…on the 31st my baby begins kindergarten (I’m really struggling with this as it’s an all day every day program here) and my step son leaves for Ohio State mid September. I thought I shed enough tears the end of May, when his graduation ceremony and Ben’s last day of preschool fell on the same day. But I’m realizing I better stock up on the Kleenex! 🙂 Not to mention I’ll also have a second and fourth grader, too!
Can’t wait to see your Italy pics! And enjour your one-on-one time with JM!
jenna
August 18, 2010 at 11:55 amlove the girls dresses!! such a pretty color! what brand are morgans shoes?
My babe went to kindergarten today too!! We both cried our eyeballs out!
Mandy
August 18, 2010 at 12:00 pmSo precious and yes, it does fly! I sent my little girl off to 5K today for her first day and dumped off my 19 month old at Mrs. Kathy’s, where he hangs out while I teach part-time in the mornings! Precious, precious time, oh where have you gone? Thinking of you too today! Mandy
Jen
August 18, 2010 at 12:03 pmi’m dying over that first picture. the look on each of their faces is beyond perfect!
Melissa
August 18, 2010 at 12:04 pmI love those hot pink dresses! They are precious!
JJ
August 18, 2010 at 12:10 pmThis brings back fond memories. I love to see all the eager little faces and the excitement that a new school brings. Our children are out of college and married and I have nothing but good memories of school. I hope you have a wonderful school year. You have done your job well and given them the best possible start in life by giving them a good foundation to build on. I still say a prayer on the first day of school.
Ms. Bright
August 18, 2010 at 12:20 pmDarby,
I know you must get this constantly, but your kiddos are unbelievably gorgeous! Time really does fly by us…thank you for sharing!
kendyl sisk
August 18, 2010 at 12:31 pmYou are a wonderful mother and I wish everyone in the world loved their children the way you (and I) do! I enjoy reading your blog so much and especially love that you love our Lord so much and so boldly ;o) Just wanted to say that;o)
jackie
August 18, 2010 at 12:54 pmThey are beautiful, and grow up so fast! Jackie
andrea
August 18, 2010 at 12:56 pmSo soon? Our son starts daycare at the end of this month. I’m sad. It’s been so nice to have him home with a nanny for the summer. No rushing out the door to take him to “school”…. I wish I were a stay-at-home mom like you and get to hang with him all day long. Albeit, it’s not bliss every moment of the day. Tho is it fun, isn’t it!?
Amanda @ Serenity Now
August 18, 2010 at 1:06 pmThey look so precious! Love those dresses. 🙂 I was actually glad that we couldn’t afford to send my youngest to the “Young Threes” class this year b/c I’ll get to have her home with me. :s My oldest goes back to preschool (Fours) in September. 🙂
Mary Elizabeth
August 18, 2010 at 1:15 pmYou just might need to mosey over to my latest blog post…
I have an older perspective on those first precious days of school!!
Time’s flying way to fast…
M.E.
Leslie
August 18, 2010 at 1:19 pmLove this!! My 3 little ones are all still too young for school so I am dreading it and excited for it. Your children are absolutely beautiful!! Hope you are enjoying your little man today!!
Martha
August 18, 2010 at 1:19 pmSo glad those precious girls do not have BOWS the size of Texas in their hair, just so cute! Hats off to you Mom!!
Ruth Williams
August 18, 2010 at 1:29 pmPrecious beyond words!!!
dani
August 18, 2010 at 2:04 pmThe are adorable!
sarah
August 18, 2010 at 2:08 pmyour girl babies are ADORABLE! oh, your life – it is just BEAUTIFUL.
Erica
August 18, 2010 at 3:05 pmI love their matching dresses, so cute! My kids started third grade and Kindergarten two weeks ago. The summer does go by way too fast:( I too just have my baby with me during the day. It is so quiet during the day. I forgot how easy it is to have just one at home during the day.
Dianne
August 18, 2010 at 3:31 pmAll 3 children are so precious. You do have the prettiest kids on the planet!! i especially love those dresses!! However, with all that beauty befor me I could hardly keep my eyes off your ferns!!! My goodness!!!! Your thumb is green. I have never seen such huge ferns. Please show us a picture of them.
Almost wedding time here…November. I would so appreciate your prayers that this union is blessed and that her father lives to be a part of it.
love you! xoxo
Janice
August 18, 2010 at 4:07 pmDarcy you’ll appreciate this…my mother sent me off to college and my baby sister off to kindergarten all in the same month. You can imagine the range of emotions she passed through that September!
LizInScotland
August 18, 2010 at 4:26 pmGorgeous photos! Time has flown-I remember them going last year with their cute apple tees and Keds 🙂 JM next year??? No WAY!My daughter started Primary 1 (Scotland,1st Grade equivalent)today,surreal.Full days with no girl..though her baby sister is due in just a couple weeks to keep me on my toes 😀
kat
August 18, 2010 at 4:58 pmThey look adorable! My girls don’t go back until after Labor Day. This feels like the never-ending summer, since we have been out of school since mid-May. I hope your girls have a wonderful year!
Jennifer
August 18, 2010 at 4:59 pmI know! Tears well up when I think about it.
The clean white ruffle socks. I love them! Nothing sweeter!
kayce hughes
August 18, 2010 at 5:19 pmSo beautiful. Today it just happened that my oldest and youngest daughters had half days and everyone else had whole days. It was so sweet and unusual to sit and eat lunch just the 3 of us. One after her first day of high school and the other her first day of junior kindergarden.
bonnie
August 18, 2010 at 5:30 pmOh dear Darby, my precious little pre-school, kindergartners are now out of college and married!!!!! It passed in the blink of an eye! One day they were curled in my arms. The next day they were in cap and gown with a college diploma. Of course, the sweetest of memories rise to the surface every day. I’m proud of them. I miss them. I’d better bake some cookies and get them in the mail.
Best,
Bonnie
Melissa (melissab74)
August 18, 2010 at 5:38 pmOh how I cried the day Matthew started kindergarten! And that was with him being in the same building as me! Soak up all this time with Rover! Love, love, love those little hot pink dresses!
elizabeth
August 18, 2010 at 6:07 pmThey are beyond cute. I love their dresses and I wish my hair looked that good:) Also, your ferns are huge!!They look great too
Melanie
August 18, 2010 at 6:15 pmThe look adorable! (and your ferns are gorgeous)
Jessica Washburn
August 18, 2010 at 7:23 pmThose babies of yours are beautiful! It’s so hard to send them away…that’s why I homeschool. 😉 I’ll be sending my oldest son to junior high and high school next year {tear}. I’m already having anxiety thinking about it. Your lovlies will do great and you’ll be that much more excited to see them each afternoon. It does go SO fast!!
Jessica Washburn
August 18, 2010 at 7:23 pmOops, forgot to say…I’m dying to hear about Italy.
erika (mommasissy)
August 18, 2010 at 8:14 pmI LOVE those three little people soooooo much! So proud of Raiger today on her first day of school and Morgan too!! Rover, I can’t wait to get my hands on you in a couple of weeks!!! XOXO
Michelle
August 18, 2010 at 8:26 pmThose pictures are adorable! Wishing you all the best for the school year. Paige looks so much like you in the first picture!!
Cait
August 18, 2010 at 8:32 pmI love the sweet pictures of your babies. Such dolls! As a teacher (not yet a momma) I can’t even imagine the bittersweet feelings of sending them to school. On my way to school the other morning, I saw a sweet mom putting her two boys on the bus…all of them smiling and her waving and blowing kisses. I got all teared up just seeing her love for them. What a precious reminder of how important it is as a teacher to take care of those babies while they are in my care at school. Hope it’s a great year for you all!
Hannah
August 18, 2010 at 8:36 pmDid you make those adorable dresses?
Alli
August 18, 2010 at 8:53 pmDarby- adorable & perfect first day of school outfits! my favorite is the little socks :]
I have two little girls 16 months apart and my youngest is 15 months now.. We are talking about having another one next year.. so I wanted to ask how the transition from 2 kids to 3 kids was?!
xo
Alli
Devon
August 18, 2010 at 9:08 pmThey are adorable! Hope the first day went well.
My biggest little guy’s first day of preschool is the 1st of September. I’m a complete mess. Who knew I’d be such a complete mess, especially as a working mom (meaning, I have to leave my boys almost every day)? But it just seems like such a big step–because he’s leaving the house–and I am hoping, with every fiber of my being, that all goes well for him.
Can you imagine how we are going to feel once they get their driver’s license?
Jennifer Key
August 18, 2010 at 9:15 pmI really enjoy reading about your sweet angels and all of your adventures. It’s fun seeing how three children interact as we have two boys and a girl. Your pictures are outstanding and writing is so funny. It’s a great read. can’t wait to hear more about Italy.
Champagne Maker
August 18, 2010 at 10:33 pmyou’re right, they are grown in a blink. My “Rover” (Hobbs) leaves for College in just 2 short weeks…but at least he’ll be at the same school as his “Morgan” (Patterson). Parents’ weekend can’t get here fast enough! Cherish every moment!
Joy
August 18, 2010 at 11:52 pmYou have a great knack for saying what most mothers are thinking. Your blog helps to reinforce just how important a mother’s job is, family is and our walk with the Lord. Thanks again for your inspiration (motivation) Joy
Katharina
August 19, 2010 at 12:03 amSimple like that – the pictures are beautiful! If there is a way to see if a child has a great childhood – your childrens faces does show it 🙂
barbaraG
August 19, 2010 at 5:16 am…just like that describes childhood so well. Giving them roots and wings brings pangs of separation but new joys. The girls look great
and JM wearing his big boy shorts ready to go.
Best wishes,
BarbaraG
Becky
August 19, 2010 at 6:41 amBeautiful girls! My oldest will be three in November, and I was not ready to send her this year. I guess next year, but I get a lump in my throat thinking about it! Prayers over your sweet family as you start the new school year!
May
August 19, 2010 at 7:14 amYour kids incredibly cute. My first thought when I saw these pictures was how much your little Raiger resembles you. I hope you all have a wonderful time as the girls start school again! xo
Sara
August 19, 2010 at 9:32 amThey are precious! You are right, it goes by so fast. My baby is starting first grade on Monday. I feel like he should be about 3.
Dianne
August 19, 2010 at 10:43 amI so enjoy your blog. Your children are adorable
Krissy
August 19, 2010 at 10:44 amOh, they are so precious! I too took my “little ones” to school yesterday They are in 6th, 4th and 1st and it just doesn’t seem possible! I was up praying the night before, as well. Your babies are so blessed to have you as their prayer warrior! Keep it up – time goes by in the blink of an eye!
naina
August 19, 2010 at 11:33 amI just came across your blog and absolutely adore it. And I printed off the tutorial on photography because I am trying to improve my skills! You have an awesome blog and beautiful children! My little one is off to preschool in a couple of weeks too!!!
naina
Sharon
August 19, 2010 at 1:32 pmYou are so right when you say they will always be your babies….our oldest, who will graduate from college a semester early this December,
texted me this morning: “Last first day of school!”. I wish I could have been there to give her a hug. Your blog is inspiring, even to those of us who have been mothers for a while!
Diane
August 19, 2010 at 2:56 pmI enjoy your blog. Here’s an idea for your back to school photos and something I wish I had done. A dear friend took a picture of her son each year on the first day (or so) of school right in front of the front door. That way the pictures showed how much he had grown from year to year (sorta like a growth chart). Her son is now a senior and over 6 ft.
Ann
August 19, 2010 at 4:27 pmWhat spectacular photos! Such darling children – I know you are so proud of your girls going off together to school adventures. Thank you for sharing these memories – and best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Jill
August 19, 2010 at 8:41 pmI have been a loyal follower of your blog for awhile now (I thrilled quite a few folks when I tried your cinnamon honey butter recipe last Christmas!) and just wanted to say that I love the way you take your pictures. It is like they speak to me. I am sure having such adorable children helps a bit!! They are so totally precious. My son will be 2 in October and I am sure would be buddies with your little one. They remind me so much of each other! Thanks for giving us a peek “thru your window.” Hope you all have a blessed week. Ps: Love your sister’s blog too 🙂
lisa
August 19, 2010 at 8:56 pmOh, this makes me teary, and they’re not even my girls! Elisabeth, my oldest, is 3 and going to preschool for the first time this September. I am a wreck as the day gets closer and closer. Definitely bittersweet!
Melissa B.
August 19, 2010 at 10:22 pmIt’s hard to believe another summer is behind us (for the most part)! You have the most gorgeous family – what a blessing. And Paige looks JUST LIKE YOU in that first pic! You always say they are carbon copies of their father, but there is no mistaking Paige as your child in the first shot! Gorgeous!
B
August 20, 2010 at 1:32 amGratitude and a reliance on the Lord are such wonderful qualities to find in a human being. Just found your blog. Glad I did.
Ashley
August 20, 2010 at 9:09 amIf I ever decide to cut my hair, I want your little girls hairstyle!
Jill S.
August 21, 2010 at 9:03 amDarby,
Our summer is over too! I am a teacher and will be returning to school on Monday. My twin boys will begin full day Pre K starting Sept. 7. I am excited for this new stage of motherhood, but also so fearful!! Your girls look adorable.
I Love Pretty Little Things
August 22, 2010 at 12:56 pmThese pictures are making my heart hurt! Mine are 15-21. Things have changed… 🙂
Kim
August 22, 2010 at 9:20 pmYour kids are so darling! Our first daughter just turned 6 months and it seems like just yesterday she was born. It is truly amazing how fast each day goes by! Makes you really remember to treasure each day because they are each so special!
kimberly michelle
August 24, 2010 at 3:30 pmYour children are just the most precious things in the world! Good luck to you as you see them off to school! And enjoy every single moment and day with them before they’re off to college!
kristen
August 25, 2010 at 9:34 amthey are so gorgeous! just gorgeous!! so excited for yall at the beginning of school!!
kelly
August 25, 2010 at 5:36 pmjust sent my youngest off to college, cried when he went to kindergarten, cried when he went to college, feels the same! your children are beautiful!!
Allison @ House of Hepworths
August 28, 2010 at 4:53 pmOMG, your babies are beautiful! Love your blog and am so glad I stumbled upon it.
Pink Spring Blog
September 9, 2010 at 12:54 pmBlessed Baby Ruffled Socks…
[…] the best possible start in life by giving them a good foundation to build on. I […]…