Fly Through Our Window

August18th

86 Comments

… our summer is over.

girls2

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!

girls1

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!

all3

Thinking of you mothers who are sending little ones off to school… whether it be kindergarten or college… they’ll always be your babies!

86 Comments

  • Comment by Lauren — August 18, 2010 @ 9:42 am

    How 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!) :)

  • Comment by Bryn — August 18, 2010 @ 9:48 am

    Aww congrats. How blessed you are with those three beautiful children. But you know what this means…. time for a fourth! hehe :)

  • Comment by angela — August 18, 2010 @ 9:50 am

    As always, they are PRECIOUS…the ones going to school and the one staying home. Bless you!

  • Comment by Christina — August 18, 2010 @ 9:52 am

    Your 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!

  • Comment by Kristen {a little ditty} — August 18, 2010 @ 9:55 am

    The 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!

  • Comment by Shannon @ What's Up Whimsy — August 18, 2010 @ 10:00 am

    This 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.

  • Comment by Cat from iBlog — August 18, 2010 @ 10:01 am

    Those 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…..

  • Comment by charity ogle — August 18, 2010 @ 10:07 am

    Goodness 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!

  • Comment by Amanda — August 18, 2010 @ 10:07 am

    your 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?”

  • Comment by Sarah@Clover Lane — August 18, 2010 @ 10:10 am

    Love 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!

  • Comment by Cindy — August 18, 2010 @ 10:35 am

    They are beautiful!! I hope their days goes well!

  • Comment by Susan — August 18, 2010 @ 10:41 am

    Beautiful children! Hope they have a great day and lots to share when they get home.

  • Comment by Tessa — August 18, 2010 @ 10:47 am

    I 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! :)

  • Comment by GRACE HAPPENS — August 18, 2010 @ 10:58 am

    such 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!

  • Comment by Sherry — August 18, 2010 @ 10:59 am

    sometimes 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.

  • Comment by Ashley — August 18, 2010 @ 11:00 am

    I’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?!

  • Comment by Katie — August 18, 2010 @ 11:00 am

    They are adorable….just adorable! Poor little fellar, I’m sure he is going to miss his sisters in the mornings. :o )

  • Comment by Tara — August 18, 2010 @ 11:16 am

    I’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!

  • Comment by Kristy Dorminy — August 18, 2010 @ 11:17 am

    I 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. :)

  • Comment by Mary — August 18, 2010 @ 11:18 am

    When 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!

  • Comment by lala — August 18, 2010 @ 11:44 am

    Darby, your family is so beautiful and precious! Best wishes for a great school year!

  • Comment by Katherine @ Grass Stains — August 18, 2010 @ 11:44 am

    I 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!

  • Comment by mary katharine — August 18, 2010 @ 11:44 am

    Those 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.

  • Comment by Jennifer — August 18, 2010 @ 11:45 am

    Such 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!

  • Comment by jenna — August 18, 2010 @ 11:55 am

    love 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!

  • Comment by Mandy — August 18, 2010 @ 12:00 pm

    So 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

  • Comment by Jen — August 18, 2010 @ 12:03 pm

    i’m dying over that first picture. the look on each of their faces is beyond perfect!

  • Comment by Melissa — August 18, 2010 @ 12:04 pm

    I love those hot pink dresses! They are precious!

  • Comment by JJ — August 18, 2010 @ 12:10 pm

    This 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.

  • Comment by Ms. Bright — August 18, 2010 @ 12:20 pm

    Darby,
    I know you must get this constantly, but your kiddos are unbelievably gorgeous! Time really does fly by us…thank you for sharing!

  • Comment by kendyl sisk — August 18, 2010 @ 12:31 pm

    You 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)

  • Comment by jackie — August 18, 2010 @ 12:54 pm

    They are beautiful, and grow up so fast! Jackie

  • Comment by andrea — August 18, 2010 @ 12:56 pm

    So 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!?

  • Comment by Amanda @ Serenity Now — August 18, 2010 @ 1:06 pm

    They 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. :)

  • Comment by Mary Elizabeth — August 18, 2010 @ 1:15 pm

    You 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.

  • Comment by Leslie — August 18, 2010 @ 1:19 pm

    Love 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!!

  • Comment by Martha — August 18, 2010 @ 1:19 pm

    So glad those precious girls do not have BOWS the size of Texas in their hair, just so cute! Hats off to you Mom!!

  • Comment by Ruth Williams — August 18, 2010 @ 1:29 pm

    Precious beyond words!!!

  • Comment by dani — August 18, 2010 @ 2:04 pm

    The are adorable!

  • Comment by sarah — August 18, 2010 @ 2:08 pm

    your girl babies are ADORABLE! oh, your life – it is just BEAUTIFUL.

  • Comment by Erica — August 18, 2010 @ 3:05 pm

    I 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.

  • Comment by Dianne — August 18, 2010 @ 3:31 pm

    All 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

  • Comment by Janice — August 18, 2010 @ 4:07 pm

    Darcy 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!

  • Comment by LizInScotland — August 18, 2010 @ 4:26 pm

    Gorgeous 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 :D

  • Comment by kat — August 18, 2010 @ 4:58 pm

    They 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!

  • Comment by Jennifer — August 18, 2010 @ 4:59 pm

    I know! Tears well up when I think about it.

    The clean white ruffle socks. I love them! Nothing sweeter!

  • Comment by kayce hughes — August 18, 2010 @ 5:19 pm

    So 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.

  • Comment by bonnie — August 18, 2010 @ 5:30 pm

    Oh 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

  • Comment by Melissa (melissab74) — August 18, 2010 @ 5:38 pm

    Oh 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!

  • Comment by elizabeth — August 18, 2010 @ 6:07 pm

    They are beyond cute. I love their dresses and I wish my hair looked that good:) Also, your ferns are huge!!They look great too

  • Comment by Melanie — August 18, 2010 @ 6:15 pm

    The look adorable! (and your ferns are gorgeous)

  • Comment by Jessica Washburn — August 18, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

    Those 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!!

  • Comment by Jessica Washburn — August 18, 2010 @ 7:23 pm

    Oops, forgot to say…I’m dying to hear about Italy.

  • Comment by erika (mommasissy) — August 18, 2010 @ 8:14 pm

    I 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

  • Comment by Michelle — August 18, 2010 @ 8:26 pm

    Those pictures are adorable! Wishing you all the best for the school year. Paige looks so much like you in the first picture!!

  • Comment by Cait — August 18, 2010 @ 8:32 pm

    I 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!

  • Comment by Hannah — August 18, 2010 @ 8:36 pm

    Did you make those adorable dresses?

  • Comment by Alli — August 18, 2010 @ 8:53 pm

    Darby- 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

  • Comment by Devon — August 18, 2010 @ 9:08 pm

    They 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?

  • Comment by Jennifer Key — August 18, 2010 @ 9:15 pm

    I 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.

  • Comment by Champagne Maker — August 18, 2010 @ 10:33 pm

    you’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!

  • Comment by Joy — August 18, 2010 @ 11:52 pm

    You 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

  • Comment by Katharina — August 19, 2010 @ 12:03 am

    Simple 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 :)

  • Comment by barbaraG — August 19, 2010 @ 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

  • Comment by Becky — August 19, 2010 @ 6:41 am

    Beautiful 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!

  • Comment by May — August 19, 2010 @ 7:14 am

    Your 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

  • Comment by Sara — August 19, 2010 @ 9:32 am

    They 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.

  • Comment by Dianne — August 19, 2010 @ 10:43 am

    I so enjoy your blog. Your children are adorable

  • Comment by Krissy — August 19, 2010 @ 10:44 am

    Oh, 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!

  • Comment by naina — August 19, 2010 @ 11:33 am

    I 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

  • Comment by Sharon — August 19, 2010 @ 1:32 pm

    You 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!

  • Comment by Diane — August 19, 2010 @ 2:56 pm

    I 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.

  • Comment by Ann — August 19, 2010 @ 4:27 pm

    What 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!

  • Comment by Jill — August 19, 2010 @ 8:41 pm

    I 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 :)

  • Comment by lisa — August 19, 2010 @ 8:56 pm

    Oh, 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!

  • Comment by Melissa B. — August 19, 2010 @ 10:22 pm

    It’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!

  • Comment by B — August 20, 2010 @ 1:32 am

    Gratitude and a reliance on the Lord are such wonderful qualities to find in a human being. Just found your blog. Glad I did.

  • Comment by Ashley — August 20, 2010 @ 9:09 am

    If I ever decide to cut my hair, I want your little girls hairstyle!

  • Comment by Jill S. — August 21, 2010 @ 9:03 am

    Darby,
    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.

  • Comment by I Love Pretty Little Things — August 22, 2010 @ 12:56 pm

    These pictures are making my heart hurt! Mine are 15-21. Things have changed… :)

  • Comment by Kim — August 22, 2010 @ 9:20 pm

    Your 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!

  • Comment by kimberly michelle — August 24, 2010 @ 3:30 pm

    Your 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!

  • Comment by kristen — August 25, 2010 @ 9:34 am

    they are so gorgeous! just gorgeous!! so excited for yall at the beginning of school!!

  • Comment by kelly — August 25, 2010 @ 5:36 pm

    just 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!!

  • Comment by Allison @ House of Hepworths — August 28, 2010 @ 4:53 pm

    OMG, your babies are beautiful! Love your blog and am so glad I stumbled upon it.

  • Trackback by Pink Spring Blog — September 9, 2010 @ 12:54 pm

    Blessed Baby Ruffled Socks…

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