A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

You.

 All of you. 

Are amazing. 

Remember that goal of 22 backpacks? 

When I publish this post we are at 70.

Seventy. 

You know, there have been times, especially lately, when I have thought maybe it was time to stop blogging, or at least go private due to the boys getting older, negative feedback, privacy issues.. numerous reasons, but  the fact is, I have always loved blogging, and the last 48 hours have just been another reason why:

A simple conversation with my boys to attempt to help them understand better why their Daddy is deployed turned into a movement to outfit a school, and their wonderful teacher advocate, with supplies for the year for not only her students but other classes as well.

 I am so proud that our little blog reaches so many good people and can't wait to share the pictures of Toomer Elementary's students receiving, for many of them their first, backpacks at the beginning of the school year.

Thank you all, seriously, thank you:

 For reading my blog, for loving our family, for supporting our mission, for sending the backpacks...

 simply for everything. 

*****

And now, some other updates:

On the way to #packapack I brought a parrot, a barefoot baby and a boy in a sweater vest in 96 degree heat... 

we don't always look good while doing good things. 

Are you participating in your local library's summer reading program? 

It is no secret around here that we love the library (we go to at least once a week) and this was the prize bag for my boys reading their first 20 books this summer.

 We left the beach on Friday and a last-minute-stuck-in-traffic-decision led us to head West instead of North out to The Farm for the weekend.

Marme and Papa celebrating the 4th with some boys

A few boys who are clearly over taking pictures with their mother

My parents took all 3 boys on an adventure to see some Alpacas on Saturday and after walking around for a while not knowing what to do with my hands, I ended up like this for 2 hours. 

Also, according to this picture, I am disgusted by burnt marshmallows.
 Had no idea it was that serious and swear I helped B right this- my mom just caught me at a funny moment!

While we were sitting around the big bonfire, the boys were making a pretend one with scraps, which was cute, until Fritz decided it was good enough to light. 

Talk about a sense of accomplishment for a few little guys. 

They were so proud of themselves and their very own fire.

We finally got home Sunday and all felt like this:

 And the rest of this week, we got ready for football season (in less than 55 days)

 Proved that the #hidethedogfood was appropriate for our crawling baby. 

 and went bowling with my best friend from high school and her sweet little girl. 

Thank you again for all your support in our first service project and for being there, reading along and joining in, every step of the way. I can't really express the gratitude that I feel, but please know that it is great. 

****

If you would still like to donate a backpack and supplies- please let me know. Or if you did comment that you would help and I haven't gotten back to you with the additional info, please let me know again- I tried my best to keep up with all the volunteers but please comment if I didn't email you back!

Also, a lot of these pictures came from my instagram and you can click HERE to follow along.