Soccer Starts

This past weekend, the older two boys each had a game or two ;)

Mason played goalie for the first time. He was very excited and did really well. He has finally reached the age when the game includes goalies and official size nets.

 He also had time playing offense.

 The handsome coach in the orange is my guy ;) and mason couldn't be more excited.

Owen also played goalie below in the red penny. He doesn't mind playing as long as he has time running on the field too. Unfortunately he was the only goalie there that day and they really needed him in goal. He had a lot of really great stops and his team one by 1 point.

He is not afraid of going after the ball. It's nerve wracking to watch, but it's also pretty cool to watch his determination and passion for the win!

Happy Birthday, EJ!

I gave EJ this collage as his card. He is opposed to card buying ;) He makes the sweetest cards (to me) because of this opposition, so I don't mind. 

Sometimes it's good to be reminded, "what you are doing with your life." I had to narrow it down, but these all occurred his 38th year. He is a hard worker at his job, but by the grace of God, he pours a lot into his family too. I admire this about him. We are blessed and grateful. 

His birthday was last week on a night with two going to soccer practice. We squeezed in some apple pie eating, but still want to celebrate with other family. 

1st day of Preschool

Avery is attending our church preschool 2 mornings a week, for the 3 year old preschool class. She was apprehensive during our drive, but walked in right in and didn't look back. She talked about her time with excitement and even said she loved her teacher! yay!

I have already warned them that she is a tattoo artist when markers and paint are being used. They have their hands full with this one ;)

I enjoyed my 2.75 hrs and had brunch with a few friends who are also experiencing some kid-less mornings.

1st Day of School

Mason and Ryan have had a week of school under their belts already. Nothing feels normal yet and our routines are completely out of whack. I am praying some better systems fall into place quickly before we all go crazy. Last year, Owen and Mason were pretty self-sufficient as students as far as making lunches, getting to the bus stop and doing homework. Now I am back to having a kindergartner and it's been a hard adjustment for me, plus emotionally everyone is fragile. I know it will pass...

 

Owen's first week did not go as we planned. He was very sick with a fever Mon-Wed and missed his first 3 days of middle school. He was glad but anxious to start on Friday. Thankfully he was well enough to also attend a middle school retreat with his youth group friends. He definitely feels like a fish out of water and knows very few kids in his classes. A lot of adjustment for him as well.

I will be very thankful when things feel somewhat routine and normal. Amazing how much I yearn for that, but in the midst of the crazy, God draws us together and we lean more on Him. I am thankful that I can remind my kids (and believe it myself) that God is close to all who call on Him, He has ordained each of our days, who we have for teachers, the friends we see and even the days we are sick are no surprise to Him.

He Is With Us

We have had these incredible lockers (from ballard designs) in our laundry room for a long time, but only this spring did I finally figure out how to organize the top. Each kids as a basket (from Target). The stuff inside rotates depending on the season. Last week we reorganized and cleaned and replaced baseball and swimming with soccer gear.

 

I painted these (on canvas) before the summer, but I had our next school year in mind. With one starting Middle School and another entering Elementary school it seemed fitting for these words to be the last they see. I don't know how often they actually look at them, but I pray they remind us ALL, who we belong too and who is with us ALWAYS!

I enjoyed making these and took my time over the course of several evenings. It's been a long time since I've used paints and not computer graphics!