First Day of 6th, 4th and Kindergarten!!!

Summer always comes to an end way too soon!  I do have to be honest though in that this summer was our most difficult by far.   There was more fighting between the kids then there ever has been.  There was fighting with us and the kids about video games versus playing outside.  It rained and rained the first couple of weeks, so we couldn't have our normal summer fun on the lake - it made everyone tired.   It became evident that our family is changing right before my eyes - the older the kids get, the more opinions they have (which opinions are rarely based on facts :) ), the more they push the limits and the more independent they become....they don't need or want to be with us as much as they used to.  BUT THE GOOD NEWS....we learned to talk through things in a much better way, we all learned a little patience and we all learned about the importance of our foundation.  I am going to miss all of the extra time we had during the summer - yep, even the times when they were fighting.  I will miss summer!

Brenna's First Day of Kindergarten!

I'm not even going to try to hide it - the first day of school was so hard...for me.  Brenna did so well.  She was so excited to go and she loves to learn so I know that she will be fine, but my heart is breaking.  Sending her off is like the end of a season in my life - I see it and I feel it.  I know that school is going to take her from us in so many more ways than I even realize - she's going to be tired and cranky some days,  we won't be able to stay up late and talk after the boys go to bed, we are going to spend more time practicing reading than we do caring for her babies.   BUT - I know that she is going to learn new things and she is going to become who she is meant to be.    I am so excited for her, but I am also mourning the last of our kids leaving for school.  I really just can't believe that time has passed by so quickly.   BUT - I am hiding all of this because I know if she sees that I am sad, she will be sad, I know that if she sees me worrying, she will worry.  So instead, I am smiling, hoping and praying that this is a wonderful year for her.  Oh, how I love her!

"I wonder what you're doing right now

and if everyone is treating you kind.

I hope there is a special person, 

a nice friend that you can find.

I wonder if the teacher knows just

how special you are to me. 

And if the brightness of your heart

is something that she can see.

I wonder if you are thinking about 

me and if you need a hug.

I already miss the sound of your voice

and how you give my leg a tug.

I wonder if you could possibly understand

how hard it is for me to let you grow.

On this day know that my heart breaks, 

for this is the first step in letting my baby go."

Surfin' Safari

This has definitely been the summer of the surf board!  Conner and Drew are improving so much each and every day!

First year of 4-H!

The boys particiapted in 4-H for the first time this year.  I have to be honest when I say that I did not want them to participate in anything else.  I told them they could do it if they (and Jason) were in charge....well, lets just say things came together perfectly with 10 minutes to spare and missing a vacation because we had the wrong week!  The boys did very well and learned a ton.  We are so thankful that Gail took the time to work with them and to teach them - we are so grateful for her!   Today, we were up at 5 and to the fair by 7 for a show that lasted until 12:15!  The boys both did well in showmanship and Conner's rabbit placed first and Drew's fourth.  We are so proud of them!

Brenna's up!

She did it!  She met one of her goals on her bucket list and got up on two skis!   I told her that night before I put her to bed, "Brenna, I am so proud of you for skiing today!"  She looked at me with her big, blue eyes and amazing expressions and said, "Mommy, I am SO proud of MYSELF".   It only took her about four times! We are so thankful for Jeremiah and the boys for helping her get up!

2019 - State Tournament

The boys did an awesome job fishing as a team this year.  At the State Championship at Geist, they finished third overall.  I am so proud of them and all of the time and effort they put into this sport.  I cannot wait to see where they go!