I'm not sure where the month of August went, but it's practically gone! The month flew by with the start of another school year, multiple birthdays, fall sports, coaching, art classes, a class picnic, a family wedding, and whatever else we've done that I've forgotten about this month!
If you remember, from my last blog post, Wyatt sprained his ankle at the end of July. He was very disappointed to miss out on soccer camp at Bob Jones University, but Travis had the opportunity to attend instead. Soccer camp was a much better experience that basketball camp was for the boys last summer. I was thankful for the emphasis on devotions, spiritual growth and skill set development. Travis told me that the worst part about the college was the showers. The dorms have community showers on each hall, and while each shower is separated by a curtain, of course, Travis did not like that at all. I had to laugh when he told me that he only took two showers cause the "showers were weird, mom." Gross! But ok! Chandler was actually awarded with the "Camper of the Week" award that was giving to the soccer player that displayed leadership skills, soccer skills, and Christian character. I think the part that makes me the most proud about that award is that Chandler won that completely on his own. I wasn't there to remind him to have good manners or work hard, but he did it; and he won the award. We are proud of him!
Early in the month of August, Roger and I went to South Carolina for his brother’s wedding. It was a quick trip away, but it was good to see family that we haven’t seen in quite a while. The weekend went by way too fast, but we were thankful that we were able to celebrate Nate and Jenny as they tied the knot.
Our first day back to school was on August 14th, and it was a very different feeling to only be taking four kids to school this year. Garett is continuing to work for the gutter company, while trying to figure out what his next steps will be. He has started attending Sunday morning services at the same church that his co-worker attends, and Garett seems to be liking that. It seems like there is a large disconnect between kids getting out of high school and then becoming adults. We've been a little concerned about Garett feeling a bit lost and disconnected, so we are praying that he can develop some rock solid friendships soon. He needs a buddy to go golfing with, spend some time with and hang out with. All his brothers (and playmates) are busy with school and fall sports. I think Garett is feeling lonely. If God brings Garett to mind, please pray that he will have wisdom and direction...and find a friend.
Jen and I have been busy coaching middle school volleyball, and like everything else, it is an adventure! I am excited about this opportunity to help young players develop skills, but also to hopefully encourage their walk with Jesus. I don't like losing, but more importantly than that, I want us to help our players develop a deep love for Jesus...and improve their volleyball skills!
Two days after school started back, one of our friends hosted a "Senior Party" at their lake property. It was a great opportunity for most of the seniors to fellowship together as well as enjoy some fun adventures at the lake. I am thankful for many of the parents in Chandler's senior class, and it was a fun afternoon for all. Our family also went to the lake as we helped with some of the food preparation, cleanup, and whatever else needed doing. We are thankful for Steve and Tammie as they have invited and included us to several events and that fellowship has been much needed by our family.
Chandler is a SENIOR! I can't even believe that we are already here...again! Where did time go?! He is taking several harder courses this year and a dual credit course. He told me that he needed to drop one of his electives as he needed another study hall hour to study. He has been working hard on his grades, and please, please pray that he will have some direction on what God wants him to do. On the night before school started, Chandler was in tears (lots of tears), and he doesn't cry easily. He said that he felt frustrated that God wasn't working and he didn't know what God wanted him to do in college. It was a good reminder to encourage Chandler to focus on the next right thing...today, be a good student, love Jesus, honor your parents, work hard, and be open to whatever God has for you. I cried (nothing unusual there!), and Chan cried, but we are really praying that God will continue to work in and through Chandler's life. He has made some really, really hard decision this month about somethings, and it's been hard to watch his hurt. But God is always at work, never late, and He is working out His perfect plan. However, that boy could use your prayers.
Roger has been busy coaching the boys soccer team, and the team has been working hard. There is a lot of talent in some of our players, but Roger and his assistant coach also work very hard with the team. The team has done well this season, and we are looking forward to seeing what the season brings. Soccer is Chandler’s favorite sport, followed closely by golf. Wyatt prefers basketball, but he is good at soccer too. Travis enjoys all the sports, but he’s not as competitive as any of his older brothers. They get hot and bothered by him not being as competitive, but I think Travis has just learned to “play his game”, and he is doing just fine at it. It’s fun to watch them play together, and while tempers sometimes have to cool off around our house, I really do enjoy watching them play soccer.
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| None of these soccer photos are mine. The credit goes to Chance Howard- youth pastor. I am very thankful that he is willing to take the pictures! |
We also celebrated Emma’s 12th birthday, Travis’s 15th birthday, and now Garett’s 19th birthday! Craziness! The month of August is full of birthdays and ice cream cakes! :) Emma still enjoys all things girly, and she asked for a baby stroller for her birthday. Aunt Jen found her a baby stroller on Amazon, and Emma was thrilled with her gift. I know that it won’t be too much longer before she isn’t interested in dolls and baby strollers anymore, so I am happy to treasure these moments. Garett spent some of his own earnings to get Emma a gift card to Walmart, and she was so thrilled! She made an entire shopping list for things she was interested in at Walmart, and then quickly realized that her $20.00 gift card was not going to cover all the things she was interested in buying! It was a quick reminder of how fast money can be spent!
Travis’s 15th birthday was last weekend, and we had two of my dad’s sisters visiting for the weekend. It was fun to have them over for his birthday lunch, and of course, eat ice cream cake! Travis asked for new golf shoes for his birthday, and I was able to find him a really nice pair for his birthday. His big brother, Garett, spent his own money to buy Travis a gift card to Dick’s Sporting Goods and that was really sweet.
Garett had his 19th birthday this weekend, and we celebrated with homemade enchiladas, and you guessed it…more ice cream cake! He tries to pack a lunch during the week so that he can save more money, so for his birthday Aunt Jen and his parents gave him gift cards for food places. And Garett was delighted with that! I can’t believe that he is 19 years old, and that we have arrived here so quickly!
We came to the western side of the state to spend a day with my Aunt Lisa and her family. It was a good day for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful day. The kids spent several hours in the pool, but it was definitely not warm enough for me! Once we get into the school year, the days seem to fly by and it is hard to get away to visit our family on the western side of the state. Since this was a long weekend, we felt like we should do it. And I’m glad we did!
Travis has a weird rash infection that has spread over his legs and on one of his wrists. He was itching so badly during the soccer game on Tuesday night that Roger pulled him from the game. Travis went behind the bench to slather up with anti-itch cream so that he could play again. By Wednesday morning, the rash had spread some more and Travis came and found me in my classroom. He asked if I could make him an appointment after school. I made an appointment at a walk-in clinic, and while we got right in for our appointment at 4:50pm, we waited almost an hour in the exam room! The physician was concerned about a staph infection as Travis had scratched some of the itch so badly that he had torn his skin. She recommended two different shots to get a jump start on the infection and then some additional pills and anti-itch cream. Travis was completely mortified when the nurse said that the shots had to go in his butt. He was like, “Um, no thank you. I’m good.” However, Travis is TERRIBLE with taking pills, so I knew that was needed to get these shots in at the clinic. And we did. Travis arrived home and promptly told Roger, “Well, there was a full moon in the doctor’s office.” Haha! I’m glad he was able to be a good sport about it later. The steroids have made him hungrier and crankier than usual, so I’ll be happy when it’s all behind us. However, the rash does seem to be getting better, so we are thankful for that.
We are thankful for a long weekend to soak up some extra family time, catch up on laundry (or at least I am thankful for that!), and savor these days as a family of seven. I know our time is coming to an end, and I can almost feel the changes coming at me faster than I’d like! I’m thankful that my Heavenly Father holds each one of our children in the palm of His hand, and He loves them more than I could ever imagine. The song I have on repeat this week is one that I have shared before, but I really do love this song.
