July is flying by too fast! I wish I could stop and bottle up lots of the feelings and emotions of these last few weeks, as I feel like I just need time to process so many things!
Chandler leaves on Monday for BMT, and I am not ready for it… at all. Chandler tells me, “Mom, I will be coming home again at some point.” Yes, I know. But I also know that it will never be the same again as the boy is becoming a man. From here on out, he will be home to visit, but never to live at home in the same way again. The route that Chandler has chosen is a long one in the military, and it’s not going to be an easy road. I know that he hasn’t said much to very many people as he’s a little worried about all the training ahead of him, and he doesn’t want to fail. He told me the other day, “Mom, I’m planning on doing this or die trying. But don’t worry, I left you all my life insurance policy.” Why thank you son! (Slap forehead here) I appreciate that thought, but I’ll put my energy and effort into praying you through, thank you very much! Oh, this boy is excited, nervous, overwhelmed, over stimulated, and eager to get started.
This past month, I took a trip to Washington DC. Over the Fourth of July. Roger and I were supposed to have a weekend away, but due to the fire situation, he wasn’t able to take off work. I asked the boys who wanted to go, and Garett had to work, Chandler had made plans with his friends, Emma had just gotten back from camp, so Wyatt and Travis agreed to come with me. What an adventure it was! We had a really great time in Washington, DC. We left early Saturday morning, and got on the metro around 11am. It was a quick, smooth ride downtown, and we were amazed at ALL THE PEOPLE! The media had been boasting about the lack of people attending the Great American Fair, and I’m here to tell you- that was a lie! There were thousands of people on the streets, waiting to get in the museums, the Fair, and all the historical places in DC. We stood in line for a good chunk of time, just waiting to get in the Fair, and then Travis decided that he would like to try to visit each of the 50 booths representing the 50 states. Wyatt and I were like “No way, bru. It’s too hot for all that! Pick a few and we will stand in line some more!” We could’ve stayed for a lot longer, but the day was so incredibly hot. The National Guard was doing a good job trying to distribute water, but we did see several people needing medical attention. The fair was bi-partisan, and we saw and met American from all over the United States that we happy to be celebrating America’s birthday with us. It was a really, really cool experience. We headed back to our hotel after five pm (metro is free after 5pm.) and the boys were starving. We had eaten breakfast, but only water while we were out on the fair grounds. It was honestly too hot to eat, but once on the metro and in the air conditioning, their appetites returned! We were the last stop on the metro and six minutes from our hotel, so it really was a great location. The hotel was the most amazing one I’ve stayed at, but it suited our purpose. We ate dinner, rested for a bit, and then headed back to the metro to head in for the fire works. The weather did not cooperate at all for the fireworks and the President’s speech, but we did get to see the fireworks that started around 11:40pm. It was a sight to see! We did not stay for the entire fireworks display because I knew that the thousands of people that had ridden the metro with us would need to return back! We arrived back at our hotel around 1:30am, and showered off the grime and sweat again! It was a great weekend, and my favorite part was probably visiting with 100s of other patriotic Americans. We won’t forget that experience any time soon, and I am thankful that Wyatt and Travis went with me. Someday Roger and I will be able to get away again…he certainly has the time off available, but there’s not been much for opportunities to use it!
Lots of water bottles! I have no idea how many 100s of thousands of water bottles were used in DC over the weekend, but I would be curious to know! While there are a lot of water bottles around the trash can, I will say that I thought most people did a great job of at least placing the bottles by the trash can and not littering everywhere!
In other family news, Travis now wears glasses! I think he’s super cute with glasses! :)
The boys found out that our neighbors have an old 1988 jet ski that has been sitting around since 2008. Well, guess who inherited that?! Garett and Chandler went down and dragged it home. Chandler spent some time cleaning out the engine, and they got it running!…for a bit! It’s currently not running again, but now Roger and Chandler are working on cleaning the carburetor. I do love seeing their efforts and energy come to fruition, and it was fun to watch them on the pond for a bit. Our neighbor says that everytime she drives by the pond and the boys are out there, she has to stop and watch for a minute. She calls it her comic relief for the day! That, and it keeps me praying!
Emma has been off to Maine this week with Aunt Jen. She was at church camp for the first week in July and she loved it. Then she was home for a few days, and now she’s off to Maine! I am thankful for these experiences for her, even though I do miss her a lot! She has been enjoying time with her cousins, lake time, and all kinds of other adventures!
Wyatt and Travis had the opportunity to attend a local soccer camp last week hosted by a college, and they had a great experience. Travis was a little hesitant to go, but I’m glad he went. Both boys said it was money well spent for them, and they were glad that they went.
Roger did get a day off last Wednesday, so we met up for lunch along with three chaperones! Garett was working, and Emma was in Maine, but the other three boys were happy to meet us for lunch. I am thankful for these moments,
This past Sunday afternoon, we went to the beach with some friends, the Hardisons. We went to the early church service at Coastal Community Baptist Church, and then we went up to Topsail Beach. North Topsail is one of our favorite beaches as it’s usually less crowded, and typically we can get free parking! We had a great time enjoying the warm water, sunshine and fellowship, and everyone came back a little red from the sun!
My mediation in God’s Word has been on the promises of Who He Is…Faithful, Trustworthy, Gracious, Holy, Protector, Provider…I am so thankful that God is Who He says that He Is! Worthy of all of our praise!
