What a week!

Everyone in our house cried at least once this week.   All 7 people. Every single person.  It was a tough week.  Laura and Elijah started a new high school, Izzy started middle school, Shelby went back to the sitter and MDO, and Eden is cutting 4-6 teeth all at once.  The kids love their new schools, but they are exhausted.  Laura and Elijah have band practice three nights during the week.  We're tired.  Kevin is transitioning into a new job in Rogers.  This week did not go as planned.  Great lesson plans were no match for a classroom that couldn't be used, because the air conditioner went out and mold was growing on the carpet and instrument cases.  The kindergarten teachers looked at my class list and said, "Wow!"  I was concerned but not defeated.  Then, I met those precious 1st graders.  I spent the week with them.  Every single day when I picked them up from activity the activity teacher said, "Bless you!"  I have my work cut out for me.  Six of the twenty-two are hard.  So, I'm tired and there have been tears.  We ended the day Friday with news that Elijah did not make the baseball team at school.  We were shocked.  He came to the car after tryouts on Wednesday very excited.  He said he did great.  He worked all summer to hit 80mph on his pitching and finally did it.  He worked almost every day on hitting.  He put the work in all summer long.  I have no idea why he didn't make it.  Three boys from the team last year who are great ball players and who he has become friends with this week didn't make it either.  When he sent me a text saying he didn't make it, I knew he was teasing me.  I was shocked.  We cried last night and shared some Ben and Jerry's ice cream.  Today is a new day.  I don't know what the reasoning is, but I know God has a plan.  So, I'll continue to be his cheerleader in all things and will encourage him in the path God is leading him on.
I'm thankful for a weekend to rest, recharge, and get focused.  I'm thankful to be home with my people, and I'm hoping for less tears next week.

Raising a Giant

I think I might be raising a giant.

Shelby's (4 years old) shoes comparing to Laura's (17 years old) shoes. 

All Are Safe

 Lest I forget how scary today was and how thankful I am that my kids are all safe.

"L,l,l,ladder- ladder starts with an l, and pool starts with an l, " Shelby says. I shook my head no and made the p sound so she could hear the difference. She shook her head in disgust and walked away as she said, "Then, why is the ladder with the pool!" That 4 year old mind of hers...🤷‍♀️

Some Days are Hard

Some Most days are hard.

 This girl, I adore her. I adore her, and she makes me want to bang my head against the wall. She has such a big personality. She's loving, determined, and lives large.  When you tell her no, you better be well rested and ready to dig you heels in deep. When I say deep, I mean anchor yourself down for that "no". She doesn't give up.

 She's beautiful and smart and knows exactly what she wants. Just ask her. She's not afraid to tell you what she thinks. She is her own person. She does not follow the crowd. She is not swayed by what others think. She's a creator. She loves making things. She can often be found with scraps creating something new and special to share with those she loves.

Most days are hard with her. They're not hard ALL day, but you can definitely count on a few episodes of testing my parenting throughout the day. If we make it through the childhood years, she will use her determination for great things. I'm so glad I get to watch the journey adventure.