Back to School, Sports, Birthdays, and a Total Eclipse

This is one of those posts where you think... will it ever end?  hahaha... Remember that I often treat this blog as my journal.  So, like it or not, you often see my heart.

School started last Thursday.  I officially have a middle schooler (6th), a 4th grader, 2nd grader, and a preschooler.

First day!

Hunter is quite confident when it comes to middle school.  He navigated himself perfectly and said he knew at least one person in each of his classes.  This is where playing football has helped as he already has a little group of friends to hang with.  Small mercies!

Ashton and Shepherd also enjoyed their days.  This school is itty bitty, especially compared to the last two elementary schools they have attended.  I have no doubt Ashton will be ruling the roost before long- it is just in his nature to lead.  Lately, I have had to have parenting session with him on the importance of being a good leader.  More than any of my other kids, people follow Ashton... and that is a lot of responsibility.

Shepherd is always so shy for the first weeks.  Very few people know the real Shepherd.  I have to remind him that being shy is fine, being rude is NOT.

And, Bennett.  God really knit this move together seamlessly.  I should put a post together about how this move has been unreal.  I say this because a brand new preschool opened up at the old elementary school beside Chad's parents house.  It is about 15 minutes out of my way in the morning but it makes it soooo easy for Chad's dad (or aunt depending on who is picking at the gaggle of kids) to pick up in the afternoon.  They just swing by and get Bennett and then go to the elementary school to Ashton, Shep, Charlee, and Sami.  Bennett seemed to enjoy preschool.  His actual class doesnt start until next Monday, but it is very hands on, outdoorsy, so I am sure he will love it.

My last preschooler.  The night before his first day!

Moses is adjusting well.  He has gone over to my parents house a couple times since his move.  He likes his playdates with Isla.  

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Ashton and Shepherd are both playing on an academy soccer team.  I am assisting with their practices and games.  Ashton is U10 and Shepherd is U9.  They had their first games this past Sunday (yes, we can still make it to church for those that like to condemn those who play sports on Sundays... haha).  They both had two games (yes, that means we spent from 1:30- 6:30 in 90 degree heat).  They both walked away with a win and a loss.  Shepherd did a good job and he is the youngest kid on his team. He had a pretty assist and is really stepping up!  Ashton, for the first time in his life, is the one of the oldest on the team.  He could be playing up, but these teams practice together since they have the same head coach (which means it is easier on me).  Ashton had 8 goals and one assist.  It was a long day but we had a blast.   (And, of course, when coaching, my poor kids never get any pictures of themselves).

Hunter had his first football game yesterday... and, well, I hated it.  Those that know me, know I call a spade a spade.  First off, I am not disillusioned to believe that my child is the best or even needs to start.  However, he only played 6 downs and 1 kickoff and this is a rec team- not middle school.  His team lost 34-0 to a much much bigger, faster and older team.  I know my husband is a football coach but I will not be saddened in the least if none of them opt to play when they get older.  If they want to play and enjoy it, then fine, I will cheer them on.  But, so far, my impression as a football parent is bleh.  I have done a good job keeping my opinions to myself for Hunter's sake.  He is a bit discouraged.  Some advice that I give him.  1- If you enjoy it, then play.   2-  Always do your best. 3- And I am always proud of you.  It is hard to see your kids upset.  I have had to reign in my competitive spirit and just give him a side hug and say, "shake it off."

Look at my 88--- He is quite the thin thing (however, the other team even made our big boys look tiny.)

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January, August, and December are busy birthday months for our family.  My niece Charlee turned 9 and we all went out to dinner to celebrate. Charlee is such a sweet child.  On the soccer field, I have to encourage her to mean.  She does have a mean left foot though!   My other niece, Esme's birthday is today- the big 4.  We celebrated her birthday yesterday and had a solar eclipse party.  Mom bought an ice cream cake from Publix (so good, highly recommend).  And, Chad's birthday is tomorrow.  I have literally not even thought about Chad's birthday- I think I may start celebrating his 1/2 birthday instead- much less crazy in February!  Sorry Chad.   

Singing to Esme'

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And, the eclipse!  Wow!  I am not a science nerd.  I am of the mindset that most things in life do not live up to the hype that we place on them.  However, the total eclipse was kind of A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!
The pictures are from my phone and dont do it justice in the slightest but show that I was there.  I let the boys play hookie from school on Monday since Zach and his family were at my parents.  I worked a 1/2 day then went over to enjoy the eclipse with family. 

Sporting the cool glasses!

Total eclipse

Moses taking it all in!

We were just as excited to see Venus and Jupiter in the middle of the day.  Here is Venus (I got a shot of Jupiter too, but it is harder to see)

Post eclipse.  Eva woke up just in time for the eclipse... She loves her dogs!

So, that's it.... It is going to be a busy busy fall.  Reminding myself to enjoy the journey- take to time to read, pet my dog, play with the kids, laugh and pray!

Julie and Guneet

What a lovely wedding watching two of the sweetest people get married!

Julie and Guneet's story is truly amazing.  Guneet is literally from the other side of the world in India.  They  met while getting their PhD's at Clemson.  Guneet has been at most family get togethers for at least the last 3 years (maybe more, I cant remember.)  It wasnt until recently that Julie and Guneet officially started dating and then were quickly engaged and then 4 months later, married.

I almost waited to post in hopes that I would get the wedding pictures from their Indian wedding (which will happen later this week in India!)

Mr and Mrs...

Julie wanted to include the boys and my nieces in her wedding.  She said that could serve in whatever capacity they wanted to.  I talked to each boy separately to see what they envisioned themselves doing.  Hunter said he wanted to be in the wedding party so he is a junior groomsman.  Ashton said he did not want to be in the wedding (to which Hunt said, "Ashton that is the same as not wanting to play in the game and sitting on the bench"... haha).  Ashton said he would like to hand out programs.  Shepherd said, "I dont want to go. I hate weddings."  I, informed him that was not an option and he joined Ashton as guest book attendants.  Bennett, well, I didnt ask him.  I told him he was going to be the ring bearer and walk with Sami and Joey.

Here are some pics of the wedding.

Leaving the house- what a sharp looking crew.

Guneet with Bennett and Hunter

The program helpers (who literally raced to get to people to hand out the programs)

Julie and her dad 

Hunter escorting Charlee- The wedding party was so short, Hunter could have easily escorted and adult... haha, I guess when you are 11 and 5'4" that happens.

Bennett is super excited. ha.  These crew was super cute though

Flower girls and junior bride

Joey chilling on her other grandma's lap (Tommy's mom, Lois).

Bennett getting sleepy

The bench warmers... :)

Charlee looking quite grown up!

One of my favorite pics- Hate it is a bit blurry. I had to change to my phone because my camera died, of course.

This picture just makes me smile as it is so reflective of my niece's personalities!  And, I feel like I should add that Sandee's arm is not up because she is belting it out but to prohibit Joey from tumbling off the stage.  Speaking of Joey, hahaha.  Hysterical child!

This was the sweetest thing- he kissed her forehead first.

then, did the real thing!

 We happily welcome Guneet to the family.  Julie is in the process of getting her 2nd PhD and will also be teaching at the high school I work at so I will get to see here sweet smile almost everyday!

Congratulations and Best wishes to you two!

Come on In!

I have to chuckle at the two extreme titles of this post vs the last... oh, what a difference a week makes.

Though I still have so many things on want/ to do list, I feel ready to head back to work... tomorrow.  I would love to be able to take a week or two to really enjoy the house, but back to school we go.  The boys still have another week, but us teacher folks start tomorrow.

If you were to show up at my house right now, this is what you would see.  Some rooms are not done, other rooms are basically done.   As I complete rooms, I will post about them but here is what we have now.

I threw in a couple before pics (the small ones) just for a comparison.

If you were driving to our house, this is what you would see.

BEFORE

After

Love our long driveway.  Hunter says I back out "like a boss"  haha.

Side view

Walking to the front door.  This fall/ spring, I will get on the landscaping.. But short term, I trimmed bushes, yanked out dead stuff as well as that awful plastic stuff, and spread pine needles.

Door is open- some come on in!

Before it is ours...

Day 1 with us.

View from the front door.

The couch was a perfect fit... it is the only piece of furniture that will fit but it looks good.

View from the kitchen.  Paint color- Agreeable Grey

I love a good gallery wall and I think this one turned out pretty good.  This room was originally a formal dining room.  We decided to have a sitting area instead.  It also extends seating for tv watching and is a great reading nook. Paint color- Poised Taupe

This is not the kitchen of my dreams but, now that we are in the house, it is a lot better than I was expecting

Before.... bleh bleh bleh

Eat in dining- use the armoire as a pantry- Good idea mom!

One of my favorite features we added... a laundry shoot.  Just realized today that I forgot to paint the drywall section.. haha

The very messy garage... However, all that cardboard in the front is dump bound.  So, pretty soon at least one car will be able to be parked in the garage.

Our workout room.  We also have the desktop and the Wii is currently set up out here.  Still so surprised by how much I like this weird little room off the garage.

 Heading back inside...

Master Bedroom.  Still some stuff to do here but it could be awhile

The master bathroom is officially the only room that has not been painted yet.  I will get to it when I get to it....

And the last room on the 1st floor... Bennett's room.  I caved and let him pick out dinosaurs covers... I figured if it made it happy to have his own room (he still wanted to share) then it was worth.  Plus, I bought them from Wal Mart for under $35.   I have a few little touches to finish for his room but it is close to done

 Upstairs we go.

Shepherd in his art zone.  I have a lot of stuff to still hang up and he needs some new bedding.  He wants Minecraft and I said, "he!! no" (in my head) and "uh, no" (out loud).  We are looking for bedding with brighter colors and kind of block like.  I will know it when I see it.  But, for now, it is fully functional

The new upstairs den.  We still need some seating.  On the look out for something smallish as this room is not real big.

 And, the new section

Before the house was ours.

Part way through the process

This is worth the wait!  The new hallway.

Hunter's room.  Again, new bedding.  I hate these covers plus his sheets dont fit so lots of changes coming to this room in the coming months.  

Ashton's room.  Ashton actually has the largest room as the fusbol table had to go into a room.  Hunter really needs his get away time from his brothers so Ash was all to pleased to add the fusbol table and forego on some privacy.  Again, lots of changes coming to this room too.   He opted to stay in his twin bunk bed but add some seating underneath.  We got some clearance bedding at Target a month or ago... Figured this black and white check would blend with any sports stuff we add.

Boys bathroom upstairs.  More pics coming

 So, there is a quick tour.  I cant believe my summer is over.  It has been so busy.  With Chad working so much, I have had so many people step up to the plate to help out with the house and the boys.  So, thank you.