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!