BB8

Only 6 weeks late.... 

 BB8, a nickname that one of your brother’s coined for you is now a perfect fit as you are officially 8! As a 7 year old, you experienced school shutting down for 1st grade due to a global pandemic, a summer full of no travel but a ton of pool time, you learned to swim, and ride a bike really well. 

You can certainly make me laugh...

We also made the decision for you and Shep to be homeschooled so you would be spared from the foolery of the world for at least one year. I have seen you grown much in so many areas. You have memorized over 22 Proverbs, you have read tons of books, and as your brothers, are proving to be quite the math whiz. You have a contagious laugh and always look like you are up to no good. You and Shepherd are quite tight right now… probably because you are classmates! 

Cool kid

 Bennett, though I know you are growing up, I still consider you to be my baby... which, I know you like. You still climb up in any lap, big or small, that will hold you. You brush my hair every night while I read to you. It is my favorite time with you. 

Our one snow day this year

 You have started asking such good questions about what you read and about life in general. You are a thinker and in this world, we need more of that! Baseball season is about to start up and you are so excited. Mantis has been practicing with you and Shep. 

Love ya kid

 Bennett, I can't tell you what this world is going to look like as you continue to grow but I know you are His so you can rest in that. Continue to question things. Continue to be tender hearted. Continue to create and pretend. Continue to trust in Jesus every day. 

 I love you sweet boy!

~Musha  (I hate this name but the minute I mentioned I didnt like, it stuck like glue.)

Good Bye Swimmies and Hello Baptism

It feels slightly irreverent to be excited about getting rid of arm floaties and celebrating that Bennett can be baptized... but, that's where I am!!!

Where to begin?  Sometime last fall/ winter (this is why I should blog so I dont forget), Bennett tells me that he prayed to accept Jesus during Good News Club at school.  I will go ahead and be honest here- you can shame me later... but, I kind of wanted to have that honor as the older three all came to me about salvation.  But, pride be gone as the end result is the same!  I talked to Aunt Joan (Chad's aunt who helps during Good News Club) and she says that she thought Bennett seemed serious. 

As I have said before, I never want to over-complicate salvation but I want all my kids to know that salvation is NOT something they did or said.  Salvation is that Jesus chose them.  The "decision" as much of the church calls it, is really more of an affirmation- recognizing their inability.   You recognize that, but for the grace of God, you would be separated from God. 

I talked to Bennett that evening (again, dont know the season much less the date).  He told me that he prayed for God to forgive his sins and to save him. I gave him a hug and told him that I was proud of him. I also asked if I can pray for him and then he could close that prayer.  I told him the next step would be to tell our church and be baptized.  He said he wanted to wait a little bit on baptism because he didnt want to go under water....   you can see where this is going!

About two weeks ago, I was putting him to bed and he brought up being baptized again.  (He still would not put his head under water.)  I assured him that baptism is not what saved him and when he was ready, he could be baptized.

Well, wonders of wonders, last Thursday, July 2, he could not hold his breath underwater.  We went to the pool the next day and he literally holds his breath and starts swimming.  Six days later, he is full on diving (the only one of my kids that can dive.)  It is just the craziest thing!

I am so proud of Bennett.  He told me that is ready to be baptized.  I am proud that he recognizes that he is a sinner and that he needs a Savior.  I am proud that he conquered his fear of water. I am proud of the young man is becoming!

Thank you Jesus for instilling the Holy Spirit in each of these boys.  Please continue to speak clearly to them in a world that is full of unrest and chaos. Give Bennett clarity to stand up and do what is right, to love others, and follow You.  Amen.

Bennett, I often ask myself, "God, why did You pick me?"  And, I am sure that as you grow, you will ask similar questions.  God chose you for a purpose.  He chose you to do bring glory to Him.  He chose you "to go unto all the world."  We live in a pretty scary place.  But, you have access to God's armor!  You are ready, at the age of 7, to speak up and tell people about Jesus.  Lead by example and by words.  I love you B!  

Now, lets go toss those floaties!!!

The Summer in Review

Well, I blinked, and then summer was over.

I had a ton planned for this summer from things for work to places to go with kids to things to do at my house, I knew it was going to busy.

Here is our summer in review.
1- Phoenix, AR- For work, I was able to go to the National Career Development Conference in Phoenix with 2 of my co-workers.  We had such a good time and the conference was pretty good too.

In the distance is Mexico.

Suzan and me right before a Kenny Chensey concert.  Love this lady!

Traci, Suzan and I "snuck" in for the last 20 minutes of a WNBA game.  

2- Carowinds.  We went ahead an got season passes this year.  Did NOT get our money's worth.  We only went twice.  I know it is opened until Christmas now but still the fall is always super busy.  Oh well, lesson learned.  We did have fun when we went.  They loved the water pack... I took a bunch of pics but dont feel like going through them all

Little vegis

Taking a snack break at Carowinds

3- Of course, the beach.  Blogged it here.

4- Trip to Cowpens with Mantis.

The cannon picture

monument outside of Cowpens visitors center

5- Mom and I went to Gastonia over the 4th to hang with GrandmaDean

6- Hunter went to youth camp for a whole week and then had a sleepover and then went to one of his best buddies bday parties.  That 9 days was super packed for my recluse of a child- however, he loved it!

7- All the half birthday dates... blogged here

8- Lots of yardwork... blogged here.

9- Riggs watchin'

Riggs did me wrong... we brought him back with when we went to Carowinds.  He was a bad dog and chewed the seatbelt in half (in the new car).

My boys

Riggs loving on Charlee and Ashton

10- Spend the night with A-ville cousins.
     Anna took the picture... and I dont have it!
11- Hours and hours spent playing Legos.  Funny story- First, I love legos..... I was playing with them and look around and realize that I was by myself and had been for almost an hour!!! haha

Massive lego city

12- Numerous pool activities at both grandparents "pools."

13- Circque du Soleil on Ice with Grandma, Uncle Tommy, Aunt Sandee, Charlee, Sami, and Joey

About to find out seats

cousins

Such a fun summer, now time to hit it again.   Kids start back to school Monday and I started back this week. 

Soaking in the last few days of summer

Half birthday Round Up

I finished up my April- July run of half-birthday dates.  Can I just say again how much I love this one on one time?

In April, Ashton chose to take his data to Cheesecake Factory.  He loves cheesecake and had to experience the huge selection.  He ordered the chicken pot pie (it is soooo good by the way.)  Afterwards we went downtown and walked around and talked.  He is going to have this dating thing whipped.  He is so conversational and talked to me like an adult the entire car ride and through dinner.  He was charming and funny.

Our yummy cheesacakes

Ashton and I are excited!!!

Shepherd's data was in May.   I suggested this hamburger place in the mall that has a fun bar-type vibe.  There is outdoor seating and of course, these monster milkshakes.  I knew Shep would be a fan.  After dinner, we wandered through the mall, bought him an Iron Man shirt that he promptly changed into.  I gave him a surprise "quick trip" to Chuck E Cheese where he played for about 30 minutes.   He finished at Barnes and Noble where he got a Minecraft book he had been requesting.  Shep is big/ old enough for the front seat this year which always makes it feel more personal.  He made me laugh multiple times but was also comfortable with some silence. 

With his huge $8 milkshake

Sheppy and me

At Chuck E Cheeses

Just a funny picture between #3 and #2.  

Hunter, oh Hunter.  He had me scratching my head!  The pictures tell the story.  Hunter wanted to go see a move- so we went to see Incredibles 2 (he wanted to see Ant Man, but Ashton had made me promise not to see it if Asthon would not see Infinity War without Hunter.)  Hunter ate a ridiculous amount of popcorn which filled him up and gave him zero energy.  With his youth camp coming up (he is actually there this week), we went looking for stuff he would need for camp.  He doesnt like shopping but humored me.  With all the many choices for dinner, he chose Chick-fil-A (because he wasnt that hungry.)  We had gone to Barnes and Noble before dinner and got a book that he preceeded to read during our entire dinner.  At the end, I informed him that if that had a been a real date, there would probably not be a second.  hahaha.  To top it all off, he tried to take a nap on the way home!  Lots of work to do on this one.  Despite that, he is such a good kid and will really make a great husband some day.

Getting ready for the movie

At least he loves to read... ;/

So tired he sleeps during our date--- he told me he was just enjoying a silent car- which I can relate to

Bennett's half birthday date was today.  We finally left the house at 10 am to go to Chuck E Cheeses because he was hassling me to death.  He wanted pizza so we at at the Rat as well.  We then went to the bookstore where he got a Ninja turtle book and we shared a big milkshake.  He told me multiple times that he loves me so much.  (On a side note, he also tells me often that he wishes that he was still inside my belly--- that is weird, right?) 

Riding at Chuck E Cheeses

 
  ****I will post a picture of Bennett and me together onces it loads through google. 

****  I will also post a pic of my fifth son, Moses though his half birthday is not until next month

*** Also, I realized that we have quite a love of desserts and books. 

The B is 5!

I refuse to say that I dont have a baby anymore though my "baby" turned 5 today. 

Google Photos made this delightful video of Bennett from videos over his 5 years.  It made me cry...
Bennett's Five Years   *** If you have nursed a baby, did you lose the hair around your face?... obviously, I had side burns during my nursing days as is shown by the first clip.  Just count it as comic relief!

I told a couple friends the other night that the last 5 years have literally been a blur.  I know I have said time is flying, but, I seriously dont know how this baby turned 5.  I remember when Hunter turned 5... it seemed like such a big milestone.  And now, my baby is hitting that milestone.

Officially 5!!!!

I cant say he was excited about his birthday.  He has told me over the past few weeks that he didnt want his birthday to come- he liked being 4.  Last night as I was putting him to bed, I lean over and tell him, "I need my last 4 year old kiss."  He pokes out his lower lip, trying not cry.  He shakes his head no and then quickly kisses me.  I tell him "I need my last 4 year old hug."  His lower lip shakes, still trying not to cry.  He lunges to me, latches on and buries his little face into my neck.  He pulls away and a tear is running down his face... and mine.  I was fine until he cried.  He is my first kid who wasn't excited about his birthday.  His life must be pretty great! (I should add, he woke up this morning excited about his birthday and turning 5.  He is just an emotional kid.  He is the one who will cry during a movie...)

Bennett, you fit the youngest child stereotype pretty well.  I still help you get dressed in the morning and put your shoes on you though I know you can do it by yourself.  I baby you in a way that I never got the chance to do with your brothers.  You are not overly independent and really enjoy being served.  Our goal this spring is to get me to back off!  haha

Being silly at soccer practice

Your speech is getting a little better. But, I anticipate at least 3 years of speech in your future.  We have started doing the Reading Lesson together at night.  We only do one page a night but I am really proud of how well you are doing. I love the way you are starting to connect the letters into words.  I can see little lightbulbs going off!

You love dinosaurs, Bayblades, the Nintendo Switch, your Kindle, snuggling on my lap, playing with your brothers, riding your bike, Pokemon cards, coloring, writing letters, and asking a million questions. 

Your Preschool Christmas program... you were like a deer in the headlights.  So shy all of a sudden.

You are the most affectionate child.  Whether it is full on hugs or just wrestling with your brothers, you love to be loved on.  You fight a good bit with your brothers and we have to constantly remind you not to hit or just pat butts.

Oh, those boys!  

You are going to play your first season of soccer this spring and are quite excited.  I convinced you not to play last season but you really want to complicate my life... j/k... play like your brothers.

He loves me and I him!

You are a bright spot in my day and I love you so very much!

Happy birthday my little completer.  You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
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Birthday celebrations.

So, it is ridiculously cheap if I count Owen and Caelum's birthday time as Bennett's birthday time as well?  My 2 nephews both have January birthdays as well and we got to go up to their house and we do laser tag and putt putt.  So, thanks Uncle Zach and Aunt Anna for funding Bennett's party as well... haha!

Air Hockey with Esme

All taking turns on the motorcycle

Playing the Jurassic Park with Caelum

We also had book club at Jodi's house last night and sang and celebrated Bennett. 

A slew of boys... and Karson! These are our people!

He woke up this morning and at the prompting of 2 of the 3 brothers, tore into this birthday presents.

Bennett is into dinosaurs right now... so, dinosaur cake made sense along with some cupcakes.

 

His birthday loot- Beyblades, legos, and a new soccer ball.  

Fall Sports Round-Up

So, working full-time plus having 3 of the 4 kids participating in sports = very little time at home!

This past fall was a whirlwind- seriously, like the first 9 weeks of school was over in a blink and we are already at the 1/2 way point for the second 9 weeks.

Football was a bust... both with Chad's team and with Hunter's 1st season of playing football.   Chad and I agreed that our boys could play football, if they wanted, in 7th grade/ middle school.  Somehow, Hunter was signed up for 6th grade/ rec ball and I was left thinking, "oh whatever."   For the record, he hated it.

Hunter's team was, well, imagine awful and then multiply it.  haha.  They did win 1 game but it was a long season.  Thankfully, my father-in- law, enjoyed taking Hunter to practice so I didn't have to endure the practices as well.  Hunt was pretty discouraged by the end of the season and has not yet decided if he will try again.  I stress to him often that it is his choice!

Hunter's team playing at the stadium- no idea which one he is.

Some blurry, camera phone action shots.  I think he is the skinny kid on the left side

I need to figure out why my phone is taking such blurry pictures... I think Hunter is right in the middle (skinny kid, blue pants, blocking)

Soccer, on the hand, went much better.  Ashton and Shepherd were apart of an inaugural Pickens United travel team.  Ashton did a great job and was a huge contributor to the team.  Shepherd improved drastically!  Everything just started clicking for him.  He doesnt have speed but he is starting to understand the game.
***Pictures are awful, as mentioned, when you coach you forget to take pictures until the last game and then still get distracted.  :(

Heading up the field

Fighting for position of the ball.

Ashton was on the U11 team and Shepherd was U9.  I don't know their records but they finished somewhere in the middle of the pack.  At the tournament a few weeks ago, Ashton's team finished 3rd and Shepherd's finished 1st. 

Shepherd running up the field (not with ball.)

Dribbling up the field

And Bennett, well he loved practices and games and ran wild.  He has requested, without ANY prompting from me as I am busy enough, that he wants to play soccer this spring.

I mean, of course he loves going to practices, Madi (on Shepherd's team) "fixes" his hair after every event!  And he Loves it and her.

We are now in basketball season with only Ashton and Shepherd playing.  Hunter has decided basketball is not his thing and is enjoying an off season.

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!