Mr. Football

We are in the thick of football season here.  It started July 29th with practice five nights a week during the summer.  Big commitment for a big family.

Clayton is having a great time.  He's learned life lessons that are much bigger than football.  I'm very thankful for the life lessons that can be learned in sports.  

Goal-setting and continual hard work have been two big themes.  He's learned and applied them well.

(Side note:  it's been hot at nearly every game, even yesterday's and we're into October.  And all the games start about a half-hour before E's nap time.  And the boys have to be there over an hour before game time for warm-ups.  Makes for a long day.  She's been a great little trooper.  Snacks usually keep them happy.)

They're kinda cute, huh?  They had so much fun hugging and playing in this big field before one of the games.

Warm-ups.  Clay plays starting tight end on offense.  He's a sub at defensive end for the first team.

Little cheerleaders need posters made by big brothers. :)

Tall man.  He's the second tallest and third youngest.  (The story of his life.)

More cheerleaders....maybe a goofy one!

They're 5-2 so far.

Saturdays....fun and tiring.  I'll be happy and sad when it's over.  I'd at least like to break out a jacket for one of these games.

  

Heart Treasure

A treasure for my heart for always....Clayton telling me yesterday (after a very difficult bus ride home)....and my ensuing action to protect one of my cubs...."Mom, I didn't know you were so brave."

My lesson....sometimes just doing the right thing, shows them bravery.  And makes them feel incredibly loved.

I often doubt myself.  Think we all probably do.  But sometimes, I do get it right.  And for those moments, even if they're few and far between, I am so grateful.  To be the Mom they need, at that critical moment....to get it right, at the right moment....on my knees, grateful.

Pressing Onward and Upward

From Friday....

After the last seven days of UGH, I was NERVOUS heading into the weekend this morning.  God gave me this, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with.... you forever--the spirit of truth.  The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."  John 14: 16-18.

I read those words, "But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you," like it was a totally new concept for me.  What?  Why is it so hard for His truth to reach us?  Am I that stubborn?  Is it this hard for everyone?  I'm fully aware that I am merely a sinner saved by grace, but this is like so crucial....to always be mindful that the Holy Spirit resides in me.  I am not alone.  I am NOT doing this alone.  Why did I think I was alone?  Why was I trying to do all this alone?

So after being reminded that I have a very real and present helper, we (magically) had a much better day.  Got the boys off to school.  Sidebar....I'm still in disbelief  at how easy it is to get them to and from school everyday.  This is the first time in six years, since Clayton started preschool, that I haven't had to wake someone, keep someone up, drive all over kingdom come, often three times a day, to get someone(s) to and from school.  It is SO nice.  Amazing really.

We did (what seems to be) Chick Fil A Friday.  I let them (the boys) pick where they want to get dinner from on Friday nights.  Two for two....Chick Fil A!  I'm not complaining!  Seven years without it is a long time! :)  They played at the play place (I confess, I hate all fast food play areas), then we drove out to the base just to make sure we could find it (and I didn't feel like going back home yet), and then I accidentally took a wrong turn and we just happened to end up next to a Sonic, so maybe root beer floats were consumed. :)

Clay seemed surprised that we had fun when we got home.  He has such a hard time away from Ronnie.  I think sometimes he thinks/feels that there's no way we can have fun without him.  Maybe he even thinks he's not supposed to??  We've had a lot of good conversations about his feelings, his prayers....lots of spiritual development stuff here....we're working through it all.  Truly blessed to guide him through all this, but I confess, it's exhausting at times.

And today, Sunday, we were able to watch our church service online LIVE from our church in Vegas.  They just started streaming yesterday and it so blessed me to "be there" this morning.  We tried a church last weekend that was a great fit for the kids, not me, and haven't decided where to turn next.  I know we need to find a church home here, but it really blessed me and met me where I'm at to be able to worship "at home" today.  I love that church.  Always feels like being at home, even if it's from 2500 miles away.  And Pastor Kevin just happened to be teaching on perseverance and cultivating joy.  Clayton and I were listening real close.

9

Nine.  I have a kiddo who is nine.  Wow.  We had a fun day celebrating our oldest yesterday.  Started the morning off with a "donut cake."  (BTW--he's not so photogenic, as you will soon, no doubt witness....but he's quite handsome in real time!) ;)  We're having a party next Saturday with his friends.  We asked our considerate boy to have mercy on us and allow this weekend to be complicated enough with Ronnie's master's thesis due tonight at 9 pm.  He conceded.  We love him for it.

The little brother had his last soccer game of the season today, so we all loaded up and headed out to cheer T on.  They had a little end of season party afterward.  Read donuts followed by Rice Krispy treats and cupcakes.  Egad!  Spent some time at the playground afterward to run it all off.  Headed home to open presents.  

His favorite gift--Madden 2012.  I've made my peace with electronics (for now) and didn't have any reservation about getting this for him.  I liked how he thought it was all his dad's idea though.  

Dinner at Olive Garden per special request.  

The three "big" kids.  (Another captivating photo of Clay!)  

Clay, you truly are a great kid.  We're proud of you.  Most of the time, you make this growing up thing, pretty easy on us.  Thanks for being an incredible son and a most amazing big bro.  We all think you are pretty special.

Sidebar for those inquiring minds--the master's was finished at 6:30 this morning after a second all-nighter in three days.  Glad it's not me. :)  Glad we all made it.

Winner, Winner!

This goofball won first place in the school science fair again this year.  He did a GREAT job!  I actually learned a lot from his project.  It was funny....he won first place last year, so I was trying to prep him for not having the expectation of winning again.  And then he won....again!  And this year, he not only won first place in his class, he won for all of third grade, and his project is moving on to the regional science fair.  Quite an accomplishment.  We are very proud of you, Clay-man!