Graduate

Well, we done did it.

We graduated an 8th grader.

I was hoping it would be quick and painless. But, alas, it was a little
painful on this mama's heart.

As soon as the pomp and circumstance started, I started to lose it. It didn't help that Grammy was losing it too, next to me.

He just looked so grown up, and there is something about that song that makes all of the previous years flash before your eyes. I felt the same way when I got married and the wedding march started...complete excitement, panic and WOW...all at once.

The ceremony was perfect...the details perfect...the words perfect for these kids who are about to enter into four very important years. I do believe they have no idea what is about to hit them. We as parents do, because we have been there. But how do we save them from the frustration, heartache and stress that they will experience? We don't. I know for sure that I will just be on my knees a whole lot more. It will be good for me, to practice handing the reigns over to the Lord willingly instead of him gently reminding me all of the time that he is in control.

I know for sure in my heart that he has great things in store for this guy. He has blessed him with many talents, and we are excited to watch them develop as he gets closer to flying the coop...which I'm positive will be here in a flash. Our hearts swelled with absolute pride as we listened to what his fellow students and teachers said about him. It gave me the boost I needed to keep on keepin' on...apparently we must be doing a few things right. :) Congrats Big Guy. Here's to the next four years.

xoxoxoxo

Birthday Boy

Do we REALLY have a 14 year old?

Whoa.

I know I say the same thing every year when his birthday rolls around..ya know...all that stuff about how did it happen, where has the time gone..etc. etc.


But 14?

Big Wow.

I can ONLY imagine how fast the next 4 years are going to go...he is going to be 18 in a snap.

So, I guess I better keep my eyes open...and make sure I take it ALL in.


We love you so much big guy. And, as our relationship grows and changes, we are excited for what the future holds for you! God has granted you with amazing talents and we can't wait to see where they take you! Happy Birthday.

Easter Catch-Up

The morning started with a scavenger hunt to find Easter Baskets.

Interesting to watch half awake children try and read clues.

Funny for me.

Frustrating for some. Who shall remain nameless. :)

Once they caught on, it didn't take them long to find those pesky baskets.


Candy for breakfast on Easter is always in order.

I find myself in a quandry as to what to do at times....still have a little guy who enjoys things like scavenger hunts...and then I have this big guy, who goes along with it but I really wonder what he is thinking!??!!? MY MOTHER IS NUTS. Probably what he is thinking.

Those little bunnies turned out super cute. Travis really like his...named it Snitchles (?) He always comes up with the most unique names for things. I thought they were a great idea...jeremiah looked at them and said "Yeah, cute...buuuuttttt, I thought we had boys?" Hmmm. Again, the age thing comes into play. And the FAIRNESS thing. Something I am always acutely aware of. Maybe I need to not be worrying about that anymore. Ugh. The things I have to wrestle with. :)

We had a great time at church, then headed to Aunt and Uncle's house for lunch and another egg hunt.

They are so nice, they still include Jared in the egg hunt...but his Dad insisted that this year was the last one that he needed to be included in!

All in all, a great day...TONS of candy to keep us going for a few months.

Even though I am a wee bit sad that they are THIS big already.

Fish Tales...and other events

Last Friday was Grandparent's Day at CSLA.

Grandma Rita, Grandpa Steve and Grammy all decided to generously
claim Justin and Travis for the morning, and
all seem to enjoy the festivities.

I was super impressed with what both teachers came up with...

WAY cute.

Travis' class did a few verses and songs, and then did an adorable

Readers Theatre play...complete with costumes, thanks to Grandma Rita.

They all looked adorable.

Justin just wrapped up a report on Mark Twain and this was his "costume"

I LOVE IT.

We rounded the weekend out with two performances of the kiddos Spring Play...FISH TALES.

It was SO good. It makes me so thankful that God lead us to CSLA...the place is amazing. Such a gift for my kids.

Justin seems to look a little grumpy in this picture, but he really enjoyed himself...bad timing I guess.

Don't they look great?!?!

Now, if Travis would stop singing the songs, Justin would be happy...4 months of practice and two performances is PLENTY for a 4th grade boy.

And, after the performance on Friday night...hubs set out to do this for the weekend:

And, BARELY, came home in one piece. And, BARELY...moving.
He's old.

Easter Greetings

I hope your Easter is extra special!

HE IS RISEN!

Monday news.

I just finished a marathon run of 5 field trips in two weeks. Wow.

OMSI (Where I MAY have just had ALL of the 8th grade boys in my car at once. Yeah. You read it right.), Intel (VERY cool field trip, ending with lunch at Abby's Pizza with middle sons amazing class), Gilbert House (13 1st and 2nd graders..need I say more.), The State Capitol (WAAAAAYYYY to many stairs, but no need to walk on the treadmill THAT day), Newberg Police AND Fire Departments (walking 6-7 LONG blocks with 1st and 2nd graders, and smelling EVERY flower and examining EVERY crack in the sidewalk ALL the way there.). Yeah.

WOW.

Good times.

AND, believe it or not, I only managed to take my camera on ONE of these five trips. Nice going Ma.

After finishing at the Gilbert House, we ran the kiddos down to the Carousel on the waterfront in Salem...super fun.

This is Hannah, Travis' "friend"... :)

Super cute. On the way home today, he informed me that I should grow my hair long...like Hannah. Hmmmmm.....

Kid has an affection for long hair like his father.

In other random news, Justin is doing Standardized Testing this week, along with the help of many sticks of GUM. Yup. gum. Uhhh...why did we never get to chew gum? Maybe they should have done these "studies" about it improving kids concentration a long TIME ago. I so missed out.

AND, the kicker to my Monday? I came home to find an email detailing what my son will be learning in science and Bible class in the next two weeks. Three guesses what THAT is? Yup. Guess its time to have the REAL talk. Pray for us.

My Happy Place Today

This is my happy place today.

All four of my guys, participating in the same activity, and LOVING it.

I think what made me the most happy was knowing how happy Jeremiah was.

He has waited lots of years for this time to come, and he couldn't have looked more pleased.

This is the beginning of many more fun times for this band of riders...wonder which one will be the first to outride DAD?!?!

I think he would die trying to NOT let that happen...we have to keep reminding him that he IS getting older!!

Most definitely saw that little speck of competitiveness come out in ALL of them when they were out there....he only has his gene pool to blame for that one... :)

I, as "Pit Mother", will stand close by with my camera and bandaids (for owies and egos) and smile inside and out while I watch...'cause God blessed me with dirt bikes and mud...not barbies and tea parties...but I am beyond grateful.