Days Like That

I wish more of our days were like yesterday. It was productive, well-rounded, and fun - and it served as a great reminder of why we homeschool, something I was in desperate need of remembering. The day started early with some yardwork followed by one of the Tri-Art concerts at the Brooks Center. The concert was one of the kids' favorites so far this year (steel drum band). We did a little more yardwork after we got home then headed out to lunch and the library. We were going to the library for Craft/Storytime but went a little early to do some reading. The bookmobile was parked out in front of the library (why? I have no idea), and apparently my kids had never seen one before and were very curious. We ended up spendng 30 min. on that little van because they thought it was so cool! While at the library, Logan and I read about SC in an "Off the Beaten Path" travel guide. It had the most interesting stories and facts about SC - things that were new to me even. Logan was finally interested in history for which I was thankful, and we just had a special time discussing and learning together...it's always the little things, you know? We ate with the college students at church and then went to Bible Study. Normally, after a day like that, I am beat...worn out...cranky. There was just something about yesterday, though, that gave me that ooomph I needed to keep going.

Stumphouse

Today after the morning worship service, a group of us went to Stumphouse Tunnel and Issaqueena Falls for a picnic and time of fellowship together. After a rough couple weeks, this was a blessed escape from our hectic schedule. I hadn't even really wanted to go because it was just one more thing on my calendar, but I'm so glad I made myself go. I never regret hangin' out with my church family, especially in a setting as peaceful and beautiful as Stumphouse. The weather was perfect, the tunnel wasn't crowded so we all walked to the back and sang for about 30 minutes, and we walked down to look at the falls. It was an ideal way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Tomorrow...back to our busy baseball schedules!

Lads to Leaders is just around the corner, so we have been busy preparing, practicing, assembling, and stressing! The kids have been working on getting their scrapbooks finished nearly everyday thanks to our procrastination. They are at the point that isn't all that fun to them anymore unfortunately, but what they are doing is an absolute treasure! I love seeing what all we've done this year from their perspective, and I know this is something they too will treasure when they are older. That's why I am pushing them to keep working hard on them even when they complain and want to quit. I also want them to know that when they sign on to do something, they have to press on to complete it. I don't want to raise quitters, so we keep "pressing on" even when it gets tough! I may not be their favorite person right now, but I hope they appreciate it one day down the road.

High Nut Remover

A couple nights ago at dinner, Kaitlyn took some of Macey's food and joked about giving it back (ewww) when Macey got upset. Macey told Adam, "Do the high nut remover! Do the high nut remover!" It took a while before we finally realized she meant the Heimlich Maneuver. Silly girl!

Days like today are why I love living in the South! The weather was perfect! After Ladies' Lunch @ Moe's, my dear friend Jan and I went for a walk through Clemson's campus. She's much taller and in much better shape than me, so I was a little intimidated, but it was great to have company! I don't have many chances to excercise with a friend, so this was a treasure! Afterward, the kids and I worked on Lads to Leaders stuff at teh building for a little while and they rode scooters in the parking lot. Sloppy Joes for supper followed by our first Family Game Night in a LONG time. I hope for many more days like this!

Last weekend, we went to Spartanburg for sweet Hannah Taylor's 2nd borthday party. I always enjoy a chance to get together with some of my oldest friends from my old youth group. I think what I enjoy even more though is seeing all our children play together. My kids only see these kids every couple months or so, but it is always as if they play together every day. Every once in a while we can all see ourselves in the way they interact with each other!

This weekend will be a busy one for us all. Adam is taking the teens to a Youth Rally in Augusta and Kaitlyn is going camping with Girsl Scouts. I'm not sure yet what it holds in store for Logan, Macey, and me but I'm sure we'll find plenty to get into!

Catching Up

I was looking over the blog last night, specifically at how much time passed in the gap that I wasn't updating, and realized how many things I should have blogged about. Obviously, it would be futile to try to go back and do that, but I decided to instead give a list to recap the last half of 2009 until now.
• Jr. Week & Mini-Camp were great last year. Adam was chosen director of Jr. Week for next year!
• In August, the whole family went to Polishing the Pulpit in Sevierville, TN - possibly the most edifying week we have ever had as a family. We managed to find time to spend a day at WonderWorks museum while we were there which was a blast.
• We went to visit Bryan & Dana (and Asher!) in KY, and used that visit as a chance to check out the Creation Museum - well worth every penny (and it took quite a few!).
• The kids are homeschooling again this year (Macey - 1st, Logan - 3rd, Kaitlyn - 5th grades), and things are going more smoothly this year. We've worked out a lot of kinks, but have a more to learn still.
• Macey played soccer in the fall and her team won every game. (They had a great coach – Adam!)
• Logan played football for the first time, and was the starting middle linebacker for the Seneca Bobcats.
• Halloween was more fun this year than in a long time. The kids made their own costumes (Kaitlyn – Laura Ingalls, Logan – magician, Macey – artist)
• Adam & I dressed up as zombies for a dinner party.
• I spent a couple days on a Girls Getaway with Momma and Joyce & Beth Bordeaux in Charleston and Myrtle Beach, SC.
• Macey has already completed 1st grade Math!! I did review for a couple months b/c I wasn't ready to move her on, but she is now in 2nd grade Math.
• My Uncle Dan passed away after a short battle with Leukemia.
• All 5 of us got to tailgate at a Clemson game with some great friends, but this is this first year since we have lived here that we didn’t go to a single game.
• Adam & I went to a Panthers Football Game with the Brewster’s & Hinote’s.
• We rode the Polar Express in Bryson City, NC.
• We switched our dining and living rooms.
• I made homemade gifts for Christmas this year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
• Christmas was especially busy this year. We spent time with family in SC, TN, and MS, took a break to attend Exposure Youth Camp in AL with some great teens from our congregation, then headed back to SC for a New Year's family reunion @ PBC.
• Our entire family became addicted to Rock Band.
• We participated in Disney’s Give-a-Day / Get-a-Day program.
• The kids were in a Spelling Bee Feb. 1 (Macey won 1st, Logan and Kaitlyn placed 3rd)
• Adam became a volunteer fireman.
• We spent a week at the FHU lectures in Feb.
• Kaitlyn and Logan took the Bible Bowl test for Lads to Leaders and ROCKED IT!!! I am SO proud of them and all the hard work they are putting into it.
Looking at life this way makes it hard to ignore our blessings. I have always been a “list” person anyway. I hope you have “counted your blessings” recently as well!

Visits

Sunday was a busy day as it always is, but in a good way. Momma came over yesterday morning to bring some clothing bargains she found for the kids and go to worship with us. We had lunch at Zaxby's then went for a little more shopping. On the way home from Belk, Logan speaks up and asks if we can go see Mrs. Leta (a wonderful lady I've known all my life who is in rehab after a hip replacement).

It was almost time for Lads to Leaders practice and I had really wanted to rest a little beforehand, but I turned in the parking lot anyway not wanting to discourage his loving, serving attitude. Granted, my attitude was not really in the right place - yet. It only took a moment with Mrs. Leta to put my heart where it needed to be however. At age 90, she is one of the easiest people to talk to and tells the greatest stories about her experiences in life. I know this is a cliche' phrase, but she truly is an inspiration for having a good attitude and staying on your toes no matter your age, location, or circumstances. I always feel better after a good talk with her. She makes me want to be better (without even realizing it I'm sure). My kids LOVE Mrs. Leta and will sit and listen and laugh at the stories she tells. I am so thankful to have someone as wonderful as her for my children to sit at the feet of. We were a little late for L2L Practice, but that was okay this time - more important life lessons were being learned like hospitality, service, and honor to those older than us. I learned a lesson as well from my 8 yr. old boy who knew someone might be a little lonely that day and need a pick up and that that was more important than my own selfish desire to go home and be lazy.

Momma went home after our visit with Leta. Then after practice and PM worship (where my husband delivered one of his best and most heartfelt sermons ever), we had a chance to visit with even more friends! We went to McD's so the kids could play and we could visit with Brooke and David, 2 of the college students at church who are much more than that to us. My mind was exhausted but thankful after such a long day full of great visiting with brothers & sisters, both young and old. I think heaven will be a lot my Sunday!