GAMEDAY, of a different kind

It is fall, and in eastern NC that means soccer (actually, around here, any time of year means soccer).  For his 3rd season Collin takes the field as one of the Blue Devils, though there are some differences this year.  Collin is in an older age group and this has brought with it quite a few changes.  Not just a different coach and different players, but now they actually play by the rules.  What was, before, a bunch of children chasing a ball is now an organized game.  Ok, so it really isn't all that organized because we are still working with 4 and 5 year olds here, but the coaches are not allowed on the field, the players are positioned in offense and defense and there is a goalie.  Even at this age, the addition of the goalie is making it quite difficult to score, and causing Collin much frustration.  Parents and coaches are a little more intense, and Robert is doing everything in his power to keep ME from being "that" parent (Lord, help my children and my husband).
Collin is loving it, and is actually enjoying learning the rules and structure of the game.  So, if you are in need of something to do on a Saturday morning Collin would love to have you come watch him play.

Thankful Thursday

Many of you have heard of Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts.  I had certainly heard a lot about before I ever purchased it.  Interestingly, about 20 -30 pages in I have lost the book (hoping someone who needed to read it has found it).  Inspite of the short amount I read the point was surely not lost on me at all.  She writes of thankfulness, and not just thankfulness because you have a home, a family, an income, but thankfulness in the midst of true heartache and disaster.  She writes of praise in the storm.  Voskamp definitely has the life experience to backup her writing, as you learn on page 2.  I really started reading the book to gain some perspective in my own life.  I so very often get caught up in what I don't have, in what I've lost, and in some strange race to keep up with Joneses...as if any of it matters.  I thought if I could take a moment each to truly rejoice and be thankful I would clearly see all that I do have.  Please don't mistake this as a lack of realization of my blessings...I know I'm blessed, I've always known I'm blessed, but I think a deeper appreciation that takes us beyond the obvious, to the awareness of the gifts laid at our feet, each and every day, by a God who loves us gives us a different perspective and a more grateful heart.
So, I have started a list of 1000 gifts.  I try to remember (yes, I need to get a journal for this) to write them down as I think of them and I will share them here each Thursday (for the time being I am leaving out the obvious children, husband, parents, sister because I am hoping to make these specific).

1 -    Watching my son dance when he thinks no one is watching
2 -    Legare's rustle in the middle night that awakens me and reminds me she is ok
3 -    Fresh fall air blowing through the house
4 -    Stretch marks, yes, stretch marks that remind me of my body's ability to grow and bear a child. 
5 -    My health - I can run, I can keep up with my children, I can do ANYTHING I set my mind to
                            without concern that my body won't be able to keep up.
6 -    An early morning run on an empty beach, with praise music on the ipod
7 -    Collin wanting to have a playdate with ME.
8 -    A warm ocean breeze coming off of the water as I sit on the beach.

Wordless Wednesday

Format Change

As I am trying to be more diligent about blogging on a regular basis (yes, I realize it's been two weeks.) I am going to steal an idea from a dear friend of mine who has been blogging much longer than I, and is much better too.  I am going to have a few "theme" days.  This week I am introducing Wordless Wednesday and Thankful Thursday.  The content for each is quite obvious by name.  However, for those of you who know me, Wednesday will be quite difficult, since I think EVERYTHING needs an explanation.  So, here we go...

GAMEDAY!!!

GO GAMECOCKS!!!

First Day of School

YES, both of my children started school!  Ok, so Legare is really just going to Parents' Morning Out one day a week, but, none the less, she has a bookbag, she takes a snack, she brings home artwork and plays with other children...sounds like school to me.  I am so hopeful that she will love it as much as Collin does...so far, so good.

Collin started a kinder-prep program this year at the preschool he has been attending.  I have been so excited about him participating in this program, and can tell you I have NOT been disappointed.  Collin has always loved school, but not like he does this year.  He is thrilled to go everyday.  He doesn't bat an eye at the extra hour he is there.  He is excited to tell me about what he is learning and doing each and every day.  I think he is soaking up the structure and challenge of the class.  He is learning so much and I am so excited for all that this year holds for him.



Crazy, Busy, Wonderful...

It's been a few weeks since I've written, and that is mostly because we have been crazy busy.  Each time I think we may come up for air the schedule fills again and we're off.  Though, if I stop long enough to ponder I realize we wouldn't have it any other way.
So, here's a recap.
The kiddos and I spent a wonderful week in Charleston with my family.  I attended the Beth Moore conference there with some of the women in my life who are dearest and nearest to me.  It was an incredible, uplifting experience and deserves a post all its own.  In the meantime here is a picture of one of my great friends Katie and me, and one of me with mom and kelly

Collin and Legare had a blast hanging out with my dad.  Yes, Papa had the kiddos all to himself for the weekend.  I think it goes without saying that everyone had a wonderful time!  They enjoyed a lazy morning, but definitely weren't in pjs all day.  Dad even got Legare in her complete swim outfit for the pool.

We spent the following days at the beach.  The weather didn't really cooperate, but we always have fun when we're together.  So, it was a great visit.

Then it was home to wash clothes and repack to go to the other end of SC for the baptism of my twin niece and nephew.  It was such a wonderful time.  We got to see family we hadn't seen in a very long time and were able to share such a precious occasion with 2 of our new favorite people.  Unfortunately, we did not do a good job taking pictures.  So, here is what I've got. 

We were working on the poses, screaming babies and getting everyone to look at the camera taking the picture, when it was taking the picture.  What is neat about this picture is that these are all but 2 of the great-grandchildren on Robert's mom's side of the family.  They have never all been together before, and it won't happen much.  This "moment" was not lost on anyone, except maybe the people in the picture :)

With that the summer was over, and school began.