Stuff in my Head

I find that I have less time to post then I used to so I have continued to contemplate why I blog and the value of the time it takes. When I mentioned to Ken my thoughts his reply was, "it is such a great record for our kids". So.... guess I'll stay with it a little longer.

Brandon's 1st day of 2nd Grade
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Our school year has started and that is always an adjustment of sorts. Schooling is a year to year decision in our home. This year we have a junior in college, a freshmen and senior (last semester) in high school, a 7th grader, and 2nd and 3rd grader. The younger 5 in our public school. Nathan and I manage our home together. The adjustment this year has been a little bit more of a challenge as two of the kids moved up to a new school, but not bad.

Molly's new desk in 3rd grade
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Our children are not overly involved in activities, the problem is that the one thing they choose to do is all at the same time. Right now we have 3 playing soccer - yes 3 different teams, and one running cross country. It still is rare that we do not eat dinner together, though the time changes with the schedule. It is a light and momentary time so it is doable, it is also a lot of fun to watch how each has progressed from last year.

The college move-in crew - Allison's Junior year

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Natalie is very excited about being a part of our junior high youth group. Joel is filling out college applications. We are trying to get Nathan interested in potty training. Time marches on.

I have been thinking through what I want to do differently this school year to help our home run more efficiently. I have a couple of goals in mind but not ready to write them down yet.

Nathan looking cute

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No Longer a Teenager!

We have this wonderful young lady that lives in our home some of the time. There are clothes in her hamper, her bed is slept in and at times she comes with many friends in tow. She has been known to make yummy crepes, biscuits and gravy and many pans of brownies. She is a delight!

Last month Allison turned 20 and I wondered where the years have gone. We are getting deeper into that tender stage of life where her independence is becoming greater than her dependence on us. This is a bittersweet time as this is what we have brought her up to do - follow the Lord independently of us but it is with the realization that we have a different role in her life.

For fun here are 10 things I love about Allison (not in any particular order):

1. I love that she desires to "Trust God" in all things.

2. I love when she gets goofy when she is tired and starts doing weird things.

3. I love that she has a love for people of all kinds and acts on it.

4. I love that she is my daughter!

5. I love her beautiful dark hair.

6. I love that she is a great big sister, setting a very good example for her younger siblings.

7. I love that she has a servant's heart.

8. I love that she is girly.

9. I love her insights into people.

10. I love that she talks to me about important things in her life!

So, Happy Belated Birthday Allison! 20 years ago you were a precious gift to us and you continue to be a wonderful gift from the Lord today!