Another school year...

I currently have 5 children in school as of yesterday. Only one sweet girl at home in my care. I will miss my sweet babies. They left yesterday feeling dazzling in their new school clothes and shoes. I am praying that each one of them finds a little something this year that will bring them happiness. This is my chance to bond with my precious 3 year old. She deserves a little extra love.

Who is that lovely creature?

Okay, is it just me, or did my daughter turn 18 over night? Only problem is, she is only 14. She decided it was time for a change and wanted much shorter hair. It was sad to see her long locks go bye bye, but I must say, she looks lovely.

Now I'm going to have to keep the boys at bay though. Better get a shotgun. 

I was right...

Remember when I insisted Austin go on that campout?? Well, guess what? He had a most terrific time. He made new friends, and didn't even want to come home. Hmm...mom knows a few things afterall.

Being together...

Two more days until school is in. I will have 5 out of 6 children away for 7+ hours a day. Not quite sure how I feel about that. Some days I can't wait, and others I want to sit in a corner and cry.

Chris took today (Monday) off and we took one last fun family day. We had a picnic at a secluded park. We also went on a short hike down by the river. The kids played and waded through the water, until Connor cut his foot opened. All is well though. He is now doctored and it isn't as bad as we had originally thought.

We also took an hour to pick 13 lbs of blueberries. This is when a large family comes in mighty handy. We will freeze those babies and have blueberries galore.

It was a fun ending to a once again wonderful Summer, with my lovely children.

What is fear?

Austin turned 12 recently and with that, comes campouts with the Young men from our church. Austin doesn't know these boys very well at all and it just so happens one is coming up this weekend. I told him he had to go in order to get to know these boys so he can feel a part of the group. Mom knows nothing I guess, because he was begging not to go. That it's a horrible idea. It had nothing to do with homesickness but a fear of being with kids you don't know, and trying to fit in. We've all been there.

I thought maybe, just maybe he would listen to Halee. Halee is very shy and had some really hard years during age 12 and 13. Surely she would have some words of wisdom for him. She said okay and disappeared for about 30 minutes. I wasn't sure what she was up to, but later found this letter to her brother. I won't share all of it, but these are the parts I loved the best.

Austin,

What is fear you may ask? (Stop laughing at me I know I sound stupid.) Well I found the definition in one of my books. Let me tell you, the definition is very accurate. “Fear can come without warning at a moment we least expect. With a clammy grip, it slowly takes hold of its victim. Fear hisses words of discouragement such as, “Give up now” and “There’s no hope.” As it tightens its hold, people begin to lose faith in the future. When fear injects the chilling venom of doubt, the body, once full of life and hope, becomes limp and ready to be devoured.” The end. What a frightening definition of fear. Fear is exactly what Satan wants us to experience. Fear can cause even the best of us to tremble and lose strength.

 In a book by a man named John Bytheway he  says “The imagination is a little place in your head, when you are younger you go there to play. When you are older you go there to worry.”

How to overcome fear – Don’t think about the worst that could happen Austin, it won’t happen. Next get a blessing. They seriously work miracles. Next pray. Next read the scriptures. Here is a scripture about fear that I read when I am scared to do something.

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob (oh Austin) and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the bfire, thou shalt not be cburned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Love, Halee

Maybe I'm just a sappy mom, but when I read this, I started crying like a little baby. How did Halee become so wise? How thankful I am that she sees clearly. How thankful I am that she is a paragon of truth. How thankful I am to be her mother.

Lots of people equals lots of happy noise...

I love that Chris comes from a large family. You know when they visit that there will be lots of commotion and somebody at every corner. The kids loved having people to visit with. Especially Grace. She loved hanging out with the teenage girls. They would do her hair and make her feel so special.

I loved spending time with my russian sister in laws. They have to be some of the sweetest girls on earth. I told them after they left that I consider them my "real" sisters. I meant it. And my russian brother law, Dennis. He was our skipbo/phase 10 partner for many days. That kid is the best.

Chris with his mom and younger brother, Carl. (Smile Carl...the camera won't bite.)

                            Halee with her Aunt Nadia (left) and cousin Lyndsey (right.)

                                                                   The whole clan...

Freedom from braces...

Our little Halee is officially braces free. She was lucky to only have to wear them for one year. But to a 14 year old girl, a year seemed like forever. Her smile is beautiful. Keep on smiling, sweet Halee.

One little, two little, three little Diva's...

Grace and Scarlett had their little friend Isabel over for several hours today. There was lots of pretend cooking, pony playing, and especially dressing up like Diva's, going on. It was a lovely sight to see.

We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of the dreams...

I love this quote from the all time classic Willy Wonka. Not sure what it means, but for me it means taking your destiny into your own hands. Making life the best you can with what you have. When we purchased our boat 4 years ago we weren't sure if it was a good purchase or how well the family would take to boating but I have to say that boating for our family is something we look forward to from Oct. till June. Once Summer arrives, we can hardly wait to throw on some sunscreen and hit the water. I'm thankful we just bit the bullet and did it when we did because it's a cherished time where some greatest memories have happened.

The kids love to park the boat at one of favorite isolated beaches and wade and swim in the water.

My little wakeboarder Austin learning and loving this new sport.

Little Grace floating beside the awesome TP that Chris and the kids made.

As I looked at my little Scarlett blowing away as we drove the boat I couldn't help but love the fact that she will grow up with happy memories of boating with her family. This is the music we have chosen to make, and I love the sound of it.