One Thousand Gifts

These 4 boys make me smile! Jap won Homecoming King this year- this is a picture of JOY! 
 I started reading a book I read this summer again to refocus my thoughts. one thousand gifts by Ann Voskamp is just such a journey. Sometimes, in all the work we do, I get lost in the confusion of what we have yet to accomplish, or what we haven't done- In September of this year, I lost a student, and it really made me think about this book again. Specifically, the lines ... "Why would the world need more anger, more outrage? How does it save the world to reject unabashed joy when it is joy that saves us? Rejecting joy to stand in solidarity with the suffering doesn't rescue the suffering. The converse does. The brave who focus on all things good, and all thing beautiful and all things true, even in the small, who give thanks for it and discover joy even in the here and now, they are the change agents who bring fullest Light to all the world."

 

There is much JOY in my life- this young man, our son, will be at the University of South Carolina next year on a 4 year full ride football scholarship! Some say that we did that for him, and I say- no, he did it all :) we were just his support, his parents helping him and encouraging him in the right way.

 He is her hero! This bond is unbreakable- I love that about my family, and the kids that God delivers to us to parent. I love that all of my kids see that the bounds of family our so much deeper than those displayed around them. Family is constant, and yet ever changing. The ability to love and to be thankful for all that has been given to us.

 "Thanksgiving creates abundance; and the miracle of multiplying happens when I give thanks- take the just one loaf, say it is enough, and give thanks- and He miraculously makes it more than enough." These words resonated with me. I have so much to be thankful for, and yet this world so brightly points out the things I may not be so thankful for; another backdoor attempt to steal JOY!
This boy is true JOY- a testament to things not seen, but promises fulfilled!

 Jackson is a daily reminder of the Thanksgiving bestowed upon us from HIM. His laughter, his curiosity, and his never ending comments bring us so much JOY! A prayer answered, and a true example of Thanksgiving for life.

 On trips like these, we are reminded to be THANKFUL! Thankful for the life that was given to us to live, thankful for the children we were given to parent. Thankful for the life HE continues to bless us with.

 

And this relationship, well these smiles convey the depth of this relationship. And while at times I regret that Jap will be leaving high school as Macey is entering, I am reminded that the trips she will take to see him, to stay with him, and to visit with him will be so much more meaningful. In some ways, he is providing a glimpse into her future as well. A high school life well planned, executed, and the reward of college.

 Sometimes it is really the little things that make me smile- Jackson coming to eat lunch with me in my closet at school....

 Side trips after a long football game to Friendship Fountain

Halloween socks from the treasure box-

 Trips to the farm with school mates,

 Hayrides that have been made possible by finally getting our Asthma 

under control.

Those are the things that I am MOST thankful for!

 Breakfast with my kids, after a game- the silliness of it- this is what I want to teach them to be thankful for. A family that expands and grows- that supports and loves-

 A brother and a sister

 A silly boy that for so long, just wanted to cheer with my cheerleaders, but found a whole other playground around the football field!

A boy who loves to help his mom cook :)

 A girl who loves to dance, and who loves to take pictures... who constantly says "ooohh.. turn it up, that is my favorite song!"

 Animals that entertain my kids for hours!

 It's the little things that I remind myself to be most thankful for. This little guy and his swing set!

 and his afternoon naps when he gets home from Kindergarten!

 A Coach and his player

 A King and a Queen

A mom and her son- started with a prayer for two sons- How blessed I am!

 A trainer, who has taken care of Jap for 4 years- who has guided him

provided words or wisdom, and just listened! 

Things that we could not have imagined, but

things that were provided by Him.

My youngest girl- My silly Bri! 

 The relationship between families-

the ability to participate in Senior events

to quietly remain in the background

and to GRIN beyond measure 

when he comes out to 

"check on us"

My pride and joy! 

My gifts that I treasure beyond the moon.

I have been blessed-

The world in which we live would have you believe that we don't have enough,  that we need more- and yet as I type these words today I know that I have more than I could have ever imagined. I have learned that a clean house is overrated. That my kids are not going to remember what the house looked like, only the memories that were created there- I have learned to live, and by that, I have allowed my kids to live without fear, or worry. Being present in them, showing them how to live thankfully- knowing that nothing is promised, but that in Thanksgiving so much abundance is given. 

We have had a great start to our Fall- minus Jap's broken foot, and my dislocated patella (HA!)-

My girls have had the best time dancing- I love that they LOVE IT! They have worked with Bad Boys of Dance, and the smiles going and coming have been well worth it! I love that we are able to provide this for them. 

I think I have lived the last 20 years of my life trying to make everything "perfect". House, kids, husband, job, etc- and in the last two years I have finally realized that perfect is not a metaphor for neat- it is simply the ability to live fully right where I am! 

 

So as we enter into this busy holiday season, I am not worried about the little things that I thought mattered to others, rather I am working on listening to my family and working on what matters to them- for they are the ones who will remember my deeds the most!

I am glad that I am living fully right where I am!

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little.

Philippians 4:11-12

 This I am most proud of- only the second time I have ever used jumper cables to help some one out! I only found them in my car the day before, and I thought- WOW! I didn't know I had these! I can't wait to use them, and then just like that- the very next night I GOT TOO!!!

I really took a break for a bit to read and journal through one thousand gifts. I encourage you to read and explore and see all that He has given you to be thankful for!

The Best Compliment

My husband and I have been together for 20 years. At times when I think about that, it doesn't seem that long, but when we look through old pictures I can tell it has definitely been 20 years! The lines in my face and hands give it away! It is funny though when I walk in a line down the hall with my 5th graders that sometimes I am overlooked by other faculty :) Back to the 20 years...

In our relationship there is a lot of give and take on both sides. We both are super busy- we have demanding jobs and we both coach. We also have 4 kids at home that are just as busy as us. It seems like we are always juggling a schedule- who's taking the girls to dance, who's picking them up, who has Jackson, who can make the game, when is your practice, etc...

We also live in a house that has to have things done- you know things like laundry, grocery, cleaning, yards, the list just goes on and on. As the 20 years has progressed I have been able to let some of the house stuff slide; it just doesn't seem as important to me anymore if everything is lined up just so. If all the laundry is current, because for us that could be 2 easy loads a day!

But Sundays are important to us. While Derek is not around much on Sundays during travel ball season, during the off season he is usually around for church. We are in the same Sunday School class, but I teach, so I rarely attend with him. The past Sunday they discussed Proverbs 31. Two things surprised me: one- he had never read or heard Proverbs 31, and two- that a group of men would be discussing it! However, after church he came home and he told me that he needed to apologize to me! In fact, he said that in Sunday school while all this discussion was going on- that he had in fact married the Proverbs 31 wife. I was blown away. That is probably the greatest compliment in our 20 years. He went on to say that in Sunday school he told our group that I do all of those things, and now that when he looks back on it, I have probably always been that way. It just about, well actually it did, make me cry. You see, as a woman who love Christ this Proverbs 31 wife seems at times unreachable. She seems to be so together, to always put others before herself, to really live her life for Christ. I have read this chapter many times; always striving to be "that wife". When I went back and read it after our conversation Sunday, I did see my life in those verses. It made me feel good, that finally after all those years maybe I had arrived! But it didn't make me feel comfortable- it made me realize there is so much more to do.

During our discussion our son walked in, and joined in. Derek was explaining that "compared to a lot of his other friends" he does "way more" than most of them. I told you there was a lot of give and take in this relationship, and Derek does and has always done a lot! Anyway, I said, "I have never compared myself to those that do less than me, I have always compared myself to those that do more than me." And my husband and son look at me, and Derek says- that is a profound way to think! And it kind of made me chuckle! Really... doesn't everybody compare themselves to those that do more than them? Isn't that the way everybody's brain works?? Apparently NOT! But, my husband said- that is the way I am going to start thinking! I told you he was great! It's conversations like this that make me see how richly blessed I am!

In other news we start our 3rd week of school tomorrow. Jap had his official first game of the season Friday, and as he said- playing quarterback had him running for his life! We didn't win, but it is always fun to go to the Village afterwards and eat and LAUGH!!!

Macey and Briley are busy dancing, Jackson is having a ball (maybe too much fun!) in Kindergarten, and I continue to enjoy my class!

Blessing continue to fall daily and for that I am always THANKFUL!

A Great First Week

We all survived the first week of school. I cannot tell you how nice it is to only have one stop in the morning- and no extra stops in the afternoon! Leaving at 3:10 to go home is going to be such a blessing this year. We were all able to get back into the swing of things pretty easy. Derek and I are trying to be a little more diligent about getting the kids settled in a little earlier, and dance seems to be working out better this year. 

I have the BEST job in the world for a working MOM!! It is so nice to get to pop over and see Jackson in his Kindergarten class! He is always so surprised to see me; probably not as excited as I am to see him. He is doing great. We love his teacher, and she is so good with him. He has already had homework, worked on a story, and started writing words.

 Macey and Briley started back to Saturday afternoon rehearsals. I snapped this today when I dropped them off. I am so happy that they are close. I also celebrate that they both love to dance and encourage each other. They are off to a great start at school as well- both like their teachers and classes.

Friday was kind of neat around here. It was Jasper's last "first high school football game"; I happened to be pulling up to meet my cheerleaders when he was getting on the football bus. I LOVE his Gamecock shirt. He finally broke down and told me today that he would indeed miss us when he went to the University of South Carolina next June. For months, he has been telling us he will not miss us- HA! It seems crazy to me that just 4 short years ago I was so worried about him playing Varsity football his freshman year, and now we are on the college countdown!

A neat experience that my family was able to help out with last week- I came in contact with a family that needed furniture. Long story there, but they are basically starting over. Don't ever let anybody tell you that Facebook is not a powerful thing. I just happened to put on Facebook a request for any extra furniture out there- That was on a Wednesday. On Thursday, I received 2 calls that furniture was available- Derek, I, Lawrence and Jap delivered a UHAUL truck full of furniture to them on Saturday. It was such a blessing and a great lesson for Jap and Lawrence.  It is so humbling to be able to give to people, and share with them the blessing of giving!

I cannot believe we are at the end of August. My family is excited that Fall is coming. Around here that means festivals, football, holidays, and fun times with family. It was actually a little cool Friday morning, and it has only been in the 80's. What a nice Fall teaser.

Crazy stuff going on with tropical storms and hurricanes here- hopefully they will all bypass us and we will not have to miss any school! I do not want make-up any days this year! For once it looks like we have a great weather day / holiday schedule.

Blessings for a great week!

It's the Last Friday Off for the Teachers

 There has been a LOT of rest around here this summer! Everybody has been fighting for this exact spot! This guy usually wins though! And should you try to beat him, he has moves that will adjust you appropriately!

I think I may qualify for the worst BLOG poster ever! We had a major technology upgrade around here and it has taken awhile to sync all new phones, computers, and various other digital equipment! Part of me needed the break, part of me missed it, and FACEBOOK seems to be so much quicker! And Instagram- you have to LOVE that! One day I will do the link-up (I think!)

 Briley - up early EVERY morning ready to go!

 A Summer wedding for one of our long time friends- Macey and Jap kept themselves entertained with their phones- they are so important!

 Briley was actually in the wedding with her Dad- that was super cute!

 Excited to be heading to camp Macey?

 At Camp- Jackson is the BOSS-

 Jackson built quite a few Lego friends at camp this year!

 Eclipse and Lilo tolerating one another! Lilo just keeps saying "I'm glad it's not another cat!"

 This is what happens when Briley gets a hold of Jackson! BEWARE!

 Macey at camp - all smiles! This was her last year in middle school- next year she will be in HIGH SCHOOL Camp!

 Media Day for High School Football 2012- I'm not sure which face I like the best! They don't pose like my cheerleaders that is FOR SURE!

 Random Camp Photos! Jackson loves it here! I think it is one of his favorite things all summer!

Leaving Camp- going Home!

 Jackson is crazy and he knows it!

 Briley working to end world hunger at summer camp!

 Eclipse- our newest family member!

It has been a whirl-wind of a summer around here! We would not trade one second of all the fun and laughter that has been going either! It's so funny to watch your kids just "play"! Not with toys, or phones, or iPads, but just stuff around the yard, or in the garage, or on the swing set!

We have had some really HOT days around here, and lately LOTS of rain! I think my grass if finally happy! My bunny, not so much, but my gardens finally look well hydrated. The girls have discovered tanning, so it's funny to listen to them time the right time to lay out!

We are looking forward to FALL and some COOL air! We were in Lowe's the other day and there were already fall decorations (pumpkins and such) out. It's amazing how much consumerism goes into each new season. It looks like we might have a heavy hurricane season for the months of August and September. We can still use the rain. I think our aquifer is still 3 or 4 feet below where it needs to be. 

It's a little sad that the summer is ending, but with that brings some big changes for us- Jap will be a Senior this year! AMAZING.. I remember what seems like yesterday I was so nervous as I dropped him off at Wolfson his first day of high school. That time has flown by and he has flourished! We are so excited about his Senior Year! Football is in full swing, so his days are consumed with work, practice, eating, and sleeping!

Macey and Briley are already back at dance! Our schedule is a little better this year with a few more late starts! They like the routine and I think are glad to be back as well. The true test will come when they start school in 2 weeks!

Jackson is going to Kindergarten with me this year. He is super excited and so smart! It amazes me with how much he knows. His mind is just this big sponge. He is a great conversationalist too! Some of the things he says to me make me literally crack up. Today he told me that we would have to be nice guys if we wanted dinosaur sundaes after church Sunday!

I read some really great books this summer. I would strongly suggest them for some reflective and thoughtful reading:

The Resolution for Women, P. Shirer

bringing up Boys, Dr. James Dobson

Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyer

Forgotten God, Francis Chan

One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp

Parenting Collection, Dr. James Dobson

It's great to read something and think- Wow! You are doing what's right!

We had some great accomplishments this summer- we helped a few extra kids, we learned a little more about being missionaries, and we saw what it means to love your family!