All aboard, grandma and grandpa are moving the rest of the truck in today. Awesome to watch grandma scoop and squeeze hugs from Kamden. I think she would have eaten him up if no one was watching. So great for them to be around family.
August 30th~Waiting, waiting, waiting
Grandma made it up from Florida a couple nights ago (Wed) now we are waiting for grandpa to finish the commute with the U-Haul. 3:00 they arrive in Manchester and the love you could feel from their smooching could be felt around the world, grandma and grandpa reunited from their 48 hours apart. So many years since they have been away from each other and 48 hours seems like eternity. Get the kids, get the soccer gear, get the house keys, and get to grandpa's. With the only set of keys in my hands, all cars were waiting on me. The "ohhs and ahhhs" that came from grandma and grandpa were reward enough for the work that was put in. They are completely satisfied with their new home. Sent Skylar to soccer, per her request, allowed Dustin to skip soccer to spend time with family unpacking, per his request, went to dinner as a family per grandma's request, then started unloading. Great dinner together listening to grandpa talk to the waitress, the hostess, the chef, random customers...about his move and the 4 generations at the table and how he was so happy with his home... priceless. Watching this grown man tear up as he talked about how much of a help it was for what I did...grandpa it was nothing and I would do it again.
Today I signed for the keys to my grandparents home. After finding, picking out, inspecting, putting a deposit on it, and gaining POA for the purchase, I have signed for grandma and grandpa's new CT home. I am so excited that they are coming up and I hope they like their home. Having never seen it and trusting my judgment... when I first started this journey, I felt like "I can't do this, I'm just a baby." Put your big girl pants on lady, because no one else is able to do it for them.
August 28th~First day of school
So I did it again, I let time slip right past. I sit here today wondering where did all the time go. Just moments ago I was holding my babies, soothing their cries. Now, 10 years later, I am trying to fight away my own cries. 10 years of having someone in the house to occupy my time and to need me, and this morning I brought them all to school. My last little bear is off to kindergarten. But it was not without tears. More of them were from Dustin as his nerves got the best of him. He was up 3 hours passed bedtime last night, got dressed fine this morning, then to the floor he went. Down to the carpet to curl up and cry about not feeling well, and he wasn't lying. He threw up right on Skylar's rug. But I knew what it was and we trudged on; Skylar carrying his shoes, backpack, and Gatorade, I carrying his bucket and the camera of course, Kamden carrying a smile and daddy carrying Dustin right out the door to the car. It took just moments for Kamden and Skylar to find a friend and be okay. With tears I kissed their heads and squeezed them tight. It took 2 parents, 2 teachers and 1 school psychologist and 1 hour and 40 minutes for Dustin to be willing to join his class. Wow, I hope 5th grade is a good year for him. It takes all that I have in me, and more of what the Lord has in Him, to not give in, and save him from these fears but I know it is for his good.
August 26th~Starting...now
We officially start the prep for Kamden to start kindergarten. Tonight is orientation/open house. I am really not so excited about all 3 of my children being gone all day long. I am going to miss you guys.
Soccer, soccer, soccer...so it is one of my favorite times of year. I am so thankful that I get to be a "soccer mom." No, I do not coach this sport for the kids but I think that is perhaps why it is my favorite. I get to sit and watch Dustin play a sport that he is amazing at. I don't have to correct him or direct him, just sit and cheer the boys on. They joined their first 3v3 tournament, and they were down 2 boys compared to the allowance of 6 per team. And the boys did a fabulous job. They lost their first 2 games as a team and won their last 2 games as a team. They never gave up or gave in to the temptation to become defeated. Way to go guys. An absolutely wonderful group of boys as well as their families. Coach Kay and Steffi invited us over for swimming, play, food, German conversation and fun. Nice way to end the summer and start the soccer season. Skylar and Kamden will start soon, too.
August 22nd~Happy Birthday, Adam
We love you and wish you a wonderful day. Small things are precious things.
Today we joined as a family united. The kids dressed to respect, support and learn...life is too short to just watch it go bye without loving those around you. As a family, we headed to Manchester to pay our respects and say goodbye. It was a difficult day for all, watching family grieve was hard for all eyes that saw. But the sentiment of love was felt as equally as the tears. Our children got to see, for the first time
August 15th~ Goodbye Grandpa Garrison
No words can explain the feeling of this day. We got news that grandpa was not doing well and within hours, we were told of his passing. "Lord, we know you know the plans, but the pain is great." Cherish those you love, spend time with them when you can, love people not things. We love you, grandpa.
August 12th~ Lake Compounce
We took our annual trip to the lake. Fun rides, laughter and smiles all day long. It is so fun to watch the kids participate as a family but also to choose their favorite ride they specifically want. Skylar the Down Time will always be our ride. Kamden was even big enough to ride the special belly racing ride this year.
August 3, 10, 24th~ Weekends at grandma and grandpa's
The kids each got their sleepovers with grandma and grandpa Sherwood. They were paired up with an age appropriate cousin and each had fun stories to tell. Grandma had a special event planned for each pair; the boys went to the Basketball Hall of Fame, the girls to Gilette's Castle, and the younger boys chose bowling over the zoo. All in all everyone had fun with baby chicks, long nights, laughter and dinner treats. Just don't ask anyone to say they enjoyed the new rooster in the yard.
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11
