The jungle

The jungle of plants I keep on my covered porch have finally had to come inside. They make a terrific background for pictures. Now I just have to find a new place within my house for them. It seems that they have grown excessively this year. I am always simple impressed that they made it through another year and pray they survive another winter in my wild and crazy house:)

Ryan is TEN!

Just a day separates my silly ten year olds. I cannot tell you how different these guys are! They are about as different personality wise as appearance wise. Ryan is so very full of life. He loves to play more than any child I know (with perhaps the exception of Doug and Seth). He wanted a CD player and a dirt bike...his dreams came true:) And he did not want candy in his bag, he wanted "ALL jerky!" and all jerky he got!

The best of young men....

Life comes so fast. It rolls along so quickly in our "old age", meaning past 21 (where the world ends of course...lol). I think today, more than any other time in history youth is more fleeting and more passing than ever. Children simply are not allowed to be young. It seems that children are given way to many privileges and way to few responsibilities. Especially responsibility to themselves. This is something I think Scott and I really press hard to instill in our children, but it is a hard thing! It goes right along with all the other "parents work" that is never done:)

This morning found me up by 5:15 and gone shortly after for Memphis. It seems that if I slept just 30 minutes longer I would be 30 minutes late for a 9am appointment, yet I can leave before 6 and be 30 minutes early:) That crazy traffic! I had Sam to see our new Doctor for testing. I listened to her tell me,"Well, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but Sam had ZERO short term memory." Nope, no surprise there. We go back next week for more testing. I am very much ready to be sitting in her office reading test results and listening to her insight.

Tonight as Sam totally melted down, I found myself investing literally hours to redirection of bad behavior. Frustration is a good word for the dealings of the evening. I am not sure I can even recap it all in one blog. If I did? I would have to rename the blogging to "depression".

As I have spent the evening listening to Sam my thoughts have been with Ben. Ben is now in basic training. He sent us the sweetest most heartfelt letter. Boot camp is not easy, it is not fun, it is reality (at it's realist). But Ben has to ability to see through the times he is enduring. He sees his future. He sees his desires. He is a wonderful example of the very best of men. His choices are intentional and purpose driven. He is what my dad would call "a fine young man!" (me too!).

Daniel is TEN

Daniel, as most 10 year old birthday boys tend to be, was extremely excited to be hitting double digits:) His one desire? A "Rip Stick G".....aka "fast track to the Emergency room "...lol. Well, it would be for me! Fortunately my kiddos seem to be ripstick ready. But, as any good mom, I followed that stick with a helmet and pads:) And of course the "birthday bag of candy" which strangely enough is always at the very tip top of birthday lists.

Bella

I would be remiss if I did not correct myself. I made a comment about all my pictures of Bella being with her standing, standing in different places all over the field. Not running. But over the last two games Bella has really began to move. I haven't figures out why (perhaps because it is freezing?)? I took these last night. One is common and one is not!

Doing the right thing.

Have you ever noticed that doing the right thing is not always easy? I think it goes against human nature at times. I may be preaching "do the right thing" without preparing my children for the reality. Over the weekend I heard a preacher make the comment that Jonah "asked the men on the boat to pick him up and throw him over the side of the boat into the ocean". Jonah KNEW what needed to be done, yet could not bring himself to do it!

I sometimes tell my kids "the truth is the only thing that will set you free". True, yet the truth in action, the truth moving? That will alter the consequences. How many times have you heard a child on a diving board ask other to push them off? Sometimes we need others to help us through the tough choices in life. Jonah did, and we do to.

The same preacher also said about having diabetes, "If I had diabetes and had to give myself a shot ....I would chase myself all over the house!" I think anyone with an aversion to needles can so appreciate the humor of that! But, in truth, isn't that us sometimes? We know what is right and we cannot chase ourselves down to do it?

I saw a heading over the book of Jonah that said, "Do not allow yourself to lead yourself". THAT is the problem with us doing the right thing...the wrong "lead". Having our life in order makes all the decisions easier to follow through on. Because with God we CHOOSE to follow in the truth. No chasing ourselves around...just following God!

Even Jonah figured that one out, abet after horrible consequences. For my children, I want the following without "horrible consequences", but much like Jonah, they sometimes do what they want to do and end up in some doozies. This is life. This is life with "me" in charge. You and I both know that some people just have better navigational systems than others. Some innately know the right direction and some had better have a guide! The destination is VERY important! Do the right thing:)

Soccer games

Tonight we had two soccer games. Both early, 6 o'clock, but it was already very cold. I was very very thankful for Doug who took the spectator watch on my two little ones field. THANK YOU Doug!! My soccer players looked a little different tonight. No bare legs or arms! Under armour, sweatpants, leggings, hoodies and extra socks were the norm. In spite of the stay-puff marshmallow look they all ran and seemed to have a great game. EXCEPT....for the first time my yellow team lost a game. The score was 2-1. Losing is a BIG lesson, especially after such a great season. Those slightly enlarged heads in most cases (and very enlarged in some) were given a bit of relief. Have you ever noticed (and it may just be unique to me...but I don't really think so)....those who are the worst "sports"..... that seem to mouth the most.... that are the most ungrateful.... are NOT usually the hardest working? Among my crew I have some really hard working players, some fairly hard working players and some who really do not put forth that much effort. It seems that the ones who stand around (meaning not as hard working) are the mouthiest. I am an "attitude it everything" preacher and those mouths really bother me. Although me and the mouths have talked it over already....losing brings those chats to light pretty quick.

PS My little ones (Seth and Victoria) have two games to go and are still undefeated:)

Who would have thought?

Who would have thought this picture would be so very telling of Calebs behavior 16 years later? In truth, I could (should) have one of all my boys at this age. Because the same would be true of each of them....totally wrapped up and addicted to the phone. Although I would not have imagined that technology would advance to a pocket version when I took this picture. But, it has and each guy has a phone in his pocket. These pocket phones sure do come in handy for mom if I need my guys (that is if they answer!).

Jacob's new job

Jacob has a new job at the grocery store. He is such a funny guy. Such a hard worker. He was talking this morning about mopping. Not many of my teenage boys talk about mopping. He has to wear this navy polo and a name tag. When we pulled up church this is what Jacob was doing. He always seems to have something going on.

This morning Jacob was up and ready early. I asked him to go to the store to get a few pairs of "Sunday socks". I really do not know where they go, but it is frustrating. What helps that frustration? A up and ready teenager who is willing to help mom without whining!

Family Day

Today was Family Day at Dad and Clara Ruth's church. Scott is in Knoxville working so I took my girls(all of them...pictured above) and 8 boys. It was nice to be there and see people I do not get to see very often. I know most of my children do not remember when we lived and worshiped with that congregation, but I love them and really enjoy days like today. I like most mother's, enjoy taking my children with me. In spite of the yaya kids (they seemed to take turns) I had a great day:)

HSM3

Tonight Chelsea, Sarah and I took all my kiddos under 13 (a total of 11) to the theater to see High School Musical 3. They all loved it! My sweet friend Anne and her granddaughter went with us too. It was Anne's birthday and I didn't even remember...but I did get to spend a little of it with her:) The last couple of hours of it, as we saw the late show(early shows were selling out). Tonight was fun:) I sure do love fun times!

BIG win!

We had a big win in high school football last night! One of those night where most all 70 football players got time on the field. Caleb was not satisfied with his game, but as his mom? I think he always does well:) One more game to go in this senior season.

21

Today Chelsea is 21. I sure am getting old:) I never begrudge a single year! I am just so thankful to be here to enjoy my family!!

I was looking at old pictures. This one is Chelsea when she was Seth's age. Ironically they both have two teeth missing, the same two teeth! When I think about "how old Chelsea should be" this is what I see in my mind:) She is still every bit as sweet, just a little older.

Working

This Fall I have been substituting at the elementary school and our church pre-school. I just fill in for illnesses or trainings. It has turned out to be bigger than I anticipated at times. Some days find me laughing and telling the "how is it going?" askers, "I am not sure I have enough time to make money!" I find my schedule making schedules:) I am double stacked and crazy busy.

As to the "how's it going?"....I love it (most the time). I enjoy the children. I absolutely love two year olds(they get a rough rap...lol). I enjoy the 3's, the 6's, the 9's and the 11's(and even the ages in between). I really do like children, especially the nice sweet kind ones, but sure do find a whole lot of humor in the wayward sly smarty kids (more so when I can smile because they are NOT mine...haha). Kids are crazy. They think in ways that are unique. They can drag the crazy around with them if you aren't watching. I have come to love those neat teachers who manage a classroom of kiddos, who have that class listening attentively and working productively. I love that! I also love the smart funny teachers who, unknowingly to there audience, teach great lessons.

I worked today and will work tomorrow for my friend Carole(who through a lot of years teaching has earned the privilege of an awesome job!). I really enjoy being her for the day:)

Rightside up:)

I like structure, I like order, I like peace...lol...but just because I like it doesn't mean I get it. I have learned as I get older that life is simply not always neat. Not always clean. Mostly likely and more times than not...very messy! Certainly not as we expect. Along those lines...as I took these pictures I was thinking that they would make a great "upside down" blog. Right along with the circus mentality. Yet as I sit down this morning? I realize my thoughts are more circumspect. In my house? This is right side up:) Happy people....happy people being silly...Happy people trying something new(to some)....this IS all RIGHT...no confusion...just joy. And this is my house. Inside ...outside...unpsidedown..it's just how we stand(even if it is on our hands).

Bithdays

Today is Caleb's 18th birthday. He went with me this morning to eat breakfast with Dad and Clara Ruth. Yesterday was Dad and Clara Ruth's 2nd Anniversary. It was a really nice breakfast!

Tonight we celebrated Caleb and Chelsea's birthday's. Chelsea will be 21 tomorrow! We usually do not celebrate birthdays together without good reason. The fact that Chelsea is in from college and home today (not tomorrow) is a good enough reason for me.

Excuse me while I repeat myself (I find myself doing that more frequently!), but...Time sure does fly!!! Look at my "babies". This is really how I think of them. I laughed as I saw the first two pictures....this is Chelsea! Smiling and yet grabbing Caleb to keep him in place....that helper attitude is still so much part of who she is:)

What a circus!

Sometimes I feel like that Dr Seuss book "Put me in the Zoo". You know the one? I imagine many mom's know the feeling! This morning I was up and going by 5am. I was in the van before 6 headed to Memphis. Today was my appointment with a new PHD to arrange some testing for Samuel. I had talked to my children, different children, about 8 times before 7:15. I then had a long and very nice conversation with my sweet Mother-In-law. It is really sad that I have to be driving to Timbuktu to find a slot of time to talk quietly in...but I am not choosy! It was a joy no matter where I was!

By 8:30 Scott had called to say that Sam was off to a bad start this morning(nothing terribly new but frustrating). Apparently Isabella had the audacity to actually give him a snack for school! He took great offense! You know I have said it before (and I mean it) but, my Busy Izzy is a nosy child. She is also observant. She not only gave Sam a snack but also Seth one. I was very pleased and impressed that she, in the midst of a crazy mom less morning, stopped and helped her brothers. One who harbored resentment and one who was extremely grateful. A good job by Bella!

I found the Doctors office and was actually there 20 minutes early. I filled out all the new patient information and was then greeted by the Dr. What a joy! In the midst of travel, notes, desires for intervention, and doctors offices I found a sweet, kind spirit of a Doctor I loved! In spite of the reason I was there, I enjoyed our conversation, her insight and understanding and I was very thankful that "I" fit with this Doctor. Now, when I take Sam next week to have his tests I hope he too find her as wonderful as I.

After a little over and hour and 15 minutes (that turned out not as nail pulling as I envisioned) I was on the road again. I had a three hour "layover". I called Trish (who was not in town...what luck!) and I thought of Cathy (I suppose I need to get your number) but had no computer. I had intentionally not made plans, just unsure of my time frames and not wanting to have to cancel. I had a 1:00 appointment with Zack so I just hung out. Who would have thought I would spend it all in Target and Sports Authority?? I meandered and chatted with an occasional college daughter....also the school nurse about meds...and my normal yapping while looking.

I arrived at Zack's school about 20 minutes early only to have Scott call and tell me he was on his way to get Sam. Sam was having a bad day. The fact that our school police officer was sitting beside Sam when Scott arrived is an indication of the seriousness. Sam went to work with Scott for the first and last time. We explained that next time he would not have an "out". He was to be in school and school he would be in. We basically protected him from "real school ISS" and we cannot continue with that. We had a very very long talk with him tonight. We will see.

As I went in and to get Zack I did my "drop one issue and move to the next". Sometimes that is harder than it sounds. It is likely one of my most prayed for and granted (thank you God)strengths. I simply cannot allow one child's behavior to bleed over into anothers. At least in my mind.

By the time I left I was just wrung out. I think I have a pretty strong will. I think I am pretty tough. But whininess can overwhelm me at times...just like my kiddos:)

I arrived home to have to deal with a nine week issue....Today was report card day. The majority of my children doing really well. A few I am extremely proud of for their great efforts!! Scott and I sat talking with each child about their grades, improvements, needs, future work. It did take a little while.

Now I sit here. Trying to catch up. My big kids coming in from Devo. My little ones settling into bed (well, they have been for more than an hour...some successfully..some still working on it). I have really been behind on blogging. When I start having to cull minutes? Blogging can take its place....near the end of "serious" priorities.

My circus, while crazy, was run today on the home front by Chelsea. I am so thankful for my big girls. Chelsea and Sarah are both incredible helpers. They are also incredibly capable. I laughed at Chelsea's conversation with one of my wayward students today:

wayward: Where's mom? (as she walked in the backdoor)
Chelsea: She is in Memphis, she will be home after 5.
wayward: Good I have my report card and I don't want her to see it!
Chelsea: Why? What's on it?
wayward: 2 F's, 3 D's and a C
Chelsea: Hum. I guess you will be staying in __ grade again next year.
wayward: NO I will not! My work is HARD!
Chelsea: (smiling) well, I guess it will be much easier next year when you repeat it.

I have one child whom I have spent way way way to many hours (yes HOURS) talking to about her grades. She simply does not do her best. I really think she believes I am kidding about her repeating. I have had serious talks with her, with her and her teacher, with her and the reading specialist, and with her again. As we looked her report card tonight I was short and had very little to say. "What do you think about it?" No reply. I simply looked over at Scott and asked her if we had talked about her grades? "yes" she replied. "Then I have nothing more to say", and sadly I don't. This is my you can drag a horse to water but you can't make it drink child! As will all things in life? Time will tell.

I wonder if the Zoo will take me? Likely not, I think I'm over qualified:)

Fall is here:)

Sunday was time to pull out the long sleeves. There was actually a heavy frost on my van windows early Sunday morning. Fall seems to have finally arrived in Tennessee. I love this season. I love the change. I love the colors. But I really love the beautiful Falls days. My crew has played ball in the afternoons without danger of heat strokes. Doug and Gage made a new football field. Even sprayed lines (note I did not say "straight lines"...lol)! Today I came home to see homemade uprights at the end of it:) I love these guys! My littles are having a ball!

Children's Ministry

Dustin and Chelsea

Beverly and Bill


The group in front of Beverly and Bill's


My crew, less Daniel who was putting away his bike, and plus Meagan our neighbor who went with us:)


Chelsea and me


Seth and Chelsea, my youngest and oldest:)


Our church has a wonderful children's ministry. Dustin has done a great job blazing a path through a new uncharted (for our congregation) lands. We have had a K-5th program working in a small way, but now it is really underway.

Dustin had all the children to his house Saturday night. His mom, Beverly and her grilling husband Bill were such great hosts! We had wonderful hamburgers and hot dogs along with beans and real french fries:) The desserts were seemingly endless. My child all had such a great time. I love that the little boys led our devo (it was incredibly sweet). All my little boys led a song or prayed.