Farewell

SO, tomorrow we change zip codes. For the first time in 20 years. I've had trouble not driving to our old house, how in the world am I going to get around Russellville? I'm going to only be in town 2 days until I go to RL owner's conference for 5 days. It's going to be unreal to step away from the boxes and the children.

We've signed a one year lease so we can have a place where we can settle while we build. Who knows what this next year will hold? Some days it's exciting, but some days it's a little scary. I'm trying not to think about it.

Today in church the pastor talked about how there's a gap between our expectations and our experiences. That is certainly true for me, maybe I think about things too much, but things are seldom like I expect and I often feel let down after things, especially big things. But the pastor went on to say how an ENCOUNTER with Jesus can bridge the gap and make our experiences better than we thought. I'm looking for an ENCOUNTER.

She's 12!

When you're 12 years old and every birthday has been spent with your older sisters...it's a FUN thing when they can FACETIME you on the morning of your birthday because they're not at home! SO thankful for technology on days like this.

We picked up 7 of Sheridan's friends in the morning and headed to Rsvl for lunch and then to Altitude Trampoline Park in LR for the party that she's been planning all year. It was a fantastic birthday but also a great way to spend time with her friends on her last Friday in Clarksville. These girls have been friends for a long time. Thankful! 

So Long Middle School...for now

SUPER thankful for a great 6th grade year for Sheridan! Our last official event in Clarksville was graduation. It's a big deal to get out of middle school!

All As, all year

447 Accelerated Reader Points

Select Choir

Citizenship Award

As a side note, we're thankful that in Russellville the 7th grade is also in the middle school. So, she graduated, but will go back to middle school for one more year! 

Bloom

I read a great devotional with this picture today. I've heard this saying many times but never with the words CHOOSE TO in front of it. I'm going to keep this in my mind and find verses that back it up to put it in my heart. A good thought for this summer and beyond. 

"When we choose to bloom where our all-wise God plants us, we will one day be able to declare with Paul, “I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.”"  Jim and Elizabeth George

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 4:9

Campers

Got this picture today of my two campers! It's raining flood-type rain all over Oklahoma. Lauren asked me to pray that the recreation fields didn't get flooded and they lose all their sand for the summer. There is also new construction at camp, and the dirt is being washed all over. And, they have already re-directed traffic around the camp due to flooding. It's children's week,  (a short week, Sunday - Wednesday) to get them started. Lauren will be in a golf cart, Erin will be up in the trees. I'm praying for these sisters to have a GREAT summer serving together.

Erin found this in her things when she got to camp:

Cam the Man

THIS IS BIG. Not everyone gets 100 Accelerated Reader points. It takes a lot of books, and a lot of correct test answers to get there. If you do, you get to be the Assistant Principal for the day, and that's just what Cameron did. For a kid who had to go to the reading specialist at the beginning of the year, because he couldn't get the blends, this is HUGE. He and his buddy, Colby, had a great day helping Mr Zigler carry out principal duties. I'm thankful for this kid and the teachers who have completely caught him up in school and helped him be his best. GO CAM!

A few more grad pics...

And then there were three...

Weird day. Took Erin to UCA for her orientation. We were both excited to drive around campus and meet two girls who are potential roommates. We even ate lunch at my new favorite restaurant. No tears, no weird feelings. 

I had two calls on the way home, and when I got home it was 30 minutes before I picked up the littles.

And now...it's us. Me and "the Littles." I love these three children...however I'm in the training phase with all of them. Lots of teaching, telling stories, assistance with clothes and shoes and backpacks and hair. I'm not too old for this, but my mind is still working to adjust to not having another teenager (or extra driver!) in the house.

We will move to Russellville on June 1st. New house, new friends, new family dynamic. It's going to be an exciting summer!

Class of 2015

167 graduates in red robes filed in to the coliseum at ATU. We gave Erin gifts before we headed to Russellville, went to an early dinner, and had plenty of time to find seats for us all at Tech. 

SO VERY THANKFUL for my mom to be able to come to graduation. After 4 months of pain and almost complete immobilization, she's recovered (mostly) from surgery and dad brought her down for the day. Getting to the seats at ATU is not easy...the steps are steep, and we were sitting on the opposite side of the entrance. It was a wonderful blessing to have her there. My brother and his family came too. I am so thankful they support my kids and love on them. 

My job at big events...follow my kids around with my camera and take pictures. Everyone is photographed, and I pray they aren't blurry. Three friends from Russellville came to graduation, as well as all her classmates, and family...it was a busy day, but full of wonderful memories.

Jumbled thoughts

It's Saturday night and the house is quiet. I just downloaded pics from the last two weeks and we've done so much, seen so much...it's hard to know where to focus. The next three weeks are going to fly by...and then we'll be living in another town, with just three kids at home, and it will be summer. My mind cannot comprehend what is to come. I'm not worried about tomorrow, or next month, I just don't seem to be able to embrace all the moments today for thinking about what's going on around me.

This week: 3 graduations, 1 funeral, Project Graduation, big kids out of college, found a rent house, continuing training at home, rain all week...

They call me MOM

I put together this little graphic because I've just started taking pics with my kids this year and I had at least one of everyone. Sometimes I can't believe 6 kids call me Mom...and sometimes their friends too. It's humbling to think about, so I'm thankful God gives me lots of grace, wisdom in those moments, and strength.  I'm a mess every minute I try to do it without Him.

Some highlights from the day: A present from art class from Ceven (aka Kevin, as in Durant). The pinch pot was painted AND wrapped in a customized super hero bag. I thought this would be the best moment of the day...

...UNTIL he came out of Kid Life with this on. In a very crowded hallway and foyer. I mean, why take it off? 

Senior Concert

From start to finish, Erin's final choir concert was all about the music. Each senior could sing a solo or group song, and the choirs sang group numbers too. There was a senior slide show and awards for the seniors. It was touching, because when a group of people come together to do something they couldn't do alone, it's a special thing.