FAMILY TIME

The weather was sketchy all weekend but it turned out to be a non-issue on a very busy Saturday for the family. Dynamite Soccer played a very skilled and tough team on Saturday morning in Russellville. Sheridan woke up with a rash all over her body from a reaction to her medicine she had been taking for 9 days! It was almost more than she could take, but after a minute to adjust she took the field and was a great defender.

After a 4-1 win, we picked up Lauren and headed to the Hill to watch the Hogs vs Texas A&M We were on I40 with the rest of Central Arkansas...including Tusk.

We got to see Ryan a sum total of 15 minutes. We picked him up at his apartment, drove the long way to the ROTC building and dropped him off for check in. He gets to be on the color guard at most home football games, and apparently has to be there 2 hours and 15 minutes before game time. I sent him a text that told him I'd call his "commander" and ask if he could be a little late so he could spend some extra time with his family. He didn't feel like that request would be received favorably.

 

The Hogs have been struggling, and so it wasn't guaranteed to be a good game, but they played hard and even in threatening rain and stormy skies, lost by only 12. Watching a Heisman winner play...it was impressive, even from the opposing side.

Birthday Blessings

It's been the most wonderful day... coming home to a happy family, flowers on the table and dinner with my crew. Even a selfie with Erin at dinner! Soccer practice, and a tv show with Richard.  I'm blessed, and I pray I will remember it the next time it seems like the world is turning upside down.

Birthday Surprise

I used to dream of what I would do if I had 24 hours by myself. Well, tomorrow is my birthday and Richard planned and arranged a trip away...for 2 nights and 2 days, in a BEAUTIFUL lodge, on the highest mountain in Arkansas, on the most GLORIOUS weekend I could've ever picked. The weather is PERFECT. I've had the door wide open to my deck all day, sat in a chair outside for lunch, got sun on my face while I read an entire book. I've been on two different hikes on two different trails, sat on a high, high, bluff and sang songs to God, finished a project that I started a few years ago, worked on our Christmas musical (it's still September!), and my time is not over!

My camera can't capture the breeze, the misty light, or the beautiful panoramic view, but here is my best try. THANK you honey, for the most thoughtful, unselfish gift ever. I am blessed and so very thankful today.

Super Soccer Fun!

Beautiful weather this week, and Saturday was no different. We drove to Heber Springs in the afternoon, met Mimi and Gramps at a beautiful park and watched the our 10-11 year old girls take on a less experienced and not nearly as prepared team. These girls passed the better than I've ever seen and they were fun to watch. It was also the preview of the cheer they made up that they only could do if they won. When they say "BOOM," they all fall down...and then they giggle and laugh and beg to do it again. It's going to be a fun season!

Homeschooling

I haven't homeschooled in 10 years. I am a different person than I was 10 years ago. Sheridan was born 10 years ago, and now we find ourselves together everyday learning together and it's a good thing.

Benefits so far:
1. Nap anytime we want to
2. Add "emptying dishwasher" to required pre-school activities
3. We don't have to wear shoes if we don't want to
4. Excuse for papers and books on dining room table everyday

JUST KIDDING....(kind of)

Real benefits:
1. Character issues can be addressed, prayed over, worked on and worked out
2. Time for talking and listening, explanations don't have to be in a hurry
3. Bible study for us both...tying it all together, including adding AWANA to our day
4. Days off when we need them. Like the 8 days of my event, the 2 days after my event, and yesterday, when we needed to go to the ER.
5. Work hard, get rewarded. If she buckles down and does her work well, she's done around lunch time. This gives us time for games, projects, and play. That's a good day!
6. If we have activities at night, we still have had time together during the day. It's not one or the other, it's both.

I opted against the video-led curriculum. That's not why I brought her home, I brought her home to be able to teach her one-on-one, to have discussions and to be the one pouring the ideas in her head. I'm glad for the workbook curriculum and the extra books and topical studies we have. I'm thankful one of my good friends, a 5th grade teacher, is happy for me doing it. I'm thankful that we can learn and grow together.

Sisters

In case you missed it, the HOGS are 2-0. I love it when we all get to dress fun, and think happy thoughts, and call those HOGS!

DY-NA-MITE!

Richard and friends have put a girls soccer team this season. He is such a great coach, working on improving each girls' skills and having fun with them too. We are able to practice at the U of O that is close to the house, and has great fields. I've missed the first 2 games as they were on opening and closing weekend of my event. Ryan and Katelyn, and Grandma and Grandpa got to see the season opener in Conway and took some pics for me. On that particular day, Ryan even had to referee the game...not sure what happened there.

 

I can't wait to see DYNAMITE play this weekend in Heber Springs!! Go girls!