More Surprises...

SURPRISE #8: Sheridan thought she was just riding home with our neighbor and friend, but instead they got to go to paint together and have frozen yogurt! Sheridan knows she is blessed to have such a sweet friend living right next door. This family is the best thing about our rent house and we'll miss living right next door! 

SURPRISE #9: Jordan and Cameron took Sheridan to the movies. No matter that the Jungle Book was a little scary (with things popping out of the jungle throughout the entire movie) but they said the XL popcorn and the drink as big as their head was awesome! 

SURPRISE #10: When Sheridan returned home from the movies her room was filled with 13 balloons and a card from Grandma and Grandpa Boogaart. It's fun for someone to think of you for your birthday! 

SURPRISE #11: Sheridan's second date with a handsome guy was with her dad. They both dressed up a bit and headed out for a night on the town. I love that he wants to do things with his girls and that she got his undivided attention!

SURPRISE #12: May 29th fell on a Sunday and we couldn't have planned a more beautiful day! Sheridan was cute in a blue polka dot dress, her big surprise was our lunch. Her favorite meal, or the one she requests most often, I haven't made for a year or more. So, we had shrimp pasta for lunch! The lunch with family was all about her! She also opened some presents from us and cards from long distance family.

One last surprise to go...

End of School

This summer we've gotten out of school one week before last year. With no snow days to make up, we are out! May seems to be a busy month for us with graduations, award ceremonies, college kids moving home from school, getting ready for summer activities...the month just seems to race!

I've been to 4-5 award ceremonies this year and I can tell you that I haven't enjoyed one minute of any of them. I think kids should be recognized for good work, good grades and character. However, what about the kid who doesn't get any of those? I know there's a growing sentiment that kids shouldn't get participation awards for everything and I agree with that. I also am against having so many incentives that kids don't want to do anything without being rewarded. There's a fine line I guess and I don't know where I stand on it.

My kids have always been named in these ceremonies, and have gotten their share of certificates and printed pencils. They were chosen for special awards and plaques, and they earned distinctions with all-region and all-state awards in athletics and fine arts. This is my first time to see that in the younger years, when they encourage all the parents to come to these award ceremonies, not everyone gets their name called.

Tomorrow this won't matter, but today...I pray that all the children who didn't get their name called know that they are God's masterpiece.

Surprises....

More surprises for Sheridan!

SURPRISE #5: Pedicure with Erin! Erin was home for a few weeks before she headed out for the summer and was ready to get in on the fun! She took Sheridan out for a little paint on their toes!

SURPRISE #6: Lauren ate lunch at school with Sheridan! When you're in middle school and your big sister brings Quizznos to replace your PB&J, you're pretty happy! 

SURPRISE #7: Ian took Sheridan CLIMBING! She did not expect this one at all. They both climbed The Wall in Russellville and had smoothies.  Yes, food does seem to be a theme with our girl!

Soccer Mom...Again!

It's been several years since we've gone to a weekend tournament of any kind. For over 8 years we went to tournaments every weekend (sometimes more than one in two different locations) but we've been off the circuit for awhile!

Jordan was picked up on a soccer team this season and it has been such a fun group of girls for her to make friends with. She's never played organized sports like this, so going to a tournament was a big deal...the state cup, no less! She also has learned A LOT about soccer. Her coach has been super patient and the parents on the team were really encouraging as she learned to be a goalie;  when to come up and charge the ball, when to stay back, when to call it, when to dive on it, when not to touch it, when to boot it, how to place it, and how to stay focused through the whole game. She got time in the field too, but during the tournament she played a GREAT game in the goal. We're really proud of the athlete she's becoming but more thankful for the teammate she is!

Sheridan turns 13

May has been one of our busiest months for the last few years. I didn't want to leave Sheridan's birthday to the last minute so we've planned 13 surprises to liven up the month. SO FAR, the big kids and a few friends have helped us pull off 1-6.

SURPRISE #1: Lauren tagged her room with 800 sticky notes. This was a big surprise and the introduction of the surprises! 

SURPRISE: #2: Sheridan's friend Caitlin came over and I took the girls out for CFA and a sno cone! She had no idea! 

SURPRISE #3: Katelyn and Ryan took Sheridan bowling and to get ice cream! 

SURPRISE #4: Sheridan was whisked away to her room on a Wednesday afternoon and Lauren and Erin helped her fix her hair, put on a little make up, and get dressed for a date! She had no idea Ryan was going to take her out to Chilis! This was Ryan and Kate's last week to visit us here in Russellville before they move to Georgia. I'm so very thankful they made these special memories with Sheridan. 

Fast Forwarded

I very specifically remember the day we took Ryan to school in Fayetteville for the first time. It's been a very fast (for us) four years and I can't believe we just witnessed his commissioning and graduation!  What has he done in 4 years?

1. Bull pen catcher for one year with the Razorbacks
2. ROTC military science classes and physical training all 4 years
3. Played baseball in the Dominican Republic for one summer with Athletes in Action
4. Shoulder surgery and recovery
5. Lived in an apartment with 3 great friends for 2 years
6. Met, dated, and married Katelyn
7. Was discipled and led a life group with his church in Fayetteville
8. Went to Burundi, Africa, on a ROTC mission during one summer
9. Went to over 5 other SEC stadiums for football games with the university and 2 bowl games
10. Stayed in touch with his family and was intentional to build a relationship with his younger siblings
11. Received a degree with 3 majors: Spanish, Sociology, and Criminal Justice

Of course, there's more, but the boy has turned into a man and now has a job until he's 30 with the US Army! Katelyn is a super-smart gal who got her bachelors degree in 1 year and her masters this year. They both celebrated graduations this weekend and I'm SO VERY PROUD AND THANKFUL to have been a part of it all!

House on the Hill

The interior of the house is taking shape as the first round of insulation has been put up, sheet rock is going up and we've picked out all plumbing fixtures and found our countertops! Richard is keeping us ahead of the workers and keeping all our subs on track! Erin has moved home until she goes to Falls Creek at the end of the month, Lauren has moved in...until she gets married! I'm focused on graduation and wedding things right now and just realized the kids get out of school THIS MONTH! Whoa! It's May!