Baptism

I know I know. I'm not even going to say 'I'll try to get better at it' or 'Maybe I'll have more time when the kids start school again'. Instead I'll just say, 'hey guys. It's nice to be on with some great news.

Last week, while Sam, Tarrah and the kids were here, Javen was baptized. He chose a couple of years ago to be baptized, but we wanted to wait until we were sure that he was sure. It was a beautiful evening on the beach - we had close friends and family with us - and Javen publicly declared his love for Christ.

Our 'Master Pastor' and friend Keith braved the cold water at East Matunuck. Jim read a Scripture and we all gathered around to witness.
It was beautiful and humbling. Javen was ecstatic, as were we.

School starts next week, and we are already feeling the crunch of busy schedules. All three will be in soccer, and Javen is due in Sept. for a follow up for his growth. Please keep him in your prayers.

Sports and Stuff

You can yell, scream, jump up and down, and throw any kind of rant and rave you want...but I just can't seem to get the blogging thing down! It's so much easier to post on Facebook now, but I did want to do an update.
Eli lost his third tooth - first of the top ones, while the other is on it's way shortly. What a goobs! He's such a little man. Doing really good in kindergarten. Smart kid. His teacher is amazing and gives him, and a couple other kids who are excelling, extra work. It's great that he's being challenged.
Javen is in baseball right now. First year, so it's definitely a learning experience for us all. He's getting better each and every time he steps out on the field. The kid just won't give up! It's amazing how much time is spent at the field. We're getting good at quick meals that you can pack.
On another note - Jave is finally seeing his growth. His shorts and shirts from last summer are too small, and he's even grown out of some t-shirts that used to be way too big for him. He's encouraged and getting more confidence in himself.

Here's Eli playing soccer. He's pretty natural at it, and loves hanging out with his friends. The coach is really good - patient! It's fun to watch the games b/c kids make me laugh!

He's always looking for an excuse to drink his Gatorade (it's a novelty for them to have it). Unfortunately, it runs right through him, and he ran off the field to pee mid-game on Saturday. Kind of funny :)

Lena's in softball. First year, but she's learning pretty well how to control her lanky limbs finally! She loves that they get visors. Looking forward to playing a game as everything is pretty basic right now. She's becoming quite the little lady. Drives me nuts sometimes with her girly-ness, but it's fun to see her becoming her own person.

Here's a shot of her with her visor :)

I hope all is well with everyone. We look forward to hearing from you. Lots of love.

Huh...

It's been so long, I'm not really sure where to begin. I guess with basketball. Javen's been rocking the court, and unfortunately, the season is coming to an end. Finals this Saturday. They are thus far undefeated, with two ties. Javen has made two baskets this year, which we couldn't be prouder of. He has really blossomed into a confident young man, which is all any parent wants to see. He will be playing baseball this spring instead of soccer, and I'll try to post some pics of that. Practice starts pretty soon.

Lena-doll has been doing great in school (they all have). She's beginning to have that preteen attitude that I fear so much! She is signed up for softball this spring and is really excited. We have some friends who play and she really looks up to them. This will be her first experience with team sports, so keep praying!

Jim had a holiday off with the kids, and by the grace of God, it snowed the previous day. They created the biggest snowman this town has ever seen.

Lilly and Lady are great friends. Lady is about 70 lbs now, and growing daily. She is a doll and well behaved. Very loving. We were truly blessed with her.

Molly, my cousin, came for a two day visit recently. They has so much fun with her. She is an amazing kid who doesn't get stressed with everything going on. I had so much fun with her!

Since Eli doesn't get his own pic, I'll still share. He'll be playing soccer this spring, and his teachers are in talks of whether or not he should go straight into second grade or first. We should know soon.

This vacation week has been amazing. I love hanging with the kids, and they seem to like hanging with me too. What more could a mom ask for?

For you Poppa - We love you and I'm sorry I haven't posted sooner. Facebook consumes all my free time now :)

My Baby

I use that term loosely. I know he's 6, but he's the youngest, and every milestone with him will be the last for all of our kids. So, don't laugh when I tell you I found myself with tears in my eyes today. 'Why?' you may ask. Eli, our monster, was playing football with Javen, and lost his first tooth. Granted, it had been so loose, any little thing would've knocked it out, but he was so proud he lost it in a "manly" fashion. And my heart broke just a little for time that moves so quickly. Everyone tells you to enjoy the little moments, and I believe I try, but little, seemingly insignificant moments like this remind me to try harder.

May His blessings be abundant for you all.

Uh-Oh, Here Comes Trouble

Look at this face...for one second, ignore the finger about to go digging, and just look at that face. What a ham! Sam, Tarrah and the three kiddos came on Sunday to spend most of the week with us. It has been amazingly fun and exhausting, and I wish we could be together almost all of the time. The kids have been wonderful, all of them playing well together. Lena enjoyed a little quiet time with Ethan on the floor. The dogs have been pretty good not stepping on him.

Ugh...look at this kid! Ethan is the HAPPIEST baby EVER. Laughing and smiling at everything. I fell in love immediately.

Sam (under the pile) and the kids (all trying to kick his butt) thought it would be a good idea to wrestle the other night. All went well until...
Thankfully my kids have really hard heads. No damage done, just a little pain. I hope you all have a wonderful, blessed Christmas.

Lady

Hey everyone. I know it's been a while, but if you've noticed, I keep adding to my Facebook page. God bless Facebook!

Yesterday we got our new puppy. I know she may not look like a puppy, but she's only three months old. Jim and I looked for a couple of months, and found Lady in a rescue down in Tennessee.

She was driven here yesterday, filthy from the long trip, a little timid, and smelly smelly smelly. Jim and I gave her a bath, the kids played with her, and she slept great last night. We are very excited with our "new edition" to the family.

Have a great weekend! If you could, keep my dad in your prayers. He's having minor knee surgery later today. Thanks.

Watch Out Oscar!

The Oscar I'm referring to is the grouch in the garbage can. My kids decided, on their own, to make a difference on our road. In turn it touched more people than we can know.

On Thanksgiving, while taking a walk with Mom, they decided that there was just too much garbage on the side of the road. Unfortunately, with the college around the bend, the kids who go there litter often.

While Jim and I went to the gym (haha--Jim/gym) my parents took the kids up and down Stony Fort Road collecting garbage, and recycling.

The kids did an amazing job. A woman stopped to tell them that they inspired her to do the same with her children. I was so proud of them. They are becoming more conscious of the choices we make, and how they can affect others.

I think they were pretty proud of themselves as well :)