{Colorful Candy Creation}

 Remember that lovely Science Project on 

 my bathroom floor?

 This is what become of it. . . a colorful candy creation replica of

 an animal cell.

Happy Girl ready to turn in her first project of the 5th Grade.

{Sis is at it again. . .}

this time a Science Project in my bathroom.

Spa to Science!

{Spa Days}

  My Sweet Sis has taken

 over my bathroom for her

 "Spa Days".
(Please don't look too close at my bathroom. . . it needs a Spa Day!)

 Her work is very lovely. . .

See what I mean?

Love.

{Friendship}

If you find yourself in a season of waiting on friends, please know this: God values your life so much, He gave it a higher priority than that of His own Son. You can rest assured that every component of your life – including your friendship needs – is tucked inside His care.

Read more. . . What a great post.

{Mr. 13}

{Fly HIGH Buddy}

 August 11 Clayton turned 13 and August 30 Carson aka "The Baby" & "Buddy" turned 8. 

8

8

8

8

Really, 8? My-O-My.  8 is a super fun age! The little critter loves life and is super easy to please.  He still loves toys and doesn't mind running around the house in his underwear.  He can read, write, and do good math.  He loves baseball, church, and swimming.  

 I had this great idea for a "black light" glow party. . . okay, epic fail.  Good thing I stayed up the night before trying to make myself glow.  You must have serious "shop light" bulbs and many of them.  So, be a planner., and order online.  Because buying light bulbs for your dining room chandelier at The Home Depot the day before wont cut it.  

 So I switched gears and went with Neon and Glow Sticks. It was a hit!

 I love all things NEON. 

Buddy ask for a Remote Control Airplane every year for Christmas and his birthday. . . every year.

We have bought him a few. . . the last attempt was at Christmas and it died a painful death by privacy fence. 

This year The Mr. delivered by ordering him one online (all on his own. . .very impressive).

The card said, "Fly High Buddy!"

Oh, my word. . . that was a gift to me!

Sometimes The Mr. can be so sweet and clever. . . sometimes.

(It takes LE officers a bit to decompress. . . )

Buddy, Mom thinks its so cute how you cuddle every morning with Dad.  I am proud of you for taking care of the dog all by yourself.  You are super considerate and generous.  Thank you for praying for me during your moment of silence at school, and telling me about it.  Oh yes, you are the only little boy that can take 5 second showers and still smell like strawberry fields.

I love you.

{With or Without a Phone}

 I have yet to post about my sweet teenage boys 13th birthday. . . 

perhaps this #1-#4 list will help . . .

and you can read between the lines. . . 

#1.  He is super private. I read a great article about respecting your kids privacy if they wish not to be blogged, instagramed, facebooked, etc. and I wish I could find it! (I think it was here, but none the less this is a great blog). . . .Clayton is that kid.  I cant take a picture really without him asking, "Mom, are you posting that?" So. . . I have cooled my jets! 

 #2.  He is a "candy basket" lover.  I fixed him a HUGE one, enclosed was a card about a trip to Branson, MO to ride the coasters (which he loves).
(We decided on a trip instead of a party)

(Lily anxiously awaiting him opening her present.  She bought him Monopoly with her own money.  Buddy checking out the candy.)

 #3.  Here is where it gets a tad complicated. . . he didn't get a phone. . . he wasn't a happy camper.  The Mr. & I aren't exactly feeling the "need" for one just yet. . . and my list of all the "whys" and "why nots" is long but I feel confident at this point with our decision.  

 #4.  Not sure where to end my story, but to say the weekend was long-and-painful might be an understatement.  And I will spare you of details, but let me just say raising teenagers in an "electronic world" is a challenge.  And when you have a mom with an "Old Yeller" mentality I am sure its a real drag. . .what can I say?

*Clayton, Mom loves you.
 You are the most adorable creature on the planet.

  You are full of strength and courage.

  You are smart and strong.

  You are brilliant and brave.

  You will move mountains and tame the seas. . . with or without a phone. 

{8}

Happy Birthday to this most sweet and precious boy!

{Practice what I Preach}

  Dunkin' Donuts, y'all. . . I am in love. . . have you tried them?

 Football has started!

 Its Clayton's first year to be a BULLDOG!

It is much different than what we are used to playing Pittbull. . . and I am welcoming the change with open arms!

 I pray he has a great season. 

 I pray for safety.

  I pray he keeps football in its proper place on the "life scale".

 I start leading a new Bible Study on Monday! Made to Crave to about making good food choices. . . and considering the first picture of this post you can imagine it might be a tad difficult for me to 

practice what I preach! 

 Although I am sure it will be challenging I am looking forward to the study and fellowship.  

If you are in the area. . . 

Monday Eve 8:30 PM

ROC First Baptist Church

{Relish & Enjoy}

Every year.  Its me.  The weepy mom.  The one who holds on to each moment for dear life.  Wondering where time goes.  Wondering why nobody has asked for "dog eared" sandwiches or help tying shoes.  Wondering how I just went down for a quick nap and woke up to training bras and body odor.  I recently read an article in Home Life (they have a fabulous blog too!) about kids growing up.  The mom was referring to her daughter wanting to re-do her bedroom. . . about not understanding what in the world was wrong with the pink she had since she was 3. . .You know that just happened to me, right?

 

She made reference to Ecclesiastes 3:1.  The article encouraged me to relish each stage, but also enjoy the how God is forming and growing them into Godly men and women.

I needed that encouragement and was thankful for a new perspective on a verse that I have had hidden in my heart for years!

  Watching your children grow is such a joy, isn't it?



{Did I every share my Sweet Dorothy?}

Sis was in the Wizard of Oz at the end of 4th Grade. . .

My heart

melts a million

and 1 times.

Everything. The Braids. The Shoes. The tall socks. The ribbons.

Oh, and here is my most absolute favorite. . .

Twirling Dorothy.

(She is Twirling with her Dad.)

{My Sweets}

 Buddy all ready for the 2nd Grade!

Teacher:  Mrs. Langley

 Lily all ready for 5th Grade!

Teacher:  Mrs. Robbins & Mrs. Koeth

 Clayton all ready for 7th Grade!

Teacher:   Mrs. Ree/ Switch classes every hour.

 All ready to go!

{Back to School. . .}

School starts bright and early Monday morning. . . I will share my end of Summer thoughts soon. . .

{FASDogs}

 FASDogs (a sports program we have here in our parts) ended last week with the 

 usual visit from our local fire dept. After weeks of running, drills, jumps, and all sorts of exercise

 all the kids anxiously await the water!

 Braxton, Clayton, & Tristan

 Sis & Buddy

 As important (if not more important). . .is the TSHIRT.

 Different every year.  Only get one if you attend everyday. And Sign IN!

He did it!

So proud of him! He is a BULLDOG now!

Going into the 7th Grade!

He will be . . . 13 on the 11th!!!!!

{Fun in the Sun!}

 My 

 Sweet

 Little

 Swimmers having

 fun

 in

the 

sun!