The Big 6

Today was a big day in our house!  Our youngest little darling turned 6 today!!  Its really bittersweet for Big Daddy and I.  It seems like she has been 6 forever already, but its our youngest.  At times I am proud that we have had so many "lasts" with her. 

I have already taught my last child how to ride a bike, our last "first day of kindergarten", well, you get the picture.

Today, however, I realized these "lasts" are going by rather quickly.  Or at least faster than I would like. 

This little girl is growing up so much faster than her siblings.  Sigh.  I have resolved that I will just have to be more intentional in the wonderful sweet moments we still have with her while she is still.......our little girl.

Happy Birthday to my sweet L.  We love you more than you will ever know!!

Aundrea

Remember me? (and a prayer request)

I know, I know.  It's been nearly 2 months since I posted.  My home laptop died, and by time Big Daddy got home, I was just too tired to type.  I know so many of you can understand. 

Well, Monday night when Big Daddy came home from work, he brought me a new laptop!!  YAY!!  This lady is back in business!!  I have so much to catch up with, but for now I just want to get my thoughts organized so I can get them posted!  I also have a couple of finishing touches to put on the kids bathroom so I can post those pics too!!

I also have a favor to ask:  Could you all pray for my friend Bevy over at It's A Golden Day?  Her family had an incredibly tough week last week.  They lost her father-in-law and her grandmother in less than a week.  Her parents and children were in a car accident, and her mother is still in the hospital.   Bevy is such a strong, sweet lady.  Please lift her and her family up to the Lord to give them strength and peace in this trying time.

Ephesians 4:2  "Be completely humble and gentle;  be patient, bearing with one another in love."

Good to be back!

Aundrea

October 11, 2011

Happy 9th Birthday!!

I can't believe its been 9 years already.  Sigh.  Yes, this guy is ALL BOY (and then some), loud, talkative, and keep us on our toes.  But this young man is also the most loveable, sweet, sensitive, and caring thing ever!!  From the time he was born, this guy has taken us on many adventures that most parents don't even realize exist.  I still say that he should glow-in-the-dark with as many times as he has had x-rays! 

This picture was taken yesteday morning.  I only wish I could scan in his baby picture.  He used to be so fat, but now is tall and skinny.  What has not changed is the smile.  I don't think it EVER leaves his face.

Saying that the Lord blessed us with this child just doesn't even begin to adequately describe how we feel.

Happy Birthday, T, we love you so much!!

Aundrea

The exciting news

Okay, so I know I have been gone from blog land lately, but lots of things have been going on around here!!   Of course the big news..................

All kids have started school!!!!!!!!  Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I loved home schooling them, and do miss having them around during the day, but I am totally enjoying my time.  This is the first time in nearly 13 years that I don't have kids with me.  I have been able to do the grocery shopping- in peace.  Go downtown and stroll the shops- in peace.  Clean the house and keep it clean- for hours.   Have lunch with my girlfriends- in peace. 

Then,  I am refreshed and ready to hear all about their days and have some great snuggle time in the afternoons!!  I know it all sounds a little selfish, but it was time for a change around here, and we are all loving it!!!

I hope to get some pictures of the darlings posted soon.  My home laptop has been sick, and I just got the call that the hard drive is shot.  Which is the other reason for not blogging- no computer.  I only have access to one when Big Daddy brings his home from work.   For those of you who know me, this is a huge inconvenience as I do EVERYTHING online.  I am also, however quite frugal, so I won't be rushing out to buy another.  I will deal with waiting until my dear husband comes home to do whatever work needs done.  Unfortunately, by the time I get my work done, I am just flat out too tired to blog.  Sorry.

Otherwise, we are still here and as busy as ever.  T is in football,  J starts fall baseball tomorrow night, and A starts volleyball Tuesday night.  I get exhausted just thinking about it, but it will all work- somehow. 

Not sure if I have mentioned it, but after several years in competitive gymnastics, A has decided to quit.  Big change for our family, but we have come to appreciate having more time and money for our family each week!
L is also no longer doing gymnastics, but this was a really smart move now that school has started.  She can hardly function after a long day at school- I can't imagine 2  hours of gymnastics as well.

Enough babbling.  I am sure to be back with lots more updates.  I am getting ready to redecorate some rooms of our house.  I can't wait to share with you!

Aundrea

Just a quick post- literally.

Love bears ALL things, believes ALL things, hopes ALL things, endures ALL things.  Love NEVER fails.   (1 Corinthians 13)

Holding tight to this today. 

And that, folks, is all I have.

Baseball, desire, and attitude

If you are a baseball fan, you may have heard that the University of South Carolina Gamecocks won their second consecutive National Championship this year.  My husband, and therefore kids, are die hard Gamecock fans.

This past week, "J" participated in the All Carolina Baseball camp, featuring the coach of USC Aiken (Kenny Thomas) and the USC coach Ray Tanner. 

"J" loved the camp and learned alot.  I was able to hear the opening and closing talks by the coaches and fell in love with both of these guys.  They always focused the kids on making good choices both on, and more importantly, off the field. 

They also highly stressed that attitude and desire will always come before any level of talent.  I thought that was way cool.  I do remember after winning the College World Series, Coach Tanner (and some of the players) saying that he knew his team was not the most talented, but they had the best attitudes and most desire of any team out there.

The highlight of the week was the end of camp when Coach Tanner came out with the National Championship trophy and signed autographs for the campers and their families.

My boys with Coach Tanner(USC) and Coach Thomas(USCA)

Keeping kids fit

This summer we found an exercise program that the kiddos LOVE!!  Its called Kid Powered Athelete Traning (pretty much like Crossfit for kids).  

Its hot.
Its hard.
Its so much fun- my kids can't wait to get there!!

Can you believe it?

Kettlebells

Flipping big heavy tires

Hurdles for jump training

Squats anyone?

My kids honestly love it so much-

they totally

flip for it!!

I also flip for the adult Crossfit classes, but unfortunately, do not have the picture.  Although I totally did do the flip on the rings.  The kids thought it was awesome that an old lady could do such a thing.  I just kept looking around for the old lady to which they were referring.