Hudson's Final 5th Grade Tackle Football Game

I did not take another picture of Hudson during his game on Sunday, because it was cold, rainy, sleety and snowy.  I was toasty warm in my Under-the-weather Tent while my boys exhibited their manliness and suffered in the elements.

Hudson's team won the game, finishing off the season 4-1 (I think).  Hudson scored 5 touchdowns and two interceptions, and tackled a kid so hard they had to call the ambulance.  Turns out the kid was okay and he didn't have to leave in the ambulance.

We're super proud of his hard work and dedication to the team.  He gives it his all when he is on the field, and he listens to his coaches and tries to do what they ask of him.

Shannon enjoyed being an assistant coach on his team, along with about 8 other dads.  Not a bad ratio for 8-man football.  Jackson was also seen on the sidelines most Sundays as a guest coach.

Can't wait for next season!

"When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble."  Proverbs 4:12

2018 HOMECOMING

Homecoming Week was the same as most years.  The high school and elementary school each assigned dress up days for the students to participate in.  Colton and Katie dressed up for a few.  Katie wore this one day.  I think it was Decade Day, and she was dressing as a toddler.

Thursday evening was Homecoming Happenings.  Colton was selected to the Homecoming Court.  Although he was not selected as King, we are still proud of him and the effort he made to get Dakota on the Court.

I'm pretty sure he had the biggest fan club in attendance.

Shannon got to be a troll in the parent skit.

The football game on Friday against Melcher-Dallas was a complete blowout.  Colton scored three touchdowns and had two fumble recoveries in the first quarter.

Saturday night was the Homecoming Dance.  Colton and Ingrid went together. 

Katie and Drake were a couple, and traveled in a group of several teens.  They went to Peppers for dinner before the dance, and afterwards, came back to our house to have a bonfire. Brooke's sil did their hair and makeup before the dance.

"For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck."  Proverbs 1:8

Game Day Breakfast

We hosted the G-R Rebel football team at our home this morning for breakfast.  They have a game tonight, but no school today, so the coaches like them to get up and not lie in bed all day.  

We made scrambled eggs with sausage and ham, cinnamon rolls, and chocolate milk, white milk, and orange juice.  

We were hoping to have them eat outside on the deck, but it was kind of windy and rainy-ish, so they stayed indoors. 

We're hoping for our first 8-man win tonight vs. Turkey Valley.

  Do not eat the bread of a miser,

Nor desire his delicacies;

Proverbs 23:6

       

Leaving

This evening Shannon, Chase, Bryce, Colton and I left Iowa for a mission trip to Canada.

We began planning this trip months ago. I have been going back and forth deciding whether or not I was going along. The original group was around 20 people interested, but as the date arrived, our number decreased to just 10.

We planned ahead and got passport cards for the kids. We made arrangements for the little kids while we would be gone. Everything seemed to fall into place.

And then I got cold feet. Could I really leave the country for nine days and leave my littles behind?

Yesterday I was ready to stay home. There seemed to be just too much to get done, and not enough hours in the day to complete each of the tasks.

It just didn't seem like it would be worth the hassle.

But we are on the road.

Katie, Naomi, Hudson and Macklin are at Grandma and Grandpa's house this weekend, and will be with Alex and Moriah the rest of the week. Although there were tears last night, our hugs goodbye this afternoon were handled pretty well.




Nine days.

These are the things moms long for. Peace and quiet. No cooking or cleaning or laundry. Beautiful scenery. Time to recharge and refocus.

And yet I miss them.

We won't have phone or internet service at the camp we will be working at. That worries me.

Nine days.

I won't hear Katie chatting incessantly. I won't get to brush Naomi's hair. I won't get to see the evidence of Hudson's imagination, whether it be a new game he has invented, or a picture he has drawn. And Macklin. EVERY morning he climbs in bed with me and snuggles. We sing 'our song' to each other.

Nine days with no Mommy-Macklin day.

Chase's car broke down and he is thinking of transferring colleges. Bryce was at camp. Our car needed to get to the body shop for repairs. Jackson rented a house and is moving out this weekend. So many things are going on.

And I am leaving the country.

I am confident that big changes will happen this week. I pray that I will be a blessing to others. I pray that I will come back a better mom than the cranky, harried one that left. I pray that I will come back a better wife, because Shannon deserves better than what he has been getting.

Nine days.

Please pray that lives will be changed. Pray for my babies, both those that are with me and those at home. Pray for those caring for my babies. They have a lot of fun things planned, and the kids will likely wish we would go away more often.

See you in nine days.

"For length of days and long life and peace they will add to you. Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, And so find favor and high esteem In the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:2-4




- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Little Boy Day

Today we decided to hang out with just the little boys. Everyone else has the opportunity to either go to church camp, a mission trip, or both this summer.

We initially planned to go to Adventureland, but then settled on going to the zoo instead.


I love Blank Park Zoo because it is close to home, and you can see the entire zoo in about three hours.


We stopped at Hickory Park in Ames on our way home. We ate here all the time when the big boys were little.


These guys thought it was pretty awesome, too.


We enjoyed our time with Hudson and Macklin. Our bellies are full, and our hearts are, too.

"Train up a child in the way he should go ,And when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Papa Joe Turns 90 Years Old

On Wednesday Papa Joe turned 90 years old. We celebrated by having dinner with the family. Shannon's brother John flew in from Virginia, but the rest of his family were not able to come along.

Today we had cake and ice cream at Papa Joe's house. Several of Papa Joe's nephews and their wives visited, as well as my parents. I did not get a photo of the entire group, but did get one with the great-grandkids.










Papa Joe passed his driver's exam,so he is legal to drive for the next two years. We're trying to convince him to stay within city limits.










Jackson was in charge of cousin patrol. What could possibly go wrong?

Riches and honor are with me, Enduring riches and righteousness. ". Proverbs 8:18


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for:

~State Football Playoffs.  Our first playoff game is next Wednesday.
~my Friday Spaghetti Ladies. 
~Bryce.  He helps me.
~the beautiful weather we had Monday for Jackson's Sr. pics.
~Shannon.
~my parents for helping out with the kids.
~that Papa Joe is much improved.
~soccer season and the opportunity to see my children run and play.
~email.
~Jackson's abs.  How else could he do this?

 "There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand." Proverbs 19:21

Birthdays

I just went back through this blog to see  who's birthdays I have missed. Turns out I missed everyone from June through December of 2011 except Macklin, and four of us so far this year.  I'll see if I can find pictures of everyone...

Chase had his 15th Birthday in July.  It appears as if I even baked him a cake!  Often times we are at IRBC over Chase's birthday, so he misses out on cakes.  We tell him that he's still getting the biggest birthday party ever, but it doesn't seem to appease him.  Chase is always fun to have around.  He has a funny answer to everything, and loves nothing more than to compete in sports.  In 2011, his freshman year, he was the third highest scorer (by one goal) on the varsity soccer team, and he even had to sit out 8 games due to injury.  He was the highest rushing RB in football on the varsity team in the fall.  We're looking forward to soccer season beginning again next week, and games beginning on March 29th.


Jackson turned 17 on October 14th.  I have no pictures of him.  He did not get a birthday cake.  We did feed his football team breakfast that morning, and we made lots of panCAKES.  I thought they would be a good substitute, until Jackson reminded me he doesn't like pancakes.  He also reminded us that we haven't gotten him a present for his golden birthday...three years ago.  Poor guy.  We did take him out for dinner to celebrate.  This is the only picture I can find of him from that time period...



Alex turned 19 on November 17th.  His soccer awards ceremony was on his birthday, so we went to Ankeny and took him out to dinner afterwards.  We didn't have a ton of time to spend with him, but we enjoyed the time we did have.  He continues to take classes at FBBC, but is unsure of what his plans for next semester are.  He's keeping his options open and searching out God's will for his life.




 

Shannon had a birthday in December.  We celebrated by getting away for the weekend.  It's been such a blessing having big kids that we can trust to watch the littles while we take some time away.

Hudson's 5th birthday was January 9th.  He is at a really fun birthday age.  His cousins, aunt & uncle, & grandma and grandpas came to help him celebrate.  Of course, just our immediate family is a whole party in itself.    Hudson entertains us all day, every day.


The next birthday, on January 28th, was Katie's birthday.    She is now 8 years old, and is such a big girl.  She does an excellent job reading, and does well in all of her school work.  She's incredibly helpful around the house, and can be counted on to help out with the littles when needed.








I had a birthday a week after Katie, and Naomi's 7th birthday followed on February 18th.  Naomi loves to design clothes.  She is very creative, and can spend hours contentedly coloring.  She is either hot or cold, happy or sad.  She still loves to cuddle with me, and we have our own special spots on the sofa to watch TV in the evenings.  She loves everything girly, and most mornings she'll wake up, get dressed, and put on her eyeshadow and lip gloss before coming downstairs for breakfast.




We have a couple weeks off before Bryce's birthday.  I'll attempt to get his pictures posted in a more timely fashion.

"The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge."  Proverbs 18:15

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for today.  Here's the short list:

I am thankful:

~that my bills are paid.
~that I have groceries in my house.
~that my family is healthy.
~that Shannon and Jackson fixed my washing machine.
~that I am done with Level 2 of the Shred.  It was a killer.  Level 3 seems easier.
~that the Shanks can be comforted by many, many prayers.  Their daughter, Brenna, went to be with Jesus today.  Please continue to pray for them.
~that all of four of our varsity basketball games are at home this week.
~that Bryce is done with middle school basketball.  His team was undefeated again this season.
~that we have had a very mild winter (so far).
~that Katie had a nice birthday.  I'm hoping to post pictures soon.
~for our dog, Checkers.  He loves me.
~for the opportunity to have our youth group over for the Super Bowl on Sunday.  It's been awhile.
~that tomorrow is Friday!

"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life."  Proverbs 4:23

Thankful Thursday

Thursday is almost over, so I'd better get moving on my post for today .

Today I am thankful:
~that I can put out a plea for prayer for little Brenna Shank and her family. Brenna had heart surgery last week, and is struggling coming off the ECMO. 
~that I can pray for Michael's family. Michael went to be with the Lord today. He was 14 years old. ~that I can hug my babies goodnight.
~that Chase had the confidence to try.
~that Alex is happy at Faith.
~that my children get along well together (most of the time).
~for family.
~for my kindle fire. It makes being without my laptop bearable.
~for a clean bedroom.
~for my godly husband.  

"Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth." Proverbs 5:18

August 2011 Recap

August in our household means FOOTBALL.  Practice generally starts the first week of the month.  Jackson and Chase played varsity ball this season.  Bryce played on the middle school team, and Colton played his first season of tackle football with the 5th & 6th graders.

The boys all had successful seasons.  Jackson was honored with a 2nd Team All-District selection at tight end.  He also played outside linebacker on defense.  Chase was also selected to the 2nd Team All-District team as running back.  He was the leading rusher for the team.  They each sported a new hairdo for the season.  Jack started with the mullet, then changed to a full fledged mohawk.  I cannot locate a single photo of the mohawk.  I'm sure I took some, but they've disappeared.  Chase was a little more reserved in his football hairdo.  The Rebels once again made it to the State play-offs, but were unable to advance as far as we would have liked. 

It was fun watching the boys play.  We had great weather most of the season.  Once again I helped organize the Friday afternoon Spaghetti Dinners for the team.  We have a great group of ladies that prepare the meal and serve the guys.  It's my treat after a long week of school!





















Bryce played on the line for his team.  They went undefeated for the second year in a row.  Bryce works hard and takes his job seriously.  His team is fun to watch.
















Shannon had the privilege of being part of the coaching staff for Colton's team.  Colton enjoyed hitting guys and running the ball.  They had a winning season as well.










Colton, Katie and Naomi also played soccer during the fall season.  We were constantly running to practices and games.  Shannon co-coached the girls' team again this year.  I'm thinking it's time he retires, as the only games the girls won were the games he wasn't able to be at!



The biggest change for our household occurred when Alex left home to begin college at Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny.  He was excited to head out on his own, and was especially excited to have the opportunity to play soccer for the Eagles. We made many trips to Ankeny and throughout the state to watch him play.  We even went to Canada to see him play in their regional tournament. 







We also started our school year at home in August.  I love brand new books, nice neat schedules, and eager students.  Someday, maybe I'll have that ;)  We continue to persevere, and really do love the flexibility it provides our family.  Jackson and Chase continue to work their garbage route on Tuesday mornings.  This keeps them in gas and date money.

As I try to recreate some of the events that happened last fall, I've found that I have missed taking TONS of pictures.  Perhaps that's because Macklin is a little whirlwind, and it's hard to hold a camera and keep track of a little dynamo at the same time!

Note to self:  Take more pictures!

"Therefore hear me now, my children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth."  Proverbs 5:7

Family Camp 2011

Every summer we spend a week together at IRBC.  We can't decide how many consecutive years we've gone, but it's over 10.  We don't always go the same week.  Throughout the years we've been to Family Camps 1,2,3,and 5.  This year we attended Family Camp 2.  Next year we have reservations for FC 3.

We have several friends that we go with each year.  That's the best part!

I've got tons of pictures to post.

Naomi panning for "gold"

Hudson, Noah & Farah panning for "gold"

Colton ready for the zip line

There he goes!

Jackson, Taylor, Chase, Jeff, Shannon and Bryce in the Mud Pit

It's all fun and games until you get mud in your eyes.

Taylor, Chase, Jeff, Bryce and Shannon playing Tug of War

Jackson playing Tug of War

Alex playing Tug of War in the mud pit

Christmas card?

Bryce striking a pose

Not sure what Hudson was sad about...

Colton conquering the climbing wall.  He's such a monkey.  He completed all six levels, and repeated levels 5 and 6.  Bryce, Tate and Taylor are looking on from above.

Jackson's long, lean body helped him set the speed record up #6.

Katie made it to the top of wall #1

Chase on #6

Alex on #6

Katie tubing with Jeff and Taylor

Katie driving bumper boats

Jackson tubing with Jeff and Taylor

The jet ski needed a rest...

and a tow.

Hudson's turn on the jet ski with Jeff and Macy

Naomi lost both front teeth Friday morning at breakfast.

There are so many fun things about family camp.  Our team won the volleyball tournament this year.  We didn't do as well in the Squinny Ball tournament as usual.  The kids enjoyed the pool.  We played basketball, ga-ga ball (Colton, Chase and Jackson each won the tournament), carnival games, tether ball, and tons of other activities.  Later I'll download some of the pictures taken by the camp photographer. 

The best thing about camp is the Christian environment.  The services are spiritually uplifting.  We get to see friends that we only see at camp each year.  The kids have made many friends over the years.  We would encourage all families to spend a summer recharging at IRBC each year.


"Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you my be wise in your latter days."  Proverbs 19:20