October

We've been getting used to our school and sports schedule and trying some new things...one is waaaaaay less TV. Overall, it has been a great success and the boys are getting more creative with how they spend their free time. 

I found this apple licking a beater on a mountain of Jenja blocks the other day...creative! 

I'm finding surprise selfies on my cell phone, that's got to count for creativity somehow! 

Anyway...we're happy to have fired the TV (at least most of us are...meaning, the parents!) 

September

We have been trying to adjust to the new school schedule...phew!!! 

Two of the boys are doing home school with quite a lot of co-op work with other teachers, one is just homeschooling with me, and one is in public school with an IEP. Then there is soccer and more soccer as well as PE classes and swim team. I am NOT superwoman so I keep a day timer and take breaks whenever I can. 

My four favorite boys in the universe, hiking between soccer games

Big brother letting little brother "help" him wash dishes

Kaiser acting as a pillow for Nathan 

A soccer friend took this photo of Nathan today. He had his camera ready to capture the moment the dragonfly landed on his hair. The hamburger stuffed into his cheek just makes it real! ❤️

Boys & Dogs

I LOVE boys and dogs! 

My house is full of them and that's how I like it. 

It's amazing how good they are for each other, all kinds of good therapy-type things happen. (Supervision is necessary of course!) 

Here's a sweet moment that happened today...my son, Nathan, reading with our six month old German Shepherd, Kaiser....

An aside...I weighed Kaiser today. He is 76 lb at six months. 

Twenty Years!

I can hardly believe John and I have now been married for twenty years. It went by so quickly which perhaps sounds cliche but is true, nonetheless. 

Wow. 

I knew when I got married that I was making a huge decision, but as the years go by, I realize it so much more seriously, deeply, solemnly, and in our case, with an utterly thankful heart. This man, my husband, is the best man I know. ❤️

Fostering for German Shepherd Rescue

I have become a foster volunteer for a great GSD rescue group! This is something I've considered doing for a long time and it just came together this Summer. The dogs are brought to us and we care  for them, get to know them, train them and love them for a minimum of two weeks. If we think they are ready for a forever family at that point, I post their pics and bio on the rescue website, Southeast German Shepherd Rescue.  

Our first foster girl arrived last week.

Casey, on her transport to our home

Some of the fur we removed as we worked on her long neglected coat, which is now beautiful. 

Casey and me. She's a good girl and is longing for a forever family of her own! 

Camping

We went camping in VA at the Grayson Highlands campground. I always feel like some kind of "magic" happens in a family when they go camping. Maybe it's the trimming down of our normal excess or the cramped quarters or just being outdoors the whole time? Something good happens though, even if it rains a lot and the dogs whine, and it's a long walk to the bathroom in the middle of the night. 

Kaiser was king of the pic nic table. The mist was so beautiful. 

Sam wasn't sure about staying in the tent all night and told me he wanted to go home a few times at first, but he learned that camping is fun! If getting dirty and grimy is a sign of a good time, then Sam had a fabulous one! 

We took a hike in a stunning area, walking under a canopy of blooming Rhododendron, but it rained us out about two miles in. It actually rained a great deal of the time we were there. 

Me. ☺️

June

Summer has begun for us. It's my favorite Season. I love the relaxed pace, warm weather and sunshine, time at the pool, no school. There's no down-side for me. 

We've been taking a few days trips. 

Sam was a bit nervous on this "horse" but loved it after Nathan got on up behind him. I love that they can enjoy such simple pleasures.

 

We're back to swim team four nights a week. It's a lot of work but I think it's worth it. The boys are very good swimmers and have a lot of fun too. (Nathan and his buddy)

My heart has been really hurting over the Charleston shooting and for our broken world in general. Jesus is our only hope for wholeness, healing, joy...and He is enough. He really is.