Project 365, Week 40

This week closed out a beautiful, amazing September and welcomed October. 

September 30

The social worker picked up little C at 6:45AM and Aiden caught the bus shortly after. As he was gathering his belongings he commented, no one makes a mess like a 5-year old. Once he left, I went to push a couple chairs in and laughed to myself thinking, no one makes a mess like a 15-year old boy. 🤣

Another venue tour, which eventually became "the one"! What a grace to be here doing this.

Avery was dog-sitting for the week and Ginger enjoyed afternoons running around the yard with her new friend. Aiden had fun doing circus tricks...when he put his hand up, the dog would get up on its hind legs and balance like that for an extended amount of time. 

October 1

Another grace...watching my favorite goalie. Avery was able to make this game so I got to sit with her, which is always a treat.

October 2

My mom winter's (and autumn's and spring's) in Florida, so before they left, last minute she invited us to lunch. It was a fun, unique group.

October 3

He's always thinking of me.😍

October 4

These October mornings have been glorious. We don't have to go far to see beauty.

October 5

Our first TBQ Meet of the Book of Acts season. These days fill my heart so much. I get to serve alongside friends and family and hang out with teens who I've grown to love. They get up early on a Saturday morning and quote large portions of scripture that they've memorized. Its a safe place for the kids to be themselves and they support and encourage each other. The day fills my heart to the brim.

This season has brought some shifting of roles including Amy stepping into the role of District Coordinator.

Pastor Luke was around for support, laughs, and to remove rubber chickens from the ceiling. 

October 6

This is the listing picture of our fancy, schmancy entry way before we bought it.

But I much prefer it to look like this....Aiden's group of boys have been spending Sunday afternoons together, rotating houses. They watch football and play football. Its a really special group.

Project 365, Week 39

What a gift this September has been! The weather, the pace, the happenings. I'm grateful for it all.

September 23

This has become Aiden's spot for homework, snacks, screens...Ginger is usually close by.

September 24

My favorite goalie had a seat on the varsity bench this game.

September 25

What a gift to have a church where we all love to be and I'm so thankful for this group of boys Aiden has grown up with.

September 26

After seeing Aiden off to school I went down to workout and saw he had left an expansively strewn mess. I sent him this reminder to use good gym etiquette and he apologized but also felt like I still had plenty of room to do what I needed.

September 27

In preparation for a Guys Night Nerf War at church this evening, Aiden had his best guns and ammo packed up. What a delight that we're still in the stage that I find nerf things in our front entry.

Little C was back with us for a weekend of respite and she wasted no time settling in. Either her body or her mouth is moving at all times and she is just such an engaging kid with a fighting spirit.

She was happy to find Avery at half time and before long, Avery and Jack were deep into one of her coloring pages. :)

September 28

Five minutes into my time with coffee and Jesus I had more company than I wanted. Some experts will say its good to model devotional time to your kids, but believe me when I say my heart is sinful enough that I can't read my Bible and talk to Jesus for show. I actually need that time in order to face my family and the day with important things such as love, joy, peace and patience.

We stopped to spend some time with Nana, and the cousins were so sweet to jump right in entertaining C.

Then we stopped at a couple soccer games on a beautiful fall day. I am a firm believer in the value of kids getting outdoor move-their-body time.

We got a surprise call from Amanda, who had her phone for the day while they did an outing. It was soooo good to see her face and C was thrilled, too since the two of them really bonded when she was at our house in July. She misses home but is thriving where she's currently planted.

Aiden got to hang with his bros at a birthday party.

September 29

I was beat from my active Saturday but C was able to do most of the playscape while I watched from a park bench. She's not at all shy and loves dogs so imagine her delight when this sweet puppy happened by.

 

September's 10 on 10

10 pictures on the 10th day (Tuesday) of the month! 

{Document a snapshot of your life...find beauty among the ordinary things in your day!}

I did a screenshot of this teaching I was watching to show Aiden, whose middle name is Samuel.

He's very disciplined to get up at 5 AM each weekday morning and we quietly co-exist as the day slowly wakes up.

All standing, no jumping, no bending, no lower body, no repeats, no problem...even with my limitations, there are plenty of videos I can follow to move my body and keep me strong.

Hands down, Ginger's favorite part of the day is mornings, when she gets fed and walked.

Sending out some love...

We met with a client who had just lost her husband unexpectedly at the age of 60. We are not guaranteed tomorrow....we hear it all the time but seriously...don't wait to get your finances and soul in order.

It is my great joy to be transitioning from mom-I'm-not-your-friend to mom-friend.

Just a few days into their engagement, Jack and Avery dove in to planning mode.

Aiden didn't get called up to the varsity game, so he watched some of the game and he and some friends played some sort of soccer/pickleball combo.

Jack missed playing baseball so he decided to join a men's softball league. He connected with our friend Adam who was the pitcher for the team Shaun coached for years. Adam is still pitching and was kind to make Jack feel welcome.

Avery and I watched the game together and my brain was having trouble reconciling the fact that this girl cheering on her fiancé is the same girl who played in the dirt at her dad's games.