Project 365, Week 34

It would be difficult for me to overstate how hard this week was. This sibling set we had on respite for 10 days was beyond challenging. I'll leave it at that, because there aren't even really words.  On the bright side, I got LOTS of time outside, usually at a park where I didn't think we'd run into other people. N and J will not quickly be forgotten by our family.

August 19

While Shaun took his grandparents and the kids to visit family, I took the kids to a playground where few people were. We spent six hours there trying to get tired out and not being at the house.

August 20
Nana and Grandpa John snuck in one last poker game before heading out.

In the late afternoon Avery and I headed out for a special getaway. I'd booked it before we knew what the repsite kids were like, but Shaun insisted we still go. I won't say too much about our time to preserve Avery's privacy, but I would highly recommend the Passport2Purity program to anyone who has an 11-14 year old. We live in a crazy world and Shaun and I believe its imperative to be intentional about teaching our children, even the hard conversations. It was SO special!

August 21
Shopping at the outlets and dinner out.

August 22
We woke up to a lovely rainy morning, perfect for "sleeping in".

We got home at noon, exchanged hugs and Shaun said, tag...you're it! Thankfully the boy was in a day program so we "only" had the girl during the day. We made use of the lake in our new town.

August 23
Even though it was challenging to engage the kids, Avery was the most successful.

August 24
Veggie Tales over breakfast bought us minutes and I was reminded how very funny those writers are. Such brilliance!

Shaun got our three on the soccer field. Amanda aged up a level, so she's playing on Avery's team now and Shaun is coaching Aiden's comp team. It will be a fun fall!

August 25
My mom takes the kids to a huge picnic every year, which they look forward to. She sent me this picture of Aiden climbing. :)

While our three were at the picnic, we ran some errands with N, who seemed to do better being out and about. Shaun was so diligent and sweet with her all week.

He also spent time with the 18 year-old, talking money, mechanics, etc, as we work to transition her into the adult world. He gives and gives for his family. Shaun is our resident super hero and I'm so thankful for him.

Our 9th day with the kids and we were able to get 10 minutes of a baseball game in...no one was hit in the head with a bat and no windows were broken....progress! Avery was proud of the fact that she'd taught them to stand correctly and swing with two hands on the bat.

Project 365, Week 33

This was a week settling into our new home, getting four schools figured out, preparing for company and having a family weekend. Yay for summer!!

August 12

We are having so much fun with Junior Bible Quiz! The kids are all passionate and competitive...and energetic at 8:30 in the morning! :)

We love our game room and its fun to see the combinations of people and the variety of games.

August 13

So fun to have a last-minute dinner with friends.

August 14

I slowly wore K down and she agreed to do Crossfit. So we're starting together, until she gets comfortable and confident. Being fit and active and part of a community is going to be so great for her!

Sweet baby snuggles at the softball game.

August 15

Amy had a friend looking for a babysitter and she recommended my girls. When we went to meet the family, Avery took great care getting ready, showering and straightening her hair. I was struck by how grown up she's getting!

August 16

Nana and Grandpa John arrived from Florida and dug right in with the great-grands. We had a nice evening with family.

First fire!

August 17

More family time.

In the evening R came by with the baby. He's doing his best, figuring out this father/provider thing.

August 18

The evening before, in the middle of getting dinner ready for a houseful, I went and picked up two kids for a respite stay with us. We were told they had lots of energy, so first thing in the morning, we headed to a park to play for a couple hours.

In the afternoon everyone came over and Nana hosted her annual "Unbirthday" party, which is a big bash for all the kids, since she doesn't get to see them on their birthdays. The kids are always delighted and think its funny to celebrate their birthday when its not actually their birthday. The day usually involves a family wiffle ball game, too.

Project 365, Week 32

After Tuesday when we closed on the house, we were able to take a deep breath and to start settling into things around here. Still lots of unpacking and moving garage stuff, but the uncertainty/limbo time is over.

The kids are doing summer. Separately, Avery and Amanda and K and J went to different amusement parks and Aiden had some adventures, too. And we're enjoying the freedom to have bedtimes that are just suggestions and lazy mornings to sleep in and start slow.

August 5

On a very hot afternoon we went to watch Daddy and some uncles play softball. Bonus...cousins! :)

August 6
No picture.

August 7
CLOSING DAY!! One week after moving in and two weeks after our "drop dead" date, the house officially became ours. Or, better put, we promised the bank we would send them a check every month for the next several decades.

I had bought steaks and planned a family celebration, but the kids had sleepover and hang out opportunities, which I was happy for them to be a part of. So instead, sitting around the kitchen table that night, eating steak was me and Shaun, J and Gavin. We had to laugh and say, yup...this is our life...we do very few things "normal".

We did end up going out the next night to celebrate and Shaun and I spent some time casting a vision for the kids of why God has allowed us to be in this house and how we see it being used to bless others. We talked about neighboring well and being a light and a friend in our community. There were some eye rolls, but mostly it was good.

August 8
Sweetest little girl.

August 9
On the way to pick up J from the barn, I was compelled to pull over and capture this scene.

August 10
We do lots of Italian ice around here. I like that its inexpensive and that it takes a while to eat, which can turn into some good conversation time. ;)

August 11
Avery had a couple friends sleepover.