handsful

Yesterday was a big day in the life of Abbey, one she’s been looking forward to…

Sweet 16

Her wish? Dinner out with her family, with her best guy Josh tagging along. No birthday cake, just the massive chocolate cake at her favorite restaurant. No birthday song…we disagreed with this one and sang to her anyway.

Dad, quit taking my picture already?!

Her sibs and Josh got together and ordered (well, we will order…they weren’t sure about size) a pair of Hunger Games embroidered Toms. She was obviously pleased with their choice!

We gave her a jewelry “closet” (she called it that), a “Sweet 16” charm for her charm bracelet, and a camera upgrade from her “point and shoot”.

Here’s a shot of that chocolate cake I mentioned…she even shared some with the rest of us.

Once we move to the new house (insert shouts of glee), we’ll throw her a fun party…we’re thinking a take on the Amazing Race and then back to the house for traditional party food. I’ll make sure we sing happy birthday to her again. She’ll love that.

Abbey, we are so proud of you, love you to pieces, and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you! Happy 16th, Abbey-girl!

My alarm went off at 5am. Yawn.

We were out the door by 5:50, and pulling into the church at 6am.

Abbey, Payton, and Ethan left for their Testify Youth Choir tour today…they’ll be in Orlando for about a week, doing concerts and a little sightseeing. They’ll be singing at a youth detention center, Wet and Wild amusement part, a church in St. Augustine, and a home for terminally ill children.

They’re very excited and admittedly a little nervous.

Payton’s family group…his “dad” passed out mustaches for everyone. Perfect for Payton.

I’m thankful there are so many strong Christian adults taking care of my kids. Each kid is in a small group with 1 tour mom or dad. Makes those headcounts much easier to handle, and gives the kids a stand-in parent to help whenever they need it. I can breathe easier because of that.

The boys, being the youngest, also have quite a few big brothers to watch out for them.

Praying that my kids stay safe, of course. But, even more so, praying that God uses them as He sees fit, to further His kingdom and for his glory.

We miss you already!

For as long as I shall live, I will testify to love

I’ll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough

With every breath I take

I will give thanks to God above

For as long as I shall live

I will testify to love

People ask us all the time, when they find out we homeschool…how will we make up for all the things they’ll miss not going to traditional school?  My question back to them is usually – what will they miss?

Case in point.  Abbey went to her first prom last night.  A prom designed especially for homeschooled kids here in the Lake Norman area.  She decided she wanted to go, not having the usual “prom date” and not even sure whether or not she’d know anyone there.  Were YOU that confident at 15?  I know I wasn’t.  Abbey is.  We’re so very thankful.

Did she see people she knew?  Yes, she did.  Did she meet new friends?  Yep.  Did she have fun.  MOST definitely.  Said it was the best dance yet.  (She’s been to 2 other homeschool dances…so far)

Assuming all of our kids make it to at least 2 of their proms in high school, we’re looking at 10 more proms to go.  At least.  Is there a budget category for that?

Love you, Abbey girl…

While walking through our little downtown around Christmas time last year, we found out the the local artist’s guild was having a youth art exhibit in March.  Three of our kids decided to get artsy and turn a project in.  Lainey and Dylan weren’t quite old enough, and Ethan…well, he told me when he was 4 that he hated arts and crafts at preschool.  That’s not changed.

Last night was the reception for the artists.

Abbey poses with the beautiful photo she took of a flower in our yard last spring.  A bee is contentedly drinking right on top.

Marley decided to do a colored pencil drawing of her latest passion…birds.  Specifically, a blue crowned conure.

Payton is our cartoonist and he’s good (if we do say so ourselves).  His favorite character is “Harry the Stick Dude” and here he’s drawn Harry in 9 of his favorite personas.   I like the gangster one the best.

Our kids didn’t win any ribbons, but it’s okay.  They got to see some amazing art by other kids like them and hopefully it will inspire them to keep creating, if they so choose.  We’re glad they wanted to have the experience, and we loved seeing their art on display!

I sound like every other mother, I’m sure, when I say…WHERE did the time go?  Abbey turned 15 yesterday.  Wow!  I look back at pictures of her and wonder “where is THAT little girl?”  Not that I’d turn the clock back.  Yes, she can be a TEEN sometimes (ha), but I love her to pieces.

This was her actual birthday…we might do a cake this weekend, but her birthday landed on youth night at church which she was THRILLED about (built-in party, seeing your friends, can’t beat it).  On the way home, we stopped to get her a special doughnut.

Backing up to the night before her birthday, she chose a good ‘ole steak dinner for her birthday outing.

Awwww…she’s always been a daddy’s girl.

sisters, fooling around.

brothers being mysterious.

L and D being cute, as usual.

A great b-day dinner, followed by a great…

birthday dessert.  She shared with the rest of us…ain’t she sweet?

Now, back to the birthday night.

Present time! Present time!  Open a present and see what’s inside!  Abbey used to heart Blues Clues.  Abbey’s camera died a while back, so here’s the replacement.

The necklace she hinted about.  A sterling silver key that says “TLW” (true love waits).

A beautiful young lady…with an edgy side.  She’s proud of that last part.

Okay, bear with me as we go back even further to last Sunday…the big game.  Yes, I know we LOST.  I’m over it now and looking forward to next season.  Anyway…  Abbey wanted me to post these pics of her and her best buds who came to “enjoy” the game with us.

We had our own half-time show complete with group dancing.

She had a blast….despite the final score.

The littles love all the big kids in the house…more people to play with (and more buttons on more phones).

Happy 15, Abbey.  At this rate, she’ll turn 16 next week!

Abbey’s volleyball team (the Storm, in case you’re wondering about the post title…) had their tournament games this past Saturday. They finished their season in 2nd place, so they had to play the first game at 9am. They won that one, so that put them into the championship game at 12pm.

An awesome shot…

They played hard, but in the end they lost. But, we were thrilled that they finished the season in 2nd place – especially since half the girls were first-time volleyball players. Not to mention this being Randy’s first time COACHING volleyball. Thankfully, his assistant coach knew the game well and Randy was free to just do his thing :)

Abbey LOVED her first season in volleyball. So much so, that she’s trying out for another league tomorrow night that starts after the holidays.

I couldn’t be happier. I realized how much I LOVE watching volleyball!