OUR OWN AIRBUD

 

The boys new favorite movie is an old favorite when Stephen was little: AIRBUD!  

Little did they know our own Tucker is a bit of an Airbud too!

Beach day yesterday to beat the heat!

HEAVY HITTERS

 

Miracle Baseball is back after a 1 year hiatus due toCovid.  The boys are now considered heavy hitters.  This means when they are up to bat, the buddies have to protect their players in the outfielder so they don’t get hit.  This means our boys are hitting farther and harder than ever before!

MI SS ISS I PPI

 

Camping at Wyalusing State Park 

near Prairie Du Chen, WI- where the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers meet.

Beautiful and great hiking by the little boys!

 

BACK IN THE SADDLE!

After not having horse therapy since March 2020, the boys started up again today.  I wasn’t sure if they would be scared to get on the horse after being gone for so long.  But I was so proud of both of them!  They hoped right back in the saddle and did a great job!  Ice cream at McDonald’s as a treat afterwards.  They deserved it!

 

 

in the blink of an eye,

you grew up

Dear Lydia,

I think for these past few weeks, I've been holding my emotions back and being in denial about what your graduation means to me.

But this morning, the floodgates opened.

Your graduation is much different even than Abigail's or Stephen's.  When each of them graduated, I had the reassurance that there were still more of you at home yet.  I wasn't done. 

I know I still will have the little boys at home (forever probably J), but in terms of our "first family", you graduating marks the end of that era.

You three older kids have been my life's work for the past 23 years.  And now you are the last of that group to move on to the next season of life where I no longer will be able to parent you up close and personal.  You will now have 2 places where you live, and your heart will start to belong to more than just this home.  You will have many more people influence your life than just Dad and I.  You will make big life decisions on your own.  We will always be here to guide and advise, but it will be up to you whether you ask for or accept our help.  

This morning, despite my tears, I was filled with such gratitude and thankfulness to the Lord that He allowed me to stay at home and care for all of you for all these years.  It has been such a privilege, joy, and incredible opportunity to watch over all your growing up moments.  I have just loved this season of life . 

I know that great and incredible experiences are ahead of me as I parent during this new season of life, but right now I am just a little sad because I have to say goodbye to one of the best times of my life- being a parent to you, Abigail, and Stephen as you went from newborns to high school graduates.  

Thank you for all the joy you have brought me over the years.  

You are amazing Lydia Grace!  We love you so much!  May you experience the blessings of God in your new adventures in life.

And now, two of my favorite photos of you and Dad and I.  

 

     

HERE WE GO (AGAIN)

         

OUR LYDIA'S GRADUATION!

Last day of high school

Getting ready for her graduation party in the park

Lydia displays some of her favorite artwork at her party    

Cake No. 1 we used for the party

Cake No. 2 we used for Graduation Day at-home celebration

Our family on Graduation Day minus Stephen who is busy with his college finals up in MN

Lydia and her very best friend, Tucker

The big moment when Lydia’s name is called.  Announcer mistakenly said “Lydia France” instead of “Lydia Grace”- our Sue Heck moment 😊

My favorite show 

“The Middle”

Click HERE for funny Middle clip #1

A funny but meaningful thought about leaving a legacy

Click HERE for funny Middle clip #2

A LONG TIME AGO...

Our oldest Abigail started 5K 

in elementary school in 2003.

In a few days our youngest, Ben and Jonah, 

will finish 4th grade in elementary school in 2021.

That's 18 years of being an elementary school mom.

I guess you could say I was in it for the long haul!

Here is the letter we gave to the boys' teachers and ES staff to say goodbye.

We sure appreciate everything our elementary school has done for our guys!

Now it's time to prepare for middle school...

This morning Jonah sounded this out all by himself: Tucker (our dog) was a baby.

I'm impressed!