Our family has seen many changes, some big, some small, some that seemed insignificant but ended up leaving a large dent. March was a difficult month health wise, we had sick kids the entire month, and it ended w momma getting sick for a whole week. Just awful. We missed Easter for the first time, battling a horrible stomach bug that just refused to leave. Caloway went to the ER twice, he was so dehydrated. April came and brought a respite from illness, thankfully. In May, Cameron was blessed with a scholarship to go on his class trip to Philadelphia. This was his first big trip away from home - he had so much fun!! Had $39 to spend and came home with some interesting souvenirs ha! I missed him so.
Our summer swept in the wettest, coldest weather we've ever seen! We barely squeezed in one trip to the pool, and even that ended up getting rained out ;) July boasted one full week of 90+ degrees and sweltering sunshine, during which we made full use of the splash park every day. Then the rain returned as well as the cool temps. Sigh. Caloway has repeatedly said, 'this was the worst summer EVER!!!'
My precious Opa passed away on July 15, at the ripe age of 96. He finally was released from his tired shell and ushered into the warm, healing presence of his Savior Jesus. Oma was waiting for him with open arms!! Tim celebrated his 36th birthday on the same day. Our little baby boy had his first birthday on July 25- how has my Levi been with us for a whole year already?! It seems like I was just holding his tiny little head in my hands and marveling at his sweet newborn wrinkles. Excuse me while I go bawl my eyes out.
We made an impromptu road trip to Minnesota at the end of July to spend a few days with Suzie and her family in their brand new home. What was I thinking bringing 5 crazy kiddos to a newly constructed home ... Haha!! Macky did christen a wall with sharpie. Thank GOD for magic erasers. The kids had the time of their life on the farm, running on haybales and catching tadpoles in the pond. Of course we stopped in Chicago on the way home and gorged on Garrett's popcorn!!
August graciously ushered in sunshine after the first two weeks rained us out again. Claire celebrated her 12th birthday - how is my baby girl almost a teenager?! She is everything tween these days - full of girly enthusiasm over makeup, cute shoes and the cute boys of One Direction. She started cheerleading this fall and has become an amazing cheerleader!! She surprised and impressed me with her courage and tenacity in learning something completely new and challenging :) she's an amazing girl.
Caloway turned 9 on the 17th, and had a perfectly boy MineCraft party in the backyard. I don't know why I bothered planning games, all those boys did was tear around the backyard with nerf axes and beat each other up!!
School started and Caloway started his third grade year homeschooling with mama. He has seriously been a trip to have at home :) Claire officially entered middle school, and her 6th grade classes now co-exist with big brother. Cameron is in 8th grade and not too pleased some days to be sharing territory with his sister. I really wish Cameron could find a buddy to connect with, but it just hasn't happened yet. He is playing basketball again for the second yr, and likes it most days :) Claire gets to cheer for all his home games!
The worry and fear over your children to be happy and well adjusted can be overwhelming sometimes. Our move to ashland proved to be such a dichotomy for our kids. Claire has flourished and made some deep friendships while Cameron has experienced a dry spell in that area. I'm not sure why, and my heart hurts that he hasn't found acceptance the way Claire has so easily. I pray daily for a Godly mentor and friend for my precious son.
October came, and our sweet little Mac celebrated his golden birthday - 3 yrs old on the 3rd! When he went to his well child checkup, we found out he was 33 lbs, and 3.3" tall. Ha!! 3 must be his lucky number :)
Early fall and winter brought many financial challenges for our family - we've been stretched to so many points in our ministry here. Emotionally. Spiritually. Financially. We've dealt with multiple stomach bugs and fevers for the last couple months, and tim ended up with the worst stomach bug he's ever had in early December. It really took a toll on him, I've never seen him so sick. I am desperately praying for a season of health for us.
November came, and although we had made plans to spend thanksgiving in Minnesota with my family, Mac and Tim both ended up coming down with a virus, and we were forced to stay home. Cameron celebrated his 14th birthday on the 29. How has my little boy become a man-child overnight?? He is taller than me now, 5'8, and wears the same shoe size as daddy. His voice has deepened and he is in that crazy stage between childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. He is trying hard to navigate through these brand new feelings and emotions, my heart goes out to him. These will be interesting years with our boys ;)
So in all honesty - not the best of years this time around. Anxiously (?) awaiting the arrival of 2014 and what it will prove to unfold for our clan of 7. Praying for God's continued strength and provision that He has ALWAYS so graciously and lovingly provided on every tenuous step of this past yr. I am increasingly and overwhelmingly thankful for the sweet loves I hold in my arms every single day. Cameron, Claire, Caloway, Mac and Levi. And my ever faithful, always loving husband Tim. Where would any of us be without the love of our Father and that darling man!!! Tough year? Yes. God-given scars? Yes. Grace, humility, self-denial, increasing generosity and tenderness of spirit have been our teachers. I pray we've been good students ❤️
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