And So It Starts...

If I blog any slower I may have to give this business up.  I thought I was doing myself a favor a few weeks ago by saving some pics to blog at home...never happened.

Caleb took Geometry at the high school this past year and they were on trimesters so he took two and was finished.  His last part of the year was spent doing independent study in Spanish.  Somewhere along the line he started helping in class a little and was surprised with this toward the end of the year.  What a sweet gesture.

Auntie Kristin called me at work on Kyle's last day of school to tell me to make sure I stop at my mailbox after work because there was something in there for Kyle.  I didn't think much of it at the time, figuring one of the kids made him something or he was being invited to something.  We were both surprised to find this...{and I clearly did NOT win Mother-Of-The-Year this year because the thought never crossed my mind} 

Not too sure about this...it is what it is I guess...

We spent the weekend after school got out in Boyne with Keith's family.  The weather was great.  The boys golfed and the girls {plus Uncle Matt and Kyle} went shopping.  We played games, went kayaking and ate plenty.

I have been flying under the radar in the past weeks because summer has proven to be a busy time.  Go figure.  The last day of school was a Friday and Monday tennis, football lifting and basketball open gym all started right up.  On top of that the golf outing, Work Camp and Caleb's summer camp culminated this past week and weekend.  I didn't pay close attention to the calendar when I planned everything.  I can say that, as of today, I am tired, sore and glad it's all in the past!

Work Camp is something a lady from church came up with years ago for members of the congregation to partake in for the good of the community.  Every year three or four homes or businesses are chosen to work on.  This year the bigs and I signed up and were put at Pekadills to scrape and paint.  Words cannot even begin to describe how I felt being part of such an amazing ministry.  It was great to be doing something so wonderful for someone else.  We were rewarded daily with awesome lunches and part of me felt guilty because workers at the other sites had to provide their own lunches.  I didn't pick my spot...I swear.  The boys were asked to paint a fence at another location first but ended their week at the restaurant as well.  Andrew had so much fun his first day that he asked if he could do it again the next day, even though we weren't signed up again for another day.  The slide show of the past week was shown at church yesterday and, of course, I couldn't stop the tears from making their way down my cheeks.  I am blessed.  I not only got to work along side my children while we spread God's love together in a practical way, but I also got to pray about it in front of others. {can you say OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE??}

Saturday the golf outing went off without a hitch.  We had beautiful weather, happy campers and the most amazing volunteers to help make this the best outing yet!  I cannot remember if we made more money one of the prior years but we ended up with eight less teams than last year because we had to change the outing date and we had a killer total to donate to the football program!  Again, I am truly blessed to know such amazing people who care so much about others.

Probably some of the best people on earth you can ever meet are the Rake's families.  The Rakes and the Bonners are the neatest people ever and are willing to do anything and are the biggest supporters of their children and grandchildren. {and nephews and siblings}  It was a true family affair Saturday with not only both sets of {grand}parents there but also aunts and uncles to boot.  THANK YOU, fabulous people!!!! {and, of course, my rakes...Don and Kris...without whom we'd have no outing to speak of}

 Our awesome football coach is also an awesome wrestling coach and has brought his brother in this year to co-coach.  The new Coach Sandee is using the motto "Swing Your Sword" after reading a book by the same name.  We are now owners of the book and hope this will leave a lasting impression on us and our family and our community.

 Ryan VanBergen, former Whitehall graduate, former U of M player and graduate and current member of the NFL team the Carolina Panthers, graced us with his presence at the outing.  He golfed with family to support our football program, then stayed after to sign his autograph and pose for pics.  The boys were so excited to hold his actual Michigan helmet.  I think they were both too scared to try it on.

 Team Stratton...I heard they placed second to last.  Bummer.  My dad was one off from winning closest to the pin.  Lucky for him he still won the Whitehall Football hat in our door prize drawing.  last year my father-in-law won the football coaches shirt, which he wore this year. {I think we need to do something about getting my dad one so he doesn't look out of place next year}

 I got choked up a couple of times throughout the day simply by catching a glance of my son.  He was sporting a varsity jersey and helped the senior players caddy.  I cannot believe this little baby of mine will be fifteen in one month minus one day.  Where, oh where, does the time go?

 I have a friend who seems to be amazing at everything she does and she surely didn't disappoint this time.  She made all our golfers these fabulous cookies.  And they were super yummy.

 Generations of Vikings.  I Love to see this.  Both were volunteers.  Both are appreciated.

 I was in charge of the tables.  It's no surprise to anyone that I finished the decor at midnight Friday night.  What was a surprise, even to me, was that I had no time, with Work camp, to even brainstorm or shop for supplies until Friday evening.  I was a little stressed.  It's nothing a new pair of sandals couldn't fix.  Even if it was temporary.  And polka dot balloons.  Polka dots fix everything.

 Chef Bonner.  He likes to be called this.  Or maybe it's just me who likes to call him that.  Either way, he did an awesome job grilling our burgers.  They were magnificent.  Just what I needed after a long day in the sun with sugar cookies and Coke Zero.  {haha, doesn't he look like Jerry VanDyke, aka Luther, from Coach??

           Another fabulous Bonner volunteer!  Connie rocked the 50/50 raffle. {she rocks at everything she does}

 There are no words...not only do parents trust this man with their kids on the football field but they also trust him with their third graders...he totally looks like a third grade teacher, doesn't he?

 Coach Sandee.  And Coach Sandee.  Coach Sandee and the other Coach Sandee.  The other white meat.  Big Sandee and Little Sandee.  It doesn't matter what you call them...I'll call them two winners at Whitehall.  Our kids are going to be so blessed having this force behind them!!

 I think I mentioned the Ryan VanBergen attraction earlier.  What a sport.  My guy was just a wee bit excited to take his picture with a great ball player...a true hero to our kids.  He's kind of big.

 And, of course, some of my other guys were also giddy about being in a photo with this future football giant.  My dad will be thrilled to know his eyes were closed!  Keith even won a signed Panthers hat.  And did you get a load of that ring?  It is ginormous!!  GI-normous!!

 Eight o'clock came none too soon.  We had an amazing day but we were all beat.  I only unloaded freezer food.  The rest stayed til Sunday.  Keith challenged me to a Solitaire war and then I cozied up and fell asleep on the couch.  Sunday morning I woke up feeling a good ten years older.  Every single muscle on my body ached...and I wasn't even wearing heels! 

After church we came home and packed Caleb up for camp.  It was yet another thing on my to-do list that got done last second.  One thing at a time.  It was my motto for the week.  I cleaned out the van, packed it back up and took my baby to camp.  His first high school camp.  Sigh.  I'm so thankful he isn't embarrassed by me and loves me tons.  We hung out together, waiting to register, and then I helped him with his stuff to his cabin.  Out of nowhere, It hit me and I stopped in my tracks...looking around, I seemed to be the only  mom taking her son to high school camp.  It was funny.  I asked the counselors if I was the only one.  They all laughed and one said that other moms drove their kids to camp.  I said I know but wondered if any of them walked their kids to their actual cabins and made their beds and set up their fans?  I shyly tried to hide my camera and then sighed with relief knowing it didn't even matter to Caleb.  He knows it is how I am and he loves me anyway. ☺The drive up wasn't nearly as long feeling as last year when I took both boys up at the same time. {Thank God}  The drive home was still quiet.  And sadish.  But I know that it's one of the best places in the world and he has been looking forward to it for so long.  I know he's having the best time ever, hanging with the big dogs. {but I cannot wait to have him home again...dorky hat and all}

Sun Brings The CRAZY Out...

Kyle is quite a breed.  I don't know most days where on earth he came from.  Typically I say he's just like his dad simply because I never acted the way he does and neither did his brothers.  {unless we're talking about the sarcasm gene...then maybe I know where he got it}  As always, when he's funny...he's dang hilarious!!  After a shower last month {i know, I know} he was in rare form and wondered what he had been watching on tv...{Thank God he didn't get THIS from his dad!}

 Andrew finished tennis with a bang!  I missed most of his matches this year, either because of other schedules or rain.  I did, however make it to his tournament.  Gorgeous weather!!  He rocked it against the coaches son and only lost the match based on a bad call. A call that, by the head of the tournament's own definition, should have been made by Andrew but wasn't.  Oh well.  He did an amazing job and played great all day.

I cannot remember whether or not I previously mentioned that Andrew tried out for, and was offered, a part in the summer play The Nerd.  I also do not know if I mentioned this but the playhouse manager sent him an invite to audition because she enjoys working with him and thought this would be a great part  for him.  Isn't that awesome?  I believe quite a few tried out for the only child part in the play.  I was overjoyed to receive the call that he got the part and immediately accepted on his behalf. {so formal}  He had to submit a head shot and one hundred word bio for the program.  It was a last minute thought so we didn't have anything to work with so we just snapped a pic early one morning before school.  Imagine my total and utter shock when I received an email with a contract and W-9 attached for me to fill out, also on Andrew's behalf, to be filled out.  I inquired about the W-9 form and was told Andrew will be paid for his role in the summer presentation like any other adult actor.  UnFREAKINGbelieveable!!

 Camping season came out of nowhere but really, not really.  I've known for months that as soon as May hit I would need to get in gear and get the camper ready.  All of a sudden it was May twentieth and we had to bust a move!  Keith got the outside done and moved to the inside {cleaning} and it was my job to pack and fill...except that I didn't empty out the camper last year so all of the bedding also had to be washed. sigh.  It's a lot of work for a very short time but, man, is it ever worth it. {if the weather is good to me}  Kyle and I headed up Thursday and were alone til later Friday afternoon.  Other than the gale-force winds screaming through the park, offering little more than ultra panic that we were going to tip over, we had a very enjoyable weekend.  When the sun was out, it was hot and we had the best visitors ever.  Superb time.  Why did it have to end?

And that's all she wrote.  A whopping two pictures of our weekend.  Whatevs.

Fast forward to June.  Yesterday was Kyle's kindergarten class picnic.  We put together a fun pedicure gift for Mrs. Johnson and included a new book from her favorite author for a little guilty pleasure this summer.  I cannot believe my last one is out of kindergarten.  I hope he'll be ready for all day school next fall.  I'm sure he will be.  He's had lots of half day practice. 

Before leaving the picnic, I asked Kyle to tell me who he'd like pictures with from his class so we can save them for his memory book.  Before he even answered, a friend from another class was close by so I grabbed him and took a picture.  Afterward, the only names offered were that of girls.  Go figure.

Girlfriend number one is Jenna.  She's his best friend.  And girlfriend.  Yesterday a parent informed me that her daughter informed her that Kyle and Jenna are getting married...when they are older.  {thank goodness}

 Girlfriend number two is Olivia.  She was the girlfriend months ago but when kyle told me they broke up, I asked him what happened and he told me there was confusion.  Alrighty then.  Yesterday Olivia informed me, "Kyle really loves me."   I mentioned this to her mom.  She said she's heard all about Kyle.  Great.  But she didn't try to tackle me or punch me in the face so I think she's okay with it all.  Besides, Olivia is a confident girl.  She definitely wears the pants in this relationship.  I have proof of it if needed...she slung her arm right around Kyle's shoulder...no questions.  Later I merely mentioned Olivia's name and Kyle said to me, "I know...I have two."  What else is there to say?

 So we are officially done with week one of driver's training.  By officially I mean Caleb has had, as of Monday, ten hours of class instruction and two hours of driving experience with his instructor.  Obviously the next step is a permit.  A Permit?  WHAT??  Yes, he informed me Monday that Tuesday night he would receive his pink slip and, oh yeah, could he drive home from class?

 Oh. My. Goodness.  Did this all just fly out of nowhere?  Like when did this all happen?  I really cannot believe the time is here but, really, it hasn't bothered me that he's old enough to take DT or that I'm old enough to have a son his age or that' he's heading to high school in the fall.  What totally breaks my heart is that, in four short years, he will leave my home for most likely another state and maybe meet someone at school and make a life for himself very far away...from me.  I take for granted that my babies are with me and having spent the last ten years only having them half of the time has been the "norm" for us.  My family is close by.  My parents are a seven minute drive from me and my sister lives not door for crying out loud.  In a few short years I believe both of my oldest children will move far away and that, my friends, is an unbearable truth.  I do not know how to handle that truth.  Yeah, yeah...don't think of the future.  Live in the present.  Make the most of the time I have with them.  Blah, blah, blah...does that really fix my heartache?  Knowing they will undoubtedly succeed and have amazing futures I have peace.

But in the meantime...my kid is driving!!  I was actually a wreck!  he wanted to drive home but in the meantime Keith went to a conference dinner and I learned I had to pick up Kyle.  In Montague. {hello}  I let him drive me all the way there and back home.  I needed a drink.  Heck, I think HE could have used a drink!  He was so tense and it didn't help that the back seat driver was telling him what to do {he's SIX} and so was I.  He did pretty well.  My real concern is the stop sign situation.  He stops...like a quarter mile back...at the actual sign like he's supposed to.  Then he creeps forward like he's supposed to.  Then he heads through the intersection.  Every time.  Without stopping again...Not like he's supposed to!!!!  He said he stopped.  He didn't.  He said he looked...without turning his head. {his words}  He didn't.  Whew.  I will try to be calm.  He will stop two times, three if needed, at stop signs.  All will be good.  This is all out of my hands.  That is the hardest part to swallow.  I may be slightly control-freakish but these are my kids...I'll just have to pray harder.  And longer.  And louder.

May Day...

{And, as always, I am posting a saved post weeks late.}

Life is moving along. Spring sports are in full swing.  Caleb has his first ever job of reffing when needed for youth soccer.  I cannot believe my baby is not quite a baby anymore.  I say it all the time yet I still cannot get over it.

With our crazy sports schedules, neither Keith nor I can seem to cover all games every week.  K is coaching Kyle so it is even more tricky.  Fortunately for us {not Andrew} quite a few of the tennis matches have been cancelled due to weather.  We are making it work.  It's strange to say it's a good thing there are four of us {parents} to cover most events.

Kyle is totally loving baseball and he is understanding this year that he isn't the team and he's been good at staying close to his own spot, playing his own position.  He is so crazy mad right now that he has to miss a game in June because we are heading to Boyne for the weekend.

One of the assistant coaches is very organized and is doing a great job of making a schedule every week of the positions each boy will play each inning.  It's great to make sure these boys are playing all positions and getting a taste of it all. 

I was surprised the other day when Kyle asked if he could bring the chalk outside.  He typically wouldn't waste his time drawing when he could be playing ball but I guess this time he needed to be sure people would find us...although by the time they find our road off the main road, and find our driveway, and drive down what the garbage man thought was another private road, I imagine they already know it's our house.

Last Friday Kyle and I had yet another discussion about him learning to tie his shoes.  He said he was so embarrassed because he thinks he won't be able to tie his shoes when he's a dad.  I told him if he'd just work on it over and over again, he could have it down by the end of the weekend.  He tried.  And tried.  And tried and tried and tried.  And, by golly, he was able to tie his own shoes by Sunday afternoon.
I'm so proud of him for being so persistent.

In an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle I pulled this armoir out of the basement to give the boys some extra storage space for, of all things, their clothes.  Thinking of painting it a fun turquoise color...

Like maybe this color?  Oh how I would love to spray it with paint but I'm not feeling it unfortunately.  Thankfully my mom has two used quarts of paint that are different variations of this color so I think I'll mix them together and see what I get.

If only I could get my kids to work for me without me asking.  Ugh.  It's so cute to see Kyle take out the trash at daycare without being asked but really?  He cannot even empty the bathroom can into the kitchen can without a semi-fit.  Whatever.

Do you find it strange that as young as three, Kyle was fascinated with driving?  K let him drive home from our mailbox. {with help of course}  At three!  And it's a mile and a half from our mailbox to our house!  After that, he wanted to be dropped off at the end of our driveway to run home.  Every day. Most recently he decided he wanted to get out at the mailboxes and run home.  I told him, "No way!!"  I was not about to let him run home alone.  He talked me into letting him run alongside my van while he ran home.  Unbelievable.  It may seem strange that I am taking a picture while my son is running right next to my moving vehicle.  Believe me, I had one hand on the wheel and no foot on the gas pedal.  I was able to hold my camera with one hand and click it with the same hand all while driving one mile per hour.  Talented, I know.  I told him I wasn't doing it again any time soon.  The driveway is plenty...especially when I have to drive behind him.  He may be fast for his age but he isn't so fast compared to a motorized vehicle.

The basics...

First of all, blogging basics...

1. type

Ok, that's that.  Pretty self explanatory.

Second, Caleb is unofficially registered for his first segment of driver's training.  Officially, my payment needs to be received.  That should happen in a day or two.

Third,  Kyle is a trying kid.  But he's also a riot and when I'm not totally at my wit's end with him,  he makes me laugh my butt off.

Fourth, I want to quit my job and peruse Pinterest.  For the rest of my life.

Fifth, about every quarter of every year I get in a little over my head.  With everything I do.  Right now is quarter time.

Sixth, Kyle really truly thinks I am older than dirt.  No kidding.  Like literal dirt.  His comments and questions kill me.

Seventh, life moves rather quickly, whether I want it to or not.  Caleb will be in high school next fall.  Andrew will be in eighth grade.  Kyle will be in first grade.  All day.  People say once your kids are in high school the four years fly faster than the first years.  In two years, when both of the bigs are in high school, their little brother will be in his last year of Shoreline.  The littles elementary school.  That slows things right down.  And makes me laugh.

Eighth, I need a mental health day.  I'd like everyone to be gone from the house and I want it to be dark, rainy and thundering.  What a great day to be buried in a book.  Or I want a bright sunny day, with no wind and temps in the upper 70s or low 80s with little humidity.  That way I can read on the deck.

Ninth, I need a make-up day.  Rain would be good for that, too, so I am not tempted to go outside and read on the deck.

Tenth, I need a family day. A day that I have no commitments, and neither do my family members, so I can spend QT with the ones I love. {before they all graduate}  I'll settle for camping in two weeks.

Eleventh, I need the first two days to happen rather quickly because we are camping in two weeks and we haven't even summerized the camper, let alone cleaned and stocked it!

Twelfth, I know amazing people.  People I can count on for just about anything.  The staff luncheon was a super success yesterday and I couldn't have pulled it off without the help of truly wonderful women.  I am blessed.

Thirteenth, I am blessed.  Blessed with family and friends and a place to call home and a job and a reason to always be busy.

It's truly fitting that I end here at thirteen, saving the best {and my favorite number} for last.