her first homecoming

catching up ~ October 11, 2014

I think this title should more appropriately be titled "OUR First Homecoming."

Sweet Ellie was asked this past year by a kind boy (named Drew!!)

to attend homecoming with him. She (and I think all of us in the family :)

were flattered by the invitation.... and immediately anxious, with thoughts like

"what will the evening look like?" "what will I wear?" "will he pick me up?"

There is a first for everything, and I have to admit looking back, the Enemy

had me (her Mama) tied in knots of fear about this big first. 

I wish I had done so many things differently, and I wish I had trusted Jesus more!! 

I am prone to anxiety as a Mama.... and it has simply gotten more intense as my kids

have moved into these hormonal teenage years. I'm so thankful for what Jesus has

been doing in my heart since this October date. I feel in many ways like He has 

been pouring on the grace, giving me new eyes to see, and a willingness

to let go and let Him have His way in my kids' hearts and lives. 

When I let Him do this, things go so. much. better. between us. 

Sadly, I think I stressed Ellie out more than necessary about this event,

and for that I'm so sorry. BUT, she got through the evening. Drew's parents came

with him to pick her up (I think they were as nervous as I) and boy....

She looked BEAUTIFUL!! 

Lord willing, next time it won't be so painful

... for any of us!! 

Drew turns 14 .... August 14, 2014

catching up ~ Drew's 14th Birthday:

It's got to be his golden birthday, or something .... right?? 

14 on AUGUST 14, 2014!!! 

He was actually away at a Civil Air Patrol camp called Cascade Falcon on his birthday! 

Honest to goodness, he went away a boy .... and came back a man. 

It was SO suriel to not have him at home with me on his special day,

and to know that he was WITHOUT his family! It just didn't seem right. 

Upon arriving home, as he described his week to me,

and all that he went through, O... how proud I was of the man he is becoming. 

He blew me away with his courage. 

We celebrated him as a family on August 16 when he got back home. 

He got a watch from his dad (he is taking after him in his watch love:),

a hat, a soccer ball ..... and his first phone!! 

You can see the progression of his gifs. When the first three had been opened,

his dad called his new phone.... which was hidden on top of the dining room light. 

Drew was so surprised. He was not expecting it and I think felt very overwhelmed and grateful! 

 This picture makes me laugh. 

It pretty much sums up each of the kids' personalities,

and is very much a picture of things to come as they grow older!