The Littles Play Soccer

Our first soccer games (ever) were the most hysterical things I've ever seen. 

I really thought Ava was at her most adorable when she was in a tiny leotard and ballet slippers...I was wrong. A huge, pink soccer uniform is the winner. I could not stop laughing while she was on the field. One moment she would be covering her eyes as the ball made it's way toward her, and the next she was dancing, followed by wandering off of the field and then giving her team mates a thumbs up. She's the cutest Little in the world...seriously.

(small but determined)

My sweet, soft heartened and mild manner son turned into a competitive monster, intent on winning and not showing mercy for the fallen. We were all quite shocked to see he and a boy from the other team (e-hem, a much bigger boy) get into a scuffle. Apparently the bigger boy stuck his tongue out at Aden, and it was all downhill after that....is it terrible that Aden fought back, and I was really proud?

(don't touch my ball)

("Hey mean kid over there...don't be a bully. I'll push you back.")

(By the looks of those other kids faces, Aden was going through the line saying, "You lost, you lost, you lost...")

This week, we'll be working on sportsmanship :) 

9 Years and New Photographs

I've never been more in love with this man....and I happen to be pretty crazy about this gold dress as well. Le sigh.

Film Favorites, Summer 2012

A few moments of wonderfulness as the Summer of 2012 comes to an end. 

Grandma Katy

Yesterday my Grandma Katy died. She wanted to be with my Grandpa. I just know she died of a broken heart. 

I found out one hour before I was supposed to be at rehearsal. It was my weekend to lead worship. Thank you to my sweet friends who called, texted, and sat with me in the church hallway so that I wouldn't fall apart.

Grandma, this weekend, I sang for you.

I love you BATS

Catching Up

It's time to play catch up. Here are some of the major points we've missed here on my little blog in these last few months of hiding

1. The girls went home. June 29th, 6:00 PM, and Aden and I cried for hours. Then I stopped crying and Aden cried for 2 more weeks. After that, our little family of four shut out the world, rarely left the house, and tried to reconnect. We've spent the summer ignoring emails, working very little, and swimming every day. We've come out on the other side as us again. It feels nice.

2. My Grandpa died. I don't know what else I can say about that at this time.

3. I turned 28. 

4. My mother moved back to the desert. She lives in a little apartment not far from our home. My son is ecstatic. There is currently a large amount of stress and unsettled business within my family, but I know it will ease as time goes on. The addition of a new school year is going to be beneficial for all of us.

5. Scott and I celebrated 9 years of marriage with a gorgeous photo shoot and a weekend in Temecula. That deserves it's own blog post, though.

The most emotional day of my life is right around the corner (that may be a slight dramatization). Aden is starting kindergarten in only 4 days. Last night was attended Kindergarten Orientation at his new school. My heart is aching and soaring at the same time. I will miss him, and yet, his school day will only be 30 minutes longer than it was when he was in preschool. A very small part of me is secretly wishing that school just won't work out, and that I'll have to home school him. We have his uniforms and a cool, new backpack. Last night, we found out that he was placed with the teacher that I requested. I suppose that offers some form of relief. She is a family friend, he is familiar with her, and I love her. 

Here is a quick shot that Auntie Glenda took of us at the beginning of summer. I believe this was our first trip to Disneyland without the girls. We're all looking at the camera and smiling. It's a miracle.

Unsupervised

One week ago today, my mother was awarded unsupervised visits with the kids. One week ago today, my mother picked up the girls, and drove away with them. Scott and I looked at each other, and said nothing. It was the first time in eight months that we have been alone, in our home, as a family of four. It was more quiet, more peaceful, and the lack of bickering made me feel almost uncomfortable. 

And then?

I wondered if the girls were alright. I wondered if they were happy, if my mother was treating them well. Was she saying the right things? Was she PARENTING them? Would they come home from that visit, and want another one? If she can find a home in the desert, they will go to court and she will be awarded full custody again, immediately. If she can find a home in Big Bear, she will get her children back at the end of school. 

The visit went well...they want another one...can this really be happening? 

Leaving The Children Behind

At the pinnacle of exhaustion, frustration, and misery, we found escape. Unexpected, welcomed, long awaited escape. Scotty and I haven't had time away from our kiddos in two years, add three unhappy little sisters to the last 7 months and it makes two years feel like an eternity. 

We didn't think it was possible. Who would watch all of of these children? Who would chaperone, oversee homework, put out fires, soothe a little boy who would undoubtedly miss his Mommy like she was never coming back, and who would have the patience to deal with Sassy, when Sassy is at her best? Cousins David and Ashleigh, and brother Jeffrey and wife Noelle would! I can't describe, or even begin to understand how they did what they did while we were gone. It was car seat shuffling, car switching, schedule coordinating and meal planning like I have never seen. Scott and I learned so much while we were gone. We made exciting decisions and invested into one another. Thank you to ALL of the adults that cared for and loved on our children while we were gone. We've come home more rested, more excited about life, and more ready to continue this journey of raising five children with patience and grace.

(5 children waiting at home for us!)

(good hair day!)

(we love our printer, Miller's)

(Jose Villa!!! Nuff said)

(Max And Poppy)

(he's mine!)