August Highlights

 Jacob is a Daddy's Boy!  He does not like it when Joel leaves and he doesn't get to go with him.  Likewise, he is super excited whenever Dad gets home from work.  He runs to him and wraps around his legs yelling, "Daddy home!"

Not sure I want to know what was going on here! :)

Gideon's getting ready for marching season!

 Our Monkey!

 Such a big help to me after school!

The best part of helping me bake!

New Chapter

 The day finally came...June 17th...the first day Thomas was eligible to get his "temps!"  I always called it a driving permit; however, I was taught the term is "temps!"  He was up and at the BMV as soon as they opened.  He passed his test and was so excited to begin driving.  He has pretty much driven ever since.  I can probably count on one hand, after 2 months, how many times he has been in the vehicle as a passenger!

 I call him my personal chauffeur!  He is really doing so well.  He even drove the 15 passenger van for over 5 hours on our way to New York this past summer.  During this time he encountered heavy rainstorms, construction with very narrow lanes, and lots of traffic.  He handled it like a pro.  I am not ashamed to admit that I was glad Joel was in the passenger seat and I could close my eyes when I felt I needed to! :)

 We have been so impressed with his driving.  He is making great progress and always ready to learn and take feedback.  It's such an exciting time in his life and I am excited for him.  His enthusiasm and eagerness is contagious.  I have enjoyed not having to drive so much.  It will be incredible when he can run errands without me in the passenger seat.  At the moment I say that I also have a twinge of sadness because that means I will have less time with him.  I enjoy moments in the car with him and the time it gives us to connect.  I know I need to let him grow and expand his wings but I'm not completely ready for that.  Thankfully, this process takes time and we can take it line upon line, precept upon precept.  It does go too quickly though!

The evening before he was going to get his temps I dropped him off at band practice and drove home.  As I was driving home I thought how the next morning he would have his temps.  The next thing I knew tears were flowing as upcoming milestones began flashing through my mind:

*Getting his temps

*Getting his license

*Graduating HS

*Receiving his mission call

*Leaving for his mission

*Serving a mission

*Returning home, heading off to college

All of a sudden this day, getting his temps, that I had been so looking forward to for so long-I no longer wanted it to come.  I thought to myself, "Am I preparing him enough? Am I teaching him all he needs to know? What else can I do to prepare him to be successful and find joy in his life?"

As the tears flowed and my mind was going 100 miles a minute trying to grasp all that would happen in the next 5 years a peaceful feeling came to me and the words, "Continue to help him gain a testimony and love for the Savior.  That is what truly matters."

So, that is my mission for him and for all our children.  Continue to focus on what matters most. 

 "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." 2 Nephi 25:26

Marching Season Begins

 Sophomore & Junior Car Wash Fundraiser

Cedar Point

Land O' Lakes had their company picnic at Cedar Point this summer.  The kids were ecstatic to be able to go to an amusement park like that.  They planned out how they wanted to spend the day.  We loved the time together and loved watching them be so excited to try new rides with each other.  So grateful for this opportunity to spend the time together.

Another Year of School

This summer flew by.  I know I always say that; however, this year it seemed even more true!  Summer was 2 weeks shorter as our District is adjusting our calendar so the kids will get out of school before Memorial Day next year which will be great! But it made for a super short summer!  As always, I am never ready to send them off to school but they were excited to see their friends and start  new year!

This year we have 6 kiddos in school from High School down to Kindergarten.  They are all going to DIFFERENT schools...yes, 6 kids in 6 kids.  This means 6 different buses, 6 different departure times, 6 different coming home times, and one crazy mom! :)

 Sam...5th Grade...Lakeview Intermediate School

 Josh...2nd Grade..Echo Hills Elementary...Mrs. Edwards

 Mary...4th Grade...Woodland Elementary...Mrs. Radack

 Thomas...Sophomore...Stow Munroe Falls High School & Seminary with Sister Fitzgerald

 Spring...8th grade...Kimpton Middle School...NO BASKETBALL SHORTS ON THE 1st DAY!!!

 Gideon...Kindergarten...Indian Trail...Mrs. Luzio...he couldn't wait for his bus to come get him!

Updated Pics

Jacob...2 years old

 Rebekah...3 months old

 Spring...13 years old

Band Camp 2016

Stow Bulldog Marching Band 

Band Camp Year 2

Edinboro, PA 

 Thomas loves the snare drum!  Joel was able to be a chaperone this year at camp as well and said it is an amazing experience for all these students.  They work HARD and have LONG days to learn their show during the week.  There is bonding and friendships formed and solidified, stories that only remain at band camp, and some stories that are shared after they get home!  Yes, the whales came again and yes, Thomas was marched into buildings again!  A great year!

There is a dance one night at the camp and Thomas did the worm!!!!! Joel said the hall erupted when Mr. Monroe pushed him into the center of a group of upperclassmen.  As soon as he dropped down to do the worm chants of "Biggs, Biggs, Biggs" filled the hall.  I would have never guessed he would do something like this but I'm so  proud of him and so grateful for the band program that helps these kids become better, try new things, gain confidence, and have amazing relationships and friends!