My CIC girls

I work with two lovely ladies, Vanessa and Nancy.  My entire unit consists of six other women but they cover the northern part of the state.  I see Vanessa and Nancy more because we cover the central and southern part of our state.  We got together today to introduce Nancy to some of the agents.  We have lots of laughs together and because the three of us work from home, it's a nice break from our office.  I enjoy getting together with these girls and doing some work in in the field.  I'm 3 1/2 years into this job and I'm so blessed.  I've made four really good decisions in my life; accepting Christ, marrying Mike, having the boys and accepting this job!  My job is a blessing and it's an added bonus to work with Vanessa and Nancy!

Jay's big accomplishment

Jay has been playing basketball since 4th grade but this year he actually had to try out in order to make the 7th grade team.  Weeks leading up to try outs I had bad dreams that he would not make it but then I also knew I had absolutely no control over the situation.  I prayed that the coaches would see Jay's potential and strengthens but I also prayed that if he didn't make the team that God would fill that void with something else in Jay's life.  It was a true test of simply trusting God and as the weeks went on I was filled with more peace.  That doesn't mean I didn't worry, I'm human after all.  Jay walked out of try-outs on Wednesday with an envelope in hand.  I was waiting in the car and saw his arms go up in the air.  In that moment I was like a balloon that had just been popped.  I was so relieved for Jay.  This was one situation where Jay's hard work paid off.  His passion is basketball and he participated in a lot of bball camps this summer.  Since we were right on the heels of XC, it was a good reminder that perhaps XC is not Jay's thing but it did serve a purpose.  Jay can run but he's not in love with running long distances.  XC certainly got him conditioned for basketball.  Although I am happy for Jay, my heart is heavy for many boys who did not make it and I've had time to reflect once again on my love/hate relationship with sports.  Times have changed and everything is performance driven.  Jay was one of seven 7th graders that made the team.  Eight 6th graders were chosen to play up with the 7th graders - kind of a hard pill to swallow for the 7th graders who got cut.  One boy in particular has played with Jay since 4th grade.  Basketball is the only sport he plays and he loves it.  He's not the best player, he's not the fastest player but he's all heart and he got cut this year; it breaks my heart.  Sports has gotten so cut throat and if Jay thought XC was pressure, just wait until he realizes he's competing for play time with eight 6th graders.  But on the flip side, sports has provided such an outlet for my boys.  I've noticed that since Jay has been in middle school and been more actively involved in sports, he's truly at his best.  Sports can provide a confidence booster.  I've seen what football has done for Nick this season and it's been wonderful to watch.  Additionally, sports is a motivator.  I can guarantee Jay will work hard to make sure he stays eligible (academically) during the basketball season and as a side note, Jay has never been ineligible.  I don't write that to brag but rather just validating my point that sports often times motivates kids to keep their grades up.  Finally, I am a mother of two boys with ADHD.  Sports have given both my boys something to focus on and keep them out of trouble.  I've tried to balance our busy schedules with down time because every kid needs down time.  Next week basketball will be in full swing for Jay and Nick.  I'm excited to see how their seasons play out!

Foothills Fall Festival

 I went to TN this weekend with Jenny & Sarah.  We had a ball.  It was relaxing and I laughed so much my ribs hurt today.  I love, love, love these girls.  I've been friends with Jenny for 20 years and Sarah has been friends with Jenny for 21 years.  Together the three of us are three peas in a pod.  I adore Jenny and Sarah.  It was such a nice weekend.  It was filled with front porch swinging, sleeping in, staying up late and see lots and lots of concerts.  Friday night kicked off with Pat Benatar.  She's 61 and that woman can still rock.  On Saturday we saw the Swon Brothers (adorable) and on Saturday we also saw Chris Young.  On Sunday night we rocked with Tim McGraw - a vantastic show. 

                                     Jenny's friend, Jessica, from South Caroline came to meet us. 

 

 

See what I mean about front porch swinging.  There is nothing like it.  I have my hair in a towel, Sarah's hair is air drying and Jenny is enjoying a beer.  Gotta love it.

                                        
Sarah and I at the Swon Brothers concert.  She is a big fan.  I knew nothing about them until I saw them perform and they were adorable.  I loved them. 

                                                 Bottoms up is all I can say about this picture.

                                   Friday night at the Festival.  The weather was beautiful!!

                                                              Two of my favorite girls!

I could not have a girls weekend without the cooperation of my boys, especially my husband.  I can leave for the weekend and know my husband has everything under control.  I never worry.  Mike even took 2 days off work just so he could manage things better and so he didn't have to do so much driving back and forth.  The boys and Mike really enjoyed their time together.  The picture above is of the boys on Saturday night after Mike took them to a weenie roast.  Apparently it was a late night as little brother fell asleep on big brothers lap. 

Small Group

Since it's Wednesday I thought it was appropriate to post a pic of Jay's small group.  This is what Jay does every Wednesday night; gets together with this group of boys.  It's been such a positive experience for him.  He really likes the boys and went on his mission trip with several of them this summer.  I have to admit it's hard to get Jay to small group on Wednesday night but it's been worth it!

Friends

I titled this blog friends but these four are more like siblings.  And they are growing up way too fast. 

Nick's big win

I've posted so much about Jay and XC lately but I can't forget about Nick.  His football team hasn't done so great this season until yesterday.  The boys & Hannah (the only girl on their team and she rocks!) won their game 14-0 and guess who scored the first touchdown?  NICK!!!  My mom, Mike and I got such a kick out of watching him.  Nick has a bit of a cockiness factor that got amped up just a wee bit yesterday.  He had a little extra pep in his step.  The boy loves football!  Boy have things turned around for Nick this year.  The last 18 months have been such a testament to trusting the Lord.  The waters have calmed for Nick this year and I'm so thankful.  The waters have been pretty choppy for him and it's made me realize I'm not in control.  I'm relishing every funny thing Nick says, every hug he gives me and all his little quirks - Nick and his Nickness....ya gotta love him.   

XC Sectionals

The cross country team just got new uniforms and Jay is sporting his.  Aren't they nice?  They are a HUGE improvement from what we use to have.  Many of our uniforms didn't match and like my friend Laura said, when we went to meets our Oly kids looked like the Bad News Bears!  Anyway, Jay is headed to sectionals today to cheer his team on.  He is not running.  He's going as a 3rd alternate which means 3 other kids would have to be sick or injured which is highly unlikely.  He woke up this morning and I asked him if it felt good to just be going to cheer and not run and he said Yes!  I believe this meet will wrap things up for Jay.  He'll have a "down" week and then he'll try out for basketball - Yes, try out.  I'm trying not to be nervous because I have absolutely not control over it but what can I say I'm still a nervous momma. 

XC Cook Out

I have not blogged as often as I would like lately because we're barely home.  On Saturday Nick had an out of town football game, they lost, bo hoo.  Jay ran out of town on Saturday morning.  Mike and I tagged teamed each other and we all met at home late in the afternoon on Saturday night and went to a cook out for XC.  It was a lot of fun and good way to wrap up the season.  If you look closely at the picture, Jay is fourth kid up on the left - kind of hidden (big surprise).  His coach is about 3 people up on the left then slightly right.  She has a crazy hat on.  This week Jay is headed to sectionals as an alternate.  He's a wee bit frustrated because an alternate is just that, an alternate.  He is there in case another sectional runner gets sick or injured.  But as I told him, he's ran with this group of kids since Aug. 9, it is good to go and cheer them on!