Back to School

The kids started school today in Shreveport, LA.  Although it was not our plan we are thankful for God's provision of a house and schools for the kids to attend.  We are trusting Him to continue to provide our every need.

Surprise visit

We got a phone call recently that made it look like we may be able to leave in a couple weeks.  While we were all excited, Lillian's expression quickly changed to tears realizing she would not see her best friend again.  I got on the phone and us moms came up with a plan.  We surprised Lillian with a visit from her bestie.  Lillian cried again but this time happy tears!

Braces are gone!!!

 Lillian was supposed to have her braces for 18 months. COVID slowed us down a bit but she was able to get them off before we left Ocala.

Horseback Riding

Lillian has been wanting to take horseback riding lessons since we moved to Ocala 5 years ago.  She had multiple friends at BMS that rode horses and suggested she join them for camp last summer.  She loved every second and continued to ride every Monday after.  If you are looking for a great place to ride check out Grey Dawn Stables in Ocala.  Today she had her last lesson so went to watch and, of course, take pics.

Belleview Middle School Basketball

Lillian played 2 seasons of basketball at the YMCA and enjoyed it.  We encouraged her to try out for her school team and she made it!!  It was not easy, the girls practiced every morning before school at 7am.  It was  fun to watch them grow so much as a team.  Lillian grew in her skill ability and her courage on the court.  They ended the season as District Champs!! GO PANTHERS!!!

Summit 2021

Lillian was grateful she had one last chance to do an overnight with the students at church.  They took the long weekend and went away for a time to renew and challenge their walk with the Lord.  

Lil and Ms Katie

Lil and her bestie, Lily

This just happened to be the last weekend we were able to spend with Montanna, as well.  She joined Lillian at Summit and we were able to have dinner with her before she went home.  I was so thankful to have this time with her before we moved.

Basketball

The kids played basketball at the YMCA in November and December.  It was so fun to watch each one learn more and improve their skills over the two months.  

BMS 7th grade Spelling Bee Champion!!

Lillian qualified to enter the school spelling bee again this year.  She said she's never been so nervous in all her life.  I was not able to watch this year but my teacher friends did not let me down.  Isaac and I felt like we knew exactly was happening from his hospital room.  One of her words was salvation!  They tell me she got a HUGE smile on her face and then asked for them to use the word in a sentence, that's her practice time and then she spelled it.  Her final word was disservice.  We are so proud of this young lady!!  

Lillian turns 13!!

As Lillian enters her teen years we wanted to bless her with encouragement and wisdom from women close to her. Thanks to technology, even though her aunts and grandmothers were far, they were able to join us on Zoom. It was such a sweet time with her. 

She also wanted some time with friends so ate cake and drove go carts.

Happy birthday!

Lillian turns EIGHT!

Our baby girl is growing up.  She requested a tea party this year.  I was a little nervous to throw a tea party but we pulled it off with the help of some friends.  She wanted a pin the tail on the donkey type game so Bruce created a tea cup version and we decided to do makeup before the girls had their party.  Lillian and I went to the pazar (street market) the morning before the tea and hit the jackpot on makeup.  Bruce took Lillian to get her hair done before the party.  It was so fun to watch the girls discover make up.  Hind sight told me I should have given a little makeup 'how to' but they figured it out eventually.  I think they all did their own makeup about ten times.

The Model Student

Lillian was named Model Student this week.  We are so proud of her!

Kiddos on the slide

I took the kids to the park the other night and they came up with this game.  All but one line up at the end of the slide.  The other kid slides down and bump the one on the end falls off :)

and everyone at the park joined in...

one slid down and another fell off...

School Starts 2015-2016

School started late this year.  The boys were supposed to start on Sept 7 and Lillian on Sept 14 but it was pushed until after the Sacrifice Holiday and they didn't start until September 28.  It was so late and everyone was really ready to go back.
Lillian jumped in quickly and adjusted well.  She has the same teacher and classmates as last year.  Most local schools keep the same teacher for first through fourth grade.
Eli and Isaac are still adjusting.  Isaac is going to a preschool 5 mornings a week.  After one month he is finally getting on the bus without tears.  Elisha started Kindergarten and is also settling in now that we have switched him from a 7 hour school day to five.
Going to school in a second language is exhausting and we see that from all three children but they are doing well.

Ready to go on the first day

Isaac in his class before everyone arrived.  There are 23 four year olds!!!

Excited!

Eli with his teacher at breakfast

Lillian with her class at the opening ceremony

Isaac getting off the bus

Pumpkin Day

The kids haven't really had the chance to dress up and get candy most of the years of their life but this year they were able to attend TWO events and they had so much fun.  They love to dress up and they love candy.  Win Win

Just playin'

You know those times when all of your kids are playing so nicely together and you just want to take that moment and freeze it in time.  I did...

Lil's Kindergarten End of Year Program

Reunited at last...

We were blessed to be able to visit with Melissa while she was in VA.  Melissa and her husband, Rick, served with us in Port Sulphur, LA.  Melissa is one of Lillian's favorite people!  Yay for good friends.



Daddy Daughter Time

Lil was very proud of her snout she made at school!

Eli has been having a hard time napping at childcare so he's not very happy in the afternoons when I pick him up.  Yesterday I put him in the stroller and we walked and visited people to keep him happy.  This gave Bruce and Lillian the chance to have some one on one time.  They went down to the pond and hopped around on the rocks and just enjoyed nature, something that makes them both very happy! :)  They didn't take the camera with them but they got these pics before they left.

Snip Snip

Bruce and I have been throwing around the idea that Lillian needs a haircut.  Lucky us we have a quad-mate that is a hairstylist! J  She came over this evening and gave Lillian her first CUT.  Lil has had trims before but this was the first time we really took some length off.  We all love it!  Thank you quad-mate!

I'm not sure what this look was for...