First Day of School

Ok, I know I'm a little behind in the blogging but I'm home sick with Peyton today and it seems a good time to catch up. So here we go. The boys on the first day of school. Peyton is so excited about being in Ms. Dawn's class this year. She goes to our church and Madison and Maci both had Ms. Dawn so Peyton naturally assumed he would be in her class as well. We're so glad he wasn't disappointed. He is also already excited about starting kindergarten next year; he asked on the way to school "How many days until I go to kindergarten like Maci, Mommy?" About 365 honey. . .

Brady, my little scholar.Jon and I both started school this year as well of course and are looking forward to another year of teaching!

Clogging Anyone?

So, my husband and I are watching America's Got Talent last night (I hate summer TV because I'm reduced to these lows). The judges are informing each dance group whether they are moving on to the semi-finals or not. And they show a clip of a clogging group. Now, let me preface with, this is not the big fluffy skirt kind of clogging you remember from your youth; these were young girls clogging to modern, upbeat music.
So, my husband turns to me and asks, "Do you clog?" The man has known me for eight years now don't you think he'd know if I knew how to clog?
I respond, "Uh, no honey, I don't know how to clog."
He says "Well, you should learn how."
"I should?" I ask quizzically (sp?).
"Yea, it's kind of hot" he grins.
So, my question-Clogging lessons, anyone?

(P.S. Please scroll down and read my other post from today because it is so much more worthy of an investment of your time.)

Yes, the Bible has Superheroes but we've got a few of our own running around these days too.

In the last several years (and of course, when I was little) I have really enjoyed reading my bible more consistently and learning verses and stories I never knew existed. There are countless stories of inspiration and examples of people following God wholeheartedly. But (and maybe I'm out in left field on this one) sometimes the people in the Bible seem like, well, Bible Superheroes. They seem to have superpowers that us normal, everyday people could never posess. I mean, I don't know about the rest of you but if I was swallowed by a big fish, or had to walk through a huge body of water, or oh, I don't know, spending an evening in a den of lions. . .I'm just not so sure I would handle those situations as well as Noah, Moses, and Daniel did. And they are wonderful example of the fact that, with God, we can have "superpowers." He can do anything, bring us through anything-even a den of lions but I'm not so sure if that had been me instead of Daniel we would have needed to worry about the lions because I'm pretty sure the heart attack I would have had when I was first dropped into the den would have got me first. Anyway, I promise I am going somewhere with all of this. For me, I love hearing how the Bible Superheroes did it but I also love hearing of people walking here on this Earth with us right now who are Superheroes in their own right. So let me tell you about one of those superheroes-Jordan.

Jordan is my "little" cousin who is about to leave for college in a week or two. This past Sunday he had a farewall concert at his church. He has been involved with piano and voice lessons since he was little, started playing with a youth praise band in middle school, began with his church's praise band in early high school and also plays events with a local band (mostly oldies-60s, 70s, 80s). Believe me when I say the life he has lived thus far is already a testament to God, but I have a feeling this is just the beginning. He already has a wonderful testimony about following God's will which is the story I'm going to share.

Like a lot of other seniors in high school Jordan began researching his choices for college early. He had pretty much narrowed it down to three: UF, Samford in Alabama, and Stetson. He quickly ruled out UF and decided to go to a place where he could focus on his passion: music, and would also be able receive a more christian-centered education. Anyway, in the midst of this, Jordan and some other musicians travelled to The Cove (Billy Graham's retreat) where he had a conversation with Charles Billingsley (a Christian musician). He told Jordan he might want to check out Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. So Jordan checked but he wasn't instantly wowed. Stetson and Samford were still his top picks. He eventually would have an audition at all three schools. He felt a draw to Liberty University but he wasn't sure why because he really didn't want to go there. So he made a deal with God (now, none of the rest of us have ever done that, uh?) "God, if I make one of Liberty's ministry teams I'll go to Liberty." Well, Jordan wasn't picked for any of the ministry teams at Liberty. So easy decision right? Back to his first two choices. Well, Jordan just couldn't let go of the thought of attending Liberty (dang that Holy Spirit) even though, not only did Samford and Stetson want Jordan to be in some of their music ministries but both schools were offering him money to attend their schools. But, ultimately, through prayer and discernment far beyond his years Jordan realized God wanted him at Liberty, where he wouldn't be singing on a ministry team, no one would be giving him money to go to school there, and he would be much farther away from home. And, if the story stopped here it would still be a great example of a young kid following God's will for his life but the good news is Jordan has already seen the benefits of doing just that. About three weeks ago Jordan received a call from the director of the ministry teams at Liberty. He told Jordan that one of the ministry team members had just decided not to return this fall and the spot was Jordan's if he wanted it. Well, yes, he wanted it and . . .his $16,000 tutition is paid for! I'm sure Jordan wasn't always sure the Liberty thing would work out (just as I'm sure Daniel wasn't always sure the lion thing would work out either) but he had faith that God was leading him exactly where he wanted him to be and he followed. See I told you-Modern Day Superhero!

The Boys Are Back in Town!

Well, everyone that reads will be glad to know that my boys and my husband are back in town; so, my whining about how much I miss them will cease and desist. Now, I can't make any promises about any other things I may whine about. . . Here they are working on their "musical" act. (Hey Tristan, I pretty sure they could use another guitarist)

Rylee and the boys spent some time Thursday and Friday getting reacquainted. Friday night the boys enjoyed spending the night with Grandma and Grandad. And on Saturday we went swimming with our cousins from Atlanta-Blayne, Hannah, Natalie, & Ethan.

And just in case anyone was wondering. . .Brady hasn't changed much since returning from Indiana.

The Adventures of Rylee Jane

Rylee and I have been busy this past week. . .not really, but we have found some fun ways to amuse ourselves while we miss Daddy and the boys. Needless to say things are a little quieter around here.

First, last Sunday we attended the 3rd Annual Heartland Triathlon and cheered Heidi, David, Daryl, and Erica on while they swam, biked and ran.

Then Rylee started her own blog.

She says it's a work in progress and not ready for public consumption. Although she did do some research on some other blogs and learned some line dancing on the Livin-Lovin blog.

By the end of the week we were reduced to peek-a-boo and silly hairstyles in the bath tub. We miss Daddy and the boys. . .we're going a little silly around here!

Teacher of the Year Festivities

Last week Jon and I headed to Orlando for 4 days of events surrounding the Teacher of the Year celebration for the whole state of Florida. Tuesday we dropped Rylee off at Grandma Frances's house and headed to Orlando to get checked in to our hotel, the Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando. I attended the "Welcome Fair" with Jon and then hung out in the hotel room while he went to a Podcasting workshop. I was planning on some time at the pool but alas the Florida weather preferred I nap instead.

I took my nap and then headed down to the Starbucks in the lobby. . .yes, I said Starbucks in the lobby. It was a little piece of heaven right here on Earth. Did a little research on where we could walk to dinner and when Jon returned we headed to Hamburger Mary's (apparently, I didn't do enough research on dinner because Hamburger Mary's was not quite the dinner experience we were expecting-Ask Jon about it, he'll love telling that story.) We then headed back to the hotel for "Family Movie Night," we watched Nim's Island, which was really cute.

On Wednesday, I was invited to breakfast and then headed off to shop while Jon continued with his workshops and speakers. His favorite speaker on Wednesday was Coach Carter, the coach from the basketball movie. I met him at the reception later that night which was also really nice.

Thursday was more meetings for Jon, another run to Target for me, sometime by the pool and then getting all gussied up for the big event at Hard Rock Live coming up that night. It had been a long time since I really had to dress up for something and I admit it was fun, especially since I found a dress for $10.80. It was the find of the year! When we arrived we were greeted by a mini-Marching Band which followed us from the bus to Hard Rock Live.We had a really nice dinner and Jon was given his award onstage while Debra Norville talked about what a wonderful teacher he is. I have to say it was pretty cool.

Our Little Sparkler is One!

On Sunday Rylee Jane turned 1. It is crazy how quick time flies. A year ago my little princess entered this world a tiny, helpless baby whose family immediately fell in love with her. Now-she shakes her head no when she doesn't want something and loves to dance when music starts to play. What a difference a year makes.

We celebrated Rylee's birthday in Indiana with cake and ice cream and lots of our Indiana family and friends. We swam and played and had a great time. Rylee also had a first on her first birthday. Every time, so far, I have put her in a pool, even a kiddie pool, she has screamed-not just cried, mind you, but screamed blood-curdling, you're killing me kind of screams. Well, apparently, turning one makes you a big girl who loves the pool. Here she is floating on her back.She floated like this for a good five minutes, loving every minute of it. Peyton, on the other hand, had a full-blown anxiety attack at the thought of his father making him jump to him in the pool without a life jacket on.

We had a great day celebrating our Rylee Jane.