Monday, September 6, 2010

Visiting Papa & Nana


Papa and Nana have had a great influence over my life. They have always been there for me and have shared God's love with everyone that they have encountered. They are wise beyond the most educated and abide by high moral standards. They are rich yet they have little wealth. They have hope in the Lord but fear for the direction our world is taking. They love all people, but clearly know right from wrong. When I grow up, I want to be like them. I love them and blessed to be their #1 granddaughter.

Aunt Lorene's 79th Birthday!



Sunday, September 5, 2010

First Football Game - Cheer

The girls stand on their stools watching the game when not cheering
Sam's toe touch
Sam is the second flyer from the left (just above player #84)

Sam cheered at her first game last Thursday. She did a great job! She had a smile on her face for the entire game.

First Time Taking the Bus!


Faith, Lorelei and Noah are going to be riding the bus to and from school. This pictures were taken the first morning that they rode the bus. It was cold and foggy! The girls were so excited! Noah sat near them and watched over them. He also walked them to their classroom. He made it easy for me to let them ride the bus. He is a great big brother and cousin! Apparently, one of the little boys got pushed on the bus (probably accidentally, but we are not sure), so Noah is looking out for him too.

First Day of School



This school year is full of firsts and signifies great change for our family. It is exciting and a bit scary! Samantha goes to high school, Noah to middle school and Faith to Kindergarten. We have opted to leave the neighborhood schools, which was hard yet the right decision for our family. After much prayer, God opened a new doors and we are excited to move forward.

Faith is a big kindergartner now. She walked into her classroom with confidence and is excited about the upcoming year. Needlessly, I was a little worried that she might cling or withdrawal. She is so ready for this and I couldn't be happier with her personal growth. Faith has wowed me with her intelligence and independence. She is probably reading beyond second grade and is displaying some higher thinking skills that I would not expect from a kindergartner. It should be a great year, as she likes her teacher and has her best friend/cousin in her class.

Noah is in middle school! He seems really happy with his school and feels like he is where he belongs. We are sending him to a K-8 school (along with Faith) rather than the large comprehensive middle school that Samantha attended. It was difficult to take him away from all of his friends and a school that we really loved, but after much prayer God opened the door to a new beginning. In God's wisdom he not only opened this door to Noah, but he also opened the door for two of his best friends.

Noah is already playing flag football (coached by the principal), enjoying art as his elective and making lots of new friends. He also has a chance to make his own impressions and not loom in his sister's shadow (of perfection). Please pray, that he continues to put his best foot forward. He is smart, funny and can accomplish anything if he puts his (stubborn) mind to it. In addition to the school and social changes, Noah has grown several inches and is changing before our eyes. He stands at 5'3 and is now wearing contacts. His voice is cracking and I am watching my little boy turn into man. Hope his level of maturity matches his looks soon, lol.

Samantha is so excited about being in high school. She is beautiful and smart! She is taking honor classes while being actively involved in school. She joined student government and is a cheerleader. Her five best friends are going to her high school (through school choice), but most of her former classmates are going to other schools. She is making lots of new friends and has even got asked out to homecoming. I am hoping that Sam is so busy with school, cheer, soccer. friends and church that boys will stay out of the picture for a long time. Is this wishful thinking?? I can hope, right??