Ayden Scarlett

It's really hard for me to put into words how much you mean to me.  You are truly the most precious human being.  From the moment I knew you were a girl and I started praying for Ayden Scarlett to be wonderful, lovely, kind, generous and caring.  God not only answered those prayers but he did what he does best.  He made you better.  He made you more amazing than I could've ever imagined.  

 I depend on you so much.  You've always be my right hand girl and I don't think I could make it through this life as a wife, mother and teacher without you.  You make my life easier.  You don't realize how helpful you are now but one day when you grow up I will tell you these things again.  One day you'll realize, one day you'll understand.

 You were born to be a caregiver.  You may not see it now but one day I'll tell you again how this is your gift.  We all have gifts and yours my sweet daughter is that of a caregiver.  You take care of everyone and everything around you.  You laugh, you defend, you sympathize and you cry with those around you.  You make everyone feel comfortable and loved.  After being with you, you make people feel better about themselves instead of worse.  This in itself is a gift and one that I hope and pray you will never stop doing.

 If I could choose any child in the world to parent, I'd pick you every single time.  Every single day, every single moment.  You are truly the most amazing girl.  It is a privilege to get to watch you grow up; to get to see you every single day and to get to not only be your mom now but to be your best friend when your grown.  Daddy and I love you so very much and will always be by your side.  We will always be your fan club.  We will always be there to watch you fall, sometimes we will catch you  and sometimes we won't but we will always be there to help you up again.

The morning of your 9th birthday, Daddy ask me if I realized you were half gone.  I ask what he meant and he said that you've spent half of your time at home with us already.  That was a horrible thing to tell a mother who was already having trouble with the fact that this was her baby's last year in single digits.  

Daddy was right though.  These last 9 years have flown by and I know the next 9 will go even faster.  While we wait, Daddy and I will continue to pray, raise, discipline, explain, parent and shape you into the woman who God wants you to be.  He wants you to be a faithful servant of his and that I know for sure.  We don't know the future and we don't know what you will become.  We DO know who can give you peace, joy and love on the way and we will continue to guide you toward the Lord. 

We love you beyond words Ayden.  Daddy and I can't believe that you are 9 years old.  We are so proud of you and can't wait to watch you grow up.  We are just thankful we get to be there with you while you do.

Summer FUN #3

 

 We've had more FUN this summer than I can count.  When we aren't camping, we are spending time with family.  We know school is right around the corner and we are soaking in every single moment.

 I know that I don't but I feel like I've got the best kids in the world.  I know every parent feels that way about their kids and they SHOULD!  These four have their moments...trust me...but I couldn't be more blessed to be their mother.  They make my heart so full!

 We went with Poppa and Honey to Dinosaur Valley State Park for the 4th of July.  We went to a Ranger game on the 4th and I got teary eyed more than once about how patriotic and beautiful it was.  It's so nice to see so many people stand, honor and respect our country and our flag.  It was so refreshing to see!  Our trip got cut short because Honey had some troubles with her heart being out of rhythm.  She has since had an ablation and all is well.  Praise GOD!  We were all worried about her.  The morning before we left we went to see some of the dinosaur tracks.  We didn't see it all and already have plans to go back with Poppa and Honey at some point to try this trip again!

 About two weeks ago we all went to White River Youth Camp for the week.  

We were all super excited.

 I can't believe my oldest baby was a camper this year! 

 I have to say my heart sunk a little when I walked away.  I'm being a little dramatic because Tye and I were teachers so we literally walked to the other end of camp BUT STILL...she is my baby and she's big.

 The first morning of camp Tye did the lake side devotion.  I was proud of him because he doesn't really like to teach and he especially doesn't like to be in front of people.  Believe it or not, he's shy!  Anyway, to see Ayden's face light up and the boys when they saw it was THEIR daddy teaching was enough to make it all worth it.

 Halfway through the week and with a smiling face!

 Sunset kids in Ayden's class

 Camp will wear a girl out!

These two have been friends forever and I hope it always stays that way.

Ayden had a wonderful week.  She wasn't sure about going to bed late without telling us goodnight but had an epiphany that her parents "are right across camp" and she shouldn't be sad!  I'm thankful for that epiphany she had (after I had told her that exact sentence about a million times) because she was able to enjoy her week.  She was able to see Jesus in a new environment with new people and I couldn't be more thankful for this experience.  Tye and I taught 6th grade and that was fun and new and an adventure!  We all loved camp and can't wait to go back next year.  I could've stayed longer!!

Summer FUN #2

Summer has marched on without a beat.  We've been busy but have had relaxing days at home too.  I always wish the days were longer.  I love the ages of my kids right now.  They are loud and crazy and it's chaotic but when it's not, it's not home.

We all went to White River Day Camp.  Tye had to stay home to run a sandfighter and who knows what all else with this crazy weather and Sydney had "cousin camp" with Spencer at B and Shell's.  The Blevins boys stayed in our camper and I couldn't be more thankful for such SWEET boys and friends for my kids.  We are so thankful to raise our kids along side Link and Monica.

I taught the 3rd grade class and had so much fun, especially with Kam and Amy there to help. 

Myles Lewis just being Myles Lewis!

My sweetest girl in the world and NO I don't mean Lucy.  That cat drives me bonkers!

Sunday picture before church.  We don't always take pictures.  Sometimes it's my idea and sometimes it's their idea.  This morning it was their idea!

I caught this little sweetie reading in his bed with his robe on.  Sometimes Ryan can be the cutest, youngest little old man.  He's just continued to grow and mature and I'm so thankful to be his Momma.

We went to Gail's Crossing with B and Shell, Kenzie and Spencer.  It was fun and I loved getting to watch my kids play and climb and get SUPER dirty.  We cooked hot dogs, correction B and Tye cooked hot dogs, on a fire and they were the best hot dogs ever.  

Future White River campers and the best of friends!

Mallory, Sydney and Asher

Childhood is about watching TV in Amazon boxes for no reason.

Sydney had a eye doctor appointment last week and everything is looking great with her precious little eyes.  Dr. Riley said that her Esotropia has corrected it self remarkably well.  She still needs her glasses for now.  That's okay though, she likes them!

Indians...not sure what tribe.

 hahaha

The kids and I made our first batch of real homemade ice cream.  We talked about why and how the salt makes the ice cream freeze.  The kids loved making it and we all loved eating it!

We had a game night with Poppa and Honey.  

Ryan and Poppa in a serious game of Chess.  Poppa might have taught Ryan to play a little too well.

Also, this picture cracks me up.  These two are the SAME person.  It's so crazy!

I absolutely love that she still likes to dress up her baby.  Matching pajamas for the win!

Honey is seriously such a trooper!  Twister had us all twisted up!

She loves her strawberry swimsuit and of course socks with shoes.

This Sunday was my idea!

I'm glad I got to sneak some pictures while they were at camp.

Ryan built a combine out of Legos.  He did an amazing job.  This took him about 30 minutes which BLOWS my mind!

We celebrated Father's day.  If Tye looks tired in the picture it's because he was tired.  He's been on a tractor for nearly two solid months.  It's been a crazy season filled with crazy weather.  We are all still alive and happy though.  What more could we ask for?!

We've still got lots of summer adventures planned!  I can't wait to enjoy every single day with this precious family of mine.

We did it!

We did it!  We finished our first year of homeschool.  We actually finished about three weeks ago but we have already been having summer FUN and I didn't get a chance to post.

This year was our year to work out the kinks.  We figured out what worked and what didn't.  We tried different ways to just about everything and I think we've finally got it all worked out.  

We all loved it so much and are excited for next year!

There is something fullfilling about seeing at the first of the year the LOADS of work and getting every single thing DONE.  Ayden had a lot of work this year.  Third grade has been the most challenging so far.  There is more work and it all gets just a little bit harder.  Ayden did amazing.  She made A's every single 6 weeks and her reading is out of this world good!  She amazes me and I couldn't be more proud of how hard she worked this year.  

On to 4th grade my sweet girl!  I can't wait!

 

 Ryan flew through 1st grade with flying colors!  He's a lot like me in the fact that if we've got something to get done, we get it DONE!  He also made A's every 6 weeks and would often tell me to give him something harder in Math.  Math is his favorite thing and nearly every single day he would tell me "Momma, I just love numbers!"  I'm so, SO proud of him and can't wait to see how he does in 2nd grade!  

Just a lot of STUFF!

The month of April was ridiculously busy for us!  We had karate, softball, baseball and LTC to name a few.  It's busy but I love every minute watching my kids grow, learn and push themselves out of their comfort zones.  Myles is now a yellow belt!

 Ayden is now an orange belt.

(Ryan didn't get to take this belt test because of his broken foot)

 An update on this awesome boy...

he finally got his cast off!

 He had to wear a walking boot for another 4 weeks.  He had a cast or walking boot for 10 weeks.  His foot is finally healed and he's almost back to normal.  He still runs with a limp sometimes but I know he'll be back to normal in no time!

 Sydney wearing her "summer dress" as she calls it.  As soon as it's clean and hanging back up in her closet she wears it again!

 Ayden participated in Bible Bowl and LTC this year.  She has worked so very hard since January and it's finally the end.  She participated in drama, chorus, teaching and Bible Bowl.  We are so proud of how hard she worked and how she encouraged her team mates.  She beat her own personal score in Bible Bowl every single competition and that is what makes me the most PROUD!  She is STILL writing God's word in her heart and I pray she never stops.

 Sunday morning matchin'

 Baseball field flowers in a half drank water bottle are what little boys are made of!

 Icecream anyone?

 Baseball brothers!

(Ayden is playing softball too)

They are all doing great and having LOTS of fun!

 Ayden's chorus group participating at LTC.

 Grandaddy and Syd freezin' at B and Shell's house.

 Ryan playing his guitar and teaching Myles to play his ukulele.

(Ayden is taking piano lessons and she LOVES it.  Her and Ryan are both doing well.)

We may end up with a band of our own someday!

 A couple Sunday's ago, Sydney learned about King David in Bible class and wore her crown for two days.  Thanks Mrs. Sherry for teaching my girl!

 Puzzle fun

 My sweet, BIG girl!

Like I said, we've been busy!  On the days we don't have baseball, softball, karate, music lesson or church we've tried our best to make the most of our days at home.  The kids have been playing outside, jumping in muddy puddles, exploring, frog catching, tree climbing, sand box playing and begging to sleep in the playhouse!  We've got a couple more weeks left of school and I can't wait to be DONE!  Summer, here we come!!!!