Grandma Rocks

The difference between mom and grandma is obvious when the girls go shopping. Mom thinks, "practical basics" and Grandma thinks, "let's have fun". It works out well for the girls! Kate found this less than practical outfit while out shopping with Grandma and LOVES it. Today, she finally found the perfect  occasion to wear it. She's going to a friend's house for a play date. When she emerged ready to go, she declared I should be taking her picture. I complied. As did Ty.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Grandma!

Don't freak out

I realize I need to set a personal goal for this up coming school year. I've titled it, "respond not react", or more commonly, "don't freak out". I have to admit, I was just short of freaking out today when I signed my employment contract and discovered I would be reporting to work full time on Monday. That's a week before the kids start. Erin starts school the same day I do, leaving no one at home with the resilience to care for Kate and Ty, much less Colby full time while I am trying to learn a new parenting technique, attend training courses and get acclimated to working full time outside our home. I texted friends I thought could help before finally sending Greg a panicked message begging him to take vacation time so our kids aren't shuffled around for a week before they start school. Little man is already processing the upcoming changes in his life a bit more than we'd expected so the jostling would not be healthy for him either. God is in the details. I am certain I am supposed to be in this role. I expect growth through challenges and also believe it will be good for us in the long run. I'm praying I can learn to slow down, respond in a reflective manor and assert myself when needed. It's going to be okay.

It's going to be okay......my last day caring for this sweet boy will be Friday. I can't honestly accept that truth just yet. It would be one thing if I would still be seeing him at church on the weekends or having cookouts like we did yesterday but he is moving away in August and taking his awesome parents with him. It breaks my heart. I'm rather smitten. It's probably a good thing I am going to be so busy for awhile.

Puppy update

Earlier this week, we went to visit Woody, now called Gunner. He is a 65 pound beautiful boy who is expected to top 85 pounds before he's grown. His owners invited us out to see him once we recovered from the shock of learning our little Mia had passed away. She had a weak immune system and was sick several times. After daily immune boosting shots, antibiotics in repeated doses and a week long hospital stay, she passed away breaking the hearts of her forever family and ours.

In it to win it

Erin's senior class beat the juniors in tonight's Turkeybowl football game 38-0. She had a blast. There were no injuries (Thank you Lord) and the only tears belonged to Ty who wanted to play football too! It was a beautiful night for football and Erin says she wishes she could play again. A group of big guys were sporting her #77 and Baughman on their shirts and faces. It was pretty cute to see guys cheering for girls at a football game.

 

 

 

 

 

At the end of the game, the coach told the girls he enjoyed working with them and welcomed them all back to support his efforts with next year's team as they had great attitudes, excellent sportsmanship and are an incredible group of girls on and off the field.

Makenna Grace

Happy 12th birthday Makenna! You are spirited, passionate, creative, dramatic, intelligent, beautiful, silly, loving, playful, honest and nurturing. It is a blast watching you blossom. We love you!

New Beginnings

Greg's parents spent the afternoon with us yesterday. Have I mentioned how much I love grandma's back to school budget blessings? Shopping, playtime and an interview were covered in a few short hours. We wrapped up our visit with my favorite dinner. It was my favorite because I didn't purchase it, prepare it or clean it up. It was a pleasant day. Thank you Baughmans!

While they were here, I slipped away to interview for a position with the kids' school and was offered the job today. I will be providing care for the teacher's infants and toddlers. Our sweet Colby is moving away in a few weeks so this opportunity was provided at the perfect time. God typically works it out like that doesn't he? Ty will be enrolled in the preschool program and is looking forward to "being big". He is excited but in all honesty, that is the one element pulling at my heart strings. I suspect he will be growing up a little more quickly now. We have a lot of changes headed our way given this is the first time I have been employed full time since 1997. I'm pulling out the crock pot recipes and planning streamlined lunches. A new chapter in our lives is beginning.

A day out with Grandpa

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While Grandma had the girls out shopping for back-to-school (and blessing our budget), Grandpa checked out an old pharmacy and train in Corydon with the little ones. Kate giggled quite a bit at the name of the pharmacy. As much merchandise touting the name was available, I suspect Kate isn't the only one amused. (It's noted in her horse ride photo.)

Pretty cool

Tuesday night's glow in the dark sidewalk chalk.......

 

 

Thursday night's incredible clouds as they rolled over our house. It felt as though we could reach up and touch them. It was very cool.

 

July 17

Our family has a few dates throughout the year that are significant to us for one reason or another. July 17 has been a date that has historically shown us God carries us through life's challenges. It is a happy date for Greg's parents who celebrate their wedding anniversary today; forty eight years if my math and memory are accurate. Twelve years ago today Greg fell 25 feet off a billboard he'd just posted. He shattered both arms, both legs and his lower back. We celebrate him as our personal Superman on this date. He was teased about being my hero but forgetting his cape just  that one time within hours of his fall. That started a real journey for us to draw closer to the Lord and learn first hand He is our provider and our peace in difficult times. God is good all the time but we learned it was in the big moments we relied upon Him most. I wish I could say we are good about that in the daily struggles but we are as stubborn as our own children and try to carry burdens alone. As I said, we started a journey. On this date a few years later, we had a miscarriage. It struck us that whereas we typically celebrate Greg's miracle, our little miracle that day was in the hands of the Lord. It is a date full of mixed blessings and feelings.
Today, we took steps to finally end a trial for our beautiful daughter. She has spent ten months trying to shake a boyfriend she dated for four months. It has been a long journey full of challenges for her personally and also for us as her parents. We've been on quite the emotional roller coaster with her. We've been patient, kind and firm but this young man needs the Lord and professional help. He refuses both. We ended up in a courtroom, seeking a protective order to end the ongoing harassment. It wasn't a place we ever thought we'd have to go. The judge was fair and exactly what we needed today. We pray this young man moves forward in his life healthier as a result.


"So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Is. 41:10

Erin's Senior Photos

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know?

• There is a small, green dinosaur living under the bridge in our neighborhood? He has no teeth but likes Goldfish crackers.
• Grandma Carol called to wish Ty a happy birthday and he immediately replied, "can I talk to Grandpa". She felt loved. 
• When you tell a three year old they can come to your house anytime they want to, they will immediately be ready to go. (Same Grandma.....she created some drama in our house on Friday)
• If going to Grandma's doesn't work out, when the other grandma calls, you can always invite her to come to your house. The deal can easily be sweetened by offering birthday cupcakes and the pool. It was an offer Grandma and Grandpa couldn't refuse. They're coming on Friday.
• The latest favored greeting in our house has a slightly British accent as he says, "hello dear". 

Birthday Boy

 

This beautiful boy turns 3 today. He loves dressing up, snuggling with his Daddy, peanut butter sandwiches, pretzels, yogurt, cookies, Veggie Tales, playing ball, picking up dog poop, discussing dog poop, calling his sister Mr. Poopy Butthead, comparing poop, flushing poop (not necessarily his own), watching for trains on the local track, taking walks down to the creek, wrestling and jumping on the trampoline. Did I mention his fascination with poop? He is an exhausting joy. Happy birthday to you little man. We love you!

The Glitter Photo Shoot

Because I have clearly lost my mind and they are only little girls once, I broke out the pink glitter and went a little crazy today. I will be cleaning up glitter for years. It was worth it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Can't I just bubble wrap him?

Ty had so many bumps and falls today that Greg and I were deciding at dinner if perhaps he's in another growth spurt. Just a few hours later, he really wiped out and I was certain we were headed to the emergency room. We are so glad he didn't split his head open. It was close. After five solid minutes of screaming, Ty told everyone there would be no more running in the house, using the same tone his Daddy had used prior to his injury! Let's hope this lesson sticks for more than a few hours.

Taken with the phone so the quality is poor but you get the general idea.

Otherwise, life is as full and crazy as usual. The girls have enjoyed pulling out craft supplies the last few days. Summer will come to an all too abrupt end in a few short weeks. They will not appreciate that sleep schedule.

The boys keep me on my toes. They are a blast but ask for their cooperation for photos and I get this.....

Try to catch them playing and I get this......

It's exhausting.