Memorial Day, New Season (Toben)

Memorial day this year marked the end of the school year for the girls. We are on to a new season! I think I am looking forward to their summer vacation more than they are. I love having them at home. I know I have mentioned this in the past but nothing makes me happier ten having all my girls under one roof. I think this summer will offer some "firsts" for our family.

Audrey has a boy friend...of sorts. It is more like a crush but she and said boy have spent a little time together (under close supervision) and I think they really like each other. This is a big deal! He is really the first boy that she has shown any interest in. So I am trying to parent wisely through this touchy time. I don't want to freak her out or be overbearing and over protective, but as one of my new favorite writers says, "Protect your daughters. Use a shotgun if necessary!" I am not quite to that point, but it has lead to some interesting and compelling discussions with Audrey. 

Emma. What can I say about Emma. I will brag a little here: Emma was the number one student in her entire sixth grade for the second semester (out of 300 students), topping a 4.o by several percentage points. WOW! I knew the kid was smart, and I knew she worked hard but this is really something! And it means a great deal to her. Emma is sort of quiet but she is fiercely competitive. Coming out on top means the world to her. She will honestly miss being at school this summer. She just loves it so much.

Audrey on the other hand will be more then happy to be out of school. She runs around the house yelling, "I didn't fail any classes!" And that means as much to her as Emma's accomplishment means to her. I am amazed at how different two kids raised byt he same parents in the same environment can be. I am sure that is the case for many of you parents out there. You have a couple kids and they are exact opposites. How strange and  wonderful that is. How boring it would be if Emma and Audrey were carbon copies of one another!

We really don't have any big plans for the summer. We are going to spend a few weekends in Winter Park and Jo's sisters house up there. It will be a nice change of scenery. But I think that may be about it. I need to figure out some other close-to-home activities to keep the girls from getting too bored. At this point I think Audrey is most excited about sleep and spending time with friends. Emma is getting into video games and helping out around the house. She actually said yesterday, "When I get bored I get a lot done!" 

So what are you doing this summer?

Toben

Comments

[Corinna Hunter]

I love your blog posts especially like this one, it's like we're sitting together in a room, maybe sipping on cups of coffee, and sharing about our families... Thanks so much for an open heart of love that you share with us. Have a wonderful summer; I know it will be! I continue to pray for every one of you four! online friends forever, Corinna

[kimberly]

I'm so glad you posted! I've been wondering how you're all doing.
xxoo love to you Joanne!!!
My Sister and I were talking about you when she was visiting last week. I was telling her about how much I MISS YOU and how special you are!

[Kathy @ In Quiet Places]

My husband and I are actually going to spend a week of vacation in Colorado Springs in a couple weeks, all the way from Dallas, TX. It will be our first time there and looking forward to it alot.

Hope your family has a great summer whether you are busy with fun activities or enjoying down time now and then, both are good!

[Michelle from Australia]

It's nearly winter here in Australia. But we live in the sub-tropics so winter means wearing jeans and maybe a light jacket rather than shorts and a t-shirt! The kids have school holidays in late June/early July for two weeks and we are going to go to 'The Red Centre' of Australia to see Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Ayers Rock. We've been to the USA twice and my Mum decided she wanted the kids to see more of Australia so we are going to do a three generations trip. Should be very entertaining!

[lisa craddock]

So fun to read how different your girls are. : ) I hope this summer brings lots of good times and healing for all of you!

[Gwen]

good to "hear" from you. I was getting concerned. does that sound weird? do you think of us as your really strange extended family? Have a great summer!

[Baby_boomer123]

We are looking forward to the late June arrival of our first grandchild! It is such a blessing that our daughter and son-in-law live nearby. They can't possibly manage without us. :)

[Pam Houston]

So thankful to hear from you Toben. I was concerned as the blog was inactive for most of the month of May. You and yours are precious in the LORD, and I often "check in" to keep on point and in prayer assignment. I want to share a great book with you and Joanne, and I'll bet you two have already read it: "Joni & Ken ~ An Untold Love Story". I thought of you and Joanne as I read this book and also realized once again the power and mystery at work in covenant marriage. What a book! May we all live out loud and tell our stories so that we can say with the great Apostle Paul "I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the LORD Jesus, to testify solemnly of the gospel of the grace of God." Acts 20:24. My husband and I (42 years and counting) will be traveling in our 38 ft. Country Coach Motorhome taking in the Northern tier of states and back west over a period of 8-10 weeks this summer. This is the most ambitious trip we have ever taken in our 36 years of RV lifestyle...we will be pulling an SUV of a retiring Nazarene Pastor behind us for delivery to their retirement home in Pollack, SD. Then on East, visiting friends and family and on prayer journey as well, praying for strengthening of the church, spiritual awakenings and revival of ministries, leadership and para-church organizations. We give God all the praise and glory for this phase in our lives and pray we will be a blessing to all whom we come in contact with. Glad to hear about your darling girls and especially for a new beau in Audrey's life! Sending much love and blessings Joanne's way too, and for God's continued grace in your life too, Tobin, as love finds a way...