The Middle Child

Don't we all sometimes worry about the middle child?One of Matt's teachers told me they were reading a book about a middle child and "Matt was so interested and opinionated about it." Hummm, I started thinking, you know, you here those stories about them feeling like they aren't important, or not as loved? I think Bruce and I try hard to make Matt feel loved, special, etc.. He is such a unique person, very capable for his age. He just bought a john boat and is taking us all for rides in it. I actually feel very safe with him. I love the way he can play the guitar and fix and assemble just about anything. He is repainting one of his guitars and spends most of his day outside. He rides the bus home from school now that we are in district. I am so proud of him and what he has accomplished. School has been a struggle for him, but he has been on the honor roll his entire middle school time. So heres to to all the "middle children" out there, you are almost always easy going, getting along with everyone, understanding others, and yes, you are all special!!!

The truth hurts......

I spend lots of time enjoying the kids and thinking about how it will be when they are grown and gone away from home. I am so thankful for each one of them and all they have taught me in life. I never thought about the Cello, until Michael decided he wanted to play it. I always wanted a piano in the house, but would not have gotten one if he had not started lessons. Boiling crabs? not me, until he caught 6 blue crabs off the dock. I could not bring myself to eat them, but I did boil them for him. Yes, I admit, I love football, but it is hard to watch the tackles sometimes...I pray he is enjoying his childhood, I hope he learns a lot, I hope he feels unconditional love...Last Sunday after church he said he knew what I "needed to work on" I was afraid to ask, but he was not afraid to tell me. " You are too snappy" he said. " Yes, I am, I have been working on that my whole life, Michael" Ouch, it was soo true and so hard to hear. I AM SNAPPY!! So since that day, I have worn a rubber band on my left wrist and when I am snappy to anyone, I give my self a snap. Yesterday Michael noticed it and asked about it. I told him what I was doing. He said" So that's why you've been so much nicer!" Love hurts.

Citadel games

Today, I'm home. Not feeling well at all. Chris & Bruce are taking the kids today. I hate missing out on anything, I love family outings and feel so blessed to have 3 children to take to so many fun events. So I hope they are enjoying the day with Bruce, because he is a great dad.... I am going to rest and watch Life Time movies today.

Morgan brought some friends last weekend.. Michael invited 2 friends

This is what I am missing today.... It is Citadel football season. I love going to the games. What a great way to enjoy family time. We've been going since the kids were babies. This is a picture from a couple of weeks ago. Everyone brings friends, usually Chris and Adele come. We just have sooo much fun.

Morgan

Morgan, the oldest, and the ONLY girl in the group! you are so cherished...sometimes that comes across as "overprotective" maybe "too strict" I am so proud of you and all you have done. So artistic and talented. Thank you for always offering to run errands, take your brothers to practice and music lessons. I love your fun personality and beautiful smile. Your room is always a celebration of color and style(although sometimes it is hard to see with all the clothes on the floor!!) A great girl to take shopping or for pedicures. You never give up, you are always there for your friends and family. Keep smiling and know that you are very loved!!

Labor Day

I don't usually make a big deal about Labor Day, just not one of my big holidays. This time, though, it really evolved into a fun day. Several good things happened....

1. I slept late and had 2 cups of coffee with vanilla caramel flavored creamer, yum

2. I made shrimp salad for me and mom to have for lunch and it was really good(unusual, I am not known for my culinary skills)

3. Cathy came for the day with Maggie, Daniel, Mr Smith, Ann and the foreign exchange student, Prem. We had fun going on golf cart rides, climbing trees and playing by the creek.

4. And this is BIG for me: Cathy says I am more laid back living here because I had dirty dishes in the sink and 2 dogs running around the house and I was just relaxing in the den.

Seems like the best days are the ones you don't plan, they just happen. Hope you enjoyed the Labor Day holiday too.

more ordinary days....

here is little Cooper, can you tell we love this puppy??? Matt took the close up, pretty good I think

Well, my blog picture is my beloved oak tree in the back yard. It was love at first sight, and the reason I wanted this house so much. Bruce says he remembers when we came to look at the house, and he looked out the window, and there I was running around the back yard like a crazy person yelling about the tree.... see why??

Anyway, Michael is playing football again this year, so I included some pictures of him getting ready for practice. Looking quite grown up

Weekends after busy weeks......

The sunsets are so gorgeous on James Island. Every night it looks a littel different we try to enjoy the evenings as much as possible on the weekends, because we're busy with practices and school during the week, like most family's. Our new puppy is adorable and we are so glad to have him.....

homemade rope swings are the best......

and we cannot wait to get a motor on this.....

Matthew saved his money all summer from mowing lawns and bought a john boat. I am sure Santa will bring him a motor for it. He has a boating license compliments of the USCG boating class(go Coast Guard!!) If anyone can fix up this boat, it is Matt. Hope your weekend is relaxing. Joanne