The First Day of School for Team Buford 2014-2015

Introducing this year's starting line up:

The Sophomore. Tipping the scales at 135 pounds and measuring 5'11", this lean and mean 16 year old promises to lead the pack to many great things this year.  With chemistry, geometry, spanish, world history, world literature and marketing on his schedule it will prove to be an academic challenge, but one he is fearlessly ready to tackle! (his mother on the other hand is scared to death)

The Eighth Grader: At the top of middle school, this young lady is at the top of her game.  All honors classes, a member of the competition cheer squad, and a devoted leader in FCA this beautiful 13 year old has a tight schedule, but thankfully can straighten her hair in under five minutes so is always ready for the challenges of the day with an impressively smooth do and beautiful smile that perfectly reflects her kind heart.

The Sixth Grader: This dashing young man former known as Joshua, now only answering to Josh, is new to the middle school playing field.  His intelligence, charm, and beautifully swept golden locks have him in the lead amongst his peers to tackle this year with success. Middle school has been known to change a few young boys and girls into know-it-all teenagers, but Josh has made a vow to never let that unfortunate transformation happen to him and to always love his mom best of all (a girl can dream, can't she??).  Let's give it up for #9!!

The First Grader: The tiniest yet mightiest member of the team (at least when it comes to coordinating outfits) has no reservations about marching into first grade and showing them what she's got!  With advanced reading skills, eagerness to learn, a remarkable vocabulary and the perception of a 17 year old, Kami daily reminds us that not only can she take care of herself, but most everyone else around her and she will undoubtedly hold her own this year. Yet with all her spunk, her most endearing quality is her sweetness and she still proclaims "cuddling" to be her favorite sport. Which is important, because that is the only thing from keeping her parents from going completely crazy.

LET'S HEAR IT FOR OUR 2014/2015 MOST VALUABLE VOORHEES! GO WOLVES!! 

P.S. I'm already exhausted.

Signing Off

Another "blog year" has come to an end.  Georgia starts back to school early August, so although we have been out since before Memorial Day, we feel a little robbed each summer as it comes to it's early close. But the last 12 months have once again been full of change, challenges, blessings and sweet memories.  But most of all it was full of faithfulness.  Not on our part, but on the One and Only Who is always faithful, always good, always merciful and always the same-yesterday, today and forever.  From undeserving hearts overflowing with gratitude, Thank You Lord Jesus.

Man in the Making

Is there anything more bittersweet for a parent than watching your children grow up? Part of me is excited about each new age, with all the "firsts" that it will bring, all the new adventures and challenges, lessons that will be learned.  But part of me (a lot of me actually) is in disbelief.  How?? When?? Seriously?? are the words that come out of my mouth most of the time as I celebrate one birthday after another around here.  But, I forge on…focusing on the positive-all of the blessings each day brings; all of their gifts, their strengths. Rejoicing in the moments when I get a glimpse of the amazing work God is doing in and through them, all to prepare them for the men and women He designed them to be.  

But 16? This is going to take some getting used to.  Thankfully, I have a whole year! Which is such a relief, because we know how a year creeps by around here…

Happy birthday Jackson! Another 4 inches this year puts you at 5'11" and just as charming as ever (when you are not being a mouthy punk).  We love you like crazy and are so proud of you.  And, just a prediction-I see the potential for the ladies to be coming around a little more than last year.  But never fear! I will remain vigilant and fight them off all day and night if necessary-whatever it takes to keep my baby boy safe. Yep, I'm that kind of mother.  You might be the luckiest 16 year old in the world. 

Jackson got golf clubs for his birthday this year from his family. Here are some pics of him trying them out at the driving range. The good thing about taking pictures on the course is that he could only complain quietly, so it was easy for me to ignore.

California Cousins

Unfortunately, we were so busy having fun that we waiting until the last night of our visit when we were completely exhausted and looking a little worse for the wear to take a picture.  But unlike our lack of glamor, there was no shortage of love and laughs when Kelley and her son, Noah came for an east coast visit. It had been too many years since we had been together, maybe that is why the days we spent together were so precious.  Just as I suspected, Noah and Josh were fast friends and we can't wait to return the favor and take our crew west to meet the rest of her family in California.

There was bowling, and of course the loser had to do push ups.

Hopefully these two won't be too much bigger the next time they get together.  

D.U.C.K.2.0.1.4.

This year's infamous beach week was all the usual fun and games, but it came with a few surprises.  There is nothing like spending 7 days with some of your favorite people in the world in your favorite place in the world!!

A surprise wedding! That's always a little scary…but this one was adorable and the blushing, albeit great-with-child bride was thrilled to renew her vows with her charming husband who planned the entire endearing event beautifully.

A surprise new beau!  Carla invited her new special friend, Tom to the beach this year.  Measuring in at a lean 6'6", Tom is as charming as he is tall and quite brave to venture to meet Carla's mom, 11 siblings and spouses, 14 and 1/2 nieces and nephews, 5 aunts and uncles, and 47 cousins (alright, I made that number up-but you get the idea) and 1 foster dog. He passed with flying colors and we hope we get to see him again soon. Unless he turns out to be a jerk.

A surprise hurricane! The surprise wedding was crashed by a most uninvited Arthur, a category 2 hurricane that rocked the beach with howling winds and freezing surf.  Thankfully, he left as fast as he came and only managed to keep us out of the water for the last few days.

Surprise visitors! Unlike Arthur- Tom, Josh and Grandad were all invited and we had a great time catching up with them.

Not Surprising At All:

3 goofy boys

Lots of smiles

Beach games

Brothers looking alike

Jackson passed up Grandma Carol

Best buddies reunited

Wave tubing

Sand crab hunting

Shows performed in matching ensembles

Kami always having fun

and Geof is in trouble.

These two were attached at the hip

and we love our family!!