Shake and Bake

And just like that, we have a 15 year old with a learner's permit.

And his Daddy buckled him in and off they went.  

Just like ole times.

Army Strong

This past week Kamryn had a "Community Helpers" parade at her school.  What a perfect opportunity for her to show off her Uncle Jay's hat from Afghanistan and her daddy's old BDUs from his army days.  She was the cutest little worldwide-community helping Army Ranger I have ever seen!

She was so proud!

A Welcome Voorhees Invasion

Well, we have discovered that we can comfortably accommodate at least 25 people in our house!!  This Labor Day marked the first time we had almost all of our Voorhees siblings and their families to our new house (only missing Hailey and Jake who are hard at work at VT and Longwood).  We packed in just as much fun as we did people with football games, a Braves game, great food and time on the lake. We were so blessed to see our home filled with so many people we love and for them to share in just a little of our lives down here in Dixie. Everyone constantly helped out with meals and kids, making this Labor Day seem like no work at all. Most all of them have made it back to their homes in Virginia and Florida by now and our house seems strangely quiet...we miss you already.  

A Day of Firsts and Lasts

You need to know that the day that Kamryn was born I never thought about this.  I didn't realize that I had perfectly timed for Jackson to start High School and Kamryn to start Kindergarten on the same day.  But it happened.  August 7th our first born went to Buford High School only minutes before we escorted our youngest baby into an Elementary School for the last time. Seriously?  That is a little too much emotion for me.  Generally speaking, the first day of school has been a happy time for me; we have always been excited for the new year and for new adventures.  But this year was definitely bittersweet.  They all are off to a great start and are loving school, enjoying being back with their old friends and busy making new ones.  And I come home to a quiet house.  A very quiet house.  

And that's all I have to say about that.

Making a House a Home

Certainly the most significant thing we did this year was build and move into "the lakehouse."  It was so much fun to watch it grow from the ground up and to anticipate what the final product would be like.  It has finally come together, all the boxes have been unpacked and all the pictures hung.  We are so happy to be settled in and can't wait to share it with our friends and family.  So, whether you come for a swim in the lake, a cup of coffee on the porch or to shoot pool in the basement-come.  We can't always promise quiet, but we've got a bed for you to sleep in and a chair on the dock with your name on it.  The only thing left to do is make memories.

"Test me in this, says the LORD Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."

Malachi 3:11

We give it all back to You, Jesus in praise and thanksgiving.

Here we are with Norb and Jackie Ficther.  Norb was more than our builder; he was our friend, advisor, and budget master through this whole process.  He made this experience a great adventure and we are so thankful for all his hard work!

Geof picked out all of the appliances, I never even saw them until they were installed.  I think he is trying to give me a hint...he loves to spend time in the kitchen???;)

My mom unpacked my whole kitchen and organized the pantry.  Whew!

Papa helping us hang some hooks.

Becky and Charlotte unpacked all my china.

Our moving crew

As much fun as the house is, our favorite things to do are still outside.

The Man Cave

The Geneva Door

Kate's loft

Kami's cafe

Mommy's room...tread lightly:)

We conclude this strangely rainy summer with...

Jackson's 15th Birthday!

On the last day of our summer vacation we celebrated Jackson turning another year older.  This year Jackson grew 4 inches and 3 and 1/2 shoes sizes. The next year promises high school and his learner's  permit, but for the sake of our budget-hopefully fewer shoe sizes. I wonder what else?  Well, I won't ask that question.  We will just wait and see what exciting things God has planned for our oldest son, all the while trusting Him to continue to grow Jackson into the man He has envisioned. We are privileged and grateful to be his parents and continue to pray that he will not only be blessed, but also be a blessing to others.  The only question I can't help but ask is this: Where did our baby boy go?

Happy Birthday Jackson!  We love you so much.

I'm crazy...but not that crazy

"Please mom!  I promise I'll take care it.  You will never have to do ANYTHING.  Isn't he the cutest?"

Let me think about that for 2 seconds...no.  No.  And you can stop asking if we can get one of the neighbor's puppies because I can make promises too...no. 

Can you believe how mean I am?  I know!!