Homecoming

This year Homecoming came a little early, but still brought all the fun festivities that once again proves Buford to be a small Southern town with beautiful traditions.  A pep rally, half day of school, the annual parade and the football game was enjoyed by all.

Nerd Alert

Nobody rocks Nerd day like these two.  I'm so proud of them for being brave enough to not care what everyone else thinks and have fun!

Life Changer

Having a grown man child in the house is strange enough, but when he can drive…it's kind of like an out of body experience.  Ever since he has had his permit, we have let him drive everywhere.  As difficult as that was at first, we are reaping the rewards now.  Jackson is very capable and eager to run to the store, take kids to school, and chauffeur himself to lacrosse practice.  But every time he pulls out of the driveway I pause for just a bit and think, "is this really happening?" 

That said, I'm also secretly loving it! I can see how moms get used to this.  It is amazing how having just one extra driver during the day reduces my daily travel time.  I'm convinced this a life changing event…for the better.

No Labor on Labor Day

Hot tubing, swimming, tube rides and lots of playing-but definitely no labor for us when most of the Voorhees family came to visit this holiday weekend. We made lots of memories and had tons of laughs over these all-play-and-no-work few days. We were so excited to share our Georgia home with all of them and are so thankful they were willing to make the long trip. Here is a glimpse of just some of the fun we had:

Uncle Jay and Uncle Joe ran the chains at Joshua's game.  What a treat for Josh to have his uncles on the sidelines!

We celebrated Jay's birthday with a red velvet cake and a few candles.

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.