Senior photos

Stephanie A. took Joel's senior photos at Edgefield in October. We originally scheduled for September, but we had to reschedule due to rain. They turned out great! I like the smiling ones best. 

FCA Leader

 After some an open house and some disconcerting feelings about Grant's public middle school experience, God gave us a some reassurance and peace through Grant's involvement in FCA. He became an FCA leader at the end of the last school year, as a 6th grader, and was a full-fledged leader at the start of this year. It was his turn to give the talk/lesson, and he shared with us what he was going to say. It brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that God is working in and through Grant and that he is right where he is supposed to be. He's influencing others for Christ and sharing his gifts. The teacher who is the FCA facilitator texted me the day Grant spoke at FCA: "Your son. Wow. What a message he prepared on forgiveness. I wish we had recorded it. Top 5 FCA lessons we've had in the 15 years of WOMS FCA."

Grant's sixth grade year was a bit rough. Unfortunately, we did not find out he was struggling until half way into the summer, but at least he finally did tell us all about it after we discovered it through a text conversation and then asked some pointed questions. He'd been experiencing some bullying and very unkind teasing and didn't know how to handle it. We ended up having a great conversation as a result, but it broke our hearts that he had been so sad and been carrying that burden alone. 

So, he know a little about forgiveness, just based on that experience last year. It was amazing to see him be able to share what he's learned with his peers and to see him growing in his faith. 

Bushue's date

Apple cider donuts and slushie—so good! I miss the pumpkin patch days with our whole family, but I’ll take a date with Grant on a beautiful fall day like today.

Aubrey Polo

Water polo season is in full swing. Aubrey is enjoying it, and we are, too. 

Homecoming King

Joel and Maggie won Homecoming Court tonight! Yes, the cousins are HOCO King and Queen! So fun! They have a great group of friends who made this happen. I missed out seeing it in person (sick at home), but Greg FaceTimed me in, so I was able to watch. Photos courtesy of Grant and Mom M. 

Joel is having a great time already in his senior year with senior sunrise and being a superfan, too. 

Dress like Eminem Day (or M&M)

I made a fool of myself today, and it was so fun! It’s homecoming week with different dress-up days, and today was “dress like Eminem” day (wear baggy clothes and a backwards hat like the rapper). I wore this (one of Kari’s old Halloween costumes) instead, before school and during passing times, in the hall outside my classroom door and enjoyed funny interactions with students all day long. I saw many smiles, a lot of laughter and head-shaking, and a few genuinely confused students. I never did get a photo from today, but Joel took this one last weekend when I tested it out. Enjoy! 

Joel-boy

Just had to do a comparison—first day of kindergarten and first day of 12th grade. Excited for Joel and his friends and all the fun “senior” things this year!

First Days of School

First days of school! Joel is a senior this year. Aubrey is a sophomore, and Grant is in 7th grade. They graciously agreed to take each other’s photos since I couldn’t be there. I even got first day photos of Kari (second year at California Baptist University) thanks to Kylee. I came home from work in time to make first-day-of-school cookies before Grant made it home today.

Kari off to CBU again

We went to breakfast for one last hurrah before Kari left for year two of college. It sure was great to have her home with us for these last few months. Easier (a lot easier!) to say good-bye this time, but I should not have planned that Costco trip for the way home from the drop-off at the airport. Praying for another great year of growth and fun at CBU for our girl.