In the blink of an eye

It's May already.  Can you believe it? 

I have been so overwhelmed with...well...life...so my writing has taken a huge hit by being put on hold.  Let me catch you all up.

Jacob (16) is doing well.  He will be turning 17 in a few more weeks.  I have no idea how the years have flown by so quickly but they have.  It's sad and exciting all at once.  I love to listen to him talk about his "big" dreams.  I hope and pray that every one of them come to fruition for him.  Yet, as we all are well aware of, seldom do every single one of our dreams come true.  Jacob has been enjoying hanging out with some of his friends.  He is really looking forward to starting a job this summer and having some of his own spending money.  (Shhh, mom is looking forward to that too!!)

Austin (14) is preparing for a busy few months ahead.  He continues to do well academically.  We just finished drafting his four year plan for high school.  No surprise that he is focusing his studies around Sciences.  He has said he wants to pursue Medicine.  I encourage him to do so.  I truly believe he will be a great person to work in the medical field.  Austin is really enjoying his athletics right now.  He is on the track team as well as on the baseball team.  He is doing very well in both sports.  There may be some frazzled nerves from time to time when it comes to needing to be in six different places at one time but those too shall pass.  I really enjoy watching him compete and better himself.  He will be leaving Friday for an over night trip to the Island for band.  Next week he leaves on a trip for DC for History.  A few weeks later, it's off to Cedar Point for his class trip.  This child is definitely going to be a well rounded kid.  (and his Mom is going to be broke)

Katelyn (12+) also has decided to go out for track this year.  She enjoys running longer distances tho.  Austin is a shorter distance sprinter.  Katelyn has had some difficulties learning to balance sports and school work this last week and it has caused her to become ineligible for the last track meet.  After much prodding and hard realities, she is starting to show a positive change.  Hopefully next week we are able to see her back on the track competing.  She has also decided that she really likes to write.  She's started writing her own book and also has her own blog to journal.  It's wonderful to have a fellow writer in the family.  :)  I love reading her perspective on things.  Katelyn is finding her way this year.  She is learning about trust, love, true friends, and the impact all of this can have on your life.  Add to the mix of a "boy friend" and you can see why she is high on my radar of making sure she has proper guidance.  Teenage girls are difficult at times....

Emilee (11) is my challenging child currently.  She has been Miss Sassy pants.  I'm sure the age has a lot to do with it but WOW!  I think I have sprouted even more grey hair since the first of the year just from her sassy attitude.   She is learning the ropes of her 5th grade work and preparing to head to the Middle School next year.  (really?  Already?)  She went today and met her teacher.  I know it will be an adjustment for her just as it was for her sister.  Perhaps the girls have a harder time adjusting than the boys.  At least mine have followed that trend.  Emilee is doing two running clubs in school.  One club is on going.  It's called the Mileage Club.  She has logged more than 5 miles during her recess times.  Emilee just finished her Steele running club this week.  She ran in her first real race at the 1 mile/ 5k race in town.  She did very well and earned a medal at the end of it.  I think she really enjoyed it.  We will be attempting the Michigan Mile run in a few weeks too. 

Jonathon (8) is growing up to be so much like his big brothers.  He does seem to be a little more tender hearted (I do like that aspect).  He is rough and tough just like the older kids are but has a softer side to him as well.  Jonathon enjoyed his basketball season.  He started doing the running club at school and has logged over 15 miles so far.  He also ran the race in town and did extremely well.  He placed before his sister even.  He, too, will be running in the Michigan Mile and is super excited at the opportunity to do so.  Jon is playing baseball as well.  He is enjoying it and looks forward to the games beginning.  He is still enjoying school and spending time with his friends.  That's a blessing.

Each one of these kiddos blesses me in so many different ways.  I can not imagine my life without each of them.  I am so honored to be their Momma.  My nerves may get frazzled. My house may not be spic and span.  My laundry may not be neatly folded and hung up.  And I may not be the best gourmet cook.  None of that matters to these kiddos.  They know that they are loved, without a doubt.  They know that their Momma has their backs.  They know that they have a safe place to be, a home filled with love and the protection only a Mother could provide them with.  They truly are my life, my heart, my pride and joy. 

I love you kids.  Every single one of you!!

Love,
Your Momma