Martins

Over and over again, we find reasons to be so very thankful for this house. We truly did kick and scream a little about why this seemed to be the house for us. We weren't completely happy with all the details about 4117 Appleton Way. However, God continues to open our eyes to all the blessings He had in store for us here. One of the fun things we have discovered is the Martin house in our backyard. It turns out that our neighbor actually made this house.

We have since learned that Martins love to eat mosquitoes! Therefore we love martins and we will gladly clean our their homes anytime! We are anxiously awaiting their return to the area next spring.

Peter's Birthday

I truly can't believe that my boy has turned 11. It hardly seems possible that he could be that old or that I could have been a mom for that long.

Peter continues to make me so proud to be his mom. He's kind, thoughtful, quick to apologize, loves to play, hard worker, pitches in whenever help is needed.

I love you Peter!

Neigborhood life

It's 5 o'clock here in Wilmington and all my babies have flown the coop.  It's not taken them too long to learn the ropes of neighborhood life.  Now that school is in session for us and most of year-round friends, it's party time come 3:30.  Peter's off playing basketball and soccer at a friends.  Emma, Ryan and Nathan and two friends have just deserted me for Molly's house because it is way cooler.  Molly has a trampoline.  This is all so unfamiliar and so uncertain for me but I'm beginning to embrace the rare moments when I'm alone.  It's my memories of my childhood neighborhood experiences that push me to let go.  Of course, I certainly wasn't 4 when I rode my bike to a friends house but I do feel certain that Nathan will be tended to closely by all the older guys.  We're having dinner tonight, with one such neighborhood friend of mine.  It's been over 25 years since we roamed the streets of our neighborhood but we are still friends.  I'm hopeful that our kids will experience the same types of friendships as they spend their growing up years in Echo Farms. 
Since I'm long over due in updating the blog, I'll take advantage of these quiet moments and let you in on our past month.

 The kids jumped in head first to the Echo Farms swim team.  They did an amazing job learning how to swim competitively.  I'm so proud of each of their accomplishments.  Nathan can't wait to join the fun next year.

Nathan's 4

Somehow in the craziness of the move, I have missed posting pictures from Nathan's birthday.  We decided to celebrate his birthday in a grand form with inviting everyone we knew.  We also used this party as a way to say goodbye to so many wonderful friends.

Evan and Zach

Josey

The sandbox.

 It's tradition that when we had a throw down birthday party there was always a game of kickball!

Blue and Gold

Just a week shy of of departure from Roxboro, the boys participated in their Cub scout's awards ceremony.

 Ryan received many of his awards and belt loops through the year.  This night was a celebration of all he's accomplished through his Tiger Cub year. 

 Peter completed his Arrow of Light.  It's a huge step for all Cubs to make it this far and show his dedication and hard work that he's put in through the last two years.  He has officially "crossed over" to the Boy Scouts. 

 We are so thankful that Peter and Ryan have had this time to be apart of Troop 200.  We will be hard pressed to find a troop in Wilmington that can come close to comparing to their time in Roxboro.

WIND

We spent Saturday morning at the fun establishment.  The owner's of Ted's have partnered with The Anchor to allow us to hold a children's outreach ministry at their facilities. 

This amazing lady is Philip's cousin. It's such a weird feeling to not be surrounded by a congregation. It's such a blessing to have Heidi's support, love and encouragement as we find our way! Plus she just rocks all the way around.

 

There were games and Bible Stories.

 Songs to sing.

Amazing crafts.

In two weeks time...

We have gone from being surrounded by a loving congregation and friends who know us well enough to know we would get a kick out of fake mustaches.

We said goodbye to more people than I can count for sake of my tears ducts going into overload.

We've said hello to our new neighbors, joined the swim team, checked out local churches, reconnected with old friends, unpacked tons of boxes, gotten new phone numbers and new library cards 

competed in a triathlon,

even taken on a pet turtle. 

Life is good in Wilmington but not a day goes by that I don't think about Roxboro. 

Tumblefest 2013

Emma's gymnastics class finished out their year with the annual Tumblefest!  Emma has done an outstanding job in Level 3 this year.  I can't wait to see how she improves this year.

Nathan's on wheels

Not only did the kids bring home bird houses from their Uncle Pete, Nathan brought home the inspiration to learn how to ride a 2- wheel bicycle.  It really amazes me what kids can do with a little inspiration and motivation. 

Birdhouses with Uncle Pete

While in Charlotte a few weeks ago, we spent Sunday afternoon hanging out in Peter and Tasha's garage! With rain on the way, Pete thought of the great idea of building bird houses with the kids.

Luckily, Pete didn't seem at all phased at handling power tools in the midst of 5 children trapped inside a garage because of a major rain storm.  He did an amazing job with the kids and the bird houses!

We're really excited about these bird houses because the door opens so the kids will be able to see into the nest without disturbing it.

Tumblefest

Emma's gymnastics class completed their year with Tumblefest.  Emma did an amazing job in Level 3.  It was such a blessing to see how hard she worked this year.  She never complains about being tired or working hard.  She just loves every minute of her time at the gym.  We're excited to see how much she has improved this year.  We can't wait to see what next year will hold for her! 

We're so proud of you, Emma.

lemonade for sale....

Peter felt lead this week to have a lemonade stand to raise money for the new church- The Anchor. It's moments like this that make my heart proud of my kids. They worked together. They helped each other; they had fun. They even spent their own money to buy a glass of lemonade.

I'm thankful for the wonderful friends and strangers that stopped along their way to wherever to buy a glass of lemonade. What a blessing to see the kids excited about making some money to give away.

I think the grand total was $34.