A Week of Excitement and A Little Pain

I knew this week would be eventful with the beginning of school but never anticipated HOW eventful it would turn out to be.  On Monday, August 7, we welcomed the most precious 8 lb. 3 oz. angelic girl to the Deaton tribe.  Zella Smith Deaton was born.  She’s squishy, got those perfect pouty lips, some long locks and absolutely perfect.  Andrew and MacKenzie are going to knock it out of the park being her parents.  There’s nothing more beautiful than a brand new baby!  She’s one blessed little girl!  

Wednesdays are like Mondays in the middle of the week! – Lee Fox Williams

 Wednesday arrived and our house was a flurry of activity at 6 AM.  Cinnamon Rolls are a staple on the Wednesday menu too, so I was up getting those ready (and by ready, I mean popping open a can of Pillsbury and putting them in the oven– I’m no Pioneer Woman).  I knew Karson wanted to curl her hair too which takes a while because she literally has the thickest head of hair ever.  Matt had already told the kids that they’d be leaving every morning at 6:40 PM (be in the car or ride the bus was his exact statement). 

How in the world do we have a high school freshman and 7^th grader already?  Facebook Timehop likes to remind me how OLD they are with floods of pictures.  Sheesh.  Karson will be driving in less than two years which might turn out to be a good thing with Matt’s new position at South.  He leaves early and comes home later which means the kids are riding the cheese wagon home quite a bit.  Isaac doesn’t mind it at all, and Karson has practice after school most of the time anyway.  Riding the bus actually gets them home faster than riding in the car anyway.  However, Karson will probably enjoy/prefer driving to school, and it will allow Matt to leave however early he wants. 

I have found out our house is rather small on these morning where three people need in the bathroom at the same time.  It might be time to start looking for another place?  And, I have no idea how Miles managed to sleep through all of the commotion because it wakes me up immediately. He stumbled out of bed around 6:50, post chaos.  Have I mentioned lately how proud I am of this little guy?  I adore him.  I’ve always said he’s along for the ride – putting his plans and agenda aside if something trumps it.  He and Isaac share a room and are attached at the hip.  Now, they won’t even be at the same school for at least four years.  He’s been rather optimistic about this year even though most of his close friends aren’t in class with him. In fact, one of his closest friends recently moved to Edmonson County.  It was so cute – his friend called him last night and they talked on the phone for about 30 minutes.  Precious.  It’ll be a good year, and we’re excited to be reunited with Ms. Lindsey (who taught our Karson in 5^th grade).

I told Miles since it’s just the two of us in the morning, we need to start some new traditions – one of them being going out to breakfast a few mornings each month.  He and I used to do that when the older two were in school, and he was still too little for school.  It was a fun tradition, and since I don’t generally go out to Plano to eat lunch with him, maybe this will be something special we can do together. And, speaking of lunches....

Saw this cute picture on WCPS's twitter feed.

Onto the PAIN…I’m sure some of you were thinking PAIN because the kids started school.  Nope.  I’m not emotional like that at all. In fact, despite losing some extra sleep, I think the kids are usually ready to start back, even though they wouldn’t admit it.  There’s something nice about having productive days that keep you engaged – it  gives you structure, instills good habits, and creates a sense of stability. It’s also fun hanging out with your friends and meeting new people.  I’m thankful for the breaks but thankful for the routine too.  Back to the PAIN….I was racing home from work Tuesday night to inhale a sloppy joe and make it to Logan County to see Karson play volleyball at 5:30 – first scrimmage of the season when I got a text from my sister.

She told me she was in the ER with dad and he’d hurt himself.  Prepare for some gross pics.  Apparently he was using his blower (barefoot) and tripped over an air compressor, got his fourth and fifth toes caught in the compressor somehow, dislocated his fourth toe and nearly ripped off his fifth toe.  Eeeeek.  Sounds frightening?  Shannon and I weren't sure what was more frightening - the injury or his Walking Dead toenails?  You decide?  I couldn't help but think of the pedicure scene from Dumb and Dumber.  My head is always wrapped around movie or television scenes.  For instance, we are doing CPR training at SKyPAC on Monday, and all I can think about is The Office CPR training.

I chatted with Dad later that night once we got back from Logan County.  He was home recovering and in good spirits.  Of course he wanted to know all about Karson, her game, and how she played.  I know he hated missing it. I'm glad he's okay and nothing more serious happened.

I, too, have been in a hospital gown this week.  I had my first mammogram yesterday.  That's one of those beautiful gifts you get for turning 40.  It wasn't as painful as I thought it would be, and BONUS, got a call today from my OB/G office and they want to take more pictures.  Lovely.  The Radiology Tech had already prepared me for the call.  I just wasn't expecting it today though.  Heading back later this month.

August has certainly been eventful!

Back to the Ol' Grind

Days, weeks, months simply seem to fly by...and just like that, summer is almost over.  I"m not sure how I feel about three kids at three different schools.  It's a lot to juggle along with Matt's new position at South.  The beginning of a lot of "new" for us.  It feels a little overwhelming trying to make sure everything is in order for the kids -  learning new schedules and meeting new teachers, filling out a thousand forms, making sure lunch accounts are filled, purchasing school supplies (looking for bargains everywhere), and a flurry of activity and remembering everything.  It's always sad to see the summer come to a close.  The traditional questions come up from others..."Are you ready for the kids to start school?"  My answer is always - it's nice to get back in a routine but it seems like you blink and your children are already a year older and the year is over.  Something about starting back to school makes things move that much faster.  It doesn't seem possible that I will have a child in high school, middle school and a 5th grader this year.

A couple of handsome 5th grade fellas!

We had two open houses on Thursday night - one at South Middle for Isaac and one at Plano for Miles.  Isaac got to meet a few teachers but was ready to jet after a little while.  We headed over to Plano and met up with Miles's teacher, formly Ms. Strode and now Ms. Lindsey.  Karson adored her in 5th grade, and we're excited to reunite with her again this year.













It's been a fun summer, and I've missed a couple of exciting things that I meant to blog about.

We had a big shrimp boil with friends at Paul and Shannon's house.  Matt and I got a little crazy and bought some fun 4th of July clothes.

On the 4th, we went to Barren River Lake with Pap and Nana, Seth, John, Laura and Mae Kathryn.  We got to see an amazing fireworks show in the boat.

One of the highlights of the summer was Isaac's baptism on Wednesday, July 5.  We knew had planned to do it at church and were expecting the call.

 Matt, me, Colvin, Debbie, Mom, Dad, Paul and Shannon all made the trip to camp to see Isaac be baptized.

I think everyone noticed Matt had him under a tad longer than normal.  When asked...he laughingly said, I know him better than you do.  HAH.  He needed some extra time under the water =).

 The call we WEREN'T expecting came on Tuesday when Tim, Miles's counselor, called and said he wasn't feeling well.  Simply put, he was homesick and ready to be back with us.  We made multiple trip to Holland, KY throughout the week.

Karson is officially a member of the South Warren High School Spartan's Volleyball team sporting #1.  July has been spent at WKU team camp and multiple practices.  The girls also had a team lock-in, and the lovely Hannah Yonts is Karson's "big sister" which makes us super happy.  The Yonts are some of our favorite friends!  We adore both their girls Madelyn and Hannah.  I'm so excited to be reunited with my bleacher buddy Kim this season.

Matt has been hard at work the last few weeks trying to get his office at South looking "official." 

We got all of his degrees framed and on the wall which helps.  He's waiting on some bookshelves and other office supplies.

The kids went whitewater rafting for the first time last weekend in Ocoee, TN with the youth group.  I would write about the experience but pictures tell it better.

 They loved it and made it safely down the rapids.

 

We're currently trying to soak up these last few days of summer break.  Hard to believe another school year is upon us!  Wednesday will be here soon!

All is Quiet in the House

Off to camp!   This year all three of munchkins went to church camp for the first time.  Isaac has been excited for weeks.  He couldn't even sleep Friday or Saturday night eager with anticipation.  I had done my best to prepare for camp, but since we had to squeeze in a Disney trip, it stalled my plans a little.  Packing for a week-long, overnight camp is enough to make you bonkers.  Isaac and Miles share a room, and their crazy ol' mom is a minimalist.  We don't have a lot of anything.  I knew the boys would need extra's of everything so I did some shopping on Wednesday when I got back from our trip. I had already purchased most of their toiletries, had old towels, sheets, sleeping bags etc. I had to get the boys some creek shoes, flashlights, mattress toppers, and a couple of other things. However, Isaac like to do shopping as well so he and I went again first thing Saturday morning.  It was basically a snack run.  Our house was run over with camp supplies and almost looks empty now that the kids are gone.

Matt dropped the boys off and got all their stuff unloaded, and I headed over to the girls side and helped Karson prepare her bunk.  Thankful for their counselors and all of those who will provide them with a loving week sans parents.

All of Ms. Windy's Community kids.  She's always been one of the gang and always will be!  All of these children are who they are today because of Ms. Windy's compassion and direction.  I count myself lucky being one of her friends.  We love you!!!

Praying for great weather, an injury free week and all the kids and staff growing closer to God!