Day 3,989

The First Time Heater Saw the Atlantic

Beach Day!

With our Taylor, our friend, and…

…our puppy!!

Heater’s first time ever!

With the weather being only 68 degrees, we had zero anticipation of getting wet at all. Just about two minutes in, however, three of my four kids were soaking wet, Bearett’s shirt was off, and we had just realized our complete, utter, foolish mistake. 

Beach 101: if there’s sunshine, bring a suit. They’re gonna get wet. 

And sandy! ;)

Really sandy. 

Really, really sandy. 

Really, REALLY sandy!

Nice work, Daddy! Count ‘em! That’s four buried Conleys. The perfect babysitter. Why didn’t we think of this before??

:)

Day 3,987

The…I Can’t

“Hey Bub, your Taekwondo clothes are in the dryer. Please go get them.”

*This is what I walk into after he’s retrieved his clothes and is off to practice* 

I might just…I…I…you’ve gotta be kidding me. 

Good thing they’re cute. But for Pete sake, y’all can just jump outside for awhile!



Dad’s face attempting the splits is my face when I think of that clean clothes pile, fresh out of the dryer, all over my floor! Oh I can’t barely endure the pain!!

Day 3,628

The CCA Grad and Tropicana Newbies

It’s been a long time coming, but Amelia finally graduated from kindergarten on Monday!! She’s been done with her curriculum for quite some time now, but we had never done an official ceremony due to, well, all the things that have happened between then and now. 

She picked out her favorite cap and gown set last week, with our plan being to graduate on Monday in Durham among some of our friends, however, plans changed and we enjoyed a little ceremony on the dock at our hotel in St. Pete instead!

Our proud graduate from Conley Christian Academy!!

She is MORE than ready for first grade this year, as she absolutely excelled in all her studying this past year. She’s got her numbers and letters down, knows how to count by twos and fives and add and subtract. She completed her Learn to Read curriculum and is reading small books by herself. Amelia is always asking if she can read the Bible to her family during Bible study and she’s already gotten so much better!  

We’re looking forward—together—to an exciting and fun year of first grade, where we’ll get to really start picking up on her ability to read, to comprehend more difficult math problems, gain an understanding of what science is and how to do experiments. She’ll learn all about Creation, have her nose busy in classic books, begin learning how to draw and illustrate, and she’ll even end the year with a Bible notebook filled with the story of the Bible, reiterated in her own written words. 

She can’t wait!

Congratulations on a fantastic and extremely fluid kindergarten year, Amelia!! We did a lot, moved a lot, made a ton of plans and ended up places we never thought we’d be. But we did it together as a family and regardless of where we were, you were always eager to learn and ready to complete the tasks before you. You’re an incredible student, finish your work timely, usually have a great attitude (reading is not your most favorite yet), and participate in excitement and wonder. 

We’re so looking forward to this new year ahead and can’t wait to get started—whenever that might be, as our plans just took a huge turn.

 Congratulations, Amelia!!! 

Welcome to first grade!

_____________

We’re hoping to begin school next Monday. We had initially packed all their curriculum in the truck, but as the school year kept on getting closer and closer and Adam hadn’t been called up, we needed some help having it shipped to Durham. That’s when the clubhouse attendant in Port Charlotte went digging into Adam’s truck to locate it, and found the truck infested with red ants and maggots. I can’t remember if I wrote about that already, but that happened. Awesome. He cleaned it all out and our schoolwork was shipped to us in Durham two days before Adam was called up, with the intention of beginning on Monday! That didn’t happen. So now we just need time to sort of rethink a new schedule, unearth the re-packed curriculum, and hopefully settle into some kind of rhythm and space where I can teach the kids while simultaneously distracting the two little girls in the same very small space, as we’re currently in a one-room extended stay. 

Until then, we’re enjoying our first experiences at Tropicana Field! And what do you know, but right in front of the door we use to enter our seats is a gigantic photo of their favorite Durham player, Mr. Honey! They couldn’t believe it! It’s a work in progress, trying to get them understand the correlation between Durham and Tampa, but this picture helped immensely and they were so happy!

The news of the move from Durham hit them pretty hard. They didn’t get to say goodbye to any of their baseball friends, their gymnastics friends, or their friends in the stands at the field. For a babe, the pain is real and it was difficult seeing them upset. I’m hopeful that though the move was unexpected, they’ll form new memories and meet new friends who will love them just as much as the ones in Durham. So far, we’re QUITE enjoying our new experiences—I’m not sure touching the live Rays will ever get old!



And DJ Kitty is a huge hit too. 

Day 3,616

The New Smiles

Bub got a new skateboard for his birthday, but Daddy had to show him first who’s boss of the board. 



However, at the rate he’s taken to this hobby, I wouldn’t be surprised if soon, he could take on his old, rusty pops. He’s loving it, Grandma! Thank you! But if he breaks a bone, you’ll be the first to blame. 

Wednesday was a quiet one at home. We’re still tired and in need of a little extra rest. It’s been a busy summer, so we took the day off and spent most of it lounging around. 



However, we did make one trip to the store for some big girl undies—this child refuses to wear the ones she has and insists on her pull-ups, even though she’s nearly fully potty trained. Tired of spending the money on diapers, we decided on bribery. She got to pick out her favorite pairs and from the moment she selected the Baby Shark package, she’s not looked back. In fact, she thought it was necessary to immediacy remove her pull-up in the middle of the store in order to try on her new clothing. We may be nearly potty trained, but clearly we have some work left to do in the training up of her modesty. At least she pulled her shirt down?

Day 3,598

The Best Brunch

Bearett’s face is mine when I think about Saturday. Our friends from the Bean House invited us over for brunch and we had just the best time. Adam got to come with, as they were intentional to include him and plan the whole afternoon in order to serve our entire family. Their hospitality, kindness, thoughtfulness, encouragement and grace have been an unanticipated blessing since we arrived in Durham two months ago and my heart is exploding in thankfulness. We have so enjoyed getting to know them and are continually praising the Lord for His kindness in providing us with an immediate friendship and fellowship with likeminded Believers. Thank you, friends!!

We continued the day at Target and the Dollar Tree for missing essentials, and then came home to nap and play. And turns out, when you have a nearly entirely unused kitchen, the cupboards make the best forts.  

Then it was off to the game. Only this time, we got to walk instead of drive!

Hi Dad! You’re the best! And hi Mr. Brian in and outfield! You’re the second best!



We’ve been all over the place lately (and literally), just trying to get settled in while keeping four gremlins alive and occupied (ha!) on top of maintaining relationships and friendships and the daily tasks that come with in-season living, which have Adam gone 10 hours a day, six days a week. This has been the reason for my exhaustion, lack of timely posts, and a fried, forgetful brain. I have missed many calls and texts (unintentionally but regretfully), especially in the immediate moments when my children aren’t napping or sleeping, which I am doing my best in responding to when I can. We’re also three hours moved back in our schedule, so often, when I’m able to respond, it’s at 11PM when they’re finally asleep. So please forgive me and thank you for your patience with me! 

And yes, that’s a pool floaty she’s sleeping on. 

Day 3,579

The Selfie Sneak

Yesterday was tough on Mommy and looking back, I don’t think I took a single picture. Turns out, I didn’t need to: these gremlins got ahold of my phone themselves and took their own pictures while I was getting ready. Scoundrels! Cute scoundrels though. 

Day 3,532

The Dead Truck and Pooped Mom

So, we’ve done a lot of exploring lately. And apparently, our truck decided we were done yesterday. Dad went to go workout at 7AM, came back two minutes later to the room to grab my keys, and left with the suburban instead of the truck. Dead battery.

 Forgetting that he’d done that early in the morning, by the time lunch came around, we were needing to run to Publix for some sandwich supplies and headed down to the suburban. Of course, it wasn’t there because Daddy had taken it, so we asked Mr. Louie—our newest fix-it friend—to jump the truck. He did it gladly and we were on our way. 

Adam said that whatever I do, not to turn off the truck. So, we piled in, did the best we could to safely buckle up for the mile long trip up the street, and...

I forgot not to turn off the truck. 

So, for the second time in half an hour, we had the truck jumped. This time, by a friendly Publix shopper—Mr. Earl. 

Then I fed them lunch, ran them at the park, put them to naps, Dad came home, we went to supper, and wrapped up our day with our family Bible study time. 

And then we passed out. 



This has been our set up the past few days. I’ll update more on what’s happening here by the end of the weekend. . Suffice to say, we’ve managed all sleeping arrangements pretty flawlessly. The no-backyard, no-kitchen, no-table situation...eh, not so much. 

Day 3,527

The Factory of Shells and Trinkets Galore

We visited the largest shell factory on earth yesterday. I think rather, the world’s largest trinket gift shop is more accurate. Also, the “greatest tiny finger temptation” would suffice. 

They had a few extremely interesting displays, this Catholic church made out of shells being one of them (All Saints Church in Germany where Martin Luther posted his 95 theses). It highly confused my four-year-old though. “Jesus died on the cross in there, Mommy?” We haven’t yet arrived at teaching the distinction between Christianity and Catholicism to our ever-curious Lady Kate, who has quite the discerning eye. 

Mostly though, our trip looked more like me running after four small children who couldn’t help but touch everything in sight, with screams “can I have this” echoing off the walls. They certainly had fun, though I would not suggest visiting the tourist attraction so vastly outnumbered. 

Day 3,522

The Turnaround

Give them the iPad on a cold, stony floor, and for sure they won’t love it for more than ten minutes. Riiiiiiight. They laid right there and learned on Marco Polo until my busy, late, and unprepared morning was reestablished . Not my finest day ever—aye.  

Coffee mug reminders, y’all. 

Oh math, why are you so...mathy?!

The day DID turn around though!

Molly participated in her first WHOLE HOUR gymnastics class!!

She was tamed only while in this choo choo train line or when her coach picked her up and placed her exactly where she was supposed to be. They have their work cut out for them, but at least she’s cute!

And biggest news of all...Ella Mae practiced with her Level 1 team for the first time ever!!! It was a big day for her and she did an incredible job; even walking away with a new skill...her backward roll! She loves that Coach Taylor is still coaching her and was extremely excited to match all her new friends in her blue team leotard. 



Way to go, my Lady Kate!! You are an impressive little gymnast and we’re so proud of you!