Jeshua

For many years, I have had a little man by my side one day a week while brother's went to school at NWC. This year, I sadly said goodbye to that season and watched as Jeshua joined the boys on a new adventure in his life.  Kindergarten.... Although, I was ready somewhat for him to go I don't think I knew what it would entail. Him crying and saying, "don't leave me here," and "why can't I stay with you?" Well, why can't you stay with me I ask myself, and why can't I hold you forever as you cling to me? As much as I want you to just stay with me and never grow older I know that isn't what is best for you. So, I let go and leave you as you try to be strong and not cry so much. All the while, I am dying inside wondering why this is so hard for me to let you go and be a big boy now. I go about my day hoping the teacher is tending to you as I would, hoping you are making friends, hoping you get to see your brothers, wishing I could call and check on you every hour, and then I realize I need to let you grow in this area. I need to grow and enjoy this new season not only in your life but mine. So, I wait to see how your day goes and you say "it was awesome!" I gasp feeling relieved that he made it and so did I.  So, we see Jesh grow up each day, making big steps towards being a big boy like brothers. He does homework, he ties his shoes, makes new friends who aren't his brothers, and walks a little bit taller and prouder. I am so proud of him!!!!

August

August was also another busy month that went way to quick. Summer to me was a blink of an eye. I look forward to the warm weather all year and it just seems to come and go before I fully enjoyed it. We did however, manage to enjoy every warm day we had. The boys and I swam in just about every pool in Spokane, hit the lake a few times, hiked, and got to kayak only once. I would have liked to kayak daily but that is a whole other story. :(

Josiah also had his 8th birthday. Boy how time flies. Josiah just makes me so proud to be his mom. His incredible passion for life and people just melt my heart. I am constantly amazed by him in so many ways and I look forward to seeing him grow in every area of his life. He is such a blessing to us.

Patrick started the Police Academy in Couer d'Alene and cannot wait to finally get on the road and start putting all his training to good use. I am excited and a little scared about the whole Police thing, but I guess I better get over it. I am overjoyed that he is doing just what God intended him to do.

My sister, brother-in-law, and niece came to visit us for 10 days and we took them all over the place. We got to kayak down the Little Spokane, had a campout in the backyard, shopped, drove all over sight seeing, and just hung out and relaxed. The kids played until there hearts content and I enjoyed having some girls in the house. I just love having family in our house to visit.

A day in Couer d'Alene

So now we wrap things up and get ready to get back to work full force. We are starting our fourth year of homeschool, second year of coaching, and just trying to keep things running as smooth as possible at home. So thankful for family who help in so many ways and make my job easier and more fun. Praying God will give me strength to handle the things that seem overwhelming at times and wisdom to guide these boys to be all that God has intended them to be. Let the fun begin!!!

July

In my attempt to be a better blogger I find myself not being a better blogger. I always have high hopes of posting all these thoughts and ideas that run through my head and something or some activity always seems to take the place. Could it be that I have three active boys that seem to keep me going all day everyday. Or could it be that I am just as active as them in my own schedule. Whatever it is, I hope someday I am able to jot down all those thoughts, experiences, fears, disappointments, triumphs and life's joys more frequently. So for now, until I can do better at these entries, you get a month(or two) clumped together.

So here is July, filled with so much fun and a whole lot of activities. The big boys went to Summer Camp which took them away from us for four nights. Although it was quiet for those days we sure missed them. Jesh especially. When they returned we then went to Disneyland for my dad's 60th birthday(the boys' first time), and we had a great time. We also spent time at my dad's ranch where the boys rode his golf cart, played with chickens, rode horses, and got into whatever they could find out there. They were in heaven. A trip to Cali would not be complete without going to the ocean, we boogie boarded, built sandcastles, and relaxed at one of my favorite beaches-Avila. Our July was filled with so much fun, however, the best part of it was all the time we spent with family here in Spokane and Cali. Such a joy to share memories with family, one of my favorite things to do.

Drama Day Camp-Life Center

Avila Beach-The Cwiks

Playing with the chickens at Miranda Ranch

Disneyland with Grandpa

Dropping brothers off at camp-The Best Cabin Leader a.k.a Uncle Joey

Cwik Boys(men)

Ellen Lake visiting Uncle Joey

Life these days

Life these days are so nice for me. Mainly because I spend every evening of the week watching the boys play baseball. We are fortunate to live in an amazing place where the ball fields are surrounded by beautiful growing wheat fields and farms. It is out of a movie, where they clear away an area of farm land and place a baseball diamond. Where we travel miles and miles through rolling wheat farm lands and there pops up a field. I can't believe these boys play in places where we have watched on movies. It takes your breath away, who wouldn't want to sit and watch your child play for hours.

I also marvel at each of the boys and how they approach the game of baseball. Each one having a different mindset. Jonah, fully embraces the kick back style of baseball, and let's say takes joy in the surroundings. Josiah, a boy after my own heart. He has chosen to be a pitcher and I think he couldn't have chosen a better position. His drive and ability amaze me and I can't wait to see what God does with his talent. Then there is Jeshua, who like Jonah is content with just being out there and playing whatever position his coach tells him (I think he likes catcher most :). We watch as all the boys contribute different things, how they love being with the other kiddos, and we love just to be out there with them. I see now why my parents went all over the place for me, my sister and brother, it is joy to watch your children be a part of athletics and see them grow, learn and achieve things they thought they couldn't.

11 Years

Where does the time go.  The hustle and bustle of everyday life, the changing of jobs, unexpected injuries, baseball season, doctor's appts., playdates and oh yeah our Anniversary.  The man who is by my side through all of the busyness, my husband, my best friend, my confidant, my everything. His love never wavers or grows tired, he is there.  When I get lost in the things that consume my life he is there, never changing.  The man who always guides our family with wisdom, understanding, strength and love. The man who I was blessed to marry, Patrick. I am so blessed to be your wife and friend in this awesome journey we are on.  Lord, thank you for my husband and knowing just what I needed when you brought us together. Happy 11 Years!!!

Softball

Life to me as a girl and young woman consisted of softball and traveling the country to play it.  I thought that it was strange that my friends didn't play, think, drink, and live for softball. What is it they did in their free time? We spent every waking moment at tournaments, practices and talking about ways to improve our game.  Life just was softball.

For the past 11 years life was anything but softball, it consisted of taking care of my husband and our awesome boys.  My life and mind were far from the thoughts of softball. I entered the world of motherhood and all the things that it entails. It was and is what I live for everyday. Patrick and I live every moment focusing on how to raise our boys to be what God intended them to be and praying we don't let them down. We sit and watch how they grow, learn, and even fail, but always waiting to lend a hand in all areas.  For years we lugged around strollers, diaper bags, toys, blankies, binkies and all the other things that make them happy. We spent hours at playgrounds, parks, crazy places that make parents go mad (Chuck E. Cheese), and we do it because we love to be with our children and we love to see them smile. It is my life...

So I enter into a new season of my life where my past(softball) becomes part of my present. Where I can coach and teach young girls the things that I've been taught. Where Patrick and my boys can enter the world I used to live in and they can enjoy what I did for so many years. Where they can see a different side of me and where they all can grow to love the sport that I love.  I am so excited to take my family on this journey and that I can try on another hat in my life.  I pray that these girls can grow and be all that God wants them to be on and off the field, and that I am equipped to help them. I also pray that in the busyness I will not lose sight of what God has first called me to be, a wife and mother.  Let the fun begin!!!

The Loves of My Life

There are a few men in my life that make me the woman I am today. They have shaped my life so that I can be proud to say I am a mom, wife, a friend, and a woman of God. I believe that without these five men, my life would be so different. My love would be directed towards things that have no meaning and direction, and I feel would just be meaningless. However, these five men make my life joyful, meaningful, adventurous and full of love.

First and foremost I have my Jesus who gives me direction, correction, unconditional love, joy, peace, and a security I can't find in anyone. He sees the way I am and loves me, and always pushes me to be better. Second, I have my amazing sons who always keep me grounded, whether they tell me I have gotten short with them, or that I'm beautiful on those days I don't feel so beautiful. They make me laugh in the little things they do, and how they love me as Jesh would say, "just the way you are." They push me to explore beyond the comforts I get used to, and then I realize how fun it can be to just let go and have fun. I look at them and wonder how I was so blessed to be their mom, me ordinary Kelly to raise such extraordinary boys. God has entrusted and equipped me to teach them each day in school, after school and all the minutes in between. Thank you Jesus for your trust in me.

This blog however, as we approach Valentines Day, is focused towards my amazing husband. The one who walks with me day by day on this journey in my life. The one who never gives up on me. The one who whispers, "I appreciate all you do." And never forgets to tell me "I love you, and your beautiful." It takes me back how God knew just what Kelly needed to be the woman I am today and still to come. I wonder how Patrick seems to never lose sight of the role he plays in my life. He is my encourager, my shoulder to cry on, my partner to laugh with, he is joy when there is sorrow in my life, he never gives up on me, he pushes me to be the best, but most of all he is my very best friend. We have been through so many changes and seasons in our life and still his love is never changing. Patrick, you are so incredible in every way and I love you so very much. I wonder if I could possibly be all that you have been to me.

So with that I realize that without Jesus in my life I would never have all the blessings I do. He has given me more than I could ask for in a husband and my children. "Blessed," is just one way of putting it. Who are those people in your life that make you who you are, those who have taught you to love and be loved.

Happy Valentines Day and don't forget to tell those close to you how much you love them, it just might be what they need to hear.