So these guys started school last week and we can hardly believe they are all three at GAC with daddy now. Embry is going to Pre K on my work days so I still have him two days a week to myself. Last Thursday and Friday we went to the park and to the pool. It was great to have some one on one time but he is really not used to playing alone. Especially at the park, he wanted me to do every slide and tunnel with him. He kept telling me, "Juz duck ya head" when I told him I couldn't go in that tunnel and then "Juz duck ya head some more." He is so funny and witty, as my mom says he is our king of comedy. He has loved school so far and his brothers are so protective. They were arguing this summer over who could walk him into his class. Several weeks before school, they began giving him tips which I think he got sick of. One tip was teaching him how you have to walk in a line when you go somewhere with your class. His response was "Awww man! His bros and I were cracking up. We still don't know what's so bad about walking in a line.
Today he had Spanish class and all the way home was singing "the potty song" as he called it. Some song in Spanish goes "A tooty tah, A tooty tah, A tooty tah tah." I heard it about a billion times and then when he was in his bed (which yes, is STILL a crib) he was entertaining his brothers with it tonight and saying. "Do you hear me Collin?"
Sweet Collin has started preK and is loving it as well. Last week he was the "librarian" and he told me, "I kept looking over to where the books were and they were where they were supposed to be so I couldn't do my job." He is excited that he gets to go on field trips this year and was a little confused because the first day he came home and first thing out of his mouth was , "well mommy, no field trip today!" The best Collin story was today though at after school. I picked them up because I got off work early and he told me, "today we could do a cooking class or a craft and Embry just really wanted to do the cooking class but I had to tell him no, in case he was allergic to what they were making, but he wanted to so bad so mommy, can Embry cook something at home?" I was so proud of him I didn't know what to do . What a thoughtful five year old. Even though they drive each other crazy, he truly looks out for him away from home. As much as we have tried to prepare everyone at that school who comes in contact with Embry about his allergies, I feel sure that whoever was in charge was not thinking about him and a cooking class but thank God his brother looked out for him.
Now Ashton my big boy turned seven 2 days ago and I can hardly believe it. He got a new toy called snap circuits and loves it. (thank you to Kate for the idea!) Yet another building toy, this boy is all about anything he can create. He is always asking for scotch tape and paper to make something new. This summer he made basketball hoops out of paper for the basement or creating a putt putt course our of blocks and anything else he can get his hands on. It's always something he is busy thinking about making!!
He is loving first grade and was ready to be back at school and starting the elementary building. On back to school night, he was so sweet looking at all of his new supplies the teacher had prepared for him and his new workbook and new Bible he will use. He was so proud of everything. It is so great that he can read everything in his class on the walls. His reading amazes me!
And poor Wes is in full marching band swing, exhausted and crazy now with having to monitor all three boys in the band room along with his partner, Robert's two kids, while they try to get work done before and after school or help kids. It must be a zoo in the mornings and afternoons. The boys tell me about games they play and forts they build with chairs and music stands. Last night my whole family did not get home until 8 PM!! Poor Wes walked in completely drenched because he was helping a student in the pouring rain who was having car trouble. Although I felt horrible for my little guys who had a 12 hour school day, all I could think was how thankful I am that all three of them could witness their daddy help someone in need. Although they needed to be home eating dinner, that memory will stick with them. They kept talking about it and how daddy was outside in the lightning.
And me, I am doing well. This summer I had my one year MRI and all was clear. I thought I would feel a huge relief and I did and am praising God but I have quickly learned that relief doesn't come easily. It is a daily battle for me to put my worries and fears for the future into God's hands. I honestly have had some dark days lately especially when I have patients that are dealing with cancer or who have daughters with cancer but most of all when I hear a story of recurrence. LAst night in particular I was having one of those days. I woke up this morning and God had me read this passage which was in the Jesus calling devotional for today. Psalm 91 says" We live within the shadow of the Almighty, sheltered by the God who is above all gods. This I declare, that he alone is my refuge, my place of safety, He is my God and I am trusting Him. For he rescues you from every trap and protects you from the fatal plague. He will shield you with His wings! They will shelter you, His faithful promises are your armor. Now you don't need to be afraid of the dark anymore, nor fear the dangers of the day, nor dread the plagues of darkness, nor disasters in the morning." Praise God for meeting us right when we need Him and for me it was in my bathroom this morning around 5 am before anyone else woke up. I have no doubt He is using me as my circle of breast cancer friends is becoming larger. It seems more than once per month, someone contacts me to talk to someone they know who was just diagnosed. Please pray for me as I try to minister to these women but also emotionally continue to deal with my own struggles after fighting this battle.
