You just never know . . .

You just never know what to expect when you ask Graham to do something. This is what I got when I asked him to brush his hair yesterday morning . . .

A Great Season Comes to an End . . .

The playoffs are over for Dacula National North . . . yes, already. We were stomped by the top Millcreek team in the first game yesterday, no need to put the awful score in print. The boys were discouraged and there were lots of tears. For most of them (including Ethan), this was their first experience making it past the regular season and they wanted to do well. Coach Gower was encouraging and praised them after the defeat, reminding them that they had risen to the challenge and gone further than anyone expected this 'C' team to go. They had done their best!

I love the picture above; Coach Gower had chosen his nephew and the coaches' sons as captains for this playoff game. They looked so tough walking across the field to meet their opponents. It seemed to represent for me a great season of dedication and perseverance from the boys and their dads/uncles.

Congratulations,

Dacula Falcons National North!

*WOW!*

Just a quick news flash . . .

Ethan's story The Big One took FIRST PLACE tonight in Fifth Grade Literature at the county-level of PTA's Reflections contest! He recently received first place at his elementary school and advanced to the County Competition (a cluster of 30 Gwinnett County Schools). We went to the Reflections Exhibit and Award Ceremony this evening at the Gwinnett Heritage Center; we had no idea he had won until we saw that blue ribbon hanging on his displayed story. This means his story will now move on to be judged at the state-level of competition. He was very excited, but not nearly as excited and proud as his mom. *tears* I was thrilled that he took time to record this very exciting moment in his life, and that was enough for me; however, for a child who struggles a bit with confidence and self-esteem, this award and recognition is an extra special blessing!

Don't let me forget to mention that our neighbors Wesley and Will Warbington also placed in the county competition! Wesley took First Place in 4th Grade Literature and Will took Second Place in 2nd Grade Literature! Way to go, boys!

Hayrides & Pumpkins

Anna Beth was SO EXCITED about her hayride and visit to the pumpkin patch at her preschool today. Child's World always does such an excellent job with this event and the children love every moment. Enjoy these pictures of my sweet girl on her hunt for the perfect pumpkin!

Heading to the Playoffs!

Ethan's team won their final game on Saturday and are headed to the playoffs this weekend! Ethan had a great game, Kip said it was his best game ever. He played center the entire game, as well as a good bit of defense. He was excited that he got eight 'pancakes' (whatever that means) and several other good hits that I can't remember, lol!

Here is Ethan playing center--he is just about to hike the ball.

Ethan blocking two players--

(he is right above the ref's head in the pict)

This is Ethan's first time playing in the playoffs so he is ecstatic . . . Kip is a little excited too! They were ranked a little higher, so they are going against a pretty good team in this first game. It is going to be a tough one, especially with several sick players, another player with a death in the family, and the main runningback with a broken arm. However, these boys are tough and their heart is in the game . . . We have faith that they can do it!

Great Season, Big "E" Ethan!

WAY TO GO, FALCONS!

Tea for Two . . . Ummm, make that Sixteen!

Anna Beth celebrated her fifth birthday with a tea party on Saturday. It was a fun celebration with fifteen of her closest friends and cousins . . . we had a house full of little girls! The girls enjoyed 'getting ready' for tea at the glamour table, complete with lipgloss, spray glitter, 'jewels', and feather boas. That was Anna Beth's favorite part of the party, of course! Then they used watercolors to paint paper fans out on the covered porch. When everyone was done, we sat down to tea and a finger-food lunch of flower-shaped sandwiches, teapot cookies, tiny cupcakes and more. The girls were great . . . they loved drinking tea and lemonade out of their real demitasse teacups. Of course, we were on our toes refilling those teacups! After lunch we played a fun game of musical chairs on the deck, and then headed in to open gifts. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a perfect tea for my princess! Here are some pictures of the highlights:

Not Forgetting Graham

I feel like I'm leaving Graham out of the updates! He hasn't had anything 'big' going on lately, but he definitely deserves an update. He opted out of baseball this season and has been concentrating on his piano lessons. He recently signed-up for the Chess Club at school and begins playing later this week. He is also about to start basketball for the very first time--he is very excited about playing. I think he is most excited about the fact that Kip will be coaching him--he hasn't had dad for a coach in a few years! In his spare time, Graham is having a blast building multiple forts here at The Cleft with all of the Warbington and Jenkins boys.

On a sweeter note . . . Graham has also been my 'running buddy' on Saturday mornings. On our first run we decided that we would pray for our family during the short walking breathers we take to catch our breath. We ran our first mile or so and slowed down; I saw Graham bow his head to pray with me. I tried to explain to him that he didn't have to close his eyes, that we were running on a main road and that God would understand. However, he insisted, grabbing my hand to guide him while he closed his eyes and we prayed. What a precious time with my son, holding hands and praying over our family and the events of the day . . . Ethan's game, wisdom and endurance for Kip and Ethan to do their best, safety for our family, etc. These are the moments I will treasure forever!