It's Greek to Me

Jacob's latest calculus lesson.

Look at this homework problem!!

Literally "Greek" and definitely Greek to me...

Ryan's "Generic" Non-birthday 14th Birthday

This year Ryan insisted on not having anything special done on his special day.  He wanted no party, no gifts, nothing. He didn't want anyone making a big deal about him.  So I clarified with him "Okay, you want no birthday decorations or gifts, just a generic day?" and he said "Yep."

SO... (thanks to the great idea from Jacob) this is what he got.

 

I had actually gotten him to agree to a cake, so I made a butterbeer cake. Yummy!

We came home from dinner at Bonefish, had some cake and then we all watched The Hobbit together (which was a gift from Matt). 

So glad Matt was able to join us for the gift-opening part of the day before he had to go to work. 

Oh yes, and along with the "no celebration birthday" was a "you can't take any pictures of me on my birthday either."  Therefore, no pictures of Ryan will be on this post.

Laugh of the day

 I came home from the store with the tiny, teeny little milk carton on the left, and Jacob walked into the room and said, "What's that?  Condensed milk?" 

Trying to get a picture of Hannah and Indy

Success at last!!!

Jacob's last match...a heartbreaking day for this mom

Today was Jacob's very last match.  I almost couldn't bear it.  Watching him lay out his equipment and prepare for his last match was so unbelievably sad.  For me.  I think he was celebrating a great two year run, and he went out with victory written all over him.  He ended up with amazing scores and an NCAA division I scholarship at the end of it all.  Much to be celebrated.  But from my perspective, an end of an era.  One of many.

I took a lot of pictures of all his equipment...

His organized case of accessories

His suit, all neatly packed away in cases

His boots and sweater 

One of his gun cases

Containers of ammo

The very last time we will see this on the gps...

literally I am fighting back the tears.

All the "stuff" we threw in each week to take with us

Beautiful setting for the gun club

And lastly, the entrance... and exit.

Jacob, it brought me tremendous happiness to watch you shoot for the last two years.  I had great moments of pride and joy watching you get ready, shooting, interacting with teammates, laughing with your friends, getting teased about cream puffs and eating too much, and doing some teasing of your own.  You set a great example for the younger team members, you worked hard, you set and reached personal goals; your character was refined and polished right before our eyes.  I am so amazingly proud of who you are, and shooting had a lot to do with you becoming the man of character you are today.  I will always be a fan. Of shooting, but mostly of you.  These memories will last me a lifetime. 

Danny's Delicious Dinner

Cedar-plank grilled flounder and shrimp in a spicy seafood sauce over pasta.  Yum.

A girl can dream...

England.  A place I LONG to visit someday.  This picture just captures the essence of peace and beauty.  Makes you just mentally step away from it all, and put yourself strolling in that garden. 

Hannah's last day of physical therapy

I was wrong!!

My son is going to be an Air Force ROTC honors cadet in aerospace engineering  at Embry Riddle!! YAY!!!!!!!

Drum Roll Please...

So today is the big day.  The day Jacob has to make his decision about which college to attend in the fall.  Huge decision.  Unbelievable pressure.  Either way he is turning his back on something great.  There is much potential for regret and second guessing.  I have been praying diligently for my young man, that he makes the choice that brings him the greatest joy, success and is the will of God.

He is currently on a plane from Arizona.  When he gets home, he will be telling all of us his decision.  Much hangs in the balance.  So much more than just where he goes to college.  Potentially where we move and live depends on where he goes.

SO, I am going to publicly make a guess.  If I am wrong, I will be humbled and print a correction later.  SO, Jacob, I think you are going to choose.....

Embry Riddle

These are the pictures Danny and Jacob texted or e-mailed me today from their visit to Embry Riddle.

 View from the hotel room

View from the drive into town

Jacob in the rental car!  Looks good in a convertible, huh?

As part of the campus tour, Jacob got to go up in this plane with a student pilot and instructor.  Like I said to Danny earlier, what college visit takes you up in a plane??? haha  Only Embry Riddle!!