Goodness. That is all I can say. It has been a very fast-paced couple of months. It seems like it was just a day or two ago that my son's ball team was winning the tournament completely undefeated. Amber went to camp and back. She completed summer volleyball and loved it!
We spent most of July with family. Of course, between the 4th of July and our vacation it was hard not too. Rick & Amber spent their traditional evening at home on the 4th while Zechariah and I went to the lake for fireworks. This has become a tradition since Amber was young. She doesn't like hearing the fireworks if they are loud. However, I think secretly, she just likes her alone time with her daddy! Zech has always loved the fireworks (typical boy) and would set them off for a week if I would let him. So, we go to the lake with Rick's family and have a great time.
The middle of July was also full of adventure. We all got to experience an Amtrak train for the first time. While the joy of that ride never fully left, it was so cold at night, we cuddled up as much as we could so we could share blankets. The ride to Chicago was good but the ride to DC was even better. Both of the kids met some others their age and they all played Uno in the dining/observation car. While Amber would rather have listened to her music, Zech was all about the little girl he met and staying with her. It was so comical. They even called each other for a few weeks after our trip to talk. Yes, my son did get her digits.
We all had so much fun on our vacation. Going to DC was great but the food at Legal Seafood was even better! Then Rick had a blast visiting Gettysburg and taking the bus tour! His eyes light up so much when it concerns anything history. I probably would never say this to him but even I enjoyed seeing it. Our best adventure though came from Zechariah.
As a mom, you never expect to see your son running then rolling down a hill while in the mountains. This is exactly what happened though. Zech and his Uncle AJ went for a little walk up a hill in the mountains. Shenandoah National Park is also home to bears. Needless to say, my son thought he saw and heard one. The biggest rule is to never RUN from a bear. Apparently, Zech doesn't listen to this. As he went a little further in, he heard the sound again and then they thought they heard a twig snap. This was enough for my son. All I heard was him screaming. I looked up just in time to see him running down the hill, trip over something and start rolling for the edge and boulder that was in his way. Thankfully, I ran out of the van and his uncle is WAY faster than I am. Uncle AJ saved the day by running up behind Zech, picking him up after a couple of tumbles and safely brought him to me. Zech came out with minor bumps and bruises. Praise God he didn't have any broken bones or a concussion. All-in-all, I think our vacation was good but I am definitely looking forward to going back to Colorado next year!
Of course, as soon as we got home, we had to start thinking about going back to school. The first day of school has come and went. My kids are getting so big. I can't even believe I have a 3rd grader and 7th grader. It doesn't seem like I'm getting any older but my kids sure are! We have now been in school for 3 weeks. Zech seems to be adjusting well to not being at home during the day. He is very resilient. Amber is also doing well. She tried out for the volleyball team and made "A" team!! This is quite an accomplishment and I couldn't be prouder!!
That being said, I think I should move on to the foster care portion. Before we left for vacation, we had been denied for full foster care. WE were requesting to do respite care. About 3 weeks ago, I received a phone call from the state. They were calling to schedule our walk through to do respite care! That has also been done. Rick & I are working on finishing up the last little details for that. The kids' bedrooms needed to have a step less that 44 inches from the bottom of the windows in their rooms. Thankfully, the representative gave some advice for this and we will be using nightstands and attaching them to the walls!
With all of this happening in July and August, I can only imagine what September will bring. I already know we will be busy with football, baseball, and volleyball. We also have bible studies going on and then hopefully my Pampered Chef business will pick up as well. I can't even begin to wrap my head around everything yet. I'm also praying for God's will regarding respite care, foster care, and adoption. I know that HE will keep me at peace with whatever happens!!!
