Football & First Day Of School

Our 10th season as a football coach’s family is underway, and it is hard to believe I have been sitting in the stands for a decade.

My kids have grown up in the stands as Zach has been coaching since Gracie was 1 year old.

Awww Gracie is younger than Lily in this pic!

One of my favorites from when Zach was a head coach.

Speaking of coach, Zach is loving his coaching sky box at our brand-new stadium. It is not quite at Texas-level football, but it was quite the remodel.

First day of school this week for my 1st grader, 3rd grader, and 5th grader.

This sweet, precious girl keeps me on my knees and my toes.

She is our defiant spirit that fights as hard as she loves, and I am so grateful for teachers who partner with us in her emotional, intellectual, and behavioral education.

She said she wants to be a doctor and a mommy like me. Cue ALL my tears. Get it, girl. The sky is the limit for you.

Caleb is suddenly hitting that age where the baby is gone.

I mean, GONE. Maybe it’s because he is my only boy until we bring our other precious boy home, but my heart hurts a little when he looks so old.

5th grade. A middle schooler in most parts of the country although ours doesn’t start till 7th grade.

Driven. Motivated. Hard worker. With a heart that longs to know Jesus better and love Him more.

Speaking of kids growing up – this week was Caleb’s turn to get “The Talk.” In case you missed it, I shared the book series we use that I cannot recommend enough to help guide this somewhat challenging conversation to have with our kids. I took Gracie on an overnight and then spent the day at an amusement park. Zach had an overnight that included snacks and video games in our basement (what more could a boy want) and then they went to an arcade the next day. It’s important to us that we give them a lot of space and one on one time to ask questions. And of course, it is an ongoing conversation that we encourage our kids to speak with us openly about at anytime.

My favorite quote: “You mean all those sperm die right away?! Whew. Glad I’m not a sperm.” I died. Me too buddy. Me too.

In keeping with the Caleb theme, this week we celebrate my sweet boy’s 9th birthday.

He is our cerebral, analytical thinker who also manages to be my only child to wear his heart on his sleeve. The day is either the best ever or the worst in the world.

He has a soft spot for the vulnerable and is quick to protect those in need. He can do complicated math equations in seconds but takes 20 minutes to realize his shirt is inside out. He makes me laugh the hardest and shake my head in confusion the most.

Happy birthday, sweet boy. I am so glad you’re mine.

Happy weekend friends!