My Boys of Fall

This fall has been awfully busy with this house full of boys. I really love our chaos and wouldn't change it for the world. Most days that is...

McLain has been flourishing in 5th grade. His teacher is phenomenal, and I've been waiting to put him in her class since he was in kindergarten. No joke. She. Is. Awesome. I also really appreciate how she is so open to invite my entire class and me to visit and see the creative things they do. My favorite morning this school year was when I took my students to see the weather video that McLain's class had made to illustrate how hurricanes are destructive forces. There's nothing quite like seeing your ten year old act as a weather man with facial hair (courtesy of Mr. Sketch), wind (large fan induced!) blowing his umbrella over, and cups of rain being thrown at him from his off camera peers. Such fun times!

Keaton is having a great school year too. I was really surprised at the beginning of September when he came home from four year preschool with sight words to study. Wow! Clay and I have been even more surprised by how eager Keaton is to practice these words. I think the biggest, most sincere smile I've ever seen on his face was after he read all five of his words correctly for the first time, and I said, "Keaton! You're a reader!" His light-up-like-sunshine smile melted my heart as well as his reply of "REALLY, Mama?" Love that boy.

Just like his big brothers, baby Collin is doing well. In the past week, he has learned how to screech. Loudly. For long ear splitting periods of time with a huge, drooly smile. Did I mention these screeches were loud? :) Today, my boy officially started sitting up. He's been close for a while, but to me it doesn't really count if you are leaning way forward with your belly fat to support you. Baby Collin is staying with my mom and brothers while I'm at work. I think he's the best therapy in the world for her since my grandmother died. She calls him Barney the Barnacle, because he fusses whenever he's not attached to her hip. Nothing like a chubby, smiling distraction to help mend a hurting heart.

I love my boys so much that it overwhelms me sometimes. I'm so grateful that God blessed me with this crazy, noisy, testosterone filled house, and I'm thanking Him in advance for the nieces and granddaughters that will balance things out around here one day. :)