Mission Accomplished!

At the end of Tyler's seventh grade year, he decided that he wanted to switch instruments in the band from the tuba to the trombone. His band instructor didn't want to lose a great tuba player, but for Tyler's happiness, he was on board as long as he could get to the skill level that he was on the tuba. He was second chair out of 10. Tyler was gung-ho and accepted the challenge. We purchased a used trombone for him. He couldn't play the first note when he brought it home. It sounded like sick baby elephants rather than scales and arpeggios in our living room for a while. 

 

A flyer came home for the "Sounds of Summer Band Camp" and he asked to participate. The director went above and beyond to help him during his week long participation. Ty had to work with younger participatants (to match the skill level he was now at with the trombone) and only be with his friends during lunch, but it was worth it. He made great strides in that one week. 

 

He took private lessons from the assistant band director once weekly during the summer months as well. 

 

Two weeks before school started, he got braces on his top teeth. This was a huge setback for him and cost him a few weeks of practice. The director said this was normal due to muscle memory and pain from the brackets pushing against his lips and sore teeth. 

 

He's been practicing strong for four months now. At the start of 8th grade, Ty brought his trombone to school and sat in that section as if that was where he belonged. The director was aware of all the efforts Ty made over the summer and never told him otherwise.  So, I took that as a good sign.

The Trojan Band (consists of 7th and 8th graders), plays for all the home 8th grade football games and he has really been enjoying participating in that this year as well.

Last week, was 8th grade recognition night at the high school football game.  The 8th graders had the opportunity to march with the high school marching band for the opening of the football game.  He said it was REALLY hard, but he had a lot of fun and wants to march next year in high school.  (Yep, he'll be in high school next year!)

The ever stressful chair tests were this week. There is a total of 12 trombone chairs. Knowing that all the other students had been playing their instruments for 2 years plus and not knowing their skill level, I didn't expect he would rank super high. We got the results of his chair test and could not be more proud of his hard work!  

He is 4TH CHAIR!!  Woot!! Woot!!

Mom's First Waterfall

I was telling Bo that I had never seen an actual waterfall in person before. Anxious to show me my first waterfall, he bought me a mountain bike (he and the boys already had one) and we took off for Cochran Mill Park. This is a park that we discovered by accident about a year ago. It has a huge network of deeply wooded pedestrian, mountain bike, and equestrian trails that lead to beautiful cascading waterfalls, and old historical mills. Our waterfall destination was a few miles deep into the woods.

The trails were very narrow in most spots and ran parallel with a meandering creek most of the time. We were single file the entire way. Tyler lead the way and I was the caboose. I was afraid to take my eyes off the trail directly in front of me most of the time, fearing that I would lose balance and end up falling of the cliff into the creek. The trails were full of huge rocks, fallen trees, large tree roots, hills, mud holes, creek crossings, and occasionally, you could tell that a horse or two had been through previously that day (I'll leave that one to your imagination). We were all spread out and going our own pace and it seemed like it was a race to get to the waterfalls.

The first of several creek crossings.

I was the last one to make it to the falls. The boys were wet to their waists from playing in the water by the time I pulled up. Bo was standing in the middle of the creek on a large white slab of rock, holding his phone up, ready to film my reaction to the vision of my first waterfall. It was a neat moment and a gorgeous sight! It was so beautiful and the audible sound of the rushing water was peaceful. We played around for just a minute and took a few photos, but Bo was getting worried that dark was setting in and he was ready to head back. We knew we had pushed our luck when we began this adventure so late in the day.

We rode back in the same order that we came. We began racing back and pedaling as fast as possible attempting to gain as much ground as we could with what little light we had. The moon provided us no light that night, so once the sun set, we were on our own.

At this point, Bo went into survival mode and took the lead since we were completely blinded by the dark. He used the flash on his phone to lead the way. The battery was low, so we used it sparingly. We were running single file through the woods while pushing our bikes along side of us, our calves hitting the pedal with every step. At one point, we came to a three way crossing in the trail and we weren't certain which path to take. Bo used two large fallen tree branches and laid them across one another to serve as a marker of where to turn back to had we chosen the incorrect path. This provided a very useful landmark about 10 yards later when he realized that we had indeed taken an incorrect path. Luckily, we hadn't gone far before the realization set in. We knew we still had a few areas where we had to cross the creek and the boys were struggling (okay, we all were!) with the bikes. Connor decided to ditch his bike in the woods and come back for it in the morning. The thought crossed my mind to lay mine down as well, but Bo had just purchased my bike hours before the ride. I just couldn't bring myself to walk away from it! About 15 minutes later, Tyler decided it would be beneficial to leave his bike as well. Dropping two bikes, made for a speedier exit, but we still had several obstacles. We came across the next, and deepest, creek crossing. Still using the faint light from Bo's phone, Tyler held the phone high and illuminated the rocks below that we would use to jump across the creek bed. Meanwhile, Bo went ahead of us and carried the remaining bikes across and up a steep hill. He came back to help us all across, but not before Connor tried to cross alone, slipped off of a rock, and fell in. I think this was the scariest part of the entire ordeal. I reached my hand out for him, but even with the little light from the flash, he couldn't see my extended hand. I was finally able to grab him by the arm. Once he realized where I was, he grabbed my hand and pulled himself up on rock that protruded above the surface of the water.  Wet and tired, we all made it to the top of the hill. From this point, it was fairly drama free, but not without the occasional mud hole that tried to steal our shoes and tree roots that tripped us up. Once we made it to the main road, we all gave out a huge sigh of relief. We still had a way to go, but it was a straight, wide gravel road and we knew we were home free at the point. This eased our anxiety and the adrenalin began to dissipate. By the end, we were all drenched in sweat, along with creek water, mud, and other unidentified substances.

We followed the gravel road to the parking lot. We were completely out of breath and our legs were giving out.  Looking back, we should have been in this physical state much sooner, but I believe our adrenalin kept us going. Once back at the truck, we all took in some water and took a selfie to remember Mom's first waterfall before departing.

On our way home, we talked about all the things that we were thankful for. Obviously, all of us were thankful for the light of Bo's phone and his leadership. Connor was thankful that he didn't wear his new shoes (this was a source of tension when were leaving the house). I was thankful that, although we all have bruised calves from the bicycle pedal beatings, we made it out safely. We were thankful for one another and how each one of us contributed to the three mile rescue. We discussed how Daddy was our hero that night, but God was our guiding light and gave Bo the instincts to protect his family. We saw this as a test from God. We were challenged to work together and find each others strengths. God knew that we needed that at this time.

It was heartwarming to see how these young boys that normally fight each other over which one gets the last cereal bar from the pantry or whines about taking out the kitchen trash, came together for the good of the family and safety of one another. We were so proud of Tyler for running the entire time, never complaining (not once!) and showing zero fear. He cleared the way for his brother many times and tried to yell back and give us warnings of tree roots or huge rocks that he tripped over. It was so nice to see him put others ahead of himself in those moments. Every few minutes, with the sweetest concern in his voice, Connor would turn and say "Momma, are you okay?"  What a change it was from a few hours earlier when he raced ahead of me to the waterfall, never looking back. Being only 10 years old, he was the one that had the most fear in this situation, but was still concerned about all of us. Each time I fell, he would call to Bo and Ty to tell them to wait (I fell a lot!). He helped me up and got me back on my feet.  

The next morning Bo and Tyler left the house early and went back to the trails to retrieve the boys' bikes. It took them 40 minutes to get to the first bike from the parking lot and another 15 minutes past that to find Connor's bike. Once the bikes were recovered and home, it was clear they all needed a good washing.

Overall, it was fun! I'm ready to explore some more...when we have plenty of time and daylight!

Half Way There!

We always told Sarah that college wasn't an option, knowing darn well that, in the end, it would be her decision to make. She begins her junior year of college today and we couldn't be more proud of her commitment and determination to further her education and stick with it!  This past year wasn't the easiest for her, but she never let any of her trials stop her from reaching her goals or from maintaining the Hope scholarship. 

With new roommates, new classes, great friends, and the support from Kappa Delta compiled with her own inner strength and faith in God, I know this is going to be the best year, yet!

You are half way there, baby girl!  We are so proud of your perseverance and accomplishments!  Love you to the moon and back!

Where did my little girl go??

Sarah turned 20 years old on March 26th. I can not accurately describe how this makes me feel. Old comes to mind, but mostly proud. Proud of the beautiful young woman that Sarah has become, inside and out. I have loved watching her grow from a little girl to a teenager, and now to a responsible adult.  She is intelligent, fun, and so witty! Love you to the moon and back, Sarah!

Sarah - 2014 In Review

What is home?

Sarah chose to go to the University of North Georgia to get away from Carrollton, meet new people, and gain a fresh start.  Not to mention, the integrity and respect the school had.  She craved a small, close-knit school.  She wanted to be surrounded by a beautiful campus.  While UNG was a great school with GORGEOUS surroundings, she came to learn that it wasn't for her. She missed running into people that she knew. She missed her family. She missed the backroads of Carrollton. She missed "home". She learned all sorts of academic lessons while there, but the most important lesson I believe she learned was what "home" really is. It had more to do with the surroundings and people in it than the roof over your head.

At the end of her Freshman Spring sememster, she moved back into her old bedroom and took summer classes at the University of West Georgia, the local college that she grew up around - the one she said she would never go to because "that's where everyone in Carrollton goes".  She ended up enjoying the familiarity of it.  She loved that she was stopped on the streets by people that she knew and she liked being close to family. It's funny how the tables turned!  Sometimes, it just takes stepping away from something to see just how good it is.

This chapter of her life reminds me of a poem that she once wrote for an assignment her 9th grade year. It's heartwarming to read this again.

In the Fall of her Sophmore year, she moved into a gated apartment with one of her friends and 2 other random roomates.  The apartment is right outside of the West Georgia campus.  It's a four bedroom, fully furnished, apartment that shares the kitchen and living room space. She loves the freedom that she has, but also security in knowing that Daddy is only half an hour away when her car has a dead battery or runs out of gas (yes, that happened!).

A few months into her new living arangements, she adopted the cutest, most energetic little 5 week old golden labrador mix puppy. She named him Tucker. While he is a lot of work and requires much of Sarah's time (as she quickly discovered!), he has also stolen a huge part of her heart. Sarah has done such an amazing job at house training and teaching him manners. So far, he knows sit, shake, high five, "watch me", stay, come, and down.  It's been fun watching him grow.  She is in denial that he is getting too big to carry.  I think the pictures speak for themselves!

She's a Kappa Delta girl!

Sarah partook in the nerve-racking Rush week and was so excited to receive a bid from her top choice - Kappa Delta!  She has made so many friends through KD and had many opportunities afforded to her through the sorority that she may have never had otherwise. She was recently voted into a new member position and is looking forward to fullfilling that leadership role. Kappa Delta's philanthropy is Girl Scouts, which is close to her heart since she was a Girl Scout herself for several years.  Her old Girl Scout leader even appeared at one of the philanthropical events that Sarah was participating in! Being in a sorority has given her a sense of belonging, helped her tremendously with grades, built responsibility and personal development, and she has formed lifelong friendships.

A REAL job!

With sororities and puppies, come member dues and vet bills!  Sarah walked into Chic-Fil-A to drop off an application and was given and interview and hired all in the same day!  She works the evening shifts part-time so that it doesn't interfere with her classes.  Until now, Sarah has earned money babysitting neighborhood children.  This is her first REAL job, as she says!! She takes pleasure (no pun intended) in her job (and the paycheck) :)

So proud!

Sarah has done an outstanding job at balancing college classes, a job, sorority meetings and events, family, a boyfriend, and a puppy.  She is maintaining a B average in school in order to retain the HOPE scholarship.  Somehow, she still finds time to come home and have dinner with us; or pick the boys up from school and take them for an ice cream.  She is really a remarkable girl with a great head on her shoulders. We couldn't be more proud of the beautful young lady that she has become!

Sarah with Tucker and her boyfriend, Dillan.

2014 Atlanta Snowmageddon

So, it's been a year since I've written in the journal!  Thinking about covering the past year STRESS. ME. OUT., so I'm going to take baby steps and just start with...

A year ago today...

...it was predecited that Atlanta would be getting snow and freezing temperatures.  No one imagined it would get as bad as it did.  I mean, it IS Georgia! Everyone in Atlanta thought it would be best to leave work early and get home before the storm hit.

Bo, on the other hand, was working on a frozen pipe inside of an elevator shaft. This was his view from the building.  It's hard to see, but the bridges are the interstates full of gridlocked cars.

He received an entrapment call around 3:00 pm.  A man was stuck in a hotel elevator a half mile away.  With the traffic backing up, the only way to get there was by foot. Once he freed the gentleman from the elevator, he headed back to the original job and was able to leave work around 8:40 pm.

Headed to the truck

The view on his walk to the hotel

Since I-20 was total gridlock at this point, Bo made the decision to take the backroads.  They weren't any better. The streets were covered in ice and snow and it took HOURS to drive a mile.  As he watched wreck after wreck form, he slowly and carefully maneuvered a F250 with bald tires through the mess.  It looked like a scene from the Walking Dead.  Cars were spinning their wheels and wrecks were abandoned in the middle of the roads for miles.  By midnight, he was exausted and pulled over in a parking lot.  He stayed in touch with us as best he could, but his phone battery was depleting, so he turned it off and we lost contact with him from that point. It was too cold to sleep and hunger was setting in, so he began the commute again.  It was like an icy maze trying to make it home.  He had many near accidents and several scary, slippery moments.  There were several times that he had to get out of the truck and walk the streets to see how he would be able to pass.  By 5 am, he was still 18 miles from home and had made it to a point that he knew he couldn't pass safely.  At the bottom of the hill was a car on the edge of the road with a cliff below.  He knew that the car would topple off if he bumped it.  So he parked his truck, along with many other abandoned vehicles, and began walking.  Since everyone else had left work early, these cars were abandoned earlier in the day, leaving noone to be seen anywhere.

This is a road full of nothing but hills and trees.  No businesses. Very few homes.  Sliding down icy hills, he ended up walking 9 miles in the cold before finally reaching a convenient store at 9 am the next morning.  There, he was blessed to meet a man that was able to drive him the remaining 9 miles home. Since his phone was off, the kids and I had no idea how he was holding up, or that he was even walking! We were worried sick all night and were elated when he walked through the front door at 9:30 am! I made him a warm breakfast and put him to bed with a heated blanket to thaw out!

 The roads were beginning to thaw by 4 pm, so we ventrured out to get the truck.  We weren't sure what to expect when we arrived.  Bo knew that if anyone had attempted to drive through the area, his truck could be damaged.  Every newstation was covering the story of how Atlanta had been shut down. I watched the coverage on TV for nearly a 24 hours, but on the short drive to get his truck, I was still astonished to see the scene of abandoned cars and icy roads in every direction that I looked.  When we arrived at the truck, we were so glad to see that it had not been touched.  While there were still several abandoned cars, enough people had come to collect their vehicles that he was able to get the truck out with the help of a very kind couple that was driving around with pull chains and helping people out of sticky situations.  They were able to pull Bo's truck out of the position it was in and we made it home quickly.

4 pm!!

This is where he abandoned his truck.

Backing into the driveway.  Finally home!!

So thankful for these people!

Needless to say, he did not go to work the next day.  Instead he stayed home with the kids and enjoyed playing in the snow with them on their snow day off from school (see video below).  We are very fortunate for a happy ending!