Back To The Books!

Today is the first day of the 2013-2014 school year.  I must say that I am sorry the summer has (unofficially) come to an end.  I will be subbing again this year.  I have a few days lined up already but no long term assignment at this point.

 My children are blessed with great teachers yet again.  Our God is awesome and we commit this school year to Him!

Let's do this!

Carowinds

We took a trip to Carowinds this week.  The kids had never been and they were beyond excited.  We went with friends who have season passes so the admission price was only $19.99 apiece.

The weather was perfect and the lines were short.  I was too busy riding rides to take may pictures. I discovered that I still enjoy riding roller coasters.  In fact, everyone did.  The Intimidator and Afterburn were the favorites.

 I think Drake was scared!

One ride I did not go on was Drop Tower.  Maybe next time. We also went to the water park for part of the afternoon.  I don't have pics of Boomerang Bay.

From beginning to end, we had a fantastic day at Carowinds, the thrill capital of the southeast. As we were leaving the beauty of the sky summed up a fantastic fun-filled day!

Buffie's Beach Birthday

When I was a kid I didn't much like my August 3rd birthday.  All my friends got to have cupcakes and parties at school (back when that was allowed) but my birthday was in the summer.  Now, at 41, I like my August birthday and especially am happy when I can spend my birthday at the beach!

The whole family came for the weekend.  JJ is not a beach lover but he came as a gift for me.  

We had great weather and had a relaxing time.  Of course JJ doesn't liken to sit so he played some soccer and dusted off his 20+ year old skimboard.

JJ and I headed to Southport for dinner out.  Provisions is one of the hot spots in the area.  It was our first visit there and we liked it.

Here are my birthday roses.  They actually were given to me by the Food Lion manager because they were wilting!

Everyone but Hayden and I left Monday morning and we returned home Thursday.  We had a movie date and took walks on the beach and each did our own thing.  

Here is one of my favorite spots.  Whether I am drinking coffee or reading or having supper or a cold drink, I so enjoy sitting at the picnic table with the ocean in view.

The Sea Turtle Society (what I call them) was out babysitting turtle eggs.  I don't think they hatched while we were there. If so, I missed it yet again.

Sweet seascapes

I had a great beach birthday.  Who knows, might turn into a tradition!  Speaking of tradition, I plan to return for Thanksgiving if not before!

Summer of "So Longs"

 

We have had to say "so long" to some friends this summer.  It sounds much better than goodbye.  One such friend is a young man named Frankie, whom we grew to love like family.  In fact, he is now part of our family in Christ.  

Frankie moved to another foster home today.  We know this is a good move for him and pray that this may be his forever family.  But we will miss him so.  We have shared lots of great times together since we met him nearly three years ago.

God placed him in two different foster homes within our church.  We camped together and enjoyed having him in our home numerous times. It has been a blessing to see Frankie come out of his shell, mature, and thrive.  He is such a gentleman now.

Frankie will be living in a town not too far away and we intend to keep in touch.  The Lord has done amazing things in the life of this precious young man and we believe God's hand will continue to hold him fast.

We also had to say "so long" to the Thompson family about a month ago.  Although we met them just last summer, it was like we have known them forever. Nathan played soccer with Drake this past year and Kinley was on Corinna's team.  We spent many hours with this sweet family on and off of the soccer field.  

A job transfer them to Ohio.  They still have family in Lexington so we know we will see them when they return to North Carolina.  Meanwhile, there is a lot of texting taking place, as well as phone calls and Face Time.  

We have been invited to their home in Ohio and hope to take a road trip in the fall or winter. I don't have a picture of Chris or Aprile, but what a great pair they are!

We know that God puts people in our lives sometimes just for a season.  We are thankful for these friends He has given.  Though we will miss seeing them regularly, their presence in hearts will not fade.

The old school Michael W. Smith song lyrics keep coming to mind: 

"We'll keep you close as always, it won't even seem you've gone.  Cause our hearts in big and small ways will keep the love that keeps us strong. And friends are friends forever of the Lord's The Lord of them.  And a friend will not say never,  cause the welcome will not end.  Though it's hard to let you go, in the Father's Hands we know....a lifetime's not too long, to live as friends."