Last week of summer

We have soaked in every minute of this week.  This is it.  I can't even talk about it. 

Monday the boys played at Renee's while I worked with a sweet friend.  Each time they play at Renee's I'm reminded that this will be one of the last times Andrew and Zachary play together.  They are each starting kindergarten and it hurts my heart a little to think about how much things are going to change for them. 
Once Stephanie and I finished working we met up at Emilee's school to decorate her door.  Honestly, is that not the cutest door you've ever seen?!?  Could anything welcome some sweet little first graders better??  (Stephanie and I also enjoyed a delicious lunch at Las Delicias...because we worked SO hard!!)

Tuesday we woke up for Fred's birthday!  He's 38.  What?!?  When did this happen?  Fred told me it happened one day at a time.  He must have gained that wisdom through his 38 years.  We sang happy birthday at breakfast and he opened some tri shorts from us.  Happy Birthday...here are some tri shorts.  After a morning of registering all three of our boys for school (more on that later) we met for lunch.  Fred paused for this picture in between phone calls.  I had a lovely lunch of Pad Thai and looking at Fred. 

Before lunch I went to all two different schools to register our boys.  The big boys were already over it and chose to stay home.  Andrew went with me b/c I thought we would meet his teacher.  We did not meet his teacher though.  He will go next Thursday with a small group and then I'll have a parent meeting on Friday where I find out who his teacher is.  This really is not a big deal to me.  Being new to this town I couldn't pick a single kindergarten teacher out of a line up.  Jack's teacher is a different story though.  I saw the name and went to meet her.  As it turns out, she is one of the two teachers that I know at the school.  She actually taught in 3rd grade last year.  I would see her in the hall when I volunteered.  I just about cried when I saw her.  Clayton's teachers are fine.  I know none of them either, except his chorus teacher. 

While I was at Clayton's school his new language arts teacher asked me if Clayton would mind reading a book and then reporting it back to the class.  Apparently, his teacher from last year recommended him for this task.  I smiled and agreed to this proposition, knowing that he still has not read his second required reading book.  I used my great experience with the grin and nod move.  Good times. 

When Fred came home from work he loaded up all our bikes for a ride down the greenline at Shelby Farms. 

We rode to High Point Pizza and met up with some friends.  As you can see I took the selfie stick.  We took a picture of everyone outside of the restaurant. 

Wednesday afternoon we met some friends at Shelby Farms to ride paddle boats.  I have no pictures from this event b/c I was so sweaty. Seriously, I was so sweaty
Andrew went for an eye appointment to check the progress.  He has improved to 20/30.  We are so proud.  As a reward for wearing his patch he got to make a dog at Build-A-Bear.  He could not be happier.  He named him Snuggles. 

 

While Mun, Janice and Mimi were here we ate at Central BBQ to celebrate the birthday boys. 

We also gave Aunt Janice some flowers for her birthday.

That night we all scattered.  Mimi stayed at home.  Fred, Jack, Andrew, and David (a friend staying with us) headed to Union Missions.  I met two friends at Swanky's Taco Shop for a much needed girl's night.  Clayton headed with Mawmaw and Pawpaw for his "birthday date".  They went to Dyer's for a delicious burger

Then they headed to Bass Pro Shop.  They even rode the elevator to the top.  Oh, and they bought fudge.  Yes, fudge.

Then they headed to Toy 'R Us for a Lego set.  What birthday would be complete without a Lego set?!?
On his actual birthday we woke up for our traditional donut breakfast. Then 12 friends came over for pizza, cake and putt putt. 

Delicious cake made by a precious man at our church. 

 Post putt putt.  It was hot and I think they were tired. 

 I know they were hot and tired because I asked them if they wanted to take a silly picture and they all unanimously said, "No!" and started walking off.  Ha!

Tonight we will go to Fred and Renee's and wrap up the birthday festivities with Fred's favorites...lasagna, salad, bread, and chocolate cheesecake.  Oh, chocolate cheesecake how I love you!

Wait. Was this week supposed to be calm?!?

I thought when I started this week we were going to have a nice, relaxing week at home.  Wrong. 

Saturday night around bed time Andrew realized he left his night night at the hotel at Pickwick Lake.  After five phone calls I am happy to report it is in the mail headed this way.  I may or may not have teared up when housekeeping called me back to tell me they had found it.  He has asked for it every night since we left it.  I'm telling you I'm going to have to thing in a vault at the bank.  I feel like the Isrealites in the wilderness carrying the Ark of the Covenant.  Okay, so not that dramatic, but he does REALLY love that blanket.  We have a back up, but it's just not the same.  I'll post a picture when they are reunited. 

We are trying to throw in some last minute end of summer celebrations.  So, we headed to Huntingdon, Tennessee for Redneck Island.  Redneck Island (yes, that is the real name.) is a water playground, for lack of a better phrase.  It is pontoon boats stuck together floating on the lake.  Then in the roped off area there are slides, water trampolines, and various and sundry other things.  I basically listened to Andrew whine the entire time b/c he was scared and didn't like lake water.  I also had to hoist him up on several attractions.  I have no upper body strength so this was no small feat.  I have no pictures, but I did snap one at dinner.  We ate at Mallard's in Huntingdon and it did not disappoint.

My mom came in town for two days and we had a blast.  She wanted to take the boys shopping for clothes.  Do you know how difficult it is to take three boys clothes shopping?  I was once again reminded why internet shopping is my preference for them.  (Unless I'm at a thrift store, but I am always alone.)  At one point I looked at Jack and he was completely laid out on the floor of JC Penny.  Classic. 
We ate lunch at the mall, went to Kohl's, Incredible Pizza, Bricks and Figs (just C and Mimi.  it's a Lego store), and several other things.  One of the highlights was getting a selfie stick because we spent a certain amount of money at a store.  It has resulted in many family moments like these two...

 

 

 

They make me laugh every time.  Dash looks thrilled.  Who came up with the idea for a selfie stick?  They are too funny. 

I also cleaned out the boys' closet.  You may ask, "Why did you clean out their closet?  Is it time to switch clothes for the season?"  Oh no, my friend.  We are on set two of our summer clothes.  Two of my boys have changed sizes in one season.  What?!?  So...I spent one afternoon pulling out clothes that were too small. 

We have some sweet house guests that are staying with us in between houses.  They have the cutest dog.  She does not quite know what to do with the chaos that resides in our house.  One day I laid down on the couch for a minute and Madi (the dog) crawled up with me to enjoy 7 minutes of peace.  I think she loved it.

 

Friday my friend from Paris came to visit.  We walked the 6 mile trail at Shelby Farms and caught up.  I cannot tell you how good it was for my soul.  I think we could talk all day.  Our time together made my month.  After we got back from walking we headed to La Michoacana (Mexican ice cream store) to get some treats and then to Costco.  Fred and Jack went to the gym to swim, but the rest of us enjoyed our time at Costco.  We had so much fun we even took a picture. 

Saturday morning we woke up with just a small to-do list, so we headed to the Farmer's Market in the Cooper Young district and then to the one in downtown.  A good time was had by all, minus a dip in one child's blood sugar.  I got some heirloom tomatoes that I fully intend on turning into a Tomato Pie.  I haven't had one all summer and it's long overdue. 

 

 

Nine days and counting until school starts.  Boo.  We are soaking in every moment that we can.  I heart summer.

This week

After getting home from camp, finishing up laundry, and sleeping 10 hours Fred left to run a triathlon Saturday morning.  I stayed in bed.  I was the one that got 10 hours, not him.  He ran the Mighty Mite Triathlon.  This year makes three years for him.  He, his friend and his friend's son rolled out of Memphis at 6:00 am.  Fred placed in the top 10 in his age division.  Yahoo!

 

 

The rest of our week was pretty uneventful until we left for Pickwick State Park for staff retreat.  I sat all the boys down and told them everything they needed to pack.  I had them repeat it back to me to make sure they understood.  They were upstairs for a while and came down with a red suitcase.  I figured everything was a go.  My first mistake.  Really, a rookie mistake, but you know...

As we were walking out the door this was our conversation-

Me:  Andrew, did you pack any clothes?

Andrew:  No

Me:  What were you upstairs doing all that time?  Packing your stuffed animals?

Andrew:  Yes, and my blanket. 

 

Oh dear.  He didn't have clean underwear, but at least we had our animals and blanket.  Yes, we were good. 

 

Sunday morning we left the house at 9:01 am.  (We are supposed to be there at 9:00 am.)  I gave the boys a two minute warning and told them to meet me at the car.  This is how Andrew came downstairs...





 

When I saw him I said, "Andrew!"  He said, "Why did you say my name like that?  Is it because I'm so cute and I did such a good job getting dressed by myself?"  Yep, that's why I said your name like that.  Yep.

 

This is the closet where we keep our luggage. 

 

I think that's the sign of a good summer, don't you?!?  Saturday I whipped it back into shape because we traveled for the last time for several months. 

While I love a clean and organized closet this kind of makes me sad.  It marks the end of summer to me.  We are on the final countdown.  14 days until school starts back.  14 days until the baby of the Shackelford house starts school.  14 days until I have the house to myself during the days.  Do you know how long it's been since I've had a little buddy at home by my side?  12 years.  I can't talk about it.  We will make the most of these 14 days and every day that we have together.  Don't even get me started on Clayton having 5 more years until he graduates.  Nope.  I can't talk about it. 

This week

After getting home we hit the ground running.  I basically unloaded all my clothes in the washing machine and dryer and then put them back in my suitcase.  Everyone slept well in their own bed.  Clayton had not been home in 13 days between youth camp, swim weekend and us being gone.  Jack and Andrew were going on 11 days. 
Saturday morning it was business as usual.  Fred went on a bike ride, I made breakfast (with good coffee!!  Hallelujah!!) and the boys just laid around.  When Fred got home I met up with Liz at Shelby Farms.  It was hot, but it was so fun.  We did a 6 mile hike through the woods.  I cannot tell you how much I love Shelby Farms and walking with a friend.  It really is my happy place. 
Here we are before...

 And here we are after.  Seriously, I thought I was going to melt.  Whew, it was hot.  But so fun!

After that we enjoyed a relaxing day around the house and going to the grocery store and a few other errands.  By 5:15 pm I could not go another step.  We all went to bed early and I'm pretty sure I didn't move all night. 
During one of our errands Andrew and I stopped by the library. They had one of these little stick your face in the hole things.  I couldn't resist getting Andrew's picture.  It just makes me smile. 

 
Sunday morning I woke up to get ready for church and made Oven Pancakes for breakfast.  (Click here for the recipe.)  I will be making these again.  I used whole wheat flour and half the sugar.  Tami told me about these and I owe her a thank you note.  Yum!!
While I was making breakfast I heard a commotion on the stairs.  I looked over to see Jack lugging his suitcase down the stairs. 

Yep, he came down packed for camp.  We don't leave until tomorrow at 3:00 pm.  There's no telling what's in his suitcase.  I told him to put two towels in it for showers.  He gave me a, "WHAT!?!  You know I'm not going to take any showers!"  Oh dear. 

Jack and I left for camp Monday morning.  We had an amazing time.  I slept in a luxurious bunk bed and was able to shower in a spa like experience...I kid.  I slept on a plastic mattress and showered in a small stall with only a stream of water as big as my pinky.   
Some of our high school and college students dressed as super heroes to lead our late night activities.  One thing that we did during the week was to reward kiddos for good behavior.  If we saw one of them doing something good they were nominated for a Selfie with the Super Heroes.  It was great.  Jack was nominated the first night because he helped load heavy stuff on the bus.  If only he wasn't so shy...

 I was also nominated on another night because I fixed someone's hat.  A dream come true for me.  Ha!

 

 This guy woke up every morning around 6:00 am to go fishing.  Thankfully, a precious man from church was out and ready to meet all the guys that went fishing early each morning. 
Our cabins were divided between girls and boys.  Most of the boys were out early, but the girls had to be woken up each morning to go to breakfast. 
I also got the nickname of Ms. Hannigan and the Child Whisperer.  I got the girls to sleep in record time.  It was awesome.  Call me whatever you like.  I was asleep and that's what mattered!!

 Our high school and college students went above and beyond the call of duty.  Many of them left during the day to go to ball practice or work and then came back at night to help.  This one had football practice and came to camp on his lunch break.  Camp was closer to his practice then driving home. 

 The last night Fred came to talk to all the Super Heroes as Nick Fury.  He had a talk with all of them.  It was really funny. 

 Here's our entire group before we headed out. 

 We ate lunch at Lenny's because I love their Grilled Chicken Philly Salad (Have you ever tried it?!?  So yummy!) and this sister just needed some veggies after eating kid/camp food all week.  Then I crawled walked in to the house and drug our luggage in behind us.  In an unprecedented Jennifer move I left everything on the floor, went straight upstairs and went to bed.  Jack and I actually both slept from 12:30 pm to 4:02 pm.  I literally thought it was 1:00 or 1:30 pm.  And seriously, as I'm typing this it's 7:32 pm I could go to sleep right.now.  Yes, I could. 

I started the long process of laundry.  Does camp laundry not have an odor of its own?!?  Jack's suitcase looked like a bomb hit it...except for his towels.  They were perfectly folded and untouched.  Yep, he did not take a shower all week.  He expressed his disdain at the condition of the bathrooms.  The boy's bathroom must not have been as "spa like" as the girl's bathroom. 
We have a few days to recover before we leave for our final trip of the summer.  We will head to staff retreat. Then we just have a few weeks before school begins.  But I'm not talking about it.  Not talking about it will keep it from happening, right?!?

Our week

After we left our children at swim weekend Fred and I headed to Cleveland, Tennessee for a mission trip with this crew, plus two others that met us there. 

As an added bonus, since we were driving through Murfreesboro we were able to grab lunch with my Aunt Christie and my brother and his crew (minus one). 

We arrived Sunday afternoon and had a brief orientation.  Then Monday morning we headed to our work site. We painted, replaced soffits (well, not me, but some of the guys on our team), replaced hand rails, cleaned up a yard, and painted some more. 

 On Tuesday I pressure washed just about every surface you can imagine.  This picture does not do my legs justice.  My feet/shoes/socks were soaking wet, plus I had dirt and grime all over my legs.  There have been only a few other times in my life when I've been this glad to get a shower. 

We worked at the house of an 81 year old widow.  She has dementia and is hard of hearing.  Sweet Fred was trying to talk to her one afternoon.  He repeated himself four different times, each time getting louder.  I really don't even remember what he was saying, but after she said, "What'd you say?" for the fourth time Fred looked at her (and yelled, b/c each time he repeated himself he got louder) and said (very respectfully), "NEVER MIND!"  I was on the other side of the house working and I heard him.  I go so tickled I had to stop painting. 

There were some pretty tall places that had to be reached at the house with paint.  I just couldn't watch. 

At one point Fred was really high on a ladder and I was on the other side of the house.  I heard him holler.  Let's just say two things: 1...someone holding your ladder is always a good idea, 2...putting a piece of wood and a brick under each side of your ladder is not a good foundation.  No harm, no foul.  Everybody was okay.  But after a quick rush of adrenaline let's just say we took a break.

It's been about 12 years since I've been to this area and I forget just how beautiful this side of the state is. 

Wednesday I got this text from my mother in law which just made me smile:

"So...we need to talk.  I don't think I will be giving your boys back.  They are awesome!!  I had {some friends} over to the house for lunch today.  The little kids were wild and made a big mess in the playroom.  I just figured I would take care of it after everyone left.  Without me knowing it or asking them to, Jack and Clayton cleaned up the entire mess!!  Be proud!  You are raising amazing young men.  I may keep them."

Well...if that doesn't make you tear up as a parent I don't know what will. 

Thursday I got this picture of a hard working crew washing a dog.  I'd say that's one clean dog.

Friday morning we packed up and headed out, but not before we did a little white water rafting.  I was hoping to get a few pictures while we were rafting, but I like my phone so that did not happen.  But here is one before we loaded up.  Rafting the Ocoee took me back to when Fred and I first started dating.  We always took youth groups here.  It's been about 12 years since I've been and I picked up right where we left off.  I love the Ocoee River.  Rafting it with this group was just an added blessing. 

Originally, I had not intended on rafting with our group.  I was going to come back with two other people from our crew.  But on Thursday we moved our rafting time from 2:00 pm to 11:00 am and decided to drive back as soon as we finished.  After a couple of phone calls everything fell in to place.  Our friends kept the boys so I could stay.  We got stuck in Chattanooga traffic 3 different times and were a little later than we thought we would be.  Barbara, my friend that kept the boys, said Andrew came down a little before 8 and asked when we were getting home.  He said, "Do you know when my parents are getting here?  For some reason my eyes have tears in them."  Sweet boy.  We missed these guys too.  Next year they will go with us.