Alex has been writing and putting out more of his music. He had his first paid performance in Dallas in the fall 2016. He no longer is playing basketball. He finished his senior year in cross country with an injury which I know took the air out of his sail. He joined the debate team and did very well. He is a SENIOR! Crazyiness. Student Body President, Homecoming King and so many other fun things.
Sebastian got his first job this last Summer and after much prayer and fasting decided to hang up his jersey in Basketball. I think that was one of the hardest decisions he has had to make. He decided it was time for him to concentrate on the spiritual side of his life and school. I have not seen him happier in a long time. He has taught himself how to play the piano as well.
Eve returned from her internship for AT&T in Atlanta and was back off to A&M. I have absolutely loved watching the Women that she is becoming. Smart, Compassionate, Loving sister, daughter and friend. She started tutoring at the local elementary school where she has now found her calling as a Teacher. No more Economics major but a teacher. She will be a great addition to that field.
Malcolm has been working on going on his mission. He also has been spending time working in the Dallas temple. I still sit in awe of this man that lives in my house. Watching this change in him over the last year has been a huge blessing to our family. I sure am going to miss his face when he is gone for 2 years. Waiting on the call now.. Deep breath...we can do this..
Cole has returned from his mission after serving 2 years in West Indies/Barbados Mission speaking French. We have loved having him home. He definately has brought his personality back to the family. I wouldn't change it for the world. He leaves for BYU tomorrow after being home for about 6 weeks. He has worked hard to save money to get him started at school and is ready to go. Not so sure I am ready to let him go again.
Family dynamics are a funny thing. You watch your kids grow and see their personalities form. You know with each one their personality changes the house dynamics. I never realized how much until I had kids leave for a mission and college. You find you miss the laughter one brought to the house from their silliness, even though at times it drove you crazy when they were growing up. You miss the mess. ( well at times ) You miss their hugs. You miss their antics whether teasing siblings or pratical jokes. But you soon realize how much each person effects the family as a whole. My house is loud constantly. On a level if you weren't used to it, you would run far away. But to me that is home. I love the noise. I love the nerf gun figts in the dark with grown adult children and teenagers. I love the late night game nights. I love the talks that come out of playing games. I love the spontanous singing sessions when one picks up the guitar or sits at the paino. I loved sitting on the couch the other night while my three oldest harmonized hymns. Life is so good.
I have been blessed to have all 5 of my kids home a good portion of the Christmas vacation. We were able to enjoy Christmas Eve tradition even if we didn't start until late that night. ( Eve learning adult responsibilities and working then driving in that night) I loved watching them love on, tease, even argue over the last couple of weeks. It meant they were all together. Watching them encourage each other on in life challenges and help each other figure life out. What else can you ask for.
Even after having all of this I have been an emotional mess since Cole came home. Poor kid. Reality has been setting in, having my family all together but knowing life is always changing and will be again soon. I wouldn't really want them always to be at home with me. I love watching them grow. But I have loved having them all under one roof. I know now that we are watching for Malcolm's call it will be 2 years at least before we will all be together again. So that equals an emotional me. My poor kiddos. I am so thankful for our journey over the last year. We have learned so much about our strengths and weaknesses. We have learned to lean on the Lord and truly trust in him and the answers to prayers. But most of all I think we truly learned that the Lord has had a hand in our lives this whole time.
Now it is time for me to keep all these memories in my mind on a daily basis and remember to trust the LORD.
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