We have so very much going on in the Amblin household that I am finding it hard to find the time and the words to write.  One of my children is very ill.   I have some health issues as well.  For now, I am going to take a break from blogging.  I will be back at some point.  I may open a new blog.  If I do, I’ll link it here so my loyal wonderful readers can find me. 

Thanks for listening and caring!

We just got back from a little mini-vacation at my parents’ house.  They weren’t there actually.  They were out of state visiting my sister and we were house-sitting, taking care of plants, etc.  It was a nice change of location!

My parents live on the coast of our state, right off a sound.  They have gorgeous water views, the occasional dolphin sighting, lots of crabs and fishing, river otters galore, and a beach nearby.  It’s made in heaven for 4 boys!   Not to mention that Grandpa always stocks the upstairs playroom fridge with Orange soda!  SCORE!

We had a nice time.  We went to our favorite lunch spot and then to our favorite ice cream parlor.  We went to a historic Confederate/Union fort.  It was really cool to see all of that history come alive.  All of us in the Amblin household are history buffs…so we love that kind of thing.  Then we went walking on a windy beach, picking up shells, exploring a HUGE tidal pool, and just plain enjoying ourselves.   Needless to say, Mr 5’s shoes came off as soon as he stepped foot on the sand.  So did Mr 10’s.  Those two children, in particular, were made for the beach. 

Only downside?  We forgot the camera!  I know….  ugh.

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for a wonderful time in your home!  We can’t wait to come again, but this time, when you are there also!

Those of you who know us IRL know that we are facing a serious health issue with one of our children.  I don’t blog much about it because he has asked that I respect his privacy. And I’m fine with that. Granted, for a words oriented, people girl like me, it’s hard to keep this out of my blog.  It’s just not my natural.  But that’s okay.  I’ll blog in generics and in my feelings while maintaining his privacy.

It’s a bone-crushing thing we are dealing with.  It’s hard, it’s scary, and it hurts.  And sometimes, well sometimes, I just want to scream.  To rail at God, at the world, and at the people innocently walking by me, unaware that my whole world is upside down.  “How can you just walk along while my child is so ill !!!?  Did your world not stop when mine did?!!!” 

Of course it didn’t.  Life is like that.  Moving along relentlessly, rather like a ferris wheel ride with highs and lows.  Moving up and down, when sometimes I feel like screaming “STOP”.

At those times, I am grateful for the Holy Spirit who according to my Bible intercedes for me with groanings when I have no words.  Because as much as I want to scream, right now I just have no words.

I just found this incredibly amazing blog written by a 20 year old serving in Africa.  Wow…Here is a quote pulled from her blog:

There is a common misconception that I am courageous. I will be the first to tell you that this is not actually true. Most of the time, I am not brave. I just believe in a God who will use me even though I am not. Most mornings, before I even get out of bed I am overwhelmed with His goodness, with His plan for my life; I stand in awe of the fact that He could entrust me with so much. Most days, I don’t have much of a plan. I don’t always know where this is going. I can’t see the end of the road, but here is the great part: Courage is not about knowing the path. It is about taking the first step. It is about Peter, getting out of the boat. I do not know my five year plan; even tomorrow will probably not go as I have planned. I am thrilled and I am terrified, in a good way. So some call it courage, some call it foolish, I call it Faith. I choose to get out of the boat. To take the next step. Sometimes I walk straight into His arms. More often, I get scared and look down and stumble. Sometimes I almost completely drown. And through it all, He never lets go of my hand.

Honestly, you need to go to her blog.  Read and pray and then read and pray some more.

Today, Mr 5 and I were in his room getting him dressed for the day.  He was checking his calendar on the wall.  Now that he’s started Kindergarten, calendars have a whole new attraction! 

Anyway, he points to 8/28 and says “Today is the 28″. 

Me:  “Well actually today is August 29th.”

Mr 5:  “You’re kidding?!  Time sure goes fast.”  

Yes, my little one…it does indeed.

I posted yesterday about the first week of school for my older boys.  Mr 14 is loving his school!    It’s the same school he attended last year as it is a small private school and goes from 1st grade to 12th grade.  He even has the same teachers…and they are all his favorite ones.   He’s made some new friends, has class with some of his old friends and seems to be adjusting to high school well so far.  He’s still on the cross country team and LOVES it.  (where did that come from you ask?  Well, definitely not me.  Amblin Man loves to run and so Mr 14 comes by it honestly.) 

Mr 12 is still a bit unsure about his new school.  It’s big and it’s very different from his small local elementary school.  He is attending a magnet middle school for academically gifted children.  I think, after the first 2 weeks, he’ll LOVE it.  But right now, it’s quite a change for him and that’s stressful.  He’ll be okay but I sure wish it was a bit easier for him.  He’s such a wonderful boy and I’m hoping he’ll connect with some great kids.  That will go a long way towards making middle school …well…palatable!

Well, today is the day.

All 4 of my children are now in school all-day every day.  For a former homeschooling mom like me, that’s quite a change.  Yesterday was Mr 14’s first day back to school.  He’s in 9th grade now.  (yikes! where did that time go?)  He had a great day and really enjoys his classes. 

Today is Mr 12’s first day of middle school.  6th grade.  Eek…Where did my smiley platinum-haired little toddler go?  He’s still smiley, a little more golden blond than platinum…but he’s almost my size now.  Right about now, he is getting out of Amblin Man’s car and heading into his homeroom for the first time.  How I have prayed that this day will go well for him!  He’s such a quiet boy and I want for him to make wonderful friends at this new school.  Most of his friends are attending other middle schools so he knows only 3 boys attending his middle school.  It’s a big change for him. 

And now…today I’ll have an empty house.  Perhaps I’ll get used to it eventually.  But for now, the echoes are awfully loud.

The title says it all!

We have had back to back “Back to School” (did I really just use the word ‘back’ that many times?!) the last two days.  Mr 14 and Mr 12 start school next week.  Mr 14 will be in high school…how is that possible?  And Mr 12 in middle school. 

Question:  Does this make me an “old” mom?

On second thought, don’t answer that! 

We had a great time finding classes, getting schedules, meeting new friends, saying hi to old friends, and learning the ways of a new middle school.  Mr 12 is attending a magnet middle school for academically gifted children.  He is so excited to be taking aerodynamics, woodworking, painting, along with gifted core courses.  It will be great for him!

Yesterday we had the opportunity to attend the Jimmy V Foundation Celebrity Golf Tournament.  All proceeds from the event go towards cancer research.  We got tickets from UNC at clinic where one of my son’s is being seen. 

What fun!  We stayed for a few hours and saw some fun golf.  The boys got their pictures taken with Paul DiMeo (Extreme Home Makeover) and Stuart Scott (ESPN).  They also got to talk to Gregory Harrison (he was such a heartthrob back in the 80’s on Trapper John MD!).  They got autographs and got to see Arnold Palmer as well.  It was a neat way to spend the morning and was a fun thing to look forward to all week.

I was most impressed with Paul Dimeo.  He was absolutely wonderful with my children.  He was kind, asked their names, talked with them for a few minutes, took a picture and gave my Mr 12 a hug and told him to have fun and take care of himself.  His personality in person seems much like his TV persona…warm and kind.  Gregory Harrison was very kind as well.  Joked with the boys for a bit and signed their autograph books in a caring manner.  Scott Stuart was busy golfing but took time after his putt to sign their books and pose for a picture. 

It was a neat time!   Thank you to all who participated and made those two hours a time of fun for our family!

So last night, Mr 12 had his birthday party.  He invited 5  of his friends for a slumber party.  5…5 friends…for a slumber party. 

Great idea, right?  Yes, it was fun.  No, no one slept.  Well, the rest of the Amblin family slept.  However, the 6 12 year olds did not sleep.  Not one wink.  Instead, they played, talked, watched a movie, and played some more.  They had a great time! 

Now, however….well, let’s just say there are 6 very cranky very tired very cranky 12 year olds in my house.  That’s at least the equivalent of 36 well-rested 12 year olds, isn’t it?

So, now we are waiting for the parents to arrive to take their children home.  30 mins to go.  Is a watched clock like a watched tea kettle?  I’m thinking “yes”. 

LOL  Where’s my bed?  I need a nap.  And it’s 8:30am.  LOL