The one about my 10-year-old driver!

Okay. Not exactly, but I will get to that.

I see it has been almost two months since last I blogged, and that's ok. Well, except for the fact that there have been so many things to blog about, it being the holidays and all, and not enough time to blog about them... it being the holidays and all.

Anyway, on December 13th my most favorite person in the world turned 10! I can barely believe the happiest decade of my life have flown by so quickly... but it has, and I have a tall, handsome, 10-year-old son to prove it. Oh, there are so many pictures, and funny stories, and hilarious video (thanks Beth!) of Collin's birthday that beg to be blogged about and posted if only I had the time. It was a wonderdul day... and the boy is up to his neck in Legos. I'd like to revisit the celebration some point soon. I also hope to do a little stroll down memory lane celebrating all that is my most cherished relation (those cute baby and toddler photos beckon)!

Additionally, Christmas was wonderful. I, too, had a great brithday despite the fact that I didn't feel very well. Collin surprised me with very thoughtful Christmas and birthday gifts I couldn't have anticipated (I correctly guessed at only one). God has placed in him a talent for being attentive to the likes and individuality of those around him! If Jesus tarries, a wife will treasure that about him!

Now, as to the title of this blog I must say, no, I haven't let Collin drive my car (or anyone else's car for the matter)! However, I think it right to assume that he may be ready. You see, one of the guys in Victory Home's apprenticeship program recently went to reinstate his driver's license. He failed the driver's test miserably. Then he went back, passed the test, and has had the privilege of driving restored. Paul E. (a co-worker and friend) is also looking to reinstate his license, so he visited the online driver's test for preparation. He and Jeremy (a co-worker and friend), who rightly believe Collin to be a very bright child (I am his mother, I can say that), thought it would be a hoot to have him take the test, too... though, they weren't expecting the results! Both Jeremy and Paul came to my office to exclaim, "Collin took the same test (the VH guy) failed and got them all right!" Now I don't know which I should be more concerned about... a driver certification test that is so easy my 10-year-old can pass, or sharing the road with a near-40-year-old driver who failed the same test the first time!

The one about HRHS (huh?)...

I read an interesting blog on a site for moms the other day (don't remember the site). It is something I needed to read. You see, I am not compelled to blog every day, or every other day, or every other week. Some days the only thing I want to do is come home and not look at a computer screen. And that is ok.

What I read was essentially this: If you are going to blog, it should be because you want to... and you want to for YOU. It is a journal, and there should be no pressure to journal. For a person who analyzes why she does and doesn't do things... like me... it was a relief. So. No more apologizing. I haven't blogged in almost a month... and that's that.

Moving on... LOL.

I am really excited that Collin was able to join a homeschool sports team. HRHS (Hampton Roads Homeschool Sports) has been around for a while, but has really grown in the last three years from what I am told. The first day of the season when we all met coaches and teams... I was amazed! I had never seen so many homeschooled kids in my life! It was a wonderful thing.

Collin and I are quite introverted in that we do really well keeping to ourselves. We love our church/ministry/biological families, but our ties stop with them. We don't shun other relationships, but we don't seek them out. Collin and I naturally keep to ourselves wherever we go. We did so especially for the four years Collin played in a local chaper of a national soccer organization. As much as we interacted with those kids, and their families, for those four years, we maintain only one connection, and that by scant emails. Mr. Chuck is a senior adult that adopted his granddaughter after her mother died. Once at a game, he hit it off with Collin's grandpa (my dad) and we were automatic friends! Below are photos of Collin playing soccer in 2005 through 2007, ages 6, 7 and 8:

Even with homeschooling families, we seem to be the odd-family-out. I can't completely understand the reasons why, but was comforted to know that others in my small circle of friends often experience the same thing. Without being able to fully explain, and without a sense of superiority, I conjecture that we somehow exude inner convictions of no-nonsense. I know... anyone can undoubtedly assume that is a prideful statement, but it's truly not intended that way.

Today, though, things were a little bit different. Seemingly, as Collin is relating to kids (his age) that have far more in common with him than any he has ever met, he is doing really well on the soccer field. Experience didn't help him when he was in the other league; he was timid, self-doubting, disconnected. Now, however, it seems like he has a comfort level he's never sensed. It is something I can see with my eyes, and my heart, but is difficult to put into words. Homeschooling kids/moms will likely understand better what I am saying. :)

I don't anticipate that I will walk away from this cool, unique league with any more connections than I did with the other league. Since our lives consist mostly of ministry and church, I can confidently say I am just fine with that. However, for Collin, I am very thankful. Over the years, though infrequently, he has mentioned having friends that understand him. He has prayed for a homeschooled kid to move to our block. And though he's done so infrequently, the desire exists. Here are Collin's recent soccer photos:

Even if none of Collin's teammates ever come for a sleepover, God has given him a chance to simply be himself around other kids without the world's twisted misconception of homeschooling. It is truly an answer to prayer for Collin... and his mom!

The one about friends, food and fireworks

What a wonderful Saturday! I have found that I stay home a lot more on my day off than I used to. There is something to be said for the comfort of home, and not just after a long day at work. I found myself thanking God this morning for the simple things of home - my bed, our sofa, house plants, central AC... that works (we had to have the unit serviced this week). Also, where Collin and I used to kind-of do our own things on Saturday mornings on separate floors of the house, we now watch some of his favorite Saturday morning shows together. It's simple, but it gives us a chance to laugh, relax and bond before we shed our pjs for the day.

I usually get more done around the house, but not today. I only dusted and washed clothes. Collin has now taken on the extra chore of vacumming at his request. It's funny... you'd think I would readily give it up, but things like this are hard for me. Those who know me will nod in agreement. So, please pray for me. LOL. God has blessed me with such an extraordinary son. Collin has adopted my dad's desire to serve, and I couldn't be more grateful!

We were invited over to the Ellis' home, and had a great time, as usual. Melanie is such an excellent hostess! She always feeds you yummy food, and you always feel at
home. I am torn between feeling sad and feeling happy that there wasn't any chicken dip! It is my absolute favorite... but whenever they have it I end up feeling a little yucky from eating too much. I am sure it could subsitute for a good friend. It is that good!

We played the Bible edition of Outburst. Collin, Mel and I were on one team. Pastor and Beth paired up against us. No matter that Pastor is the pastor; we left him and Beth in the dust!!! LOL. Not really, though we did win. Then, Collin and Beth played Pick-Up-Sticks. It was fun!

After supper and gametime, all of us walked to the waterfront to watch the Harborfest fireworks. Harborfest is one of many maritime celebrations in Hampton Roads. There is always a Parade of Sail featuring many beautiful vessels and delicious food. However, if, like us, you don't enjoy being up close and personal with the things of this world (e.g., half-dressed women, loud secular music, and alcoholic beverages), it's better to watch the highlights on the news. Of course, this doesn't mean we can't bring some beach chairs and enjoy the fireworks on the other side of the water with friends!

Boy, it was a scorcher today... over 100 degrees. This evening wasn't much cooler, as each of us were drenched it sweat upon return to the Ellis home. All of us got a few good chuckles out of Collin's insistence on carrying all 5 chairs himself when we started out... all the while assuring us that he was more than capable of handling it! Well, as you can see from this picture, Collin was three chairs lighter on the walk back! Lesson learned, you think? Quite so.

Here are some fireworks pics that Collin and I took. Beth took some great pics, also! Hopefully, she'll post 'em.

Thanks to Pastor, Mel (that's her smiling face below) and Beth for having us over! We missed the rest of you... you know who you are. :) Oh well, maybe next time... on July 4th?!