[Worley Family Blog] Days of Joy

[Donna Worley]

Days are going too fast, as usual, and our kids are growing up too fast, as usual. But I am thankful they are healthy and full of joy! Austin just turned 14 and Bryce is finishing his last week of Elementary School this week. I feel like I'm walking around in somewhat of a daze repeating to myself... Junior High, as if it's going to go away. I've had a difficult time imagining Bryce in Junior High, but I think it's mostly due to the fact that he's our baby. It helped my feelings greatly though when I attended Bryce's 5th grade banquet yesterday where chicken fried steak was served (school cafeteria chicken fried steak - we're talking the kind that barely deserves to where the name) and a boy sitting across from Bryce hollered at his parents to help him. His dad casually came over and sat across from him, knife and fork in hand and proceeded to cut up his chicken fried steak into 1/2-inch pieces. I decided right then and there - Bryce will be fine! The other boy?... not so sure about him.

I mentioned in my last post (end of February - I can't expect you to remember that far back) that Bryce was wanting to take boxing classes following a Rocky movie marathon. We agreed to check into it. Here is his first lesson...

Did I mention it was his last lesson too? Well, turns out he wanted the gloves more than the classes... they were cheap - happy to oblige! Actually we discovered our whole family could have a membership at our local gym for not much more than his twice a week lessons were going to cost. Now we have access to a pool, ropes course, you name it! He could do boxing lessons there as well, but hasn't shown much interest so we haven't pushed it :).

Austin's year is winding down too. He had his last band competition and end-of-year cookout today. He's quite the little percussionist (well, not so little but you know what I mean). He's also been busy with golf until a couple of weeks ago as well. Here he is at his first tournament of the season...

He came in fairly consistently around 15th place (out of 75+ Junior High boys) at every tournament and he always had the lowest score out of his school's team (I'm told this is a good thing in golf). I did learn quite a bit, including how to drive a golf cart - though typically I allowed Bryce and/or Roy to chauffeur me.

Roy has been keeping super busy with softball. He is in Gulf Shore, Alabama right now with the team. It was looking yesterday like they would be coming home tomorrow, but they were dealt a blessed hand and ended up in a three way tie that was broken by a run differential. They had to beat the team they played today by two runs to make it to bracket play and ended up winning it 8 - 0. So, they are one of eight teams to have a shot at another National Championship - bracket play begins on Monday (watch or listen if your interested at www.lcuchaps.com).

It was very bitter-sweet news for us, we were ready for Roy to come home, but we also want the girls to keep winning. This is a picture of the boys shading Roy and Mac (the voice of the lady Chaps) while they were working the 'press box' in Tucson. Apparently they have a cushy press box in Alabama and have no need for 'shade boys.'

Roy can see the shore line from the balcony of his room - so really, we're not all that worried about him. :)

I'm certainly not itching for things to do while he's away. I'm enjoying a reprieve from school and taking time to catch up on spring cleaning and work projects.

This blog is titled, Days of Joy, but today, however had a tragic turn of events and my heart is very heavy and broken for a family that we are close to here in Lubbock. Roy and I went to school with the children of this family and we all attend Green Lawn and work in the LCU community. Last night the grandfather (dad to our friends) took his grandchildren rabbit hunting on their property and accidentally shot his 8-year-old granddaughter. If I've ever met anyone like my dad, this man would be him (even looks a great deal like him). He is just a good ol' country boy. One of the most Godly, family-centered men I've ever met. I humbly ask, no I beg, that you pray for this family, the Dahlstrom's. They are not only grieving the tragic loss of a sweet young girl, but Mr. D in particular... I can't find adequate words. It is beyond my comprehension the agony he must be feeling. I have heard that he has shut himself out from the world right now. Please pray for his peace and comfort as well as the girls parents especially. This tragedy could not have happened to a better family.

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Posted By Donna Worley to Worley Family Blog at 5/21/2011 10:57:00 PM