A . B . C & 1 . 2 . 3

It's back to school time again. 

Oh the joy of a routine and the tears of crazy busy schedules. 

Emma will be starting her 3rd year of college. My beautiful pink haired girl loves her school, bible study, her apartment, her friends and according to her bank account the coffee shop too. At this point she is still on track to graduate in 4 years and then the plan is to move straight into her masters. My free spirit first born (I know those words don't usually go together) is working hard and learning so many life lessons. Aw, the joys of young adulthood. Emma is still a social work/criminal justice major and loves sorority life. (I'm still waiting for the official back to school picture, she says it coming)

Best Friends and Gamma Phi Beta Sisters

Reagan is starting her senior year of high school. In the last year she has become much more social and concerned about life outside of the family. With that said, she has worked really hard to keep a 4.0+ GPA (weighted) and will be graduating in December. This is happening way too fast!!! In January we will have two girls in college. After much pressure Reagan has secured her first real job, starting this week. (yes, she had a poop scoop job and cleaned at the PT office over the years but this is different) This will be a great opportunity for her to learn how to balance school, work and soccer and then actually TALK to an adult when there are scheduling conflicts. Stay posted, I'm sure there will be stories to be told. Picture #1 is the official back to school picture and #2 is the best dance of the year picture. The Back 2 School dance is a BIG DEAL at our school. It's all about the costumes. This year the seniors, class of 2020 dressed as characters from the roaring 20s. Good choice...that was the time of prohibition!!!

I may or may not be rejoicing that this is our last year of middle school. We have had a middle schooler in our home for 9 of the last 10 years. I love my girls dearly but I don't relish the middle school years. Olivia is an 8th grader and already LOVING her classes, teachers and friends. Show choir began last week, musical tryouts are right around the corner and Sing Omaha rehearsals begin this week. Highlight of back to school shopping with Liv was finding 3 fantastic pairs of jean shorts at Goodwill for a grand total of $12. 

Liv with her best friend of 11 years

Chris is in his 20th year of teaching. I am forever amazed at the way he connects with middle school kids. You couldn't pay me enough to do what he does...I think they smell and act childish. Obviously he can't smell and embraces the silliness. He is a favorite teacher yet provides strong boundaries for the kids too. Not every day is fun but he loves his job. 

I'm not going to school although I have thought about finishing my degree several times. To be honest, it would cost us money that we just don't have. Maybe one day! You know how we all say, "when we have more time and money." As if that ever happens. ha ha ha!! My schedule consists of working part-time for CORE Physical Therapy, working part-time from home for Elite Girls Academy soccer club and still selling my crafty designs whenever possible. The cooking, cleaning and laundry is a struggle these days and that's just fine!!

Happy Back to school 2019-2020

Family Vacation 2019

Summer vacations are all about R&R for the Raabes even though most trips have a dual purpose. You won't see us flitting off to Bora Bora unless there is a wedding, soccer game or another event of importance to our family. See we are a coupon type of family so dual purpose trips are like a BOGO trip. Back to the rest and relaxation...this summer we flew to Phoenix to spend time with Great Grandma then drove to California for Soccer. Good ol' family time.

Now that Emma is two years into college and no longer lives at home, I don't take family time for granted. Being with Chris and the girls brings tremendous joy. Back when I was wiping behinds and burping babies I didn't dream this day would ever be here. 
Truly, it all happens so fast!

G R E A T   G R A N D M A

**Great Grandma recuperating after hip surgery.** 

This gal is 89 years young. I love that she has stayed active both physically and mentally all these years, which is why she has been able to stay in her own home...until now. We are facing a new era with Grandma, either looking for in home care or assisted living. Grandma, we love you so much!

T A M M Y

Sometimes you don't know what you are made of until you are pushed to the limits! I am proud of Tammy for finally saying, "I am over it!" If you are interested in supporting victims of domestic violence, she is selling some pretty awesome shirts. 

Lots of swimming to survive the 100+ degree heat

Picking peaches!

We may have gone a little overboard. I should have a picture of the cases of peaches, I think there was 40+ pounds of juicy goodness.

C H U R C H

A trip to Arizona just doesn't seem complete without a church service at CCV. This isn't the same old facility of 20 years ago but there are still some familiar faces. Chris and I were raised in christian homes but we didn't really find our own faith until we found this hidden jewel on Saturday nights meeting in a high school auditorium. As a midwest girl, I didn't know that was a thing. Chris and I met Jesus as our personal savior at Christ's Church of the Valley. We will always be grateful.

AND THIS IS WHY WE MADE THE TRIP

SOCCER . SOCCER . SOCCER

Playing in a National Championship tournament in the ECNL league is a remarkable feat for anyone, especially a small soccer club from Nebraska. I am so proud of the hard work and dedication the girls poured into their sport for an entire year in order to qualify. With that said, the outcome of the first three games were pretty devastating. Reagan netted half of the goals we scored. That sounds pretty darn good! This is where stats can be misleading...she scored one goal. :) I could list multiple reasons we didn't find success on the pitch that week but it's not just about winning and losing. Even in a serious butt-kicking you can grow as a player. It's not just what you did, it's what you learn.

Some of my favorite things...

the ocean

hiking with the girls

chris

Over the years I have learned so much from my in-laws about service, unconditional love and faith. Their love for Jesus is apparent in the way they serve others. Chris' parents love supporting our girls, whether it is orchestra, soccer, musicals or sorority activities they are there. It's one thing to drive across town to watch a game or concert but driving to California for 3 soccer games is pretty remarkable. We had a special week traveling, eating, swimming, visiting and watching soccer with Papa and Nana. Then right before we flew home we celebrated Nana's Birthday with these gourmet cupcakes and yummy coffee from Human Bean. We can't even begin to thank them for the model of God's love they provide daily.

F R I E N D S

Friends and family from afar

 (Next Time Vicki!! I hope to be back in November)

O C E A N   P I C T U R E S

Sixteen years ago our families became friends. These two girls were inseparable. At 8 years old Emma even cut Gab's hair...free of charge of coarse. Their lives have gone in different directions and they don't get to see each other very often but while we were in San Diego it was such a joy to catch up with our favorite ballerina. 
She dances AND makes a good cup of coffee.

I have been trying to find some time to write out this post. Life is crazy, you've gotta be intentional about smelling the roses. 

For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, 

"Peace be within you,"  Psalm 122:8