Week #6

Andrew & Ashley Nearn ~ July 14-18

Our week with AJ and Jarquavious was a lot of fun. Like the Hallidays, our younger two were away at camp this week, and we only had our 14-year-old, Will, here. I didn't know what "family time" would look like either with two-thirds of my own kids gone. It ended up just great!

We weeded and mulched our front yard flower beds on the first day. After cutting the grass in the afternoon, the boys showered and changed and Andrew took all three boys (AJ, Jarq & Will) to hear St. Louis Rams offensive lineman, Barrett Jones, speak about his faith at ECS that night. John, Jack and Miles Laughlin, along with Mike, joined them too.

The next morning, I took the boys to breakfast at Bryant's. Jarq only wanted a sausage biscuit because he had already had cereal that morning, but AJ was pretty hungry. I was just concerned about what all of that syrup might do to his insulin levels for the day! John, you can rest assured because AJ said YOU make better banana pancakes than Bryant's!!!

We planted grass seed and the boys used the weedwacker to bring some control to our overgrown monkey grass out back. While I cooked dinner, the boys played basketball and ping pong with Will. Having Will here this week was really a bonus, and I enjoyed watching them get along. They stayed for dinner that night then walked over to the Laughlins' for Bible study.

During the week, I asked what their favorite school subjects were and what they wanted to be when they grew up. AJ's favorite subject is Economics and Jarquavious' is Math. When asked what they wanted to do when they grew up, Jarquavious said "garbage man" or "pavement worker" and AJ said "EMT." Jarquavious' aspirations didn't jive with math as his favorite subject so I pointed out that there are many great jobs that require good math minds. AJ said he is interested in being an EMT or doctor because of his exposure to medicine in his many trips to doctor's offices and extended stays at LeBonheur due to his type I diabetes. I told him that one of Andrew's friend's in medical school became an endocrinologist because of his own diagnosis of type I diabetes.

The final day, we all washed my car, and the boys did a great job, probably because Stuart's friend taught them how so well! After lunch, I took the boys and Mike to swim at the YMCA. AJ refused to get in the pool and opted instead to work out in the weight room. 

 

 Jarquavious couldn't swim but had fun throwing the football and playing "Keep Away" with Will and Mike in the shallow end.

 

Will tried to teach Jarq how to swim, and he listened intently, but I think that's a job for a lifeguard.

 

Both boys could benefit from swim lessons. I think all three boys had a great time. AJ kept asking how to be a member of the Y, even wondering if he could work there. After a run to Sonic for shakes, I ran the boys home. I think they were very appreciative and asked if they could come over again just to hang out.

We truly enjoyed our time with the boys this week.

Andrew and Ashley Nearn & Will