Jumping Bales

She saw her sisters do it. She was about to burst with a mixture of excitement and fear. She walked up to the bales and said, "Okay.", bowed her head, "God, help me to jump the bales."

And she did.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13

He's The Music, I'm The Lyrics

One movie we agree on is Music and Lyrics. It's not family friendly- we just like it.

I don't think that I will ever master how marriage works, but after ten years I have a better understanding.

I plan, I compose the day, I set goals, I make the meals (mostly), I am in charge over almost everything about this family.... but the art of it all is my planning is not the end of the matter. How this family environment works is ultimately up to the music....Dad.

The music can take the words in different directions, imply feeling, and enhance expression. It can make the lyrics or bring them to no meaning at all.

This has frustrated me at times, but alas, it is refreshing for me to put my thoughts, plans, and ideas out there and just see what happens. The responsibility of the end is his....and if he fails, it's God's, who is also the inspiration of the words.

We make a good team...me, him, and God. I wonder where this will take us in the next 10 years.

Now to His who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.... Ephesians 3:20

Really Quick

I'm about to hit the road again. Goin' to the country.

About this time of year, people ask what we do during the summertime. Here is my bullet point answer:

• Read! I don't usually do library programs because I don't stay in one place long enough to get into that routine. However, Half Priced Books has a fun reading program. The kids are reading daily without being reminded, and they are responsible for writing down how long they read (good math practice). There is still plenty of time in June to start- you need to go to a local store and pick up a record sheet, then read at least 300 minutes for the month.
• Write a book "report". We have started with the basics: who, what, when, where- and sometimes why and how. Once that is mastered, we've added some other questions like, What was your favorite part? What would you change? What is something interesting about the main character?
• Write, write, write... there are plenty of opportunities to write in the summertime. Journals, stories, how-to's..
• Pictures. We take a lot of pictures. Hopefully we will get them in a book soon.

• Drawing- whenever it is appropriate. Usually motivation isn't needed for this one.
• Science experiments. During the school year, we don't always have time to do as many as I'd like, so we do them during the summertime. These kiddos love science experiments.
• Nature walks.
• Vacation (hopefully). These are also great learning experiences.
• Sports and camps.
• Thinking exercises.
• Crafts.
• Math. I find it easier to keep going with math on IXL so we keep on schedule and don't lose our math skills over the summer. 20-30 minutes a day is sufficient.
• Piano. With four girls around, if one gets excited about something, they all follow. Often someone is playing on the piano.
• Goal/ Checklist. They have been writing down 3-4 things that they would like to get done during the day and check them off. This has been good for self motivation.
• VBS/devotions/verse memorization.
• Play. Plenty of time to play, time to get bored, time to get wet, time to imagine, time to pretend.
• Gardening. Thanks to Grandma and Grandpa...
• Talking about nearly everything. Learning doesn't stop when conversations are encouraged.
• Cooking.

These are the main things- really quick. There's more, and sometimes there is less.

I do love summer.

Alphabet Outdoors

A fun photo project with the kids....

Find the letters in their names- or your last name.

Or just as many as you can find.

And enjoy the day while your at it.

Little Monster

He'll be 3 this month. The last three years have been looooooooooong, yet short.

He still gives great hugs and kisses, and needs comfort when hurt. He's old enough to have a conversation with and to understand instructions.

He's naughty. He's a joy.

He cracks up at this:



and this:



and randomly says: "It's a cookie!", and "No cookies, just books!" and cracks himself up.

I love his laugh.

I love how he makes me laugh.

And I thank God for "accidents"....for this little monster.