Day Two

Thanks to our local library membership, we were able to go to Zoo Atlanta for FREE today! The weather stayed in the upper 80s all day long so we picked a great time to be outside with the smelly animals. Some of our favorites were the gorillas and meerkats. We'll be visiting another large beautiful zoo next week so look for more pictures to come!

Three scooters

Riding their scooters is one of their favorite afternoon activities. You should see how fast they race around the culd-e-sac.

No broken bones yet but a lot of money has been spent on Bandaids!

Summertime Day One

First of all, school is out! That's all I wanted to say about that.

Many of my friends are participating in the 365 photo challenge where they take a picture each day of something they did or of someone describing the events in the life/lives of "that day", most having started January 1. I've decided that, since I am too far behind to start such a task, that I would use that same concept for these next ten weeks of summer before school starts back in early August. We'll see how quick I am to post on time!

So....today.....

Andrew's reading skills are improving

and he's beginning to learn to like it a bit more.

Luke is crafty and enjoys making anything.

Today he designed his own American flag!

Abigail has been asking to paint for the past week.

Today, she finally got the opportunity to make her masterpiece.

Just a few of the church kids

The Holy Spirit is softening his heart...and mine

He turned seven early last month. I get why mothers cry about watching their kids grow up. My heart is full of joy and sweet memories of my days thus far with my oldest child but I'm also overwhelmed with a tinge of sorrow that he won't be small forever. Sure, there's great satisfaction and reward in watching the Lord mold and soften his heart, shape his character, and build his confidence - but my mind still can't wrap around the fact that he used to be this size....

...and he's now this size...

Yesterday, I found myself in a moment of disappointment in my mothering (that happens alot). I wasn't being patient with my daughter and soon realized that I was overlooking the real reason why she was choosing the route she did (which was the wrong route in my mind). After walking away from her, I mumbled under my breath, "I'm an awful mother....just the worst there is". I didn't know it but Andrew was within earshot and heard every word I mumbled. He immediately lunged and embraced me from behind and sobbed, "You are the best mama in the world. I know you love us. You said you would die for us!" I picked up his entire lanky body and buried my head in his neck and apologized to him, affirmed my love for him and his siblings, and confessed my sins of pride, doubt, and unbelief....all while leaving our snot and tears on each other. It was a sweet moment and God used it for his glory.

I'm so proud of you, Andrew. Today was your last day of first grade and you were disappointed that you have to take 10 weeks off from school. When I told you that our summer was gonna be filled with fun activities and time to let your brain rest, you responded, "I think I can do those things at school, Mama".

You sure could, dude, but I want you all to myself for just little bit longer.

An evening outdoors

After dinner last night, we played outside as a family, enjoying the cool weather the storm was bringing in. She spent her time riding her scooter and then copying my markings and rainbows. So sweet!

Mom's rainbow

Abigail's rainbow

The boys played basketball.

It was a wonderful way to end the day - together!

A birth

Just as I was sitting down in the sanctuary yesterday morning, I noticed the light on my silent phone turn on. It was a text from Jennie that she had just had her little girl! So, it was a delight to be able to stand up and share the good news with everyone before worship began.

Tonight, three of us set off to visit Jennie and her new little girl in the hospital. Children are truly a blessing....

Spring production

After being in his school's fall play production last November (Snow White - he was a dwarf), Andrew decided he wanted to be in the spring play as well (Wizard of Oz - he was the scarecrow). He seems to enjoy the work and practice but I think it's due to the social aspect rather than the theatrical side of things. Watching him on stage makes me cry....God is so good to give me children! What a blessing they are!

We will miss you, Allison and Kelsey!

She will miss her play times with you, Allison....and with the kitty! She is having to get used to losing friends every two years. Maybe Kelsey will come back for Ranger school, yeah? In the meantime, please pray for her heart (and mine).

I'm gonna miss you bunches.

Wordless Wednesday

i heart faces - motherhood

The entries are amazing and I've decided to jump in again and submit my picture in the weekly challenge over at i heart faces (Motherhood).

There was one day when she just wouldn't put her baby doll down. Even when things got rough, her hands were full, and the sun was beating down on her, she still managed to pull through like a good mama would. I can't help but laugh when I see this picture....and I promise I've never carried one of my offspring like she's carrying her doll in this picture! HA!

Not tired

When she takes a nap (which is not part of her daily routine but often happens on Sundays when she rests with her mommy and daddy), she has a hard time going to bed in the evening. It happened today....she got a 1.5 hour nap and wasn't a bit tired come bedtime. As I type, it's 11:45 and she just fell asleep - I bet she'll be grumpy in the morning.


All this to say, Mitch is asleep on the couch right now.....snoring.

Boo-boos in an open field

Captivating talent

Our church has been blessed with beautiful and a talented group of college students who all happen to be theater or music majors of some kind at our local university. This past Sunday evening, a good bit of them performed a laid back concert of sorts for our congregation. It was pure delight. God has gifted these students with amazing talent and it thrilled my heart to be able to have the joy to sit and listen to them play to the glory of God.

Antonio, Lauren, & JB

The book is no longer illegal!

Sam demonstrates his fiddling skills to my boys while Chad and Mitch observe.

Phillip is amazing on the piano!

JB & Sam

Katie & Antonio

Daniel

Just before he performed, JB's capo broke. Sam stepped in and held in place while JB played the piece. Teamwork!


Once they were finished, we formed an informational panel and asked them all sorts of questions such as, "What do you hope to do with your music degree and where would you like to see yourself in ___ years? What brought you to Columbus? Where's "home"?". We all smiled when we realized that the majority of the students that have been attending our church (some have joined!) are only sophomores. Our church has swooped in and taken great care of their needs (fed and housed them!) and treated them as family. We hope to get to know them better and have lasting friendships with them all.

God is magnificent!