Addendum to last post

This year has been full and I'm disappointed I didn't do a better job keeping up towards the end.
One of the events of this year has been a new fellowship group. We meet every other Sunday and share a potluck-style meal, singing, an activity that corresponds to a short message and prayer. We've incorporated this same thing with the time we spend with my family. It has truly been a blessing.
Isaac has continued to play soccer and is in his 2nd year of piano. He also had a Lego robotics class he took this fall. He has had a buddy for school this fall as I home schooled a friend's son. You'll notice on one of the pictures, he had the opportunity to feed a hawk who was being trained by a novice falconer.
Abby and Mimi continue to do gymnastics and this year Abby is taking a class and learning how to play a recorder. Mimi is officially in Kindergarten and loving it and can't wait to read.
Levi is growing so much and is energetic, fun, and a hand full. He can get into his car seat by himself and does so much better on road trips.
All of us are growing and allowing God to build and reshape us into His will. Looking forward to what God has in store for us all. Praying for an abundant dose of his Spirit to fill our lives.
God bless you all and have a blessed New Year!

2009 At a Glance

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

The Big 40!!

Yes, this post is a little late in coming. I have to admit, this birthday hit me a little harder than in the past.
John and my friends and family really tried to make it special.
My family had a fun Sunday celebration for me. John and the kids gave me a very special day filled with gifts and adoration. Our dear friends the Wests watched the kids for 24hrs. so John and I could "get away".
My dear friend Kim took me on an overnight camping trip complete with surprise party and gift of a horse (my biggest dream). I still have friends taking me out for coffee and dessert and lunch. John says I'm having the birthday that keeps on giving and I'm loving and appreciating every bit of it.

School Days, School Days Good Old Golden Rule Days....

Yep, here are my annual "first-day-of-school" pictures. I am home schooling a friend's son who is the same age as Isaac. He was sick today so I'll have to have "make-up" picture day for him :D
We started the year off with my kitchen, living room, family room, and hallway floors torn up to make room for solid, recycled pine floors. Needless to say, I do NOT do well with chaos and upheaval.
The kids have all handled it in stride especially since we are just doing the bare minimum of math, language arts, and reading.
This year my goal is to RELAX!!! Not literally mind you. Although, I would if I could. I just feel the Lord is calling me to take a step back, look at everyday through His lenses (not my checklists/lesson plans) and delight in these kids.
God is trying to get it through my head that it is my head (thoughts) that get/s me into soooo much trouble. If I want to have a good day than I need to Phil 4:8 think instead of my habitual, glass 1/2 empty thinking.
If God places me on your heart, please pray this for me this year. I want to see a difference and I especially want my kids to reap that difference.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Make a Smilebox photobook

Less than a decade and he could be gone!!!

Isaac is 9!!!
I can't believe how fast the time goes. There are days when it seems to dragggg on and then there are times (like birthdays) when you realize how quickly it passes.
John took the day off and we spent it pampering our eldest.
He is such a wonderful boy.
I love how he is so spiritually sensitive. He is caring and devoted. He is artistic and bright. He is gentle and tender and he is very human as well. Here are some picts.

Isaac and all his "loot"
Isaac wanted me to make a fighter plane cake (LOL!!!!) He drew his own on the cake because otherwise mine would have been an UFO :D
Hot Air in action!!!I don't have any pictures of the combined birthday party of Isaac and his cousin David at my folks house. The wonderful Mommy forgot the camera :( They all had a blast though and it is always good to get together with the family.