Training....

As fathers we sometimes have expectations of where our kids need to be at a certain age, whether it is based on what we were doing at their age, or what other kids their age are doing now. If you are not careful the latter can quickly turn into an unhealthy competition and place unnecessary pressure on your kids. I fell into that a short while back when Jacob turned a year older and I felt that he should have already learned to ride his bike without his training wheels. Of course I ignored the fact that I was inconsistent on practicing with him often and I was not setting a good example for him to learn. God taught me a good lesson through that.

God taught me by His example that consistency, compassion and patience goes a lot farther than unnecessary pressure and ungrounded expectations. God is persistent in His pursuit of us, He has compassion because He died for us and He is so patient because He knows we will make mistakes. He is so faithful to forgive.

Jacob is now riding his bike without training wheels and he has a proud father that has learned to meet his son where he is. Not waiting impatiently at the finish line for him to arrive.

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galatians 5:6

From caterpillars to butterflies...

Early one morning, a few weeks ago, I went out to cut some of my flat parsley & oregano for my spaghetti sauce. Sitting on my parsley, having a nice meal were these beautiful caterpillars. I took a few of them and put them in our insect cage. The kids and I made sure to feed the greedy little things at least twice a day. We ended up with 4 chrysalis. Over the last week all four of the butterflies have emerged with beautiful black, yellow and blue wings. So exciting! The last one to emerge was still trying out his wings. He let us hold him while he "dried" out. He finally flew away.

We are all doing very well. Jacob had his first chance to do a little local mission work. He & Jason helped our college ministry do "We-Haul". Helping college students move into the dorms, inviting them to our church, and passing out water to the thirsty. His favorite part was finding the dorm room number. It was a great experience and he wants to go back & help next year.

Laura Rose will soon be 3, on Sept. 1st. Can hardly believe it! We are planning a little party with friends at the park this week. She is really a sweet girl. She is lively, that is for sure. I have to tell you this - she is just as smart as her brother! We have the US map hanging up for our school and she points to Orlando and says, "there is Disney World." THEN she points to Idaho and Delaware and says, "this is the Daddy (Idaho) and this is the baby (Delaware)". The shape of the states are very similar, Idaho is big and Delaware is little. Isn't that so smart?

Our bible verse for this week: Don't just listen to the Word, do what it says. James 1:22

We are starting our unit study on space this week. Hoping to visit the planetarium in Nashville really soon for our first field trip for this school year.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Celebrated my Dad's 58th birthday Friday. Happy birthday Dad! We love you! Jason and Daddy(or "diddy" like I used to say when I was a little girl) spent Saturday at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Had a wonderful time. Laura Rose and Nana share a birthday - September 1st, so those two exchanged gifts, also. MawMaw just returned from a 5 week stay in Alaska with my Uncle. She was glad to be here but very tired. Everyone left to return to Alabama this morning. I had to work at the church for a little while this morning - so Jason was my "substitute" teacher. He was really impressed with Jacob's focus and quick completion of his work. He is a good student. Well, he has pretty good teachers! Love to all.

Our bible verse for the week: Matthew 7:7 Ask and it will be given to you, Seek and you will find, Knock and it will be opened to you.

First week of First Grade

Does it look like we have been working hard at first grade? We had a much needed break today and went swimming w/ Ms. Ashly - (thanks for the pics, Ashly). Jacob is doing great. I can see how he has matured and can stay on task! Laura Rose loves her "preschool" worksheets and enjoys being a part of school, too.


This week we have learned about the Olympics. We made torches and Olympic flags. We will be watching the opening ceremonies and also having some obstacle course fun with our torches tomorrow. I am feeling so great about this year. I am really learning to lean on the Lord more and more! I cannot do this by myself, I need HIM! Please pray for us as we begin our homeschool journey at "Taylor Academy" 08-09.