Our Big Decision!

  

Matthew's picture narration of Jack and the Beanstalk

 

We have officially decided to become a homeschooling family!  The word "crazy" does come to mind, especially since Kindergarten will include my pint-size princess / tumbleweed.  But we're all excited!  This is a good fit for Matthew - and the rest of us- at least for now.  I am overwhelmed, but so excited to watch my little guy learn.  I want to be the one over his shoulder as he discovers the power of reading, the one who follows while he journals his bug discoveries, the one who watches when he discovers the meaning of numbers and patterns.  Mostly, I just want to watch my little man become more of what he was created to be.  I am passionate about instilling a love of learning in my children and channeling their natural curiosity for all it's worth.  Watch for more updates on our newest adventure..and pray for us if we come to mind.

Man Stuff

I love watching Alan teach Matthew the best way to be a boy.  Matthew has a tool bench in his room.  Here the guys are cutting apart real wood (Matthew's saw is the plastic kind, however) to add to his "tools".  Matthew loved it!  And I loved Alan for it....

First Steps!

She did it!  Helen took her first step - to Daddy (where was the doubt?)!  Then  a few to Mommy, then a few more to her "Buba".  Matthew has been so anxious for Helen to walk, even "helping" her by getting her to stand and then letting go (don't worry, we had a chat about that).  When she reached his open arms, he hugged her and whispered:
Congratulations baby girl.  I am so proud of you.

Priceless.

It's All Perspective...

Matthew told me this weekend:

Momma, I heard on the radio that they're collecting school supplies for poor kids.  You know, that don't have any.  Since we're so rich and wealthy and have everything we need, I was thinking we could get some for them.  Next time we go to the store, could we do that?

Yes, Matthew, we can.

This reminded me of something I read a long time ago.  A little boy asked his mom   "Are we rich?"
She responded  "Yes, we are.  And one day we might even have lots of money."
Amen.

My Birthday Party!

Here are some of our favorite birthday shots!  Cason, the teenage son of a good friend of ours, took most of these.  Didn't he do a good job?

Apparently, turning one is serious business.

If you have to tuck in the dress to crawl, make sure those bloomers are monogrammed!

The famous bow!

My "mother's helper"...the daughter of  a good friend worked as my extra hands for Helen's party. 

One Year Old!

Helen is 30 inches tall and weighs 23 lbs.  This puts her in the 78 percentile.

She will walk everywhere with help, but is still holding out for those first steps.  She is, however, perfectly capable of climbing.

She is fearless and has no respect for her mother's anxiety level or the threat of head injury.  If she saw her brother do it, it must be a great idea to follow suit.  Pray for me.

She love to squish into small spaces and loves to take things in and out of bags.  She also loves music and dancing.

She cries easily, but makes up for it by her frequent smiles and giggles.  Her name means "precious ray of sunshine" and she lives up to it!

She can say the following: Dade, Buba (for Matthew), Mama, Hey, Ball and Get it (which we usually do).


We love you, Helen!  Happy Birthday!

Your first letter....

Matthew's birth marked one of the most defining times of my life.  I held that tiny being and wished with all heart to make him understand how much I loved him.  I felt that all over again with Helen.  When Matthew's first birthday came, I wrote a letter to him to tell him all he had meant to us that year.  Since then, I've found journals for both my children and write to them every year on their birthday.  My hope, my prayer, is that they will read them when I'm not here to tell them and be reminded of how precious they are...how vital they were to my life...how they have been, and always will be, loved.

 God, I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  Your works are wonderful, I know that full well  Psalm 139:14

And, now, to my precious baby girl- 

Dear Helen,

Happy Birthday to my unexpected sunshine!  You have entered our lives in a whirl, but brought us more happiness than we could have imagined.  You challenge us with your fearlessness and curiosity, delight us with your smiles and the joy you find in almost anything. You are
"Innocence playing in the mud,
Beauty standing on it's head,
Motherhood dragging a doll by the foot."  A.B.
May you change the world, my darling, even if it's only to make it better for those who love you most.
                                                                                                                               Love,                                                                                                                                Mama
                                                                                                                            
 

Happy July 4th!

This is my desperate, somewhat successful picture taking of my monkeys in their t-shirts!  Hope your 4th was a happy one.