Humbled by His Grace

This entire post must be prefaced by something: I have come to realize that what you see and read here are not really whole pictures of our life and my abilities as a Mother. I fear some of you may look at this and think, "she's got it all together." Let me assure you. I DO NOT! I struggle often with feelings of doubt in the "job" I am doing. I tend to post the good things. The things that make us look good. You don't hear about the times when I lose my patience in the middle of schooling and leave the room in tears or how the kids have to wake me up in the mornings to ASK for breakfast. (SHAME!) And for that matter, you don't know how many times I've not had a "real" meal planned and just winged it with something I knew they would eat. You don't hear the exasperation in my voice when I have given instruction after instruction only to be met with a deaf ear. You don't know that in 4 years, I still haven't succeeded in getting a certain little someone to stay in his own bed all night. (Okay, I did write about that!) But just let me say: anything good that has come out of this parenting thing, is not from me OR Craig. It is only by God's Amazing Grace! We did NOT do this. HE did!

Now....to my story. Early last week Craig declared that we are going to read through the Bible this year as a family. Wonderful! We got a late start and certainly things come up where we can't do it every night, but so far, most nights we have done it. Andrew has not become a huge part of this nightly ritual yet, because he is either asleep or just doesn't have the attention span to last for 3 to 4 chapters of reading. Josh, on the other hand, has embraced it. He gets out his own Bible and follows along. You can imagine about how long it might take to read 3 to 4 chapters....not a real long time. Well, last night, long after we had finished our reading, Josh was still reading his Bible. He read for over an hour! Looking up different things on his own. He absolutely LOVED it! We had the opportunity to discuss the 10 Commandments and to let him see which ones he has broken, showing him that he, too, is a sinner. We went on to talk about Jesus "getting in trouble" on the cross for us and about forgiveness. We prayed that Josh would understand these things and feel God tugging at his heart. It was so precious, and I pray that God will fill his little heart more and more with a passion for His Holy Word. No words are adequate for His rich mercies! Praise God He works in the hearts of our children, despite our failures! And you know what else? Josh told me he can't wait to take his Bible to church on Wednesday night, so he can read to his friends. WOW! What has God got planned for this little guy? Lord, please don't let me mess it up!

AMAZING GRACE!

For the Birds

So, how about I just forget the videos for now...I'm obviously not in the mood to mess with it anymore! I think I'll stick with my nice, easy photos.

The boys have been wanting to do more "projects" so we made bird feeders. We combined peanut butter and birdseed. Yum! Wouldn't Big Bird be jealous?



This project was actually a suggested activity from one of Josh's textbooks and we did it just like it said. -Poked holes in plastic cups, added food, and strung up. The only problem is....don't most birds need something to SIT on? I don't expect many hummingbirds to be hovering around our peanut butter birdseed bird feeders in the dead of winter. How then, tell me how, are the birds that are around supposed to get the food out?




Oh well...we hung Andrew's up anyway and put Josh's on the fence. Maybe the birds can figure out a way to contort themselves in such a fashion that they can get something to eat! Can't say we didn't try...

Spring is in the Air!

Oh wait! It's just the first week of January... Yes, cold days are ahead, but days like this weekend are welcome relief from the bitter winds of winter. Saturday we had a fun family day and took the boys to the park. Although you can't tell by looking at these pictures...lots of other people had the same idea because it was crowded, but thankfully the park we went to can accommodate many people! It wasn't uncomfortable at all and the boys had a grand time. I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.

Gator Power

Woo Hoo for John Deere Gators! Today I had two sacks of trash plus a box that needed hauling to the trash pile. Perfect opportunity for the boys to do a chore while having fun!! I loaded up the back of the Gator and sent them on their way. Of course I didn't think to get the camera out until they had returned. It just doesn't get any better than this... :)

Lovin' on Dixie

Come here girl...


Pucker up pony!


We love our Dixie!


Mom too. (It was VERY windy by the way! That's the reason for the nice hair.)

We'll Miss You Helmbachers!

Our Pastor and Family are soon to be on their way across the globe to serve an unreached people group. I just want to say...We love you guys, we'll miss you, we're proud of you and thanks for all the memories!

Here's a glimpse of just a FEW of those good times! I wish I had so many more photos handy....

Falls Creek 2006

New Orleans French Quarter

Sunday School Nursery

Fall Pumpkin Carving

Christmas Going-Away Dance Dedication!

Fall Picnic

Fall Fishing

Egg Hunt

GO WITH GOD!