You Make Nine Shine!

Happy Birthday, dear son! We love you!

A Drink of Water, Reaches Up Style

When I asked Reaches Up to give Cap'n a drink of water, I should have known by the look on his face and the syringe in his hands that he was up to something.

He was determined to convince Cap'n that there was a better way to drink water than out of a cup. "The mega-syringe adds adventure to it all," he told his baby brother.

Cap'n managed to keep a straight face (it does come naturally) as Reaches Up promised his brother full access to a half-gallon container of ice cream if he would just try this crazy scheme.

Who could turn down that bribe? Cap'n steps out of his comfort zone for the prize of an extra-large dose of frozen dairy.

Not liking this approach, Cap'n literally has to put a stop to it. Reaches Up's plans were foiled, and Cap'n didn't see his ice cream for another two days.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Reaches Up and Cap'n: Big and Not-So-Big

Useful Soldiers

It’s been a long time since Little Big Man had anything to say on our blog, but he shows up with a great quote from his morning Bible study.  

“Even the death of the body puts an end to our opportunity and capacity of glorifying God in this world, and serving the interests of His kingdom among men by opposing the powers of darkness and bringing many on this earth to know God and devote themselves to Him.  Some have maintained that the joys of the saints in heaven are more desirable, infinitely more so, than the comforts of saints on earth; yet the services of saints on earth, especially such eminent ones as David was, are more laudable, and redound more to the glory of divine grace, than the services of the saints in heaven, who are not emplyed in maintaining the war against sin and Satan, nor in edifying the body of Christ.  Courtiers in the royal presence are most happy, but soldiers in the field are more useful; and therefore we may, with good reason, pray that if it be the will of God, and He has any further work for us or our friends to do in this world, He will yet spare us, or them, to serve Him.”

~Matthew Henry, Commentary on Psalm 6

Weekly Rewind 5/15-5/21/11

May is coming to a close, and everything is happening too quickly!  Last week was very busy and very fun.

Mountain Man and I enjoyed a night away, and then spent my birthday browsing shops, reading at the park, and eating a yummy brunch at Cracker Barrel.  I don't think we've ever been to that Cracker Barrel without all of our children.  It was a strange experience to be led to a table that would seat only four.

When we returned home, the children had such a wonderful birthday welcome for me!  Confetti and purple and pink and white balloons were everywhere.  We grilled out, and I was surprised to get a new lens for my camera.  I'm loving it, and it's great for sneaking shots that I couldn't get before unless I was super close.

I love the "Ortonish" feature on Picnik! :)

Friday we enjoyed a fun date with great friends, eating out and enjoying the movie, The Conspirator.

Yesterday we enjoyed celebrating a dear friend's graduation, and then we came home to beat up build a bookcase.  That's a story that I might tell later.

Scribe is doing well behind the wheel as he racks up the hours towards getting his license, and Little Big Man just started a computer programming course and is having a great time with it.

The biggest news this week is that we said goodbye to Clairesy's binky!  She's done really well, except for a few minutes ago when she saw the above picture with her and her old pal.  It brought back too many memories. :(

Cap'n turned 11 months!

While many others are wrapping up the school year, we'll continue on through the summer. The goal is to finish by August and take September off.  Life never happens as we expect it to, and I'm thankful for the flexibility of homeschooling.

My Mom is still in the hospital and will be moved to a rehab center hopefully later this week.  Thank you for your continued prayers.

"Your children may read many books, but the first 
book they read, and that which they continue to
read, and by far the most influential--is that of
their parents' example and daily deportment."
~J.A. James, A Help to Domestic Happiness

Much love,

When Daddy Comes Home

Smiles abound.

Can You Guess?

Can you guess what I got for my birthday?

Update on My Mom

My Mom has come through surgery well.  The more invasive procedure was not done because it couldn't be done.  She's still in recovery, and I haven't spoken to her, yet.  Please continue to pray for healing without any infections or other complications.

Thank you!

Managing Today

This is for me.  And for you, dear Mama.  And probably a lot of others, too.


So where does today find you?  What are the circumstances of your life?  Are your emotions stretched to the limit? Is physical affliction taxing you or a loved one?  What fires are purifying your faith? Whatever our situation, God calls us to live one day at a time.  Again, quoting our Savior, we are not to be 'anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own' (Matt. 6:34).


Whether your particular challenge is physical, emotional, mental, or a combination, the strategy of preparing, planning, praying, and proceeding will help you manage life's demands--one day at a time.  Then, as you proceed through each day, you will experience God's love in very personal ways as you discover His complete provision.  you will witness a daily miracle as you find God meeting you in the circumstances of your life and giving you the strength you need when you need it.


God does indeed enable us to live according to His instruction to focus on today.  With Him, you and I can successfully climb the mountain of today, leaving the mountain range of tomorrows to tomorrow.  And the peace that comes with knowing that we are following God's guidance day by day, moment by moment, frees us to better love God with all our mind.
~Elizabeth George, Loving God With All Your Mind


I love you, Mom!

Celebrating FOUR

Every girl knows that a great birthday starts with a cup of tea.

in the new tea cup you got for Easter, of course.

But the tea definitely tastes better when shared with your sisters.

and a brother who can only eat easily-mushable things. :)

Our tradition for the children to bake their birthday creation with me is a keeper, and my favorite part wasn't sampling the batter.  It was those sweet kisses from the birthday girl.

Of course, Little Bit's favorite part WAS cleaning the beater.

AND putting the candies in the cupcakes and then eating the leftovers.

But in the midst of her busy birth DAY, she remembered to stop and smell the carnations.

I won't even begin to try to put into words that look on her face.  

Homemade pizza for dinner!

Then to the gifts....alphabet stringing beads, a floral suitcase, a phonics game, binoculars....

His good looks saved his life....

Yes, I know...just you try and take a picture late at night of eight children of varying ages and temperaments.  Go ahead.  I dare you.

A purse birthday candle.  It's a girl thing.

And I miss the actual blow that extinguished the big fire!  Clairesy was just waiting to beat sister to the candle.

                                                                              Yum!

Sweet Elisabeth...what an adventurous four years it has been.  Your days of complete and dangerous mischief are fading away as you grow more and more into a godly young lady.  We have been stretched and challenged as your Mommy and Daddy and reminded that God is the most patient Parent.  Your sea foam green eyes melt our hearts and your passionate ways keep us on our knees.  Your smiles grab us tightly, reminding us to enjoy each moment.

You are a reminder to us that God is always working and that His ways are full of blessing and growth and grace.  And every day you show us grace and offer us forgiveness as we most imperfectly try to train you up in the way you should go.  What would our world be like without our dearest Little Bit?

May God take that passion for life that burns deep within you and use it for His glory.  May you passionately live a life poured out to Christ.  May you passionately love His Word and His truth.  May you passionately and faithfully walk with Him always.

We're so blessed God chose us to be your family, and we delight in seeing more and more each day God completing the work He has begun in you.

We love you, precious daughter!

At the Speed of Life

Daddy helps Clairesy read her Scripture for our Rejoicing Feast.

I think May might be our busiest month, yet!  I'm tired just looking at our calendar.  Of course, we celebrated Elisabeth's 4th birthday at the end of the month, and I have quite a few pictures to get posted.  Saturday, we finally had our Rejoicing Feast to celebrate God's mercies during and after Scribe's surgery last year, and then Sunday was Mother's Day.

Yesterday, Mountain Man stayed home to take care of a plumbing issue, and we're so thankful the job went smoothly.  Today I'll be enjoying a date with one of my most favorite young ladies.  It's just going to be so much fun!

Later this week there's a trip to a park to meet my friend who moved here from Texas. Friday will be a trip to town and a movie with Scribe.  Saturday will be dinner with some friends, Sunday is a fellowship meal at church, and then Monday, my Mountain Man is actually taking the day off work so the two of us can celebrate my birthday!  Isn't that sweet?

When we came in the house last night from being out for a bit, I happened to say, "Your Daddy would walk on the moon if I asked him to."  That one perplexed the children for quite some time.  You know..."Why would you ask him to do that?" Etc.

The next week will allow for a bit of a breather before we party go out with some friends while their children join ours to enjoy pizza and movies. The next day we'll attend a graduation party, and then, we'll be eating more cake as Reaches Up turns 9 the following weekend!

So, I'll work hard to get those pictures up (because Mom I know you're waiting!) in between these wonderful times.

Of course, as homeschoolers, we really do need to work on being a bit more social!

With love,

I Know How to Spell...

Boo:  "I know how to spell Lah-vee."

Mommy:  What?

Boo: "Lah-vee"

Mommy:  What? (not able to hear over Cap'n's crying)

Boo:  (louder)  "Lah-vee"

Mommy:  "Lah-vee?"  That's not a word.

Boo:  "Well, it's just something I wanted to spell."

Mommy:  "Ok.  Go ahead."

Boo:  L-O-V-E

Mommy:  "Ooooooh...LOVE.  That spells love."

Boo:  (eyes bulge out of the sockets) "Oh."  (Quietly leaves room to ponder the mysteries of phonics.)

Movin' On Up

Out of love for her brother and a passion for phone books,

 Clairesy moves from the high chair to the Big Chair.