The Woods

Our house is completely surrounded by woods, every boys dream. For the last 12 months I have encouraged my kids to go explore the woods but they have been afraid. Maybe it is because of all the critters we have seen walk across our yard. They are quite brave and will walk for hours IF Daddy is with them. I know houses will soon replace the woods so I try to encourage them to explore while they can.

It seems that over the last two weeks they have overcome their fear of the woods and now they get lost in them daily. I never see them anymore when I walk outside to check on them. I yell their names and I hear them respond from the woods! I LOVE IT!!! Of course, every time they go in the woods it adds three more sets of clothes to the laundry pile, but I am totally OK with it.

They spent all day yesterday building bows and arrows from the young bamboo in the backyard. Through much trial and error they have each built a working bow.

I pray that they will explore and enjoy these sweet days of childhood as all too soon they will be grown up.

Coaches needed...

Of course this is what is announced EVERY time a sports season has started. Of course, Brian usually helps out. But this season we talked and decided there was just no way Brian could coach soccer. He is in an intense college class, we have construction in the house and he is commanding Hayden's Royal Rangers Club. I remember when the season started I didn't want him to go to practise alone, as I knew he would volunteer to coach. He assured me it wouldn't happen, his plate is too full.

So last night Hayden had practise. Gage and Levi are both sick so I decided to keep them home and let Brian take Hayden. Upon their return Hayden came in the house first, offering a McFlurry. I thought, how sweet! He proudly showed me his new jersey and was very excited. Then walked in Brian wearing a COACH'S JERSEY!!! He said with a HUGE smile "I am at every practise and game so I may as well help out". Thankfully his college class is over on Sunday and he will have a 5 week break, by then the short soccer season will be over. So was the McFlurry a Peace Offering??

My dear has never been one to watch from the sidelines, that is what I LOVE about him!!

Meeting Mrs. North Carolina

On Saturday our church hosted a Fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The boys club, Royal Rangers, was asked to come out and serve. I am not sure how much trash collecting they did, but the boys sure had a blast playing.

There were many activities to include several concerts, jump ropers and dancers. But the highlight for Levi was meeting the beautiful Mrs, North Carolina. He followed her around for a little while before asking for a picture. She also signed a book for him. She just kept saying "Levi, you are just so cute". Of course Levi was eating it all up!

Did I just talk to my Grandma for the last time?

This is a thought I have every single time I talk to her! She is terminal and was giving 12-18 months to live, that was about 21 months ago. My Mom spends more and more time staying with my Grandmother and each time Mom says that Grandma is getting worse. She is now getting Hospice Care, something she vowed never to do. We also know that her body has started to shut down and she has started to separate herself from everyone she loves.

This weekend my mom planned a huge family reunion for my Grandmother. Everyone made it home but Chaya and I. My grandma made sure she called both of us tonight. I was OK not being there, until that call. As she was saying good-bye she said to be sure to tell the boys she will see them again. Now, my heart is so saddened with the thought that she may not be with us tomorrow! I do believe that my Grandma knows the Lord, so when she does leave us she will be dancing at the feet of Jesus. But, why does it have to hurt so bad??

Feeling SUPER encouraged today!!

Now that we are living in the states, we have to follow the state laws on Homeschooling. NC requires that all children have annual testing. We did our testing about 6 weeks ago and I have been quite nervous to get the results. I knew that Hayden was VERY behind when I pulled him out of British School. So far behind that he got 0/20 on his end of the year test in Math, and was graduated to the next grade. This was the reason I chose to Homeschool. No one could care about my child's education more then me.

Today I received Hayden's results and I have to admit I got sick to my stomach as I was opening the test. But as I opened the package my fear quickly changed to delight as I read his scores! When he tested he was 5.9 grade but his overall Battery Test Total was 6.1 grade. He scored 7.0 grade on one of his MATH tests!! Remember that is the subject he FAILED 3 years ago! Which by the way, is now is favorite subject.

We started school this week and just like the last 3 years I have struggled with doubt! Am I doing the right thing? Can I teach the kids all they need to know? But every year the Lord reminds me that this is what he called me to do and he will provide. Today he used these Test Results to remind me that I am doing the right thing!

Summer Splash

Well, since Gage passed his swim test he was so anxious to show Daddy he could jump off the diving board. He begged to go swimming today! Despite the cloudy gloomy day we decided to journey to the pool. As we got there it started to rain, but Gage didn't care, informing me that we were going to be wet anyway. The temp today was only 75, which is the coldest day we have gone to the pool and because it was so gloomy, if felt even colder.
We were the only ones at the Pool. Brian said we were there to pass the "Polar Bear Test" because it was so cold. The life guards were even bundled up. Gage of course went straight for the diving boards. As I was chatting with the lifeguard Hayden asked if he could dive off the diving board. I told him it wouldn't be a good idea that his first attempt to dive be on a diving board. The Lifeguard jumped up and told the boys she would teach them! Hayden entered the water beautifully but at the last second he would tuck his legs into his chest and do a froggy looking belly flop. They practised for about 30 minutes and then decided jumping in was much more fun and less painful.
Despite the cold weather, we had such a wonderful time. It was as though we had a "Private Party" at the pool along with a diving class. Can't end the summer any better then that!

Isn't it Ironic

On Saturday Brian and Hayden went on a trip to Fantasy Lake. Gage and Levi begged me to take them swimming. I couldn't understand why Gage insisted on going to go to the pool, until we got there. He was bound and determined to take the swim test so he could jump off the diving board. He swam the lap just find but he thought that treading water was stupid. He passed the test and was thrilled. He continued to go off the diving board for 30 minutes straight. He got tired of plugging his nose so he decided to swap his goggles for his snorkel mask. As he jumped off the diving board his mask slid up his face and the bottom was gouging his eyes making it impossible to see. He didn't know which way to swim so he yelled "Help". I saw him start to panic and he went under. I talked to him and told him to relax and he would be fine. He started to calmly tread water but still didn't know what direction to swim so he yelled "Help" again. The life guard jumped in and saved him! As soon as we filled out the "Incident Report" Gage swapped his mask for his goggles and went straight for the diving board. He certainly wasn't' going to let a little thing like having to be rescued rob his fun!! He later told me that he now understands why he had to learn how to tread water.
Isn't it ironic that one can pass a swim test and then 30 minutes later have to be rescued! What a determined young man he is!