Sparky Award

So proud of Daniel for earning the Sparky Award!  This is his 3rd year as a Spark and he has worked through all of the books and all of the review and extra credit books too.  

He has been very motivated to earn this award!  He has memorized over 150 verses as a Spark!

Way to go Daniel.  I'm proud of you!

More than the awards though, I pray that God's word will always be hidden deep in your heart.  Its a treasure that can never be taken away!

Blessings
Leslie

Perspective

I started this post on Tuesday and then just didn't finish it.  Monday was a day.  Some of it planned and some of it not.  Several of the things though made me realize how I rely on things other than God in recognizing my own worth.  Some lessons you think you learn and then you realize that the layers go deeper and there is still more to pull away.

I love being a Mom.  It has been the most amazing blessing to have and raise children.  I truly could not imagine doing anything that I love more.  The joys.  The discoveries.  The hugs and kisses.  All of it.  It has also been the hardest thing I have ever done too.  From sickness to pain and trials - those that are on the outside and the harder ones that are on the inside.  Being a parent has caused me to recognize my own frailty and my need for God.  It has caused me to fall to my knees so many times as I'm just not strong enough to do this on my own!  (And so glad that I don't have to!)

So, back to Monday.  Not too much going on initially.  I had planned to have a morning at home and then take one of my boys for testing in the afternoon.  Our state requires yearly testing as homeschoolers and I was interested in a test that might help recognize some of the learning struggles he is having.

In the morning, the son going for testing had a cold.  Felt tired.  Said he hadn't slept well the night before.  I checked for a fever.  Nothing really amiss.  Debated going and in the end just decided to push through it.  (That was not my best decision and in hindsight I wish that I had just taken a different son - but no crying over spilt milk.)  On our way there, he declined to eat the food I bought him.   A favorite. I'm not sure if it was nerves or what.  He also mentioned again being tired.

So, he did the testing.  Honestly, having your child tested is not a huge surprise.  You know your child and where they struggle.  Sometimes though maybe it just doesn't seem as bad.

The testing did reveal struggles and strengths.  It was nice that there were both.  She also shared some suggestions of things to try with him.  It is hard though too - seeing the numbers and knowing your child doesn't "measure up" to where they should be in the learning.  That is one of the blessings though of schooling at home.  We can move at the pace of our children and do what is best for them.

When you are teaching your own children, its hard not to see yourself as "successful" or "failing" based on how your children "perform".  I really am not a fan of testing for those reasons.  (I do believe that testing can be good and helpful in some circumstances, but not really necessary for all students.)  It is easy to question if you are doing enough.  Do I spend enough time here?  Are my priorities in line?  Can I do this?

Why do these doubts and whispers of failure come?  Why is it so easy to listen to the accusations?  Where is the truth in what I am hearing?  Whose is the voice that I'm listening to?

Is a child who struggles to learn a mark of a poor teacher?  Or perhaps his struggles would be even greater if he were in a different environment that didn't allow him to learn at his own pace.

Or is it just another reminder that this calling is not promised to be an easy path?  A reminder that I need to rely on God each day for all that I am doing.  A reminder that the One who has called us to this journey will fully equip and strengthen us to accomplish it.  A reminder that I don't have the strength or wisdom to accomplish this on my own.  A reminder that my life, my time and my talents belong to Him.

So you can see where my day was heading.  It wasn't one of those days where I was excited about all that had been done and feeling good about my own performance.  Maybe though, that is really the point.  My focus can sometimes wonder off the goal.  My eyes and heart need to be encouraged to look to God for everything- strength, purpose and joy.

It was nice to have some sweetness in my day come after all of this.  I've been wanting to make Valentines for the grandparents and last night decided that this was it!  I had seen some cute ideas online and decided to try a few of them out.

Thankfully, Eliana was cooperative.  (She isn't always.  LOL)

She loved stamping and painting.  We did hearts first.  (Yes, that is just a bent toilet paper tube.  Pretty clever isn't it?  I found it on Pinterest.)

 Then some painting with fingers.

All super cute.  Everyone joined in the fun.  It was one of those moments that just made my heart happy. It wasn't about me being a "good mom" but more that God was blessing my day and reminding me of so many things.  What I'm doing - though hard at times - is also filled to overflowing with joy.  My children are gifts to be enjoyed and to delight in.  Our days and nights should be filled with laughter and messes and fun.

In the end, I'm called to remember that God loves me and is working in me just as He is working the lives and hearts of my children.

I'm thankful for that too.

Blessings
Leslie

Myriad of May Happenings

This summer has just  held challenges for my family.  Some were small and easily resolved and others were not.  It has left my plans changed and discarded.  It has also left little time for blogging.  I'm going to try to play catch-up and then hopefully share more current happenings as well.

May was a month that I anticipated a flurry of activities as we finished our year and then rest, down time and peace.  It turned out to be much different.  I'm glad that I can't see ahead to the future.  God gives us grace and strength in the moments that we need it.  Not ahead of time.  And not in anticipation of our challenges.

The month started smoothly enough with lots of "end of the year" activities - the flurry of things I had expected.  Things that were planned.  Endings.  I'm thankful for time with friends.  Time that is sweet whether it is scheduled or not.

I'm thankful for our church.  We've been a part of Awana this year.  This is the second year for my boys and the first for Eliana.  (No, I didn't get pictures of all of their groups.)

I wasn't sure if this would work for Eliana, but she has loved earning the badges.  She was always quite delighted when her name was called and she was able to go stand on the  stage.

I appreciated the flexibility that we had to make this work for Eliana.  Many of the verses were too long for her to say on her own, so we shortened some of them and signed most of them.  (This was a great site for looking up words and seeing video clips of how to sign them. Signing Savvy  ) Eliana worked hard each week to memorize her verses using sign language and often saying them while signing.  :-)  At the end of the year, I was asked if I would mind if they gave Eliana a special award.  I thought she would love it - you know, one more time to get up on the stage.

I was surprised when she was a little embarrassed by this.  Can you see her hand covering her face?  LOL

Even as life gets busy, whether it is a good busy or a stressful busy, its good to take time to celebrate.  To let people know that they are special.  To encourage each other.

Its always good to remember God's blessings and His gifts.  When life is peaceful and sweet and then especially when times get hard.  Joe (Christopher's roommate) has been a blessing to our whole family. (As has his whole family!)  I still marvel at God's hand in bringing these two young men together as roommates and our families together as friends.  It was an expected gift and one for which I give thanks.  It reminds me of His hand in the details of my life.

Its good to take time to relax and play - even when life is swirling about you and the future looks uncertain.  Maybe its even more important then, I'm not sure.  I know that I'll never look back and regret the time that I've spent with my family.  I don't want to live with regrets, but with purpose and joy.  Making the most of the moments as that is what life is made of ... moments.

 Camping in the backyard.  I love that we can do this.

 We all started out during the evening enjoying hotdogs and s'mores.

 It does my mama's heart good to see my children enjoying each other.

 The span of years not causing a gap but still moments to treasure and enjoy.

 I think we need to do this more often.  Get away from electronics and other distractions and just spend time together.

 Isn't it these times that we remember fondly?  The time spent with those we love.

 This was a night with a big surprise in it too.  Not at all a fun one, but it was temporary and those are often easiest.  Eliana got VERY sick in the middle of the night.  It was a last minute decision for her not to be in the tent.  What a good one!  Did I mention very sick?  I was up for hours doing laundry, giving baths, etc.   I'm not sure if it was gluten or something else.  She was fine by the next day however.

Life is a race.  There are times when we run alone.

 And times when we walk with a friend.

 Even when it feels like I am alone, I'm thankful to know that God is there too.  Beside me.  With me.

 Sometimes the greatest lessons are those we learn through adversity.

 Trials can challenge us to focus on what is truly important and what is out of our control.  Worries don't change a thing - though it is not easy to let go of them.

 I have had to remind myself to live today - in this moment -  that is a gift that has been given to me.  My worries not only don't change the future, but can rob me of the present.

 I won't say its easy or that worries don't still crop up, but I'm getting time to practice and hopefully will continue to learn how to trust God when things aren't going as I might hope.  Changing my focus and putting it where it should be.

 Finding joy in the journey.  Enjoying the gifts that each day presents.  Being thankful for the many blessings in my life.

I'm not sure if I realized when I was younger, that I would continue to learn as much as I have.  Or that the lessons in my life would intensify.  I'm thankful that God guides me and teaches me as I walk this path.  Even carrying me at times when I can't do it myself.

So, while my May wasn't all that I expected, it still has many sweet moments.  Memories that make me smile - from Awana to camping to field events with our FIAR group.  All sweet times with people that I love.

And some of the people that I love most treated me like a queen on one fun day in May too.

Hoping your summer has been filled with times that are sweet.  Moments that delight.  And friends and family that love you deeply.

with a grateful heart,
Leslie

Off to Wildwood

We've been watching the days and they seemed so few.  Especially in juggling all that our family has had going on. We have been given lots of opportunities  to trust and walk by faith these last several weeks.  Trusting that God is good and that His plans are better than ours.  Even in the midst of challenges, we can see His hands at work and sometimes that is even sweeter than seeing His blessing when all is going well.  Or maybe its just that it is more easy to recognize His hands at work when in the midst of trials.

As we were winding down our days of having Christopher home with us, one of Daniel's concerns is that he would miss his birthday ... again.  He really wanted to celebrate his birthday with Christopher and so we made a little bit of a compromise and had a bit of celebration.   

Christopher picked out his gift and hid it in the lovely sombrero.  

 As you can see, Daniel was thrilled to put it on.

 Once he found what was underneath, he was delighted.

 Can you see the big grin on his face?  Its an Avengers hat for those who can't see or recognize all of it. (And by the way Christopher, he loves it and has worn it ALL day!)

 Just snapping photos and sometimes you get a good one.  I love this one.  I want my children to know and love and depend on each other.  I want them to be great friends.  I want the younger ones to look up to the older ones and the older ones to mentor the younger ones.  I mostly want them to love each other.  I love being with my family and am so very happy that they love being together (most of the time).

 Christopher's friend Alex who is going on project with him came over for dinner with his parents.  It was so nice to meet them and have a chance to get to know them better.  Alex stayed the night with us so that he and Christopher could leave together early in the morning.  I am thankful for the opportunities to spend time with Christopher's friends and to get to know them better.  He has wonderful friends!

More celebration.  We made cupcakes and put lots of candles in them.  Lots to celebrate - upcoming birthdays (Daniel and Alex), and the beginning of a wonderful summer project for Christopher and Alex.

 The youngest two were selected for blowing out the candles.

 They are the ones that appreciate it the most.

 We stayed up late.  Talking, playing games and enjoying being together.  All too soon it was late and we knew that our wake-up time was coming very early.  4am.  Christopher and Alex had planned to meet another friend in North Durham to get a ride to NJ.

This is what Christopher is taking for the summer.  Can I just say that we fit an amazing amount of stuff into those bags?

 I didn't take many photos in the morning.  It was 4:30 by now and everyone was tired and not really wanting a flash in their eyes.  (Not that it has stopped me in the past.  LOL)  Eliana didn't want to give Christopher a hug.  I don't know if she thought that by not hugging him that it meant he would not go?  He obviously did get a great hug from her.

As we loaded in the car to leave, Eliana was still sitting in this doorway.  Sobbing.  Just looking at us and crying.  So very sweet and sad too.  Christopher, know that we are all missing you already!

 As I said, not many photos, but I did get this one of them driving away.  Headed north to Wildwood, New Jersey for the summer as a part of Cru (Campus Crusade) summer project.  It was 25 years ago that I went on a summer project.  I loved it and it shaped my heart and who I am today.

 I know that God has great plans in store for Christopher and his friends.  I see God raising up a generation that is passionate and excited about serving Him.  I love this and I look forward to hearing more about what He is doing in their lives and in the lives of those they are working with and ministering too.

Please join me in praying for Christopher and these students as they spend the summer learning more about who God is and sharing His love with those around them!  Please pray too for their families and friends are home - that we would know that God has a plan for us too.  That ALL of us would grow in our faith whether we are home or serving in a new place.  God has a purpose for each one of us and a plan for us right where we are.  That is exciting!

I'm so thankful that Christopher has this opportunity and appreciate the many of you who are praying with us!

With love
Leslie

Being a mother...

has been the most amazing adventure I've ever been on.  I celebrated my first Mother's Day 19 years ago holding my precious new baby boy.  It was a sweet and delightful time.  My journey into motherhood started easily and the days were filled with laughter, books, smiles and joy.

As I started this road, I was thankful to have my own wonderful Mom as a role model.  Someone who has always loved me as I am and encouraged me as I explored my world.  Someone that challenged me, cheered for me and lifted me up in prayer.  Oh, you can never know the power of a praying Mom.  I'm so very thankful that God has given me an amazing and wonderful Mom.  I wish I could be with you today Mom.  I am thankful for you and I love you very much!

As I continued on this road, I learned that it isn't always easy.  Bumps, bruises, sickness came ... temporary afflictions that were usually helped with a kiss and a hug and a cuddle with mom.  The more that we walked though, the bigger the challenges sometimes became  ... emergency rooms, chronic illnesses, miscarriage and heart failure.  It is in those times that I found myself the one needing comfort.  I was the one that needed to be held and kissed and comforted.  I'm thankful for family and friends that have walked this road with me.  I'm most thankful for a God who is always there.  Always faithful.  Always strong.  It is during these low times that I have learned the most.   The more vulnerable I have been, the more open to God's lessons my heart seems to be.

Our family is once again walking through a valley.  I know that God has lessons for us to learn as we fall on our knees and depend on Him.  I know that He is holding us when we are afraid, worried, and scared. I know that He is in control.  I know He loves us.  I know that He took our place and paid the penalty so that we can have life in Him.  I know all these things and yet daily and sometimes more often than that, I'm having to give Him this burden.  It is a process to continue to trust when there is nothing more that can be done.

I can't share details, but know that our family would greatly appreciate your prayers as we walk through this valley.  I am thankful for our family and friends who surround us.  I'm thankful for a Father who loves us completely, thoroughly  - forever.

With love
Leslie

My sweet girl is HOME!

I'm a little behind in posting this, but my sweet girl is home!  :-)  Several friends have asked about her trip and Rebecca has graciously agreed to write a guest post on my blog about her trip!  Complete with photos!  :-)  I have loved hearing her stories and the things she has learned.  I look forward to having her share some of that here too!

We went out to the airport late and were joined by friends too.  Christopher and two of his friends (hi Justin and Tyler) even made signs for Rebecca.  Isn't that sweet?  

 So very happy to be welcomed home.

 We were all delighted to see her.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity that she had to go and am also just really happy to have her back.

 Just loved this picture.

 One of the things she brought home were these cool  wooden necklaces for her younger brothers.  Great conversation starter, don't you think?

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.  His love endures forever.  Ps 107:1

More soon on her trip!

Blessings
Leslie