A Lifetime of Love

One day during his reading lesson a few weeks ago, Th read a story about a drummer boy named Alex who lived during the Revolutionary War. In the story, Alex's father joins the militia in fighting for their independence from the British. They were preparing to fight at Cowpens, and the story was based on an actual event (Morgan's men retreated because the signal boy, or drummer boy, gave the wrong signal). Morgan's quick thinking and decisive actions are ultimately what led to him winning the battle and forever etching his name in history. For whatever reason, Th really enjoyed this story and made a personal connection with the main character, Alex. So, to stay true to the beauty and character of homeschooling, I used Th's interest to my advantage and we did an entire study on the history of the battle, the men involved, and it's relevance to our lives today. Here are some pictures of his learning along the way: Completing a Venn diagram on characteristics of the 2 o...

I  can’t believe T.G. is 4 years old! Time just seems to pass more and more quickly, especially as my children age. I remember when I found out I was having a girl- I was so excited! I never could have imagined how blessed I would be when God placed you in our family! T.G., you are such a little princess, dainty and frilly in every way. You make me smile because you are the complete opposite of me: you adore wearing dresses, you LOVE to wear hair bows, and you absolutely refuse to leave the house without accessorizing with jewelry! Pink, of course, is your favorite color and according to you, one can never wear too much of it! You are a whiz at putting puzzles together and the more pieces there are, the more you enjoy doing them. You are great with Taylor Ann (your relationship with Teagan is another story!) and I am thankful you enjoy helping me out by “babysitting” her. It is obvious she loves you just as much as you love her. You adore your big brothers and have fun ...

My kids being silly... and then being sweet... I love these kids! :)

The kids and I went to Reed Gold Mine in Midland, NC today. Th just finished up a unit on the westward expansion, including the discovery of gold in California in 1849. I thought this field trip would be a fun way to end the unit. We looked at the exhibits, toured the mine, and panned for gold. It was so much fun, and a great learning experience! He was excited to find gold but as he shared with TJ, we "can't sell our house to become gold miners." I'd say he learned first-hand how labor intensive mining truly is, especially for such little pay-off. =) The mine entrance: Just inside the entrance: 50 feet underground, looking up a shaft: The mine shaft from the outside: T.G. watching the mill in operation. It was loud, but the noise didn't seem to bother her! Th panning for gold: T.G. panning for gold: This verse ties in nicely to today's field trip and is a good reminder for us all: "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where nei...

That is the name we gave to the mountain where TJ's grandfather, Frank, and his wife, Dot, live. It is in northern Pennsylvania, only about 10 or so miles south of the New York state line. It was beautiful during our visit; the autumn colors were almost to their full glory! We had a busy week with them. TJ walked the cemetary where his grandmother is buried and shared fond memories with us of time spent with her. We went to the playground: We went to Ross Park and zoo (Binghamton, NY): We picked apples at Russell Farm and Orchard: We celebrated Teagan's 2nd birthday: We learned about the longest concrete train bridge, which was built in 1915: We celebrated Th's 8th birthday: But best of all, we enjoyed sweet fellowship with dear loved ones! The kids enjoyed putting on their "Patch the Pirate" performance each evening after supper, and the grandparents enjoyed watching it! These are precious memories that we will always have, and I am so thankful we took the time...

I was thinking about (reflecting on, really) Th's eye injury when something occurred to me: the night that it happened, he just wanted me. He wanted me to hold his hand, draw his bath water for him, sit with him, basically be close to him and not leave his side. The next day, when he went to the eye doctor, he wanted me to take him and not TJ. But, now that he's feeling better and his life has mostly returned to normal, he doesn't "need" me as much. I miss being needed and knowing that only I was able to soothe him. Unfortunately, the above scenario describes how I've been with God. During the difficult times in my life, as I struggle to make sense of the hurt and pain I'm experiencing, I seek the Lord and cling tightly to His promises. However, once the storm passes and the fog lifts, I catch myself moving away from the Lord and not seeking Him so diligently. I can only surmise that He, like myself, misses the fellowship that comes with drawing close...

As a mom to 5 kids, it's never a dull moment in our house. It seems like someone is always sick or hurt. This weekend it was Th's turn to visit the doctor. Here's why: It's a long story but thankfully he'll be okay. The Lord's protection is evident as literally 1cm to the left and Th could have been blinded or more seriously wounded. Although it's gross to look at, he can see fine and is in only minor pain. Thanks for the prayers for his quick recovery!