Jaws

John's out fishing with the boys this weekend. : )

More Adventures in Boone

Spencer spent the last three days with Uncle Mike, Aunt Lisa,
and Maggie in Boone. On the day after he arrived, we received
a phone call from Maggie...up in a tree. 
Apparently, Lisa, Mags, and Spence went for a hike through a pasture. Little did they know the pasture was frequented not only by several cows, but also by their rather large mate. As the curious cattle came to check out their visitors, the hikers headed up an apple tree where they remained for about 15 minutes until the bovines departed.
Later, I spoke to Spencer on the phone. When asked about the adventure, Spencer replied, "Mom, it's not funny! It was really scary!" : )

Twizzlers or Peppermints?

Alyssa's been working on a short compare-contrast
essay this week.

I thought she did a great job. : )

Line 'Em Up

Last week, the kids learned about assembly lines. After their lesson, they all lined up to build candy cars. Everyone had a little job to complete. Alyssa attached the steering shafts and back "trunks", Noah did the steering wheels and front "bumpers", Spencer applied the wheels, and  Julianna added the seats.
What fabulous mechanics they'd make some day! (Well, except for the one that wanted to build hers "all by herself", but we resolved that little dilemma.) ; )

Froggy Baby

The Latest Tricks

Look Who I Found in the Pantry...

Busted.

The Conclusion of Noah's Birthday

It feels like Noah's birthday was a two-week event! First celebrating as a family, then hosting a pool party, and finally his trip to Carowinds with his buddy, Chris. Here are a few clips...

Growing Up

Noah's birthday was quite different this year than it has been in the past. For one thing, Noah decided he didn't care to have a "themed" birthday party. Although it was important to him to have his best buddies over to celebrate, and to do something special with just one of them at a later date.
On Sunday, we'll have a pool/pizza party to which five of his friends have been invited. (I may drum up goody bags... kids like candy no matter how old they get!). For the following Sunday, he has asked to bring Christopher with him to Carowinds. (Originally, he wanted to go to a Panthers' game with Chris, but didn't want to wait for the first home game.)
Rather than a specially shaped and decorated cake, Noah told me he would like a chocolate raspberry cheesecake instead. (How's that for particular?)
For Noah's birthday gifts, he requested very specific things:
A pair of Vans, (deja vu!); a sports jacket; two Webkinz with clothing; and....drumroll...two rats. (I know, "ew".)
Noah also asked to shop for his gifts himself. So, yesterday he went on a shopping spree with his Daddy.

Yes, my baby is growing up. We have seen Noah maturing in many areas of his life this year:

Noah has become a more grateful young man. Last night, Noah came out of his room at eleven o'clock. Our conversation went like this:
Noah: "Mom, I have to get my Mossflower book, if that's ok."
Me: "It's too late, Noah, you need to go to sleep."
Noah: "Ok." (He turns to leave.)
Noah: "Mom? Thank you so much for everything today. I've been so blessed."

John mentioned Noah stated his gratefulness for each of his birthday purchases several times yesterday, as well as the time spent gathering them. Noah's thankfulness has become more of a regular occurrence.
Secondly, Noah is a deeply caring person. He regularly watches out and expresses concern for his grandpa. He often jumps up to help Grandpa, to move things out of his way or get things for him, and he lets me know if Grandpa needs any help.
Noah has also grown in sentimentality. Grandma Bett-Bett annually has had each of the children spend the night in celebration of their birthdays. Last year, Bett thought Noah had "outgrown" this tradition, so Noah didn't go. Well, Noah has expressed many times his desire to be with Bett-Bett since then. Pleasantly surprised, Bett will be having him over sometime in the next couple of weeks.
I have also seen an increased diligence in Noah with his schoolwork. He has not complained about his assignments at all, and has even mentioned enjoying his work several times in the last couple of weeks. For a homeschool mom, this is a BIG deal.

Most importantly, we have seen an increased maturity in Noah's relationship with the Lord. A few months ago Noah responded to an altar call at the Rebelution conference by Alex & Brett Harris. Although this was his third time expressing a desire to the Lord to be a Christian, we have seen a more sober awareness of the truth of the Gospel, and his knowledge of doctrine continues to be defined and embraced. He has read several difficult books on spiritual truth including: Do Hard Things, How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian, Humility, Gospel for Real Life, Living a Cross Centered Life, and is currently reading Morning and Evening for his daily devotions.
The fruit we have seen in Noah's life this year gives me much hope and excitement for the upcoming teen years. What a privilege and joy we have in seeing our children grow.

Twelve Years Ago

Time flies.

Happiness

Thank you, Patsy and David, for spending time with us.
We love you!

A Family Affair

Hosted a little family pool party on August 31st.