Gardening and a Few Ramblings

Other than pool parties, I have been busy caring for my flowers. A hugely rewarding project. Each morning I love to spend time in my quiet backyard to focus on the goodness of our Lord. It is a peaceful haven, and I feel so blessed.
I'm also thankful for my little helpers, who (I think) are achieving an appreciation for God's creativity as they see His creation thriving in their own backyard. We recently hung a few birdfeeders, and have acquired a couple birdbaths. Watching and identifying birds has been a delight.
As the summer comes to an end, I've also been gearing up for the new school year and relatively new season of life. For those of you who do not know yet, Noah will be attending "real" school this year at Covenant Classical in Concord. He will be entering the seventh grade. When John and I began homeschooling Noah it was our hope to keep him home through his highschool years, but as he's gotten older it has become clear to us that he would benefit from a traditional school setting. The academics offered and extracurricular opportunities will hopefully spur him on to excel in his overall education. CCS is a highly respected academic facility. Some of his buddies already attend there, and he couldn't be more excited.
Please pray for a smooth transition for Noah, my biggest concern would be academic. Covenant is known to be uniquely difficult. Also, he will be going from a classroom of four to a classroom of twenty! Noah has always relied heavily on my one-on-one assistance. I hope he will grow more independent quickly!
In addition to transition, please pray for his character to grow in godly leadership and not to succumb to negative peer pressure. Homeschooling does allow parents to protect children from some of the harsh realities that are sadly introduced to children at too-young-of-ages (in my opinion). Though Noah is current on world events, (more so even than myself, he's an avid reader of World Magazine), he certainly has not had to endure the peer pressures that I faced by his age. I'm not hugely concerned about this issue, (Noah's a good kid), but I still covet your prayers for him and for wisdom for us in leading him through these years.
Thank you so much! I feel so privileged to have so many wonderful people walking through these years with us. You are a blessing to me!

La la la la Lauren

Bidgie's Third Birthday

This was one of my all-time favorite birthday parties. Maggie and I began planning a few months prior to the party via email... bouncing ideas back-and-forth off eachother. (I always say we make a great team.) ; )
We began the celebration with doggie ears, collars and face painting, and sang a few "doggie songs" to put us in the puppy mood. My niece, Kathryn, recently became the proud owner of a poodle-mix puppy, and brought him over as the guest-of-honor. The children were thrilled to play with a real, live, (very-active) puppy-dog. Next, Maggie led the children in Obedience School, where all the little "puppies" learned how to sit, beg, roll-over and speak. Then they enjoyed some "puppy chow" and milk shakes in their own little doggie bowls. Following the snack, we read a little story and all the children ran off to dig up some bones, which they later used in a game of Fetch. Lastly, we had the most adorable cake (Maggie's discovery online) and opened presents.
Some of my favorite moments were during the gift opening, as Lauren cheerfully thanked each person who gave her a gift, and even allowed another child to open one of her presents for her. She was simply delightful. It also was a joy and honor to have Jamie and Linda celebrate with us and the opportunity to introduce them to some of the people we love most.
Lauren's birthday, as each of our children's birthdays tend to do, was another reminder of the many kindnesses God has so graciously bestowed upon us. It was a reminder of the many people: family, friends, and church members, that He has placed in our lives. I am so grateful for them all.
Can you believe our sweet girl is three-years-old?

Three Wheelin'

Three-year-old Lauren learns how to ride on three wheels.

Write Your Name on Her Heart

May Jesus write His name on her heart, with permanent ink.... like she just did on my wood floors.

Sleepyhead in the Hallway

Lauren has been climbing out of her crib lately.
The other day she climbed out four times. This is where
I found her when I went upstairs...

The Latest Tricks

Look Who I Found in the Pantry...

Busted.

For Miss Jamie...

Sorry you've not been feeling well.
We love you!

Build-A-Bear

Lauren had her
first Build-A-Bear experience with her birthmom and family last week. She made a kittycat. I wasn't sure if Bidgie would be old enough to participate in stuffing and fluffing whatever animal she chose, but she did a great job! She even went around for a second try after the first time!

Thank you, Jamie
and Scott, for a memorable time together. So grateful we got to see you!

Nakey Bidgie...

When Lauren decides she wants to go in the pool, she immediately strips down to get her swimsuit on. Today Lauren went streaking upstairs in search of her bathingsuit and stayed
up there for several minutes. When I went to investigate I found her... naked, sitting on her bed, doing a puzzle. She explained,
"I doin' puzzles, Mama!" (Guess she got a little distracted). ; )

1 Fish, 2 Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

Guess who's swimming?

I stand amazed.

Lauren's Shenanigans

Upon returning
home from the
gym this afternoon, John informed me Lauren had learned
a new trick.
Like The Gibson Crew, we are in the process of potty-training.
Every time Lauren goes "potty" she
gets a couple M&Ms. Lauren likes M&Ms.
A lot.
Apparently, while I was out today, Lauren got a cup of water, poured it in her potty and exclaimed, "I did it, Daddy! I get treat!"

Goggles

I didn't know whether to title this "Goggles" or "Ready, Set, Go" or "Sweet-Little-Baby-Girl that I Love to Watch".

Going for a Ride

Lauren loves her Grandpa. Every morning and after her nap she runs to greet him, "Hi, Grandpa!"

After this ride in his lift chair, the two of them sat together and read books while chewing on toothpicks, like two peas in a pod.

Wordless Wednesday

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Bidgie's Cuteness

Lauren is laying on my bedroom floor, sucking her fingers, and watching her morning video. When I went by my room, I said, "Hey you."
Lauren nonchalantly replied, "Hey you."
Earlier this morning, Alyssa was keeping an eye on Lauren while I was helping Spencer with school. I noticed Alyssa walking past Spencer's room alone, so I asked, "Where's Lauren?". At that moment, Lauren (having overheard the question) came around the corner and said "TA-DA!".

Lauren's Birthday and a Trip to the Zoo

Had a wonderful time celebrating Bidgie's second birthday
at the NC Zoo with Lauren's birthmama Jamie, big sis Gabby, and Grandma Linda. Jamie brought along Ladybug cupcakes and
party supplies, complete with goodie bags for each of the kids. (The baggies included ladybug suncatchers, "walking" beetles, magnifying glasses, and bubbles... Isn't she so thoughtful?!) Lauren opened oodles of gifts, so she was a happy camper... well, for the most part! :) When she got cranky we all had fun trying to entertain her.
Thank you, Jamie, for celebrating this special day with us. I'm so glad we could be together with this little girl we all love so much.

Wordless Wednesday