Highs and Lows

I haven't felt inspired to blog anything much lately.  Since school started, we have been in a routine without anything interesting to share.  School this year has been really wonderful so far, and Logan  amazes me on a regular basis.  He is such a wonderful child, and I tell them both often that I am just so thankful that God allowed me to be their mom.  I am so glad I get to share everyday life with them both, and that I am the one who gets to see them learn new and challenging things.  We have spent hours on the front porch reading books over the last two weeks.  It has become a wonderful daily ritual that we all look forward to.  Here a few we have read over so far...

and currently reading...

Although school has been wonderful, this week has been difficult with an entirely different situation.  I have had to deal with some frustrations, disappointments, and some anger that has been quite consuming.  I don't know why I would be surprised, but God always puts people in your path that can say exactly the thing you need to hear.  The hard and difficult times are the areas where we grow the most.  They may not be fun in the moment, but Landon reminded me that the way I choose to react will reveal my true character. 

I wanted to share some encouraging words from scripture, books, and others that I have clung to and pondered this week.  You just never know how something you can say will affect others in a positive way:

In one of Logan's science books, we read about different animals and see some unique qualities that God created just for them.  We then look at videos of the animal in action on YouTube.  It can be quite disgusting, I admit, but Logan loves it!  Yesterday, we looked at an Ambush Bug.  At the end of the description, there is a short spiritual parallel in relation to something unique about the bug...I know...where are you going with this??  The spiritual application talked about how we aren't to ambush each other and not wait for opportunities to attack unfairly.  We are to handle problems the way Jesus would--fairly and with kindness.  The book then asks us to pray for God to show us how to love others the way He shows love toward us.  After I read this timely word for me, I looked at Logan and explained that no matter how others may hurt you--and you may have a valid reason to be hurt or be upset, we are called to love and show kindness the way Jesus did.  I guess I was a bit too passionate as I gave my own "mini-sermon" because he looked up at me and said, "Ok, Mom, but why did you tell me all of that?"  It made us both laugh.  I told him I just wanted to prepare him☺

This was a post on facebook by Lewis Carrick.  When I was scrolling quickly, this post stopped me in my tracks.  "Our fight is not with flesh and blood. Flesh is just a avenue the agents of Satan use to invade our lives. Through the physical the devil move people and nations to divide and to concur ultimately destroying lives, families, churches and communities. Like a hungry striving roaring loin he seeks to consume you. Stay on your guard be filled with the word of God having your mind renewed by the Holy Spirit. Stay near God he will be near you."

Two other words of encouragement were from today through blogs.  One was from my cousin, whom I am extremely proud.  She just finished a goal to read the entire bible through in a year.  (I Did It!)This post was applicable to me and I appreciate her sharing.  Shut Your Pie Hole.

This blog post moved me to tears because it once again reminded me of what Christ did for me when He was broken for us.  We are all broken, sinful people, yet while we were sinners, Christ died for us.  If I really ponder that thought, I stand in awe of how unworthy I am of His sacrifice. 

People may fail us and disappoint us, but I serve a mighty God who will never break a promise, tell a lie, or lead me in any way that isn't a part of His plan and for His ultimate glory.  I also know that I have also been one to fail and disappoint others.  I am thankful for His unfailing love and forgiveness where we all fall short. 

Sorry this was a bit heavy and perhaps depressing.  I am not trying to be dramatic, and I don't seek sympathy.  I just wanted to share in case someone else may need a word of encouragement as I did.  We all have highs and lows throughout life, and in the grand scheme of things the only thing that matters in the end is if I point people to Christ through my life.

Dog Days are Over...School Has Begun

Well, summer was fun, but the dog days are over. 

So long summer!  The temperature today is even a sign that it is time once again for school to begin.  Today we began our first day of homeschool.  Logan started second grade..a little hard to believe! 

Logan also made a banner...it says "school stinks."

Lucas took over as the photographer.

We can't leave out Lucas...

I am really excited about our curriculum this year.  Here is a list of what we are doing:

Math:  Math-U-See (Beta)

History/Bible: Old Testament and Ancient Egypt from Veritas Press

Writing: Reason for Handwriting Level B

Spelling: Reason for Spelling

Language: First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind (Level 2) by Jessie Wise

Latin:  Latin for Children Level A by Classical Academic Press

Science: Several Books from My Father's World

So Proud!

I know this will probably embarrass my husband, but I can't help it.  I am just really proud of him and had to share!  Friday night he ran in an 8K in Cookeville.  Over the last year, we have both ran in three different 5Ks, but this was a little more challenging.  I knew he could do it, and I encouraged him to sign up. 

These pictures are terrible.  The runners are lined up behind the motorcycles, but you can't see them. 

Waiting to cheer daddy on!

The boys were preparing for the gun shot to start the race.  This probably wasn't the best day to skip a nap for Lucas.  The race didn't begin until 9:00 p.m.  By the end of the race, he was almost unbearable.  I knew better!  What was I thinking??

And they're off!

The boys went nuts when they saw Landon.  They were so excited when he went by.

For some people, running five miles is no big deal, but for the majority of people, it is a huge accomplishment.  He ran the whole thing without stopping, and there were several hills on the route. 

I am so proud of him!!  When you are with a person every day, it is harder to notice the change that is taking place.  After Logan was born, we both decided that we were going to try and lose weight.  I remember exactly the point I knew I had to do something before it was on the verge of getting out of control.  We went to a water park in the summer and walking around all day in my bathing suit really was motivation enough.  However, when I looked at my pictures from the 4th of July, this was the one that did it for me. 

So after the 4th of July, we started Weight Watchers.  I lost all my baby weight and Landon lost around thirty five pounds.  He has been losing gradually since.  I keep gaining and losing the same!  I am not blessed to be able to eat whatever I want and stay thin.  I go through spells where I am more disciplined than others, but if I am not dieting, I am gaining.  It is much easier when we are both eating right and exercising.   Right now, it is a struggle because I am going to gain anyway.  I really wanted to eat healthy and exercise during this pregnancy because I didn't at all for the other two.  So far, the eating has been horrible, but at least I have exercised somewhat.  I haven't been much help to Landon lately. 

Here is another picture of Landon to see how much he has changed.  I am just really proud of the work he has put into becoming healthier and more active for himself and the kids.  He is still not to his goal, but he has come a long way.

Look how little Tristan is.  He was such a cutie!!

This is Landon this summer getting ready to swim in the Tennessee River

Rat Race, a 1.2 mile race in Chattanooga.

We were both planning to run in a half marathon in Disney in the fall, but my doctor didn't think I should since I will be around five month pregnant at the time.  It's a little disappointing because I had been running for five weeks in preparation, but a baby is definitely worth the wait!!   

Almost two years ago, we joined the YMCA in Cookeville and we have both said it was one of the best things we have done as a family.  I am so glad that we both exercise regularly, and it is a part of our schedules.  It just makes me feel better and I can tell a difference both physically and mentally when I am not as consistent.  It is much more challenging to find motivation to work out when you are pregnant though!!

Like I said at the beginning, this is going to embarrass him, but I just couldn't resist!  Landon, I am thankful for your example to our boys!  We are proud of you!!!