Rights of Passage, and a Big Cup!

Our family is now finding themselves in an awkward position. Yep, this is a new area for us...The Big Cup! Our daughter, whose the oldest, is tall, and I don't know if that's the reason or just because she's older but lately when we go out to restaurants she is given a big cup. This, of course, doesn't go over too well with our other two. Now, Avery will eventually forget it, stick his straw in the "baby" cup and go. However, for Jackson, this is torment. He will look longingly at her cup...he will push his cup away, often not ever touching it again...he will ultimately always say "wish I had a big cup." I mean who knew that a cup would cause such an uproar. Leaving mixed reactions all around the table one person extremely happy, one person indifferent, one person mad, and a couple of stressed out parents wishing they had requested all to have cups with lids! Anyone else ever experienced this?

Four Years ago...On the Fourth of October...

My Baby Boy was Born....what a day that was. I purposed in my heart to soak up every moment of his little life. Of course, I loved every moment of Jackson's and Elle-Catherine's babyhood...but you never really realize how fast time flies, till it's gone! Until, your packing up their book bag for kindergarten. Not this time around, I promised myself, and for the most part, I succeeded. I relished those feedings (mostly), I didn't complain too loudly about doing the dirty diapers, and I kissed, nuzzled and cooed every chance I got.

Well here we are four years later, and it still feels like time flew by. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't grab a hold of it and make it stop.

He's a beautiful boy who has a sweet shyness that's absolutely captivating.

He's loyal and protective even at four.

And quiet the little fit thrower!

 He's a natural born comedian!

 Loves his SHOWS!

 Adores his big brother Jackson and his Sissy!

I'm absolutely blessed to be his Momma; to be the one he runs to for kisses for ouchies, to be the one he looks for each morning, to be the one to make the bad dreams go away. I Love You, Avery!

What I'm learning...

I never in any of my imaginations of what homeschooling might be like, imagined I'd learn anything about myself, or at least admitted it to myself anyway. I had grand ideas of teaching my children the proper tools to be scholars. I had ideas of channeling my inner Martha Stewart and knocking out craft projects worthy of a spot in "Family Fun". Yet, my reality is turning out to be very different.

God has used the sword that is His word...(Hebrews 4:12) to cut away at my heart and flesh for several years. How surprised I was to learn how much more there was left to cut away. The issues within myself that I thought were gone are not; they are simply in need of more refinement.

Recently in another blog I follow, The Night Howells, she had a discussion about living the life God called you. In the midst of that discussion, someone commented that often God gives us children to save us from ourselves. This is what is happening to me. I am learning through the avenue of homeschooling how little I gave to my children and how much I gave to myself. I'm surprised, of course, to realize this, I have always been a stay at home mom; so I thought I was doing alright in that avenue. Truth is, I wasn't. I was perfectly happy being a stay at home mom but not really engaging in their lives to the extent that I believe is expected of me. Now, I am, and sometimes I'm not too happy about it. Sometimes I would rather give into the selfishness that is me, and do what I want. Yet, there is a tug at me that knows this is not acceptable. This tug-of-war within me is exhausting. I'm tired; yet, very happy. Funny how God can create within you the peace that will rise above your circumstances.

I've found a new verse that is becoming dear to me...it's John 3:30 "He must increase, but I must decrease". May the prayer of my life remain this.

For the Love of Hot Chocolate...

One of the many, many reasons that this is my favorite time of the year and summer is not; is the smell of coffee. I know when I smell Terry making coffee fall is on it's way. I love how coffee smells; it beats any candle. However, I hate the taste, and believe me I've tried to like it. The closet I've come is Wendy's Twisted Frosty Toffee Coffee...yes, it's as good as it sounds but I'm sure it has very little coffee! So, with coffee out; I"m left with Hot Chocolate, but that instant stuff just wasn't cutting it. I'm on a mission...to find and perfect the best Gourmet Homemade Hot Chocolate recipe. I made some today...it was very good might just have to make some small adjustments!

Following in her Daddy's Footsteps...

Recently we accompanied Terry to a Regional Tournament in Paris. Elle-Catherine absolutely had a blast. She hung right with Daddy and made great friends (big surprise there right!) I'm thinking that she may take over the weigh-in from Daddy any day now. Of course, she still hates fish!!

Christmas Decorating Schedule...Yay!

I'm satisfied that I'm one of the only person in America who does this. I know very few people who actually do what I do. I've asked myslef many times if this is normal and my answer...I don't care. I LOVE Christmas; I just get excited thinking about it. I plan where I will put trees; I change things up, and some I leave exactly the same year after year. Yes, there are some decorations that must absolutly stay in the same place, year after year. So, tonight I made this...

It's my Christmas Decorating Schedule. Yep...you read that right. On somethings I can be absolutely organized about, and with school it was even more important that I be scheduled. The fact that it's all scrapbooked and stickered can be attributed to the fact that we have no ink in our printer!!

So is anyone else like this??