Teach Them Diligently

We had such a good time at the Teach Them Diligently Conference last week!  Michael and I were both very impressed and I felt it was the best homeschool conference I've been to.

The children had a fantastic time reuniting with some sweet friends and meeting some favorite authors.

And just some fun times:

One of the best pictures I have seen of the Christian marriage is the sculpture made by a young homeschooler in the Dunagan family for Heidi St. John.  It depicts a father, dressed in spiritual armor, wielding his sword and shielding his family from the fiery darts of the enemy.  Instead of sitting idly by, the mother stands just safely behind him, shooting the arrows from her quiver.

Have you seen a better depiction of Psalm 127:3-5?  This will stay with me.

Abby and Sherrod stayed behind.  Ugh.  It is hard to let them grow up!  But they had already made some commitments when we decided to go, so...

We are grateful to the friends who stayed busy with them, took care of them, and had them over while we were gone!  They did some trail riding and Abby learned that Finn loves sorting cows!

Sherrod and Harvey:

Many of Abby's pictures are taken from this position:

Fun on the trails...

It's good to be home and back together again!  Lots going on...today is Sherrod's birthday.  Wow!  More later...

Girl Time

It's been a bit of an odd week around here... Michael traveling, a sweet baby shower (with TWO babies 😍), a precious, Christ-centered wedding, and an evening out with just the girls.  While the boys had a ton of fun at home with dear friends, I took the girls to see the Cinderella ballet.  We had a blast!

We spent some time downtown before the ballet and had a little silliness together.

 This is pretty typical in our house...Sarah and Sydnee with funny attitude while Abby and Sherrod are like, "You girls are crazy." 😂😂😂

 I have no idea what was going on here, but Abby looks like the cat that ate the canary while Sarah and Sydnee are giving looks.  Sherrod just goes with the flow...

 Whatever it was, was funny!

Waiting for the ballet...

Adelina was such a hoot at the ballet!  Part way into the first act she asked me when we would see the ballet.  "We are seeing the ballet," I told her.  "It's the type of dance."
"Oh," she replied.  "Well, why can't we go up there and dance?  I got dressed up..."

After the intermission came the ball scene.  She kept asking which one was the prince (from the male dancers) and which one was Cinderella (from the female dancers).  When they arrived, I told her who was who.  After the 2nd intermission came the wedding scene.  She asked what was happening and I explained.  She furrowed her brow and wrinkled her nose.  "But they just met!"  Before I could answer, she asked, very doubtfully, "Are they getting married in real life?"  I assured her that it was just pretend, which satisfied her somewhat.

We decided on the Cheesecake Factory for dinner.  I may have had the best salmon ever... And I even splurged for the caramel cheesecake!

It was a sweet and joyful evening out with my girls.  Lots of laughter and giggles.  I think I may enjoy the times all the more for the realization of how short my time with them is.  I look at these last few pictures at dinner and I remember when my adult girls were Adelina's size, looking to me for every single thing.  Now they are women and they are living their own purpose that God has laid out for them.  And even though it may not be exactly what I would have mapped out, it is precious and beautiful.  I am so proud of each of them.  And looking forward to more nights like this one! 😍

Changes

Change is good. It’s a must to move forward. I mean, children grow, they are no longer babies and one day they are adults, ready to begin the cycle all over again. It’s the way things are supposed to be.  And I feel like I’ve always been good with that. Joyful with each new stage, each new growth, each new moving on. But some things are harder now. I will feel like I’m coasting along just fine, enjoying life, living in peace, when, all of a sudden, something makes grief rear it’s ugly head again.

This week it’s William’s bed. Titus has decided he is ready for a “big boy” bed, which means William’s bottom bunk. It’s odd how so many nights that empty bed has caused me grief, yet the thought of it not being there is so, so difficult. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been constantly empty these last 2 1/2 years...Wallace slept in it for a bit with William’s things after William first passed. I believe Calvin and Knox did, too. Adelina has been in and out of it for awhile. But it’s always been his. Giving it up entirely is excruciating. I know it’s irrational.

When Titus first said he was ready for a big boy bed, Michael was ready to move him over. I’ve been the hold up. I needed some time to prepare for this change. Upon seeing my distress, Michael suggested we just get another set of bunk beds to put in the boys’ room, but I know that’s not practical. I may not be ready for this change, but I guess it’s time to face it.



"When you are joyful, be joyful; when you are sad, be sad.  If God has given you a sweet cup, don't make it bitter; and if He has given you a bitter cup, don't try and make it sweet; take things as they come." ~ Shade of His Hand, 1226 Oswald Chambers

Hulk

It's been so busy this week.  Jury duty has put me significantly behind schedule.  😬 I feel like I won't get caught up.

I lost my Hulk zipper pull last week.  I realized it when I got home from a meeting.  It was quite disappointing.  William loved Hulk.  He was determined to be big and strong and help those who were not strong enough to defend themselves...to overpower evil.  And he has.  I like keeping the zipper pull on me and thinking of how strong my little boy was.  It was a heartache to lose it.  But I've had several sweet friends who have been quite the bright spot for me.  Thank you, all!

Here's a weird little "secret"...  I keep those Hulk hands in my closet with William's favorite things.  Sometimes I reach in and hold the little bar inside and feel close to him.  It somehow comforts me that his little hand was in there and I almost feel like I'm holding his hand again.  Not quite, but if I imagine hard enough, almost...

Trainer's Challenge

The girls have been very busy preparing for the Trainer's Challenge coming up on May 5.  They are both doing a great job with their horses, even though this year has seen some unusual challenges, personally.  But they are persevering...

Abby is now competing with Finn.  He is a sweet little guy with a great personality.  She still has Dreamer, but won't be competing with her this year.  Dreamer will be continuing training at a slower pace.  This put Finn behind in training time, but I think they are both up to the challenge.  Abby is really enjoying him.

Sherrod is doing a great job with Harvey, too.  She is learning a lot and he is taking it all in like a champ!  Harvey has been really good for Sherrod, and she for him.  They make a good pair...a great team!

So whether you're wanting to purchase a great horse-partner or you'd just like to come show your support for the girls, we'd love to see you at this year's Trainer's Challenge:

Saturday, May 5 at 8:30am
Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center
1700 W Independence St, Shawnee

If you aren't wanting to spend the whole day, get with one of us the day before and we should have an approximate time for their showing.

Also, if you'd like to be part of the team and order a t-shirt, we're taking orders now.  I'm still refusing to change shirts in the middle of the competition, so they always have to come up with a design that includes both teams...they did a fantastic job this year!  Shirts are light blue, $15.  Last day to order is April 15.  You can email or text Abby or me to order.  Please specify unisex or ladies style.

Hope to see you there!  It'll be an excellent show!