Homeschool Encouragement

I'm missing the HERI homeschool convention! I am always recharged when I go, but Clara was too young to head out there this year.

Chris had a great "plan b"- listen to workshops online! I found some great ones from the Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) convention... all the audio from 2006-2009! I have already listened to 4, with many more marked for future encouragement, inspiration, and teaching. CHEC it out! (haha- pun intended!)

Also, I found this entry to Raising Olives' blog doing a review on Sonlight- the curriculum we use. We've used it for 2 years and are very happy with it. Here is a link to the review and an entry for a $50 gift card toward a Sonlight purchase!

Oh! And one more link- These messages from Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Publishing are challenging. I clicked on Vol 1 and then 1. Strong Willed Parent and highly recommend that workshop!

Happy Homeschooling!

Happy Birthday Gran!

Thursday, July 15. Happy Birthday to my Mommy! We celebrated while she was here helping with Clara- Chris put candles in a burnt bagel in her honor (she has the reputation for burning bread...).

Happy Birthday, Mom! Thanks for your stories, being quick to laugh, and your example of loving selflessly. I love you!

Resting

Clara is asleep on my chest. Every part of her little 9 day old person is relaxed as she rests in completely contented sleep. Her 5 brothers and sisters talk, play, call, laugh, kiss her, and even cry all around us... and yet Clara's blissful breathing remains unchanged.

I find myself constantly doing, constantly striving. I bustle around the house picking up, washing, coaching the children. I say "coaching" instead of "teaching" because often I'm more concerned with the performance of my "team" than with their hearts. Well, that's what my actions show, anyways.

Oh, for the childlike trust, rest, contentment that my little ones show! Lord, help me to learn from them and not to "coach" their hearts out of trusting and resting. You carry me, strengthen me, and help me. (Isaiah 41:10) You gently lead me as I parent! (Isaiah 40:11) Help me to rest in you. Teach me to "be still and know [you are] God." -Psalm 46:10

Clara Slideshow for GeGe!

You asked for more pictures of little Clara- here are a few! I will try to put more up soon to hold you over 'til you meet her! Come visit soon!

Georgia Anne Welcomes Clara Allison!!

She's here! Clara Allison was born July 5 and is already a wonderful part of our family!! All her brothers and sisters love to hold her, kiss her, help burp her, and just snuggle beside her!

Clara was born at 8:33 Monday morning and weighed 7 pounds, 12 ounces. She was only 20.5 inches long! Such a little peanut!

Both Clara and Mommy are doing well and, after a week of Granny caring for us, I think I'm ready to get back to work. Our church family & friends are bringing meals this week to help me transition back to normal. :)

We're thanking Abba, our wonderful Heavenly Father, for such a smooth labor and recovery and precious little gift!

Happy 3rd of July!

Our neighborhood's annual "4th of July Parade" was today- and it was a BLAST! Daddy O even got in on the action by pulling the float with Mr Jamey. (They're really strong! haha)

Afterwards, we had pizza in the front of the neighborhood and then the firetruck opened the hoses on the kids! What a fun way to cool off!!

Happy 3rd (and 4th!) of July!

Every Florida Boy Needs to know...

how to fish (first importance) and how to surf!!

Today was Ben AND Chris' first day surfing!! Mr. Holger was an excellent teacher & the Lord provided gentle waves for a great first time.

All the guys surfed from 7:30 'til 10 ish and then grabbed a surfer's breakfast at a nearby beach spot. Mr. Holger said Ben is a natural- and Chris said they've created a monster. Hehe Papa can't wait to come up and help "learn him good". :)