Canon Andrew's "Birth"day

I had to run into the Dollar General tonight, and when I got back, my baby's world had totally changed. Ever have a moment like that? You turn around and something totally life altering has occurred under your very nose? Well that's what happened tonight with Canon.

I got back in the truck and Connor said, "Mom, Canon just asked Jesus into his heart."

So calmly. Just like that. As if he said, "Mom, Canon would like a drink of water."

I just turned around and looked at all of them. They all had big, goofy grins on their little faces. I stared blankly for a second and then said the most articulate thing I could think of:

"What?"

"Yep," Connor proudly said. "I helped him. But, I'm not sure if I did it all right, so you may want to do it with him again - you know, just in case I missed something."

Missed something??? Hmmm, like waiting for Mommy to return from her 2 minute run into the store?? Something like that?? :D

I told Canon to come up and talk to me for a second. I asked what brought this about. He said, "I thought it was a good day to do it."

Well, how do you argue with that logic? Like I even wanted to, really. He's been asking so many questions lately of Kelly and me. Every time he's done asking questions, we've asked him if he wants to ask Jesus into his heart. And every time, he has said "Not today. But someday I will."

Connor may have missed a few points, but he did a pretty darn good job leading his baby brother in his prayer. Just to lay their minds at ease, however, we prayed again, together. Wow.

Have any of you had this experience? To lead your little ones to salvation? It's so amazing. And humbling. There are days when I feel like I'm totally messing this job of mine up. How could the Lord possibly entrust me with these awesome little kiddos? Other days when I think he's testing me beyond my bounds of sanity (J/K, kind of :D). Then there are days like this. A day that alters eternity for one little boy - MY little boy. And I was there to witness it, to take part in it. I can't imagine any moment being more precious. I am so very thankful to my God.

Isaiah 11:6

Summer Days

Oh, I just love summer. I love to swim. I love to sail. I love to play in the sprinkler. I also love to read a book in my air conditioned home on 95 degree days - who's with me?!?

We have had a great summer. Nothing huge since the South Dakota trip; Chloe's birthday and sleepover, yard sale with mom and my sisters, swimming lessons, VBS and a weekend of camping and sailing for the 4th of July. But it's been a great summer.

We decided to trim down on extras this summer, and just veg. I love that word - veg. Actually, I don't think it's really a word. It definitely doesn't look like a complete word, but oh, well, I love to say it anyway. (And I'm usually a stickler for correct grammar! :P) We've done the summer reading program through our local library. The kids get these great rewards like free corn dogs from Sonic, a free book from CPO, and other awesome deals. It's the simple things they are appreciating this summer, and I'm learning right along with them that simple is good. I'm almost dreading the end of summer when we get into the usual rigamarole of school, co-op, sports and what all else I have the insane desire to cram into our calendar. Kelly is always telling me to cut something out, but am I the only one out there who is afraid of depriving my kids of any and every opportunity available to them?? I will be honest when I say that I feel like I'm under a microscope sometimes; that people who "love" me are inspecting and dissecting everything Kelly and I do for our kids. I don't regret our decision to have me stay at home with the kids and to homeschool them. But I do want to show people that we are thriving...so why do I sometimes feel like I need someone to throw me a life preserver?

I've been a follower of Jesus since I was very young. He's my comfort, my Rock, my Savior. The lover of my soul, my Living Water. I know He is the only one I need to please. I need to remember these lazy days of summer in a couple of months and remember that it is for HIS glory that I do what I do. It is for HIS approval why I live how I live. And it is for HIS reward that I am working, not this world's.

I haven't decided when we'll start on school this fall. We are already having co-op meetings, and they are getting me excited about the year ahead. But I still have a lot of summer to share with my kiddos, and I intend to soak it up! Do the same with your family. Love!