Cadie Bug!

This little baby girl is going to be a big sister in less than a month! Oh, my, the changes that are coming! She is going to love her baby, but, I will work hard to let her stay a baby a little longer, too.

My Baby Turns 15...

This is crazy, y'all...I mean seriously! Wasn't this just yesterday?!?

Now I'm sitting at the DMV, waiting for this baby of mine to get his learner's permit...I don't know how to process this. You hear it all the time - it goes so fast...and it really does. It terrifies me at times to think that I only have 3 years left to have a daily influence on this man-child...have I done enough? Have I prepared him adequately? Is he ready for more responsibility? Can I please stop the clock? 

Kelly smiles at me and takes it all in stride. He trusts we are doing our jobs as parents to the best of our ability and that God will honor that. He is fully prepared to say, "Go, my boy. We have given you the tools to succeed. Now it's up to you." I want that kind of faith and confidence.

Every day, I look at him and see him changing. His looks, his walk, his voice, his attitude. I'm proud of who he is becoming. I'm trusting that God will water those seeds we have planted and that Connor will continue to grow in his walk with the Lord. He's still a kid, but those glimpses of the man he is to be fills my heart to bursting.

This is what I wrote this morning on Facebook:

"Fifteen....fifteen!!?! Robert Connor, this day is a tough one. I'm so thankful that you are the one who made me a mama, and you hold a special place in my heart for now and always. I pray every day that you seek the Lord in all you do, trust Him to guide and direct you, and honor Him with your deeds. This growing up thing isn't always the easiest thing in the world, and watching you work through some struggles has nearly broken my heart...but I've been amazed at the strength and convictions you have gained through them. I love your steadfastness in standing up for what you believe in. I love that you don't follow the crowd, even when it costs you, and that you choose paths that I'd never expect you to take. We don't always see eye to eye, and it's not always fun to disagree, but I am always proud of your decisions because it shows me that you will never be easily swayed by this world. I love you to the moon, my sweet boy. I hope today is all you are hoping for!!"

Yep. That about sums it up. He was my first experience of my heart walking outside of me. I've never been the same, and I'm so thankful.

First Day of Co-op 2016

We started our 10th year of Lighthouse Christian Academy yesterday. What a ride it has been! There are times when this homeschool journey can be so tough that I feel like I'm failing at every turn. That is when I am so thankful for this amazing group of families that the Lord brought into my life. We love, support, laugh and cry together. We teach our children and each others', and we are fully invested in the growth of these young people for His glory. Is it perfect? No, of course not! We are humans, fallible, and messy. But we are dependent on the Lord to help us and guide us.

Proverbs 27:17 "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."

The year is full of promise, and I'm excited for what is to come! I can only hope these smiles will stay this bright all year! LOL!

Walkers

Pre B

3rd grade

7th grade

8th grade

This isn't happening! 10th grade!!!