Time for School

After much prayer over the last year and half, Matt and I have decided to home school all three of our children.  I had planned to home school the two youngest, but at the beginning of 5th grade, I wasn't sure what Camden's middle school/6th grade year would look like.  I literally started researching and praying and asking God for a very definite answer before Camden finished 5th grade.  I knew by February of this year that I would home school Camden.  For a long time, I/we didn't tell anyone.  I was unsure of people's reactions and opinions, etc.  God gave me a complete peace about our decision.  I know that we made the best decision for our family and our children.  I understand that it's not for everyone.  I don't have a problem with the public school system...my son went to public school for 3 years.  I know it won't be easy.  I know it requires A LOT of work on my part, but I am ready for that challenge.  I am so excited to be the one that influences my children's character and learning.   My kids are involved in church activities galore, sports, band and a home school co-op with more than 100 other children.  We're only 2 weeks in, but so far I feel such a personal blessing from this decision. 

Yearly School Picture

Camden 6th grade--Payton Kindergarten--Maylee Grace Preschool

I am blessed!

The Crew

There is no common theme to this post.  I just happen to have 3 cute, individual pictures of the kids and wanted to share them.

Hanging out at Camden's flag football camp

Being silly wearing Dad's funny cowboy hat from "dress up" Sunday

Camden's new braces.  They make him look so old.  He picked green and gold bands for the Packers.

Payton's Baptism

A few months ago, Payton prayed and asked Jesus to live in his heart forever.  He decided to follow that eternal decision with getting baptized.  We explained to him that baptism doesn't "save him".  It is a symbol of our sin being washed away in a public way.  He was showing everyone that he wants to follow Jesus for the rest of His life.  I love that his tender heart understands this decision.  It was an extra special time because Daddy was able to baptize him.

I love this picture.  What a precious image of a father's love for his child being baptized responding to his Heavenly Father's love for us.  Priceless.  God is good.

Batman Sunday @ Paragon Church

The Bat Mobile was "in the house" at Paragon Church a couple of weeks ago.  It was a fun morning. 

Maylee Grace turns 4!!!!

We love to make birthdays a big deal at our house!!  It really turns into a birthday week.  Maylee Grace was so excited for this week to finally be here.  She was counting down the sleeps until her special day.  The morning of her birthday (and for the next several days) she kept asking, "Am I 4 now?"  She was also concerned with whether or not her clothes would still fit her now that she was 4.

May and her friends:  Avery, Aubrey and Julianna

 This girl loves her frosting.  If you see a cupcake or piece of cake without frosting around, it's probably hers. :)

On her birthday, Daddy took her on a special Birthday Breakfast Date to the place of her choice.

Showing off her well furnished new doll house

My precious Maylee Grace, you are a treasured gift from God.  Your sweet spirit makes my days so very happy. I love to listen to you sing and watch you dance around the house.  What joy you bring to our family!  I consider myself blessed that God chose me to be your Mommy.  I can't wait to see what He has planned for you!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Paragon Church took our group to an Albuquerque Isotopes baseball game.   The first 2000 fans received a cowbell!  It was rowdy crowd that night. 

Sandia Peak

One of my favorite things about living in Rio Rancho, NM is how close we are to the mountains!  We took a 40 minute drive and we were on top of the Sandia Mountains. Maylee Grace was amazed that we were "on top of a mountain"!  We packed a picnic lunch, some frisbees and a football and had a blast!

Glorieta Family Getaway

We took a night and went up to the Lifeway Conference Center in Glorieta, NM.  It's only about a 45 minute drive from our house.  It's a wonderful place to "get away from it all".  We enjoyed some much treasured time as a family.  Nestled in the mountains, we were greeted with cool temperatures.  It was a nice break in the middle of our hot summer!

Summer Fun!

We've had lots of fun this summer!