For the past few days Colson has been studying for a "big" science test (this test is not a typical multiple choice/true or false, but its pretty much all essay; writing out the answers in complete sentences).  Both his dad and I have been helping him studying; grilling him on the facts and workings of the plant system.  Honestly it's a lot to comprehend for a 4th grader; a lot of pressure is put on these kids to perform well.  He said yesterday that if he did not get a "C" or better that his recess will be taken away for a week.  What! are you kidding me? kids NEED recess! teachers NEED recess! aren't there better ways of encouraging a student to do their very best? what about having scheduled study times, in class, with other students? playing games to help the kids "get it?"  Why do these teachers work harder instead of smarter?

Colson got up early, 6:45am, to study; he and I then went over all his material, twice, before I dropped him off at school.  I told him to take his time; not to hurry; if he doesn't know an answer to circle the number of the question and move on; come back to it when he has completed the other questions.  He's got it all down! now if he can just stay focused and not stress himself out!  On the way to school as we were going over his material, again, his little leg was just bouncing up and down (I do that when I get nervous as do a few of the other kids).  My heart just went out to him.  I'm praying God allows him to have a  clear mind and to remember everything, so he passes this test with flying colors! and he gets to keep his recess!!

As I was taking Colson to school this morning a squirrel ran out in front of us and my cute little (tomboy) Princess says, "hit it mom and kill it!"  sometimes I'm "awe-struck" by this girl, her love for animals is ever present, yet some of her brothers love for hunting has certainly rubbed off on her!

a Colson-ism....

Today, I was watching a video that missionary friends posted on facebook.  In one segment they were talking about evangelism and Colson says, "isn't evangelism what you do when you toilet paper someone's house?"  I explained to him that's it not called "evangelism" it's called, "vandalism".  I love how kids process information; what they think they hear, and what they think it means! oh so cute!

to laugh......only to cry. . . .

A couple of days ago Brennan was telling me about an incident that happened to him while in his computer class.  As he was working on his computer it began updating; once complete the screen went to a teachers personal data site; the site where she uploads all of her grades.  He said he told the instructor that something happened with the computer and he came over to check it out.  Upon inspection he began grilling Brennan about how he got to this page.  This morning Brennan was sharing with me that yesterday in computer class his friend was working on an assignment and his computer began to update, once it was complete it went to another teachers personal data site.  Again the instructor was told but there was no questioning this student, because he isn't "special ed", which in turn, angered my son. What Brennan said next, made me laugh and almost cry at the same time.  He said, "I wanted to tell the guy, hey I'm in Special Ed here, do you think I know how to program a computer? do you think I know all the codes to hack into a teachers personal data base?  I don't know how to do that kind of stuff."  We shared a good laugh and then I went onto explain that just because he's in special ed does not mean he is "stupid".  He is there, solely for the purpose of getting extra help in subjects he struggles in.  What a smart and inventive young man my son has become.  As I was driving home God gave me an epiphany (I love it when He does that) bringing to my mind a girl Brett went through high school with who was also in the special ed program.  Now she is a junior in college, doing quite well.  I told myself that I was going to share this with Brennan when I pick him up from school today.  He needs to see that success isn't measured by what you are labeled; it's who you are inside.  I love this boy of mine, he blesses my heart each and every day; with his laughter, his sense of humor, his tenderness, and his helpful spirit.  What a gift he is. . . .straight from the hands of God~

a Brett-ism....

Tonight Brett and Blake came home from a collegiate activity and Blake was sharing about the night and how he cajoled Brett into an activity.  Brett was explaining what happened and I said to Brett, "wow son you actually let your hair down!" and he looks at me and says, with all seriousness, "no my hair isn't long enough to let down."  Blake and I laughed so hard, I looked at Brett and said, "son did you just have a blonde moment?"  No matter how old your kids get they still say things to tickle your funny bone.  (FYI Brett just turned 21 yesterday!!!!)

a dear sweet neighbor. . . .

Several years ago we met a sweet older woman who lives in the senior complex across the street.  Every day as she walked her cute little dog Colson would want to go over and talk with her (he was 3 at the time).  We would walk over and he would talk with her and pet her dog; this became a regular occurrence.  One day, after Colson went back home, Betty says to me, "I want to tell you that your little boy saved my life!"  She goes on to tell me that her husband died suddenly; her kids removed her from the home they had shared for years and put her into this complex.  She said she had a bad attitude, was angry and just felt like giving up.. . . . .until she met Colson.  She said the love he has shown to her and her dog and the way he cares about her, turned her life around.  I stood there, that day, with tears running down my face.  Who would think a little 3 year old could save a woman's life? 

Fast forward to today; six years later and we find my sweet little four year old wanting to love on Aunt Betty (thats what Colson started calling her).  Whenever Victoria sees Aunt Betty walking her dog she immediately wants to go and see her.  Tonight she spotted her almost past the house and asked if she could go visit with her.  I looked at Victoria, all decked out in her dress-up princess outfit; shoes and jewelry and hesitated.  It's 43 degrees, rainy and wet, but how could I disappoint her?  I opened the front door and she bounded down the steps, across the street.  It wasn't long and Colson was over there with her.  I just had to capture the moment.  What a gift she is to us too!

get it right mom!

This morning as I was dropping off Brennan, at high school, this scene was, literally, played out.  A mom, with license plates, from another country (north of us) must not know the routine at the high school.  One line for drop-off, lady, not two and if you don't follow the "rules" you might find your child being hit by another driver who is following the "rules".  Crazy! but as I witnessed this I couldn't help but reminder this scene from, "Mr. Mom!"

I love the changing of the seasons; yet fall has really become my favorite.  The crisp cooler days, the rustling of the leaves as the wind blows; and the beautiful fall colors.  Each day brings about a new landscape to look at, to enjoy.  This season also brings back the routine we left behind as summer began.  I'm always anxious to step into the more relaxed atmosphere, of summer, yet when school arrives, the routine is, once again, set into place and we find our days moving, swiftly, one into another; sometimes waking up, at the end of the week, wondering how it went by so quickly.  I've really tried to savor this beautiful season, the sights, the sounds and the smells.  Den and I were able to step away for a few moments, yesterday, and take a walk on the river trail.  Though many of the leaves have already fallen there were still trees adorned in color.  It was such a gift to share a few moments with him; not really talking about much in particular but just enjoying a walk, hand in hand.  We sometimes get caught-up in the "busyness" of life; providing, working, school, kids, errands, etc that we forget "we" (he and I) need to stay connected.  What a blessing it was to enjoy his company even if for a few brief moments. . . .

"some" of our beautiful family. . . .

enjoying each other and the beauty of God's hands. . . .

Camp Calvary. . . .a gorgeous setting. . .

and a gift from God!

Cutting Edge Ministries Fall Retreat

This past weekend Den had the privilege of speaking at Cutting Edge Ministries fall retreat at Camp Calvary; 180 acres of sheer gorgeousness on a beautiful, peaceful lake in the Newaygo area.  Our family, eleven of us, plus the two college manboys who attend this ministry were all present!  We had an unbelievable weekend of fun, worship and messages.  The weather was amazing; the water sports were fantastic and the colors were out-of-this world gorgeous!  Sunday morning as I walked around the grounds I was deeply impacted by the students, sitting in various places, doing their devotions and prayer time.  These young adults, are not only preparing themselves academically, but working to build a strong relationship with God; allowing Him to lead and guide them through these vital years.  I was so impressed with the way they took their quiet time with God very seriously.  They didn't "have" to be told to do this; they were doing it out of love for God and for a more dynamic walk with Him.  What a gift to see such passion and love in these students and to see them come together in  worship and communion to follow God; in all they think, say and do. . . .

what God uses to get our attention. . .

Since school started the kids and I have been doing devotions each morning. We use a great little devotional, simple enough for the kids to understand; based on Scripture.   This morning, in my quiet time, I was asking God to provide some specific things, in our lives here, and our adult kids lives.  God used my kids devotional, this morning, to speak to me; "We walk by faith, not by sight." (II Cor. 5:7) The devotional read:  "be willing to follow me wherever I lead lead you.  Follow me with your whole heart-even when you don't know where I'm taking you.  You want to see, you want to know what's coming so that you can be ready.  But that is depending on yourself.  Put your faith in Me, instead and I'll make sure you're ready.  You don't know what lies ahead, but I know-and that is enough! some of my best surprises are just around the corner-out of sight but are very real.  You can receive these blessings if you walk by faith not by sight!"

What a blessing God already knows what we need.  He wants me to ask and then, simply leave it with Him to take care of it.  WOW! the pressure is off me, I no longer have to stress-out, He will provide and supply exactly when I need it!  How exciting, too, knowing that He has some amazing surprises! I love surprises, don't you? I think I'm gonna wait on Him and see just what He's gonna bring my way today!!

                                                               

. . . .pain. . . .

When my kids hurt, emotionally or physically, my heart hurts right along with them.  I don't think my kids comprehend this, but I'm sure those of you that are parents know exactly what I'm talking about!  I never understood the phrase, "this hurts me more than it does you," until I had children.  It's painful to reprimand your children; it's painful to see them make wrong choices and it's painful to see what they go through when making right choices.  A few days ago, while skyping with my son and daughter-in-law, my son asked if we'd like to see a video that was taken of him during a training exercise at the police academy.  I was hesitant, at first, but all six of us gathered around the computer to watch! It was. . .very painful for me, his mom, to watch.  Of course my kids thought it was cool, even my 13 year old daughter, but for me, I couldn't help but cry (even now my eyes are full of tears).  I know these exercises are needed to mold him into the police officer he needs to be, yet my heart ached for my son.  It seems as though, as my children have become adults, that the depth of pain I feel for them is greater when they are physically and emotionally hurt.  Maybe its because these "pains" will affect their lives on a deeper scale than a swat to the behind for not obeying as a young child.  I am reminded of how much God loves us and the pain He endured, sending His son to die for us.  I can't imagine giving my son over to a world that could care less; or Abraham laying Isaac on the alter out of obedience to God.  Could I do that? is my walk deep enough to follow God's instructions?  I pray, daily, my children will desire a walk with God; that they choose to step His way in all they say, do and become.