Thank you, soldiers!

This Memorial Day weekend, I'm realizing how much I take my freedoms for granted and take for granted the self-sacrificing work of the men and women in the armed forces. Matthew's cousin Casey's husband Mike is in the Air Force. A few weeks ago, he returned from a 9 month deployment. On the day he returned to his wife and two small girls, their friends shot video and took photos of their reunion. Casey turned that footage into this wonderfully heartfelt video. (Casey, I hope you don't mind me posting it on my blog too but since it's public on youtube, I thought it would be ok. I really wanted my friends and family to have a chance to see it and appreciate Mike's service as a way to be reminded of the sacrificing military families across the country!)

School's Out for Summer

Philip and I finished kindergarten this past Wednesday.  I feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment knowing that he and I worked through the rough days and laughed through the fun days to learn to read, write, understand an overview of history of the world, a lot about magnets, water and light, adding, and telling time.  He also enjoyed field trips to our local youth theatre's plays and recently some outdoor adventures. 

The last Friday of April, we joined my friend Trista and her kids, Jacob, Ella and Luke, and traveled up to the mountains to visit the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education.  I was a little hesitant to bring Juliet, but thankfully Trista encouraged me to bring her and I'm so glad I did.  Not only did it prove to myself that I can take care of my three kids out and about but I loved cuddling her in my Snugli carrier all day. The older kids had a great day learning about God's world and what goes on in streams.  We first had a mini-lecture from one of the forest rangers.  She taught the kids about what could live in a stream and how everything affects the habitat there.  We ventured outside and walked a short distance to a rapidly flowing stream.  With Juliet in tow, I didn't want to brave crossing the river so Trista helped all five big kids get across.

Next up was a lecture about salamanders and other things which live among mountain underbrush.  We hiked a short way up a trail to a spot where the kids were told to carefully turn over rocks in hopes of finding creeping creatures. It was a beautiful day exploring God's creation and once again realizing how much we LOVE field trips!

Our second outting with Trista and her kids came a few weeks later. It began as a day with us heading toward another organized field trip but unfortunately when we arrived at the location, Trista and I were told the event was cancelled due to a chance of rain. We were told there was a pioneer town not too far away so we switched gears and created our own field trip! What we found was a grouping of 18th century building which had been brought together on a small piece of land for historical sake. Thankfully we pulled up as a member of the local historical society was just finishing a "tour" and so he was gracious enough to do the tour again.

After exploring "Pioneer Town", eating our bag lunches on a picnic table, and going potty pioneer-style (i.e. outside behind a rock wall!), it was only 12:30pm. Trista and I were not ready to call it a day so we decided to stop at Walnut Grove Plantation. It is an actual home from the Revolutionary War time period and holds great historical significance. The kids enjoyed running around the main house and small out buildings. Once again we were treated to a tour by a very informative guide. One huge benenfit that I love about homeschooling is that field trips are not several chaperones and a bunch of kids but instead a few moms and their own kids. Much more comfortable feeling and not so rigid due to safety requirements. Again another wonderful day with friends and such a fun, hands-on way to learn.

Juliet slept peacefully through the Walnut Grove tour.

Matthew and I asked our kids what they learned that evening. Philip answered, "The people had horns in their kitchens." (Bull horns used to carry gun powder, etc.) Braewyn answered, "No touching!"

My Birthday Girl

For a good portion of Braewyn's life, I thought she'd always be our youngest.  That said, it's hard to believe my baby is now four years old.  With Juliet's birth, Braewyn became my Sweet Middle (child that is), and she (Braewyn) seems to be growing up overnight.  Her birthday, May 2, fell on a  Monday this year so we celebrated on the Saturday before with a cookout and then a little more the night of her actual birthday.

We met Saturday evening at my parents' house for a cookout with Nana, Papa, Grandma, Uncle Mike, Aunt Andrea, Holden, Aunt Debbie, Uncle Curt and Thomas. It was a good time and Braewyn received lots of fun things: playdough, coloring books, a Dora scooter, Disney princess shoes, a puzzle, and a Leapster 2.


Enjoying the cookout with brother and cousins.


Smiley big 4-year-old!


Good morning on her actual birthday!


Playtime with her new things.


Birthday lunch of her favorite foods: cashews, black olives, cheese stick and chips!


Riding her new scooter wearing new high heels!


Mini-party with Braewyn's friends who live on either side of us! She and Anna (4) are BFF's and she thinks Yvonne (16) is so cool!

I love you so much Braewyn and thank Jesus for you daily. You bring out the best and worst of me but both are leading me to be more like Him!