Best buds

Sleep tight, gentlemen~

Psalm 19:1-11

The heavens declare the glory of God;

 the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  

Day after day they pour forth speech; 

night after night they display knowledge.

There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

Their voice goes out into all the earth, 

their words to the end of the world.

In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun,

which is like a bridegroom coming forth from his pavilion,

like a champion rejoicing to run his course.

It rises at one end of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other;

 nothing is hidden from its heat.

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul.

The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.

The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.

The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.

The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever.

The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous.

They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; 

they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 

 By them is your servant warned; 

in keeping them there is great reward.

My little sweet pea

Reason to home school #152

Once Hubby and I get the kiddos down for the night, my normal routine looks like this: I tidy up the kitchen and organize the laundry pile (notice I didn't say "eliminate," just organize-- to make it look like there's less), I let the dogs out and then straighten the family room. When that's all done, I usually spend a few minutes unwinding in front of my computer (it really does work for me).   Normally I try to catch up on email and reserve a few books at the library; I prepare a bit for school the next day and sometimes I even do a little window shopping at Amazon.  My favorite part, though, is a little treat I save for the end... a short little spin through Blog land.  I like to check in on a few of my favorite blogs to see what's new in other little parts of the world.

Well, last night I stumbled across Camille's blog at Herding Ducks and laughed. out. loud.  Like myself, she's a home schooling mom, and at the top of her blog she shares her reason for keeping her little ones at home.  Of course, families make this choice for many different reasons; they are far too numerous to list here.  Camille, however, has summed up most of them in 1 succinct little sentence.  Here it is:

"I homeschool because I've seen the village... and I don't want it raising my kids."

Isn't that a hoot??  I just love it!  Can it possibly get any clearer than that??  No, I don't think it can :o)

Big Man's first day

This morning Big Man set off for his first day of 4 year old preschool... no tears, no whining, no begging to stay home-- just pure, unadulterated joy!  Last year, his first day was filled with a slightly more negative emotion, if you catch my drift, and it took several weeks to finally get excited about school.  But not this year! This year he's Big Man and big men are tough.  And they're ready for new adventures.  And they're also very brave... he left the house with a smile on his face and he hopped out of the van, still smiling, ready for a new beginning.  Be still my heart...  I think this is going to be a very good year~

So... here's a brief sketch of our morning: Big Man started his day with the true breakfast of champions-- a football doughnut from Krispy Kreme (thanks, Daddy!)~

He dressed himself in his favorite jeans and his brand new blue sneakers (which he's been waiting all summer to wear!)~

He grabbed his orange school bag and headed for the van, a few steps ahead of the rest of us, but ever-patient all the same~

And he posed for one last shot before heading down the driveway.  What a cutie pie... oh, how I could gobble him up!

I am blessed, truly blessed!

Hope you have a super day, Big Man... we love you bunches!

Happy Dance!

On Friday afternoon, my middle swimmer dude will join the ranks of the more advanced swimmers when he goes to practice-- permanently-- with the GOLD group.  Today Coach Bob promoted him out of silver (one year early, I might add) because he's proven that he's able to swim with the big boys...

Congratulations, Noh-man!

We are so proud of you!!

Wordless Wednesday