A Life of Gratitude

 Last week Evan and I learned all about reflecting the light of Jesus during our Bible time. Our curriculum suggested that we come up with a project to shine our light. Together, we decided to make cards and visit a nursing home to show the love of Jesus to the folks there.  My buddy working hard on his cards! He did so good! My fellas and me at the Nursing Home Everyone loved seeing my littlest guy! Dylan always enjoys visiting the Nursing Home! Evan enjoyed handing out his handmade cards! And the folks LOVED receiving the cards and getting hugs! Our family always enjoys visiting the nursing home. It truly is always a blessing to us! I love watching my boys bring joy and laughter to the folks that are living there. I love watching them reflect the light and love of Jesus! One of the residents said, "Your family has made me feel so much better!" My heart filled with gratitude when I heard those words. That's what its all about.  Tha

At the beginning of the summer I began to pray that our pool days this summer would be meaningful. I mean, the pool is always fun, but I wanted something valuable to come out of our hours playing in the water. Before I explain the details, I just have to say that our God is soooo good. He answers prayer! A few years ago Dylan swam like a fish! He wasn't afraid of the water at all! At 4 years old he was jumping off the diving board and swimming to the side all by himself. At some point, a year or two later, he jumped off the diving board and something happened that really scared him. Bryan swam out to get him and although we still aren't sure why, Dylan swore he would never jump off the diving board again and he didn't, for a couple of years!  Even about 2 weeks ago when I asked him if he wanted to jump off the diving board, he said "NO!" But some of his pool friends started spending most of their time in the deep end and then Evan learned to jump off the

It was a slight bit cooler today (85 instead of 95!) so we decided to get out of the house and go for a hike in Gibson Park. I never knew these little hidden trails existed, but they are really great for kids! Not too hilly or steep and covered completely by trees. It almost felt cool  as we walked. The boys had a wonderful time! Evan and Tyson held hands and the "Cub Scout" lead the way!  After hiking and playing on the playground, we decided to go to Cracker Barrel for dinner. It was actually a calm and quiet meal which is rare for a family of 5! Dylan and Evan enjoyed playing checkers in the rocking chairs! This was the first time they've both played together like this. I almost cried watching them! I just can't believe how big they're getting!!!! Tyson was a little ham, as usual. There is just so much joy in these little guys!  Today I am grateful for family time! We're together all the time since we homeschool and Bryan works from

 Today was a very special for me. It's been almost 3 months since I wrote the blog,   I've had a secret for 17 years . In those months since I shared my darkest secret, I have experienced freedom that I never knew existed. I have been able to talk openly about the abortion I had when I was 16. I have had many folks come to me to discuss similar secrets they have had. I have walked in true forgiveness and grace that my Jesus has wanted for me all along. Today, I experienced a new level of this freedom. Today my family and the Vreeke family were able to place memorial bricks for our unborn babies in the Memorial Garden at the New Life Family Outreach in High Point. We also planted flowers in honor of our babies in Heaven.  Valerie and I both have 3 little boys, we both homeschool our boys, and we both love Jesus. Our paths crossed 3 years ago when Dylan did his "Diaper Doozie" to buy diapers for the New Life Family Outreach (formerly known as the Pregnancy Ca

This has been a super busy week, and its only Tuesday!  We officially started "back to (home)school" this week! Yesterday was our first day of LIFE classes with High Point Home Educators. The boys had a great day! Evan is in my Kindergarten class and Dylan is taking 4 classes including Biblical Integrity and NC History. He is sooooo excited about the history class! Tyson was just as excited as his big brothers although he just went to the nursery. Tyson would not hold his sign correctly. It said,  "Just another day of running around being the cutest little brother ever!" On our way to LIFE Classes Evan in his first LIFE class! Today Evan enjoyed his first day of Kindergarten and Dylan started his 4th grade year! The day went well but I've gotta say, I cannot wrap my mind around them being old enough to be in Kindergarten and 4th grade! This is craziness!!! Time truly does go by too fast! Today I am grateful for the ability to h

I spent most of my Saturday getting everything ready for our 2016-2017 homeschool year to begin! We'll be going to our first co-op classes on Monday and starting our school year on Tuesday! I cannot believe that this summer is over but after spending some time in our school room today, I am getting excited about this year! Dylan will be in 4th grade and Evan will be in Kindergarten! (Tyson will be the busy-body that I chase around the house while trying to teach the older two!!) This year is going to be busier than ever, but its going to be so much fun! Writing Lesson plans! Evan's curriculum vs. Dylan's Curriculum... 4th grade is gonna be busy! I'm looking forward to reading these!  I got our Homeschool ID cards ready! Evan's Kindergarten wall! The rest of our school room. Today I am thankful for another wonderful summer. Although it went by super fast, I enjoyed spending time with my fellas. I am also grateful for the beginning of

Before my sweet friend and fellow KEEP designer passed away, she was sooooo excited about going to HOOPLA with me this summer! HOOPLA is KEEP Collective's annual conference and it is so much fun! Lauren and I had spoken numerous times about how much we were looking forward to seeing one another at HOOPLA.  When she passed away, my heart was broken for so many reasons, but especially because I knew I would be going to HOOPLA without her. That's when I decided that I would take her with me! I wore her picture on my keeper the entire time. She went to every celebration, every training, and even walked across the stage with me!   During our closing session, one of KEEP's leaders, Mike Lohner, shared some very sweet words about Lauren and her family. Tyler, her husband, was able to be there also. After the session ended, our KEEP team took some photos with Tyler, wearing the "Just Breathe" shirts in memory of Lauren. I cried a million tears seeing th