Fall Ball

In an effort to give Tyson a little bit of an outlet and some exercise we have signed Tyson up through a local small town fall baseball league.  He couldn't play through our local league because of his age and he has expressed that he really loves playing and we have seen such an improvement in his athletic skills so we made the effort to get him to play some where.  We are super proud of him for his efforts and sportsmnship and are so excited to see him growing up.

The First Grader

This week began the first week of the first grade for Tyson.  A short summer break and extremely hot temperatures made this week very challenging for the little boy who was unsure of this new adventure.  Although reluctant, Tyson has taken this week in stride, very proud of himself for "staying on green" all week.  Even though he was told by his kindergarten teacher that first grade had hard test he sailed through the week only struggling with tiredness when returning home.  Mom, Charis, and Truett have felt that a little piece of themselves is gone again but we are all very proud of the young man that Tyson is becoming.  I'm sure this year will hold as many exciting new tasks and learning opportunities as kindergarten did and I personally am praying that God will use Tyson in a mighty way this year among his friends at school!

Heart Conflict

Today as I woke everyone up, scrabbled for breakfast, got my oldest off to school, and returned to dress the two younger children for library story time my heart was shall we say, frustrated.  This morning my husband left to serve at the Arab International Festival and while I love being mom to the three most awesome children ever I am so sad that I am unable to go and serve with him.  I have long had a heart for the nations, a love for travel, and a desire to share my faith but since I've had children I often feel like a huge part of my life has been put on hold.  I know what you are thinking..."you should be sharing where you are" or "share with your children."  Ya!  I already do these things and yet my heart still yearns for more.

So, I've been thinking about this all day.  I guess I cant change my circumstances.  I'll continue my commitment to missions right now through prayer.  I'll be excited for what God is doing even though He is doing it without me.  I'll instill a love for the nations in my children and hopefully one day when they are missionaries to an unreached people group they will allow old mom to tag along on a God sized adventure!

Kite Flying

As a mom I am always looking for different experiences for my kids.  So, for Easter the Easter Bunny graciously bought my children kites.  I assumed that this would be a short activity that my kids would only be willing to participate in a for a few minutes.  Thankfully, I as surprised by the utter enjoyment that Tyson and Charis found as they each learned to fly their kite.  We found a beautiful open park and the perfect wind and after an hour in the sun without sunscreen I had to force them to roll in the kites and pack it up for the day.  I felt like Mary Poppins as we skipped back to the car singing "let's go fly a kite."  A great day and a great new experience for the kids:)

Tyson's Baptism

Sunday, Trevor and I got to see and participate in something that we have prayed about since first discovering that we were to be parents, Tyson's baptism.  Over probably the past year we have really seen growth and change in the spiritual life of our oldest son.  Even though he is only five and often acts like a five year old he has a sweet understanding of what it means to be born again.  We are so proud of the young man that he is becoming and we are excited about all that we know Christ has yet to do in his life!

Story Time

The longer I am a mom the more I am able to figure the things that matter and the things that we can just do without. One thing I am extremely thankful for is my local library, especially baby story time every Tuesday morning. Not only has the library given my children a love for books, but we have met friends, learned valuable lessons about responsibility, etc. Truett has gained many verbal skills, learned gross motor skills, and even tries to sing the songs the story lady sings. I simply could not do without Tuesday mornings and would highly suggest moms find a program near them to get involved in!

How many times in one day can I say phrases such as, "stop it" or "quit touching one another" or "that's enough?" Well, more than I could have ever possibly imagined! An endless stream of commands, do and don'ts seems to be following from my mouth to empty ears lately! My children seem to only be able to show love for one another by pinching, kicking, climbing on, or hitting each other. Only small moments of compassion for each other spot a world of back talking, fighting, and in general disobedience. And when I feel like I just can't take anymore...I hear a small sweet little voice say, "oh mama." Truett's way of telling me "I love you." "Oh mama" is always followed by a hug and the cutest little pat on my arm from the tiniest hand. It is a simple little blessing that let's me know that it's all worth it, that I am at least doing okay, and that while they may be deaf ears to 99% of what I say at least "I love you" is getting through.

Weekend Recovery

There is something they don't tell you when you go into the ministry...well there are actually alot of things they don't tell you when you go into the ministry but this morning one thing came to mind. You have to recover from weekends! Weekends belong to naps and cleaning no more. Saturday was spent with Trevor at a youth event and mommy shuffling three kids while recovering from a miild kidney infection. Sunday, a great day at church! Then out to eat with church members (wonderful by the way). We didn't get home till almost 5pm and with the exception of this Sunday, most Sunday nights belong to college small group. I reference all this to say that Mondays for me are about recovery. As I look around I see a disgusting kitchen with a refrigerator full of take out boxes from the weekend and when I wasn't feeling good. I see a messy living room with a vacuum cleaner that isn't picking up for some reason. Dirty bathrooms...don't get me started. After a trip to the grocery store where the amount of groceries gave me a heart attack I am overwhelmed and frankly ready for a nap! Oh well, I take satisfaction in knowing that it is good to serve the Lord and that is more important than the state of my house.

First Blog Finally With New Computer

Today has been, according to Tyson, a nice day! After a slow morning we journeyed out to a mexican restaurant for lunch and then to the fields to hit some balls with Tyson's new bat. After a few minutes in the hot weather Tyson felt really sick and threw up:( So, home we came to rest a little. After some rest, we were able to go to the mall and buy our new computer which we were so excited to get. We haven't had a computer for almost two years other than work computers and this is awesome. We are looking forward to blogging more and to doing school work, etc.