...is Happy Halloween

...is trying her 'foot' at soccer

Kendall decided she would give soccer a shot this Fall. I'm not sure about this, but I think she mainly wanted to wear the outfit.

She enjoyed it primarily because of her teammates. And she had the added blessing of being on the same team with her BFF- Lily Kate. 

She was so cute to watch. She is not the 'get in the action' type of girl, rather she's the 'how's everyone doing' type of girl. I'd say she was the team cheerleader! If anyone got hurt, she was right there checking on her. If someone from the other team was hurt, she'd do the same. She always had a smile on her face and never thought much about it if they didn't win or score. As long as everyone was happy and together, she considered that success.

So, while she may not make a "career" as a soccer player, she seemed to have a great time! 

And that's a wrap!

...is Rome is beautiful this time of year

We had a wonderful time in Rome visiting Mimi. She is a lovely, beautiful, and vibrant lady.

 I enjoyed sweet conversations sitting on her patio watching the humming birds buzz around. Jason loved taking us to Cave Springs where he grew up going to. Kendall's highlight was feeding the ducks at Cave Springs while Jordan's favorite part was gathering sticks in Mimi's yard to make a 'fire'.

We are so grateful for our sweet time together.

...you put your arms around me and I'm home

The other day while I was driving home from work, I heard the song “Arms” by Christina Perri. It is pretty darn revealing of my inner life when Jason came into my life. I had never truly met a man who was as accepting, patient, faithful, and safe as he was (and is). I was unable to really accept that I was lovable. I was also very resistant to receiving God’s unfailing love, much less a man’s. And, with all my heart, I thank God that He brought this man to show me the way to be loved and to love. 

Here are a few of the lyrics:

“I never thought that you would be the one to hold my heart

But you came around and you knocked me off the ground from the start

You put your arms around me

and I believe that it's easier for you to let me go

You put your arms around me and I'm home...

The world is coming down on me and I can't find a reason to be loved

I never wanna leave you but I can't make you bleed if I'm alone...

I hope that you see right through my walls

I hope that you catch me, 'cause I'm already falling

I'll never let our love get so close

(then) You put your arms around me and I'm home...”

So, to my man: 

“You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.” (Psalm 45:2) Thank you for allowing God to use you to move mountains in my life. You have been a source of healing for me. Thank you for making me laugh and teaching me not to take myself or life too seriously. Thank you for staying grounded and faithful and taking the time to know me and love me still. Thank you for leading by example, being patient and kind. Thank you for listening so well (sometimes painstakingly), for staying present and responding with wisdom and understanding. You are my best friend and I love you. 

...is Defining Moments

There have been times that life as I knew it changed significantly by defining moments. Like the first time I met Jason, bringing two amazing little lives into this world, the day I met Jesus, each summer at Epworth, even losing a beloved grandmother to suicide and passing the National Counselors Exam...of course, there are so many more.

Well, life as we know it has once again been altered by a new defining moment: the decision to Homeschool. I seriously drug my feet for two months in making a definitive decision. I talked to so many wonderful friends who homeschool. I spent hours on the phone with curriculum people. I sought godly counsel and prayer. And the more I put off making a decision the more overwhelmed I felt. Then, one day it just seemed to click. It basically boiled down to the fact that if the girls attend school all day, they would not see their daddy for four entire days. So, once that became crystal clear- it was a no-brainer.

So the decision was made. And I immediately could see clearly and logically. That's what I do. I thrive in creating order out of chaos.

So, I began to face some of my fears:
- Will they learn what they need or better- will I be able to teach them what they need to learn?
- Will we all still thrive socially or will we feel isolated?
- Will I have the patience and understanding to love and guide them calmly and respectfully?

Once I faced my fears, I began to constructively put a plan in place:
1. Choose a Curriculum.
2. Create a space.
3. Build a network of support.
4. Begin teaching.
5. Pray constantly.

We started today and all is well at Lee Academy. Thank you Jesus!

...is she finally lost it

Kendall has been waiting all year to lose a tooth and it finally happened yesterday. She wiggled it and wiggled it, for three days straight. With the help of her Aunt Sis, it came out while we were at the beach. She was surprised when Aunt Sis twisted it out; I think from the fact that it didn't hurt like she was expecting. She put it in her little tooth fairy doll and when she awoke this morning, it was replaced by 4 quarters. Congratulations, Kendall Bendall, on losing your first tooth!

...we have the fever

The Bieber Fever, that is. In comparison, I'd say it's a low-grade fever, but still. And, I must send out a 'holla' to our friends, the Akins, for the encouragement.

The girls and I watched the Bieb's in his movie and now we're hooked. Kendall watched the whole thing with stars in her eyes while Jordan just wanted to dance like him. I actually liked his songs. We now have his album on our Ipod.

It kinda reminds me of the time in 6th grade when I watched a NKOTB video- the fat lady didn't sing, but it was over for me. I was in love. Now, I'm not 'in love' with JB- that would be way too inappropriate- but, the 6th grader in me may have a slight crush. I think it started with the drum solo. I may also have a slight attraction to Usher. I'm just sayin'.

Oh, the things we parents do to relate to to our children. I'm just trying to be in their world.