Day 4,482

The Perfect Day for A Smile

Getting in ALLLLLLL the play time with our friends before they leave. We can't ever get enough of them and we'll sure miss them something big when they're across all those oceans.

Then, while the big kids were at Taekwondo, we surprised Daddy at work!

Hi Daddy! Good job Daddy! Bye Daddy! 

Meanwhile, at Taekwondo, they're learning some serious take down moves. Go Amelia!



Look at alllllll that green grass amidst the playing puppies and kiddies! It's coming along!

Day 4,468

The Proverbs 31 Birthday Girl

It was Taylor-take-the-kids-to-Taekwondo-day so I could set up and prepare for Kerra's last birthday in the states with her friends before she leaves for Papau New Guinea!!!



I am so blessed by this woman--as are so many in this church body and across the country. Her faithfulness to the Lord, her example to the world, her love of her family, her care of her friends, and her love of her church are refreshing, convicting, and such an encouragement to everyone who knows her. The Lord has grown a woman who exemplifies the Proverbs 31 woman and who has become one of my closest and dearest friends. I am so thankful for the Lord's kindness to allow me such an intentional, genuine, and precious friend to live life alongside. It was such a joy to celebrate her this last time before she departs for her new home on the other side of the world. Happy Birthday, Kerra!

Day 4,461

The Friends and Family Workouts

Take your friends to taekwondo day!

Such a fun experience!









And then game-workout night with the fam, when they realized that handstands are actually quite hard work,  that instruction-following is especially important in winning games, and that Ella Mae's drive for ice cream is stronger than everyone else's.

Day 4,454

The Living Connect-the-Dot

Bubba thought it would be fun to connect his freckles to see what kind of art we could create. A masterpiece, that's what!

Then a little violin concert for the Mama.

A treat for the squirrels.



And some play-taekwondo to cap off another sweet day.

Day 4,435

The CBC Work Day 2023 and Promotion!

Cleaning unto the glory of the Lord!!

"Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all things for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31

We had the opportunity to join the church in a campus-wide clean up and beautifying before Easter Sunday. And what a fun time it was! Complete with fresh tar on Molly's tiny little feet, of course.

Then, off to PROMOTION!









Bearett and Amelia did an incredible job at their Saturday afternoon promotion. Bearett earned himself his purple belt and Amelia earned her green belt! They continue to impress with their outstanding form and athleticism and we're just SO proud of their hard work and huge accomplishments! Congrats you two!

Day 4,432

The Fat Rat

School at the Property

Rats at the Cottage

"Cute rats," they said.

Apparently there is such a thing.

We had one giant--and I mean GIANT--deceased Mama rat and six brand newborn rats in our Florida room that we were able to rescue and donate to a local wildlife center. What happened to them next, we are not responsible!

After the rescue mission, we were able to watch Bear earn his last green belt stripe before promotion! 

Day 4,418

The Homeschool Kids on a Mission!

Writing

Memorizing

Karate chopping



Passed out-ing.

Day 4,402

The Hard Work of Their Hands

Miss Molly Lou loves learning and has not slowed whatsoever in her desire to "do school" too. 

She's just about finished with the kindergarten curriculum alongside Ella Mae and I'm wondering just exactly what this spunky four-year-old will want to do once it's completed. 

In other news, the back corner of our backyard is constantly turning into a muddy mess and we needed a solution. And quick!

Super Daddy to the rescue! He always has the answers. And the brain. And the tools. And the helper! One giant playhouse, coming right up! Thank you, gentlemen!



Oh! And we can't forget the hard work with their feet too!

Day 4,395

The Eighth Year Of Millie Girl!!!

Eight years ago on February 27, Amelia made us parents, and we could never have anticipated nor imagined all the beauty the Lord has since brought to our family through her precious life. 

Amelia is the most gentle, helpful, and hardworking little lady around. She is responsible with both big and small tasks, is quick to serve and obey, loves learning new things, and communicates her thoughts and opinions genuinely and respectfully. Her effort in nearly everything she tries is unmatched--she is committed to doing things the way they ought to be done and with sincere enthusiasm.

Our first Little Lady is a joy and a unique treasure; I used to say she's "One in Amelian" and the sentiment hasn't changed. She truly makes life so much sweeter. She's interesting and funny, serious and diligent. She's focused and driven, silly and creative. She's incredibly talented and has thrived in learning the violin, promoting three belts in Taekwondo, working her new crochet skills, and perfecting her back flips on the trampoline. She gets excited for school, for adventuring to new places, and always for her Sundays and Wednesdays at church. 

We love you forever, Amelia Lynn! And we are thankful the Lord chose to specifically gift us with your precious life eight years ago. He has continued to bless our lives with yours and my prayer for you is that you would love the Creator and Redeemer of your soul all the days of your life, serving Him from a joyful and glad heart because of His sacrifice for you, no matter the cost. 

Happy 8th Birthday, MillieGirl!