Day 4,234

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing"

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Boy day

and Gracie's third birthday!

Day 4,107

The Friday Feels

Friday, and we're back at it! They only have a couple more lessons until the end of the violin year, so they're learning as fast as possible to take all their new songs into the summer to practice!

MillieGirl just absolutely loves it. She can hear the music and almost immediately is able to understand how the rhythm and her fingers coordinate to play the song. It's fascinating watching her mind work through the sounds, and as she describes it, "sounding out the song." As if it were a language! Which we've been learning--it is!

Then it was off to another Mommy and Me Friday at the new gymnastics facility! Ella Mae still really enjoys the sport and we're working on possibly enrolling her in a trial class to see if it's something she'd like to do on a weekly basis again. Amelia is not interested, but Kate and Lou are, so we'll see over the summer if it works out!

But in all honesty, I think her favorite thing about Friday gym days is the time she gets to spend with the little babes! 

We then had a swim date with friends and Bearett got a chance to cut loose with some bigger boys--something we would like to get him as much as we can.



And we wrapped it up with a pre-bedtime "Babes Praise" dance party. 

I just love these kids and I'm doing my very best to enjoy all these little moments with them because I really can't even believe how fast these last 7 years have gone. They're such hard work, but they're so much fun and SO worth every last bit of effort and love.

Day 4,093

The Flexible Violinists

Friday morning violin? 

One of the many reasons I love homeschooling as much as I do is the freedom of flexibility. We do try our best to keep most days very much consistent, but sometimes a change is needed and we most of the time are free and able to adapt!

Because going to open gym right after violin is just the perfect time for recess :)







We sure are thankful for homeschool!

Day 4,058

The Boundless Bye Bye

A Farewell Boundless Gymnastics park party! The girls wanted one last group date with all their gymnastics friends and Coach Taylor, so we made it happen. We’ll miss you girls! 

Meanwhile, the boys did more work on the Property while Heater made herself just as comfortable as ever. 

Day 4,041

The Important Questions

Daddy, paint my toes?

Mommy, let me sleep?

Kids, smile please?



BUB, MAKIN PLAYS!

Day 4,040

(Putting in) The Work

Violin. 

Gymnastics. 

School. 



Smiles. 

Day 4,038

The Open Gym

A look at a different gym facility. 

All smiles. 

Open gym meant that this Mama got to see Amelia’s new skills close up. She’s got her “jump to high bar.”

And she tried a fly-away for the first time too!

It’s such a joy watching her excelling in what she loves doing. We, however, might either be taking a break from gymnastics or trying something new altogether. We haven’t yet decided, but that’s currently on the table right now. 

Until we decide though, the kids are loving their free time play at open gym!

:)

Saturday, we also attended a celebration of life in honor of our friend and contractor, Costa. He was well loved by so many in his life and it was humbling to see just how much one person can influence a community.  

Day 4,034

The Final Delivery

The Final POD has been delivered!

We did some school to begin our day. 

And then played while Dad and Mom unpacked the last of our things!

Gruffalo played a little music for us. 

And by the end of the day, our outdoor storage unit was looking as full as it’s probably ever been. 


We ended the day with a Tuesday evening baseball game. 



And some handstands while we watched our Bub. 

Day 4,033

The Big Progress

Progress!! Our Property is officially planted! We even have these very official signs letting everyone know—including the County—that we’re ready for the next phase, Lord willing! 

In order to obtain the permit needed to build the barn and the house, we had to do some work of re-planting and re-grading the Property in accordance with the county and state laws regarding land management. Not only that, but apparently Florida law also requires any invasive, non-native plants and trees to be removed prior to the issue of a permit. So, we got it all in working order and have all the boxes checked!  

We’re looking forward to getting our permit to build, however we’re in much less of a rush than we were even six months ago. A lot has changed, including the loss of our friend and General Contractor, Costa. He suffered a massive stroke and we were grieved to learn of his passing just a few days ago. His passing weighs heavily on our hearts as new perspectives have been realized as life has been lost. It’s been a sobering last month and though some of it has been incredibly hard, we are grateful for the opportunity to trust God in whatever ways He’s choosing to growing our faith. 

Monday: you guessed it!

We’re fascinated by the process of music instruction. It’s not something either Adam or I have any knowledge in, but we are so thankful to our friends for their suggestion of at least trying it out. 

They’re hearing the notes and recognizing the beat more and more with each passing day. Watching their minds work through the songs and their little fingers play the strings is captivating. They’re little sponges and I so enjoy watching them learn. 

And what a timely reminder as I lay here thinking about them and just how much a child is processing all the things he’s taking in at home. My role as a mother is one they’re paying such close attention to. Might I be more aware and discerning of this reality while I teach them in the home with not only my words, but my actions too. 

Next up: tackling our last remaining storage unit. 

We unloaded our last POD into our driveway and managed to make enough room in this outdoor unit to fit all the remaining items. 

What a success! It was lots of hard work but this dream team made it happen!

And this dream team (Mrs. Rose and Gammy) made three little gymnasts the most happy ladies with their presence at class!!

So happy!



And last but not least, the front side of Adam’s new business card!