.jpg)
Jul. 9, 2007
Pass the Torch Tuesday Mission Trip
Posted in PTT
 Jason and Spenser have gone on a mission trip this week to Mississippi. The rest of us didn't get to go this time, but I have found peace about it. Even though I think the people who made the decisions were wrong. Ok so maybe not complete peace, but I am trying to submit to God and trust in His sovereignty in all things. Back to the whole torch thing... Jason said that they went to a nursing home this afternoon and wanted to sing some hymns for the people. Our group this year is a young youth group (all guys!) and all of our guitar playing worship leading guys have gone to college/ got jobs or moved on. So Spenser played the piano for them to sing Amazing Grace, Nothing But the Blood and the Doxology. I am proud that he had the talent and the guts to do it. He has been playing keyboard in our worship services for the past few months and does a good job. I love that he has the confidence to do things like that at age 12. I am sure that I did not. Back on the homefront, Reed is sad that she missed out, but she has not been mopey or bitter. Me either. I promise. Just the one snide remark above. And mercifully, Reed has been playing nicely with her sisters. She doesn't usually give them the time of day LOL but since her buddy is out of town she has stepped up to the plate as the big sister and impressed me. I aint gonna lie and say it's been conflict-free, but it has been a definite improvement. Also Reed is a helper. She will pitch in and help in any circumstance. She went with me early to my friend's wedding and helped out-- setting the tables, entertaining the bride's daughter or whatever needed to be done. I love her servant spirit. |
May. 15, 2007
Pass the Torch Tuesday Mother's Day Edition
Posted in PTT
 I had a terrific mother's Day, maybe the best one ever. The day started with a great worship service. The service opened with a funny video ($2, people-- that's a deal!). We also had a good drama before the sermon (modified slightly to fit the kids we were using). Jason and I made all the moms cry when we sang this. I loved how the pastor made the sermon about mothers but also for everyone-- it was a good message. And all the kids made me cards and things in Sunday School. Reed had made me a gift in Stepping Stones, also, and Spenser bought me some jewelry with his very own money that he has been saving for a new video game. Together they gave me a deck of cards with coupons attached-- for washing dishes and things like that. Score! The best part, though, was the surprise in the middle of the service. Spenser has been playing keyboard along with the piano and organ for the praise and worship music. When it was time for the offertory, I saw Reed go to the piano-- I thought she was just a little early for the skit. Then she was standing there by the bench, and I was thinking, "Move, hon, you are in Miss Kathy's way." Next thing I know she and Miss Kathy are playing a duet. The little stinker hadn't even told me. When they finished, Kathy started playing again, and it took a moment for me to realize that she and Spenser were playing a duet-- one of my favorite hymns, There is a Fountain. Make that 2 stinkers who kept a good secret. Not to mention, Miss Kathy is my friend and walking buddy. She did not say a word when we walked and talked for an hour and a half the week before. She was trying to "get me." And she did--I may have even shed a tear or 2. You can pass the torch every week, by sharing simple and stupendous times kids make us proud, as well as the ways we see adults passing the torch. Check out the PTT posts and guidelines here. |
Mar. 20, 2007
PTT Tuesday
Posted in PTT
 Sydney (my 5 year old) has a new email account. She is so excited about it. My mom set it up for her and she wrote down the email address and the password. Then she came home and I showed her how to check it. Then she wanted more email. So I sent her one. Then Spenser started helping her send emails to our family members. Then he sent her emails so she would have something to check. (She's obsessed I tell ya!) This is one of the emails he sent her: YOU SILLY HEAD! I love you so much silly chicken head girl. Love, Spenser. How sweet is that? What a great big brother he is! If you caught a kid being good, post about it and link to your post here. Be sure to check out the other Pass the Torch posts. |
Jan. 29, 2007
crθme de la crθme
Posted in PTT
 My son joined the Boy Scouts last Spring after 2 years in Webelos/Cub Scouts. We had resisted Scouts prior to homeschooling because of the time commitment, and because I foolishly thought that what was taught there was duplicated in other experiences he might have (church, etc.) I had no idea of the depth of knowledge he would acquire from Scouts. When we started homeschooling and I felt compelled to orchestrate his socialization, I looked into Scouts. The leader assured me that Cub Scouts was a low time and money commitment. Then I had to order the $70 uniform and felt slightly misled, but I digress. Cub Scouts was fun and a good experience, but I have been completely blown away by the Boy Scouts. He belongs to a homeschool Boy Scout troop, and the leaders are Godly homeschool dads. The boys are Godly young men with manners and goals and honor (oh my!) The first night Spenser was there, one of the boys immediately impressed my husband-- the seasoned Scouts were gathered around a table when Spenser and another new Scout walked in. This young man welcomed them, introduced himself and made the other guys make room for the newbies. Our troop excels. Last year at camp, out of 200 campers, there were something like 19 Honor Campers. Our troop had 11 of them. We have several boys on the road to Eagle-- and some of them are only 13 years old! These guys are truly the cream of the crop, and I am so happy for Spenser to be a part of them. He needs Godly men in his life (he has a wonderful dad, but reinforcements are always nice!) Tonight was our Court of Honor, and we had 5 advancements, including 2 new Life Scouts (one step away from Eagle.) We had probably 10-12 new merit badges (including Spenser who received his rifle shooting badge,) We had a covered dish supper-- the boys were last in line, and they are the ones who cleaned up afterwards. I am so proud of Troop 777!  |
Jan. 23, 2007
Pass the Torch Tuesday
Posted in PTT
|
So we have a brand spanking new Sam's and a brand new Super Walmart here in the thriving metropolis of Columbus Ga. The new super-dee-duper Walmart just opened this morning, so of course we had to go tonight to check it out. The kids had Walmart gift cards from Christmas, and Jason needed fabric to use for scarves in the juggling class he will be teaching. Bummer, no fabric department. But a good time was (still) had by all. I love to see the differences in my children. Spenser wanted a giant Nerf gun thingie that cost more than his g.c. He will make $20 this weekend doing the lights for Reed's play, so he bought a small Nerf ball and saved the rest of his money to put with his "paycheck." Reed bought an art set (she loves to draw) and a tub of silly putty that makes awful gassy noises when you push it down into the canister. (Nice.) Sydney picked out a pink purse with sunglasses, fauz lipstick and nail polish, and a cell phone. She also got an art set that has little crystal animals she can color with markers. (???) Macy chose a Snow White dress-up set complete with shoes, crown and purse. Oh and the happy part for me was that the princess dress was actually a skirt and top. Score one for Mama-- this is the child who hates to wear pants, jumpers, and skirts-- only dresses are Princess-y enough for her. I am hoping this will broaden her horizons slightly. I was giddy with excitement because I bought printer paper, mechanical pencils and an alphabet BINGO game. Oh and socks for Big Foot Spenser who has been wearing mine because he outgrew all his boy socks. Now he must have Man Socks. *weep* No one complained about the things they couldn't buy; no one whined too much when we waited for everyone to pick something out, and everyone seemed genuinely pleased with what they bought. Good times. |
Dec. 28, 2006
Go visit Kelly
Posted in PTT
|
Leave a comment on her blog and help raise money for St Jude! And tell her I sent you. I told her that I would try to compel all 3 of my readers to come say hi. That means you, hon! Just tell her you are Mr. Twenty Cents. |
Dec. 19, 2006
Pass the Torch Tuesday
Posted in PTT
 This is Haley, my best friend's daughter. I have been babysitting her for almost 3 years. She and Sydney are only 2 months apart, and they with Macy are the 3 Musketeers, or Cheetah-leaders as they prefer to call themselves. (which is a cross between a Cheetah Girl and a cheerleader, I think.) Haley has recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, so say a prayer for her if you have a minute. Last week was her birthday, and I was so impressed with her at her party, Every gift she opened was a source of sheer delight to her. She was genuinely pleased with everything, and she was quick to say she loved it. She would seek out the giver and give them a great big heart-felt hug. It was refreshing to see in a society where so many kids are ho-hum about what they receive. Even my own kids, while grateful, are not as expressive as she. That is why she is my PTT girl today! |
Dec. 5, 2006
Pass the Torch Tuesday 12/5
Posted in PTT
|
First I have to defend my little Macy whom I maligned in yesterday's post. After all, I often hear her "quoting" the Bible to her friends. Such as, "God and Jesus want you to share your toys with me." Or sometimes simply, "The Bible says 'Share.'" My favorite was after a spanking from Daddy. She bemoaned, "That hurt." His reply: "It was supposed to." Her response: "The Bible says grownups aren't supposed to hurt little kids." Ahem. Moving on to Pass The Torch (pray for Macy and her Mama!): Spenser is amazing with little kids. He is 11, and you would think he would ignore them, or torture them (ok, sometimes) or avoid them. But he is really nice to them, even his 2 littlest sisters. They have a friend at church named Kylee who will not leave church on Sunday morning without a hug from Spenser. She is 3 and she adores him. He often has a 2 or 3 year old in his lap during the childrens' sermon on Sunday morning. Plus he keeps Sydney and Macy in line and pulls down their skirts when they are showing their bloomers. And Sunday night, after The best Christmas Pageant Ever, Santa Clause came in to see the kids. Kylee was there, but she was afraid of him. (So was Macy) Well guess who took her up to see him: ![]("http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/revobiwan/DSCN1881.jpg") I know I am biased, but I think I have 4 great kids,a nd this is just one example of what a nice kid my son is. |
Nov. 22, 2006
Pass the Torch Tuesday
Posted in PTT
|
Recently, my 11 year old son was in my room and Do you know what my wonderful, terrific, "Sweet." |
Oct. 31, 2006
Pass the Torch-- Happy Halloween edition
Posted in PTT
|
Tonight, we had a fall festival at church-- free hot dogs, games, etc. For the first time, Spenser worked a game instead of being one of the kids who played the games. He's 11, and he wore a costume and had fun, but I just sense that the end is near. *weep* I was proud of him for manning the booth the whole night. In my experience, most of the time the teenagers end up leaving their duties, but he stuck it out all night. He even swapped with the girl who was stuck behind the go fish booth so she could be out for a while. Meanwhile, Reed, his 8 year old sister spent half the night making sure he had some candy in his bucket. I was very impressed. Here they are together: ![]("http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/revobiwan/Halloween2.jpg") |