Moments Like These

We Grow 'Em Big Here in PA!

The boys found this spotted salamander yesterday under a piece of bark.

Maybe he stumbled upon a box of Wheaties in the woods. I didn't know they grew to be this size! 

The Hour is Late

By Father John Corapi

Her Name is Regina Grace…

 ...and now she lives with her Heavenly Father.

“Love this baby one moment at a time” were the words of a dear friend.  I fell in love within moments of knowing she lived and that love grew over the weeks that I had her.

How can there be so much love for someone that I’ve never even seen…to fall so completely in love with a child that I’ve never met.  Grace.

Her life was short, but her purpose was grand.  Already, I see the fruits of her existence.

I’ll try not to second guess God’s will.  I know these days won’t be easy…but still, I will trust in His plan and be grateful for all the life surrounding me.

My little Regina Grace is dancing with her brothers Jacob and little Sam.  I long to meet each of them.

Uh Oh! Spaghetti OOOOH!

 

Sunday

That's What I Love About Sunday

Our Glowing Graduate

 

A Scriptural Prayer for the Next Generation

Lord, You have a plan to prosper this generation, to give them hope and a future. We know that in all things You work for the good of those who have been called to Your purposes. Remind these young people that no matter what their circumstances are, You knew and planned for them before they were even born. Give them the passion to live with a deep sense of purpose as Your ambassadors. (Jer. 29:11; Rom. 8:28; Ps. 139:13-16; 2 Cor. 5:20)

Swim, Bike and Run

Clara participated in her first triathlon on Wednesday becoming an official triathlete.  

Kids have a way of making this look so easy.  Almost makes me want to sign up next year...almost!

Number 106 receiving her course instructions

Making sure the bike is ready to go

Swimmers waiting

Let the race begin

Clara's favorite leg of the race

On to the biking

Rounding the bend

Homestretch

Finish line !!!

Interview with a newspaper reporter...

When asked, "Would you do it again?"

Clara replied, "No, not tonight!"

    

Refueling!

A Flower Blooms in God's Garden

I drove Marie to school for the last time on Tuesday morning. Usually she rides the bus but because the morning was light and there was no real need for her to be there, she asked me to take her in a bit later.

As she got out of the van and headed towards the doors of the school my eyes filled with tears knowing this was her last official day of high school.

As I drove home, I passed the elementary school where Marie had attended kindergarten some years ago before I began homeschooling her in first grade. The image of a little girl with a sweet bob cut standing on the school sidewalk, holding my hand, waiting for the teacher to come out and gather all her students, was vivid.

The tears flowed a bit faster.

Eighteen years of a child's life filled my mind as I recalled detail after detail.

When we made the decision to send Marie to the high school in the middle of her freshman year, there was little doubt at the time as to whether or not we were doing the right thing. I had wanted to homeschool her all the way through, but with the loss of Jacob, we felt it best that she continue high school in a school setting. I believe it was the right decision.

Marie has learned much since attending school...not only academically but even more about life, and about her family...and unconditional love. She has been my greatest teacher and has changed me than any of my other children.

As I continued driving home, I once again prayed, asking the Lord to show me that Marie's decision to attend Duquesne University in the fall was the right choice. We have spent much time on our knees seeking guidance in this college choice arena...asking the Lord to close doors that were meant to be closed and open those that were His will. I believe He has done that over the months with little signs of direction. Making my way back home that thought was secured. As I looked up while approaching a red light, there on the car in front of me was a Duquesne University sticker on the rear window. Now I know without doubt!

I'm not sure where the past 18 years have gone. I don't know how you can one day be holding the hand of a small child and the next be attending her graduation. But I am sure of this...Marie is a gift and is becoming a beautiful woman whose friendship I cherish.

At Long Last

A little leopard gecko has made his way into our home.  For as long as I can remember, Aaron has hoped to become the owner of one of these little fellas.  With the recent sale of no longer used games, he was able to purchase this guy who is just about 7 weeks old.

Cool, eh?

Shakespeare Brought to Life!

Last Friday evening’s performance of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing by the Homegrown Players from our home school co-op was exceptional; the kids were fantastic!

The comedy centered around two very different courtships is definitely a favorite. It isn’t just the poetic language that brings the laughter, but more the manner in which it is delivered...they delivered it well!