We enjoyed our time in "art class" today. The kids worked on making a stormy sky with water colors. I think they did a great job! Even George got in on the fun! I guess it wouldn't be Oklahoma without a tornado.
I really do love to watch Charlie play ball! He is so passionate about it! He is always completely there, into every moment. He plays hard! Wins hard, loses hard! As far as I am concerned, he is the cutest kid out there!
This was his first season at kid -pitch. He enjoyed trying his hand at it!
He often plays 2nd base. He is great at hustling to make a play!
During this time of year, I am highly tempted to move out of my neighborhood into the country. It is so beautiful and peaceful. I love how great the kids are outside! Boys need to be outdoors! Girls need to be outdoors! I have to remind myself how brutal the country is in the winter. :-) Here are some pics of the kids visiting Grandmadele at her "farm" We were excited to share it with friends too!
Why do we judge each other? I have been thinking about being judgmental lately. Because I like rules, part of me is drawn to legalism, but then I recognize it and run. I think it is such a dangerous place for a Christian to be. To sit in judgement over another person. Actually, it is particularly ugly that we do it to each other, fellow believers. We have all felt it- from strangers, friends, family. I don't like the way it feels to be judged, so why would I do that to another person? Do I actually think that I have the authority to judge another? I heard a pastor this week teach from Luke. He called it The Woe of Hypocrisy. The scribes and the Pharisees were making up laws for all the regular people to follow. These laws had to do with agriculture and things that didn't affect the scribes and so, it would be easy for the leaders to follow, but impossible for the rest. That is what we do. We feel "called" to a certain ministry, or value, or way of life and it is very fulfilling. So, why then, wouldn't the same thing be RIGHT for the person next to us? We set up our own set of "spiritualness laws" that are easier for us to follow and then sit in judment over everyone else. He said, in one fell swoop we condemn others and commend ourselves. Really, we are all quite different. God speaks to us is many different ways. None of us has the exact same set of circumstances. So much plays into how we respond to life and how God uses each of us. Most people that I know truly seek His will and desire what is best for their family and life. I want my children to remember me as a person that loved other people, not someone that was always critical of others. Just because someone is doing something different than I am doing, does that mean they are outside the will of God? I am not talking about the major things that Christians agree are outside His will. I mean the dumb things are split us up, like whether you work or stay home, whether you homeschool or not, how you parent your children, whether you have them or not, how many children you have, how you allow God to use the gifts He gave you...etc. the list could go on and on. I know we are all different parts of the body of Christ. I hope that I am the kind of friend that is loving and encouraging wherever you may find yourself. I am blessed with friends that are serving God, their families, and others. Few of us are called to the exact same life. I am officially laying down my gavel. If you sense me pick it up, take it from me and hit me over the head with it, please.
We went to the library on Friday. He ran through the building screaming "When do we go to school?..... NEVER" hee hee. Yes, I know he needs a hair cut. If you look closely, you can see he tried to work on that a little himself. I can get lost in those eyes.
OK, I have to post a little plug for The Pioneer Woman. Do you read her blog? She just makes me laugh. I just can't help myself. Rumor has it, she is from Bartlesville. Anyway, if you need a good chuckle. Take a peek. Oh, she has some amazing photography too. www.thepioneerwoman.com
Randi Kate was very excited last night to receive real pierced earrings from Daddy and me. We went first thing this morning to Claire's to have it done. She was all smiles and giggles! She has wanted to get her ears pierced for a long time! I can't believe how grown up she looks! Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!
We are followers of Christ, husband and wife, dad and mom to the 6 greatest kids on the planet. We love having a big family and our favorite thing to do is to travel together!
In this life we want to keep our "eyes wide open" to recognize all of the blessings God shares with us each day and not to miss a moment of what He intends for our lives.
