Kensley spelling her name

Kensley is 3 1/2. I've been working with her on writing her name for a while. She thinks she's big just like her brothers, so we have to do homework too. She's almost got it all by herself. Sometimes I have to remind her of a letter here & there.

Today, she right before nap, I said "let's spell your name" and she spelled it. All by herself! So of course when I get the video camera, she flubs a little, but still... you get the effect of it. I'm so proud of her!

Sneak Peek... family pics!

ps... if you look closely, you might find a couple more :0)

"This is ri-DI-culous!!!" (... or is it?)

That's a quote that came from our sons mouths when we told them last week that we were not going to watch TV for 7 days. Despite much arguing and complaining, the rules were set. No, it wasn't just a random thing we came up with & decided to do. We are part of a small group (studying a Chip Ingram video series) and 2 Sunday nights ago he (Chip) encouraged everyone to do without TV for 10 days. (We decided to do a week instead of 10 days b/c our group meets every week) Part of the lesson came from Romans 12: 1-2

"I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."

The key in this is take off the old, be transformed & be renewed. So in order to transform our minds for a week, we had to take out all the bad stuff... news, tv programs, wasteful & mindless activity during the week... and fill it with good stuff... spending more time in God's word & being together as a family.

I must admit, I was a little nervous at first. I'm not so much a TV watcher but Corby definitely is. I thought I would be hard, but it wasn't. At all. I honestly didn't miss the TV or my regular shows in the least. The kids even did great with it. We have a lot going on during the week anyway so it's usually not a temptation for the kids to turn on the TV in the afternoons or evenings. I thought the weekend might be a problem and it turned out great. We spent more time with the kids, I spent more time in the afternoons reading my Bible and we got a lot more done around the house. When Sunday rolled around the TV came back on, Carter said he wanted to do it for another week...shows me that he liked it as well. This past week made me much more aware of how I spend my time. I've found myself last night at 8:30 with the TV still off and no urge to turn it on. Granted, I probably should give up the computer for a week instead of TV...that would be much more of a challenge for me.

I encourage you to give it a try. You will be surprised at how easy it really is.

Becoming a Deacon

This year Corby had the honor of being voted onto the Deacon board at our church. We have been serving at our church in many different ways but it's an honor to be able to serve the church in such a capacity as this. On March 28 of this year he had his Deacon Ordination service. This was a very special time for us. I was fortunate to be a part of the ordination as well. I stood behind him and each of the deacon's came up and prayed with us. His brothers were also able to come and pray over us. It was an emotional time for me... in a good way...to feel such an outpouring of love. What a blessing to have these men come and pray over you and your family.








This is Corby with our Pastor as he presented him with a book about the Deacon ministry.

Ahhhh.... spring at last!

Kensley loves her friend John Michael. They are so cute together. This morning while we were playing outside they discovered how to blow dandelions. Regardless of the fact that I have sneezed & been stuffy for a good month now, I still love spring. The green grass, trees & flowers blooming. It's beautiful!

Easter, part Deux

Continuing on with Spring Break week... we spent a few days at my parents. Mimi had another scavenger hunt for the kids to find their Easter goodie bags.

Found them!

We also celebrated my Dad's retirement on Tuesday afternoon with his co-workers & some friends.

Yummy food & a good afternoon!

PawPaw took the boys fishing on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Corby was able to join them Tues evening. Not sure how many fish they caught but they had a great time. It was nice & relaxing to spend time with family.

Only a few more days of spring break left. It's been fun, but way too fast. Seems like it's been summer break because the weather has been so beautiful. I've loved wearing my shorts & short sleeves. However, I have not enjoyed the pollen.

Happy Easter

I think everyone in my family was looking forward to spring break. I am REALLY looking forward to kicking back for a week & catching up on sleep. Thursday the kids celebrated with Easter parties & egg hunts at the school.

Friday we went to Statesville to spend time with Corby's family for a couple days. My nephew celebrated his 3rd birthday on Saturday & the kids had a great time spending the day at their Aunt Amanda & Uncle Aaron's house. My boys were especially excited when Preston got a motorcycle for his birthday!

My niece, Cora, who is just adorable!


Then we came back home for Sunday. We had a great worship service this morning, good lunch and then home for an afternoon nap (and all 5 of us took a nap too!)
Of course you have to always take pictures of your new Easter outfits.

This afternoon, I had the kids go on a scavenger to find their Easter basket goodies.



We are headed later this week to my parents for a few days. PawPaw Vern is taking the boys fishing & they are really excited about that. Until the next Spring Break update...

Hope your Easter was filled with the love of Christ! Celebrate that HE is risen!