Astronomy

we love Apologia science books... this year we're going to try to accomplish both astronomy and botany. we did some projects in the evening, with daddy, this week... more fun that way! isaac is quite the little student, and his siblings are great teachers. using balloons to create the solar system...




...i love that i married a man who will willingly hang volleyballs-turned-"the sun" from our dining room ceiling...

my man made me a killer breakfast in bed and my "littles" delivered me custom cards... all my family spoiled me with cards and gifts... my sackett in-laws spoiled me in-person with a girls-only afternoon out (manicures and pedicures, panera!) and dad's killer chocolate madness cake! and i love facebook - never had so many birthday wishes!! thank you everyone!

brothers

i often watch them together and think how blessed they are to have each other - i hope they realize it as they grow! it wasn't till we "got all grown up" that my sister and i regained, and surpassed, the friendship only sisters can have... Lord, let it be maintained in my little ones!

Theology lesson...

as he chomps on his pb&j, E asks me... (at 5) "mom, the people that love Jesus, when they have babies in their tummies, are their babies belonging to Jesus, too? i mean, when they come out of their moms' tummies, are they Christians?" then he follows with, "mom, if there is anyplace i can live, i wanna live in Heaven, so Jesus can teach me all the time and stuff." thus follows a discussion on age of accountability, longing for eternity... and some think we're "just teaching little kids."

Do The Next Thing

"At an old English parsonage down by the sea,
there came in the twilight a message to me.
Its quaint Saxon legend deeply engraven
that, as it seems to me, teaching from heaven.
And all through the hours the quiet words ring,
like a low inspiration, 'Do the next thing.'

Many a questioning, many a fear,
many a doubt hath its quieting here.
Moment by moment, let down from heaven,
time, opportunity, guidance are given.
Fear not tomorrow, child of the King,
trust that with Jesus, do the next thing.

Do it immediately, do it with prayer,
do it reliantly, casting all care.
Do it with reverence, tracing His hand,
who placed it before thee with earnest command.
Stayed on omnipotence, safe 'neath His wing,
leave all resultings, do the next thing.

Looking to Jesus, ever serener,
working or suffering be thy demeanor,
in His dear presence, the rest of His calm,
the light of His countenance, be thy psalm.
Do the next thing."

-oft quoted by Elisabeth Elliot

My Spa Is Evolving

A few months back we discovered an old (cancelled, my Dave Ramsey friends...) credit card that had "points" on it. Redeeming those for Home Depot gift cards allowed us to purchase this GORGEOUS slate. Little by little, my STUD is building us a spa retreat. This weekend, he discovered that by using remnants, he can create a custom floor for NOTHING - well, nothing but a "little" serious tile cutting. As you can see, he's got great help.
Actuually, our oldest two boys have been fabulous at cleaning the tiles so Daddy can install them.
Next step, we've decided to open up our pocket-door to create a bed-and-breakfast style open layout. Mmmm... steamy mommy-alone-time awaits.

The Riches of My Father's House

...therefore i say unto you, take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. are you not much better than they?... matthew 6:25-26
all this for $21.45. yes, my Abba has spiritual riches beyond my dreams. but look at how He pours out His blessings on our physical needs.