Ezekiel

Happy Birthday Zeke! I can't believe that you are 7!!! You are a sweet sensitive little boy. You are a mischievous little stinker too, You are a very bright boy and you will be able to achieve anything you set your mind to! We pray that you're blessed with many more birthdays. We love you!

Reuben or Ruby?

OK... I did it. I'm not sure I was ready for it, but sometimes you just have to jump in with both feet!

Reuben is most likely our last little one. It's been a difficult adjustment for me. I've always wanted as many kids as possible, and I know a lot of people think having 4 is a lot. It is a lot, but every time I see someone pregnant or a new baby or even just one younger than Reuben it melts a little bit of my heart. I'm beyond grateful for what the Lord has blessed me with, and I KNOW that our decision to be done is really what the Lord is telling us is best for us at this time. Because Reuben is the probably the last one I haven't wanted to cut his hair. I have really felt like if I cut it then he's not a baby anymore. (I know it's crazy!) Well I've know it was time for quite a while, so take a look at the next few pictures...with the long hair. Neither picture truly do the length justice!

Here I've cut the back off and started in on the sides.

I didn't want to buzz him, but I had too!

And here...is my "big boy", not a baby anymore! At least my dad will be happy! And Shannon he won't be hangin 10 anytime soon!

Survival

We have completed day 3 of our first unit for school, and we are really enjoying ourselves! I'm almost confident if we were stranded in the great outdoors we would die! LOL! It's really a lot harder than you would think! (or maybe we're just really pathetic!) We are using 2 books for reference. The first one is "Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids" written by Willy Whitfeather. The next one we've been using is "Improve Your Survival Skills" and it's an Usborne Superskills book. I would recommend both of them, they have a lot of useful information!

Mr. Whitefeather is an honorary Chief of the Black Creek Cherokee of Florida. I don't know as much about Native Americans as I would like to, but I believe that they found "God" or a spirit in all living things. (as you read this book that is pretty clear.) After reading the first page he talks about relying on yourself. Brie right away said that's not right! I had pre-read the book and had already pulled several verses from the bible that talked about relying on God. It was helpful to talk about the fact that God gave us a brain to use, and that we can think for ourselves and use our skills to help us. I was quick to point out though, that we need to rely on God and seek him for wisdom and help.

The first activity the kids worked on was a lean-to. We read about a few different shelters to build, but the kids thought this one seemed easiest. They did have a difficult time finding a tree with a fork in it. I'm planning on making them try to build a different shelter too. They need to be prepared to be be in a forest and not have a forked tree available, right?

This is where they are getting most all of their wood from.

They decided this forked tree looked like the best option. (they had already started working on the lean-to in this picture.)

Still working on trying to cover it all up.

They were done with it here! (now you all know why we wouldn't survive!) (we need lots more practice!) We were on our way out when I happened to spot a little traveler trying out the lean-to!

Here is a close up of him! Eastern Box Turtle! (sorry my camera focused on the ground in front of him, instead of on him!!)

I'll be sharing soon about our attempt at starting a fire!

First day of school

Yes, you read that right, and no I haven't lost my mind!!! We normally start school in July, but we had some things come up and had to change our plans. I love that we can be flexible with our schedule and do what works for us! Our first unit is survival skills, I am so excited about it. I think we will all really enjoy it! I hope to share much of what we learn here. So stay tuned!

Brie is in 4th grade and Zeke is in 2nd grade! (Aren't they the best looking 2nd and 4th graders you've ever seen! )


Here is a shot of all 4 of them! Titus will do some preschool activities this year, and Reuben will do some learning activities too!

Reuben

Happy Birthday Reuben James! You are such a joy to have around. You are my busiest child by far. You keep us on our toes, and are into everything! We pray that someday you give your heart to Jesus. Love you, Love you, Love you Baby.