Watch out David Beckham!

So we have participated in our first team sport. What fun! It's called Bitty Soccer, we met 6 times over three weeks, we had 2 practices, 1 scrimmage, and 3 games. Then it's over! Not too much and just enough. I must admit I was a very proud mother. John and I watched as Benjamin kicked harder and with better aim than any of the others! (Well, maybe.) As we were walking out I was talking to another mother and we were debating this question. I want to pose it to all of you all out there and see what you think and what your experience has taught you. In life, I want him to learn to do things with excellence. To play to the best of his abilities, to not take advantage of the opportunity he has been afforded, and to grow in his skills and abilities. He really does have some athletic ability. I also want him to gain from team experiences, learning from others, and working together, depending on others. How do you balance that with love and humility? I want to encourage him but not push him. Challenge him but not stress him out. I don't want to be "that mom." You know? Anyway, we couldn't come to any valuable conclusions, so if you have any ideas let me know. Oh to raise sons in the 21st century. . . .

We thought this was really funny and should be shared with all we love and love to entertain. :) Summer has arrived in full force and we are most definitely excited. Love to all!

To the train!

Well, for a quick update we finally made it to the train at the zoo. This time it was a family affair, mothers get to ride free on Mother's Day. :) Sadly, of course, it didn't turn out to be quite as exciting as we had once thought. It was really fun and even better since we got to ride the tram too. We saw the tigers, cheetah's, kangaroos, and gorillas. What fun! Benjamin is already asking about when we get to ride again (and yes, it was that short of a ride!) Oh well, it's just one more proof that Jesus coming back will be really exciting, even more that the train at the zoo.

"For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God and the dead in Christ will rise first!"

Amen and amen!

More Arkansas Friends!

Though I don't have all the pics yet, I thought I would go ahead and share about the fun we had this weekend and the power of long-standing relationships. The Lord has been so gracious to give me wonderful friends, even ones who will stay around through all my craziness and wild-eyed Jesus talking. Blair Luper Wood is one of those who came into my life in 10th grade, as a sophomore in high school, and now as a wonderful mother she and her family came for a visit. Blair, Brian, Kate and Davis came up late Friday night and we had about the funnest day ever on Saturday. We went and ate pancakes and the International House of Pancakes (not prayer!) and then went to this great farm/playground/picnic place with a fishing pond. Check it out- Deanna Rose's Farmstead

Nonetheless, we had a ball and can't express how wonderful it is to be with old friends, but also how wonderful it is to be united in heart through this crazy ride called motherhood. Blair, it's a pleasure to be on it with you. You are great at what you do!

Arkansas friends. . .

Okay, so a couple of weekends ago, the boys and I went to Fayetteville and John went to a conference in Minnesota. While we were there, my mom was in charge of keeping a dear friend, Baby Josiah. Josiah is the son of my high school friend MeMe Hagers (and her husband Jeff). Anyway, it was hilarious watching the boys interact and I thought I would show you a choice picking of the weekends activities.
First we were a bit sad.



Then we had a great time! (in our matching pj's of course)



Then Samuel wanted to sit REALLY close, but our new friend didn't seem to mind too much.



By the end of the weekend, we all had lots of fun in the bath!



And we were a little bit tired after all the fun. . .



Nonetheless, I am ever grateful for my dear friend MeMe and love her more than I did the day we met, as long ago as that was. Though we live far apart, it was wonderful to get to spend time playing with and holding her baby. Though our hearts are joined in the Lord and motherhood, it still makes a difference to get my hands on that sweet one. I feel like I know him better now, and maybe he'll learn a bit more about his LiLi. Sweet friends. . . .

Are we big enough yet?

Before
After


Well, it appears that my youngest has taken the next step into toddlerhood. I am not sure which was a bigger deal. He slept through the night (until 6:30) in his own bed last night. He went through two outfits today because he had such fun playing outside. OR He got his first haircut today. Though it was sad for me, it was not as bad as Benjamin first (I was deathly afraid that his curls were going to get cut off and never come back!) Samuel was not all that enthused with the process, but I think it went really well and he looks just great. Thanks Deanna!