The biggest little chief.

 How is it that you started out like this?  I know, I'll be saying it on the day you get married.  How is it that it happens like this? 

You see, it has been a summer full of firsts.  My oldest boy turned 8.  I know. . . someone said today, "That's halfway to 18!"  I can only imagine.  I won't try right now, as it may bring tears.  I remember only too well my sweet mama driving me all the way (across town) to my college dorm with tears rolling. :)  I digress. . .

We had a birthday party with some good friends and large inflatables on which to play.  We caught our first fish.  Got our first fishing pole.  Had lots of poison ivy.  Went tubing behind a boat.  Hosted a reunion with 23 of our best friends.  :)  We had a big summer. . .

I think what is growing in my heart the most is watching him grow in heart and mind and body.  We have talked many times about being strong in all three areas.  He has such a desire to have a strong body, but it must work well with a strong heart and strong  mind!  I have this amazing video of him reciting the Westminster Shorter Catechism.  It was written in the 1640's and without some of the thee's and thou's he's memorized over 45 questions and answers.  He knows the first 6 Psalms.  By heart.  I know, he's my son and I have a right to be proud of him.  But really.  I get the precious opportunity to ask the Lord to speak to Him.  I get to ask the Lord to speak to me about him.  And I know that from before he was ever conceived (in my mind OR in my womb!) the Lord knew him.  The Lord spoke so clearly that I am reminded daily as I see him interact with others.  As I see his compassion so clearly.  As I see his excitement. As I see his desire to learn.  As I see his smile.

"About Benjamin he said: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders."  Deuteronomy 33:12

"Your first child will be named Benjamin, because he will know My love."  (from God- to me.) 

Sis really thought she was going to school too!

Thank you Lord for making and forming him to be one who knows your love and shares it with those he encounters.



This is him on the first day of school.  Actually the second.  On the first he was recovering from the stomach virus. . .  serious bummer for my socialite!  But he recovered quickly, both emotionally and physically and we were clear and healthy for the second day. 

Game Night

So tonight it was too hot to eat outside and play, so we decided to eat inside.  And since it was ready early, we had time to play a game after dinner and before bed.  Not a usual occurrence, but tonight was special.  Nonetheless, I was sitting around looking at my amazing family (and a friend who ate with us tonight) and thrilled about the glimpse ahead.  We played Rummicube together.  The boys played on their own (almost).  Sis did her thing. We had a blast and the cotton-top won it all!  It was so much fun and I sat there thinking, we have some great times ahead of us. . . . thank you Lord for all that you have done in our little home.

Props to our NaeNae for some really cute Razorback gear that came in the mail today! 
Sis was a cheerleader, oh my!