Whew!!! Now What?

We have finished our Classical year so now what?? For those of you who wonder what Classical is you can visit www.ClassicalConversations.com. I say we have finished our Classical year because we never finish "schooling". After this past year I have realized that focusing on our math and writing during the summer and winter breaks would really help to take the pressure off of squeezing it in. Quality is much more achievable when we can take the time to really savor and digest the information that I am teaching and the boys are absorbing.

I have really enjoyed watching Clayton this past year grow and meet new friends. To see him push himself and to watch as something he struggled with finally clicks. What a blessing this time in my life is!!!

I would like to review our Classical year, I hope you enjoy!!

In our group during Christmas activities.

Working on a Science Presentation for group

Evan tracing letters with his fingers in corn starch

All the boys in Clayton's group did a Lego creation and took pictures, however we never submitted this one.

Clayton cutting out a weather chart for a week

Evan having some "quiet time" with the listening library

Playtime with daddy is always a must!!

Using their imaginations to build houses out of cardboard and blankets

Evan working on his hand eye coordination by tracing lines

Outside time is great to grow strong bodies and minds

Beautiful

"Watch me momma" Evan doing a trick

Making yummy treats for Easter!!

My handsome guys

At the Zoo with some classmates

Denton was thrilled by the lorakeets!

Earth Day we picked up trash with Nanny and Pappaw

Closing Day at group with support of the Grandparents

Closing Day Clayton's class memorised the 10 Commandments, 7 wonders of the ancient world, the Kush and the Berbers, the Anasazi Indians and the Mexican Revolution

TIME TO ENJOY THE SUMMERTIME!!!

Seven Years Ago.....

I can't believe how fast seven years has flown by. On a Thursday night during an exceptionally warm March, our fist child was born!! I remember that first second that he entered the world reaching for him and greeting him with a "hi baby"! A moment I will never forget.

I could imagine all I wanted about what kind of boy that baby (all 8lbs. & 4 oz. of him) would be. He is far more of a blessing than I could ever have imagined. On Monday Feb. 22 of this year he felt his need to ask Jesus to be Lord over his little life. Yet another moment I will never forget. That day became his "spiritual birthday". What a great leader and example he is to his two little brothers. He is such a sweet, smart boy and we are very thankful to call him son.

The morning of his birthday we did one of our usual birthday morning traditions, waking him up with a doughnut, candles and the birthday song. We had him open his gift from us, a scooter!

He had been wanting one for awhile, I had it hidden away for months and it was hard to save it.

Evan gave him a hot wheels car and got a hug in return!

Then for lunch we tried to eat at POP'S, but because of the time demands of daddy's school, we had to settle for Freddy's (not a bad compromise). We were also all sick so his party had to wait until the following weekend.

The day before his party he helped to make cookies. He chose to make mint chocolate chip!! YUMMY!!

He helped mix the ingredients and break up the Oreo cookies for his dirt cake.

The next day was his party day, finally! He chose to have a family party this year, with the neighbors

kids and our close friends the Kittredges. We had pizza, cookies, cake and presents!! Then the

kids retreated to the back yard to play, what a great day!!

Now I want to reflect on the past seven years with you.

Our first family photo

Clayton's first hour

Clayton's first birthday

Clayton's 2nd birthday

Clayton at 3

Clayton at 3 1/2 with new brother Evan

Clayton at 4

What sweet boys!

Clayton at 5, during our vacation to Durango

What a fun day!!

Clayton at 6

6 1/2 welcomeing another brother!!

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be STRONG, be BRAVE.

Let all that you do be done in LOVE."

~1 Cor. 16:13-14

What a blessing these past seven years have been!!

Dearest Clayton,

What a joy it is to be your momma. I am so thankful that you have such a loving heart. You have an awesome example of what it is to be a man of God in your father. "Listen my son, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding." (Prov. 4:1)

You have a special calling on your life, God given. I pray that you will learn to discern God's voice and do His will in your life.

What a great age to hear your need for a Savior!! You, my son, are AMAZING!! Remember Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the begining of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." You will grow and do great and mighty things!!

I love you!

Presidents Day 2010

This year the boys made fun books to tell us what they would do if they were President. I got this idea from Michael's.com. We also listened to the Presidents Song and Clayton has the first 5 and the last 10 down!! This was such a fun activity to do!

Let's start with Evans! While I did most of the work the fun part was watching his absolute head nods and "yea" to the things I suggested. Then he got to pick and choose from those things. Such a cutie!

I was drawing and writing while holding the baby, so it actually looks like he did the work himself!! Oh well, I do my best.

This phrase was completely his own! I thought this was so funny and somewhat true.

This speaks to the very heart of Evan. Without fail everyday he wakes up asking for something ridiculously sweet. So I'm sure that if he were President someday he would ask for some sort of tax credit for the purchase of candy!! Then he'd have to implement some sort of reimbursement program for Dentist visits.

Now for Mr. C's book!

Of course he would drive a train!! What else would a train loving President do?!

I have my mom to thank for this one. He LOVES those butter and jelly sandwiches! Why not have everyone at least try one?

Ahh, the sweet mind of being 6!!

What a fun morning!

I pray that my boys will grow up to be leaders. Whether they be husband's and fathers that lead their families in faith, or leaders of business, or of this nation! If his spiritual gift is "leadership, let him govern diligently"(Romans 12:8). That you be humble men of God who lead by your example (1 Peter 5:3). To "live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love" (Ephesians 4:1&2).

The last verse is also my prayer for Kenneth and myself. To be humble and gentle, patient and bearing with each other in love.

God Bless