Listening!

I don't know about you, but my kids have always been so inquisitive.  They ask tons of questions.  When we go out, they love to watch everything and take it all in.  I enjoy answering their many questions and asking them what they think.  Their opinions and insights are important to me.  I have always hated the saying kids should be seen and not heard :(   That is not true!!!!  They are special people and we need to listen to what they have to say.  I believe God can speak to us through them. I know I have learned a lot of lessons through my children.  They have taught me humility, patience, kindness.... I can go on and on.  The next time your little one talks to you, please take the time to listen with your heart.  You never know what they may have to teach you.   God may be trying to tell you something through the heart of your child. 

Time with kids

I have found over the years that it is so important to spend quality time with your children.  They rarely remember the gift they got for their birthday 2 years ago, but oh my they sure do remember the time mom or dad took them out and spent time with just them.  My husband and I try to spend one on one time with each of our children weekly.  Rather it be a special night out, or just making dinner together, they love that time.   They enjoy having mom or dad's undivided attention.  As a family we try to spend time together at meals and during family devotions.   We are not perfect in our parenting, but we try really hard to love them. 

I will always treasure each and every moment with my kids.  I will never take them for granted.  I will savor the sounds of their giggles and their little smiles are forever embedded in my mind.  The sparkle in their eyes light up my world.  They are truly the most amazing gifts from God!!!!

A great weekend

This weekend we were able to go to Cedar Point with the youth group.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  The adults were a bit worn out by the end of the day, but it was a fun experience.  Our little ones rode every ride they could at least once :-)   Sunday was Youth Sunday.  The youth group ran the entire service, and did great!!!  Robert did one part of the sermon and was such a blessing.  He spoke on God's grace. David (Amanda's boyfriend) did the second part of the sermon and taught on God's love.   Mandy played her guitar and sang "Thy Word".   Meg and Katie (Robert's girlfriend) sang " Lead Me To The Cross".   It was an incredible weekend!!!  God's blessing fell on all of us!

Zealous 4 year old

Hope just turned 4 in May.  She is a very energetic little girl.  She loves to learn, which makes me very happy!  On Monday, we started school and she is very excited about the new workbooks she is using this year.  Today she came to me and showed me that she had finished her Numbers workbook.  I couldn't believe it!  She had been doing it during her playtime.  She was actually doing school when she could have been playing with her many toys.  I told her how proud I was of her and she said  "Thanks mama, I love my books.  Will you buy me more?"   I told her I would buy her any books she wanted. 

This little story made me think about us being zealous in our learning.  Do we hide away and study our Bibles?  Are we ready to learn more and more about His Word?   Do we get excited to study His teachings?  I want to know all I can about my Lord.  I am going to begin to study His Word more faithfully!

Summer Fun

This past weekend we had a great time.  My husband's company had a 60th year celebration in Lancaster, Ohio.  They had so many things for the kids to do!  They had a blast!  It was nice to be able to go and just have fun without worrying about any expenses, as this was a totally free event :)  Thank you Kokosing Construction!!!  Happy Anniversary!!!! 

I need to get back to blogging :)

Our summer was very busy busy busy, but now we are back on schedule!   I love routines!  I love following schedules and being productive.  The children are doing well so far.  They are enjoying their new books and school supplies.

We have all six kiddos in school this year full time.  Hope is doing Kindergarten work. Joshy's in second grade.  Ryan is in his first year of Jr High and Meg is in her first year of high school.  Amanda has skipped her sophomore year and headed right to her Junior year.  Robert is a Senior now, but is also taking some college courses.  I can't believe this is our 13th year home schooling.  It just doesn't seem possible.  Time sure has flown by!

 I am going to share our homeschool room with you all now :)