Something to think about

This year has brought about many changes, some expected and some unexpected. I have really started rethinking education and what is best to do with my children. I am loving homeschooling. Some days are tough, I can get very overwhelmed, I feel out of my league and some days we just survive. I have found that sometimes when I struggle it is because I am comparing what we are doing with the "experiences" that other children are experiencing. I am learning to depend on The Lord in new ways, constantly being humbled but extemely thankful for where He has me (even on the toughest days).  

In processing my kids education and where I would like us to go, one conclusion I have come to is that I want my children to have the tools to educate themselves throughout their lives.  Looking back at my own education, I don't thinkn I was ever taught the tools to think and educate myself.....so here I am now and we are learning together. 

Currently, I am reading Echo In Celebration by Leigh Bortins. I am very much enjoying this book and how it is forcing me think more through the way my children will be educated. I thought this was a very interesting quite from her book:

"Americans have a very high self image of their intellectual abilities while actually knowing very little. Every other country in the world has a lower estimation of their academic abilities and yet, they are measurably more educated than we are."

I, currently, do not have all the answers about what we will do, nor will I ever but I have made progress and I am thankful for that.  

Fall Soccer 2013

It's that time of year again!  We are all enjoying this soccer season.  This year the field is larger and they have goalies.  Hudson has had a chance to play goalie a couple times and he has really liked it.  I think he enjoys having a little break from all the running.  This is kid is so very competitive and plays with all his heart!  His team only has 9 players (most have at least 11) and 7 are on the field at a time, so he is definitely getting tons of playing time.  By the way, as I was looking at these pictures I was reminded of how much he has grown up these last couple months.  Where O where has the time gone!?!?!?!?

Fall at the Dallas Arboretum

Today we went to see all the pumpkins at the Arboretum.  I try to make sure we do this at least once each fall.  My expectations for great kid pictures has drastically changed over the last 2 years.  The kids did a great job today, so I got at least a few good ones.  We love this time of year at the arboretum, it is just beautiful!

Six Flags

We spent ALL Saturday at Six Flags.  Christian's company provided everyone with tickets, food, drinks and tons of other things....this was one opportunity our family couldn't pass up.  We are so glad we braved the heat, dropped all expectations and just went for it.

As Parker said, "I liked it better than the whole wide world.  It was way better."

Elijah had a bit of a fever and ended up throwing up late evening....but it didn't stop the rest of the crew, he slept in the stroller. Don't worry, we made sure he was ok.  The kids were able to ride all sorts of rides and played several games. Hudson even won a scooby doo pillow pet for Elijah; he loves it. 

Here are a few pictures

Little Miss Shiloh

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my beyond talented friend photographed Shiloh's birth and did some newborn pictures for us. Here they are:
Introducing Shiloh Joy from Allison Duckworth on Vimeo.
If you live in the DFW area, or know someone that does, you should check out Eleventhirysix images She is phenomenal and has such a passion for what she does - we LOVE her!

Just because

I can't believe she is already 6 wks old

He loves her so very much. He loves to rub her hair and call her a sweet girl

A Few of My Favorites

These were taken while we were at the hospital.  My friend, Allison, at eleventhirtysiximages took pictures during the birth and I will probably post some of those later.

Parker is in love!

1st time holding her little sister

the smile says it all!