Forts and Fun!

About a month ago, we took a trip to the farm, that is to visit Gordon and Betsy Bailes, friends of the family. We have been to their house many times, (Calvin lived with them the first three months we were in Wilson), but we had never seen the whole farm. Gordon and Betsy drove us around in his supped up golf cart and showed us the farm, watermelons growing everywhere, bamboo trees, and old buildings. After the tour, we enjoyed visiting with them and eating pizza. Karis and Noah had a wonderful time, as did I.

A picture at the Bailes' house.

One Monday morning, because it was raining outside, I built a fort for the kids in the extra room. They had fun playing in it, but mostly Noah enjoyed knocking it down!

Noah and Karis throwing the beach ball over the fort.

Karis setting up her kitchen in the fort! Fun times!

Daddy Helping with School

A few weeks ago, we did school on Monday, which we usually don't because it is Justin's day off. I asked Justin to do Bible time with the kids, which is a Bible story, coloring page and the verse we are memorizing as a church. This was Justin's take on God helping Gideon defeat the Midianites:

He set up two armies against each other, Karis' dolls against Noah's cars.

He then showed how God decreased the number of Gideon's army to one a few compared to the army he would face so God could show His glory.

Noah is raising his hand to blow the trumpet in victory like God told the Israelites to do.

I think this is the most interested Noah has ever been in one of the Bible stories. I took Justin's advice this week and used creative ways to tell the story of Ruth and Naomi. What fun to watch my children listen to Justin with excitement, even though you can't see it on their faces! They were delighted to have Daddy do school with them, especially Karis, she wouldn't let him leave her side the whole time!

Happy Birthday Jeanna!

Jeanna,

Karis and Noah made you this slideshow for your birthday. Thanks for being such a great mom and wife.

We love you,

Justin

Diet Coke Free!

I am now officially diet coke free for one week. I did have one last night with my pizza, but I only had one. It was a little hairy for a few days, the headaches were terrible, but God was gracious and gave me strength, plus a little Tylenol helped. It is not the caffeine that bothers me, it is the sweetener. I have also found that I am not as hungry in the middle of the day when I only drink water and unsweet tea. I am so glad to be free from this and feel much better, no more headaches. God is good, even in the small things!