The Production ... on and off stage!

Drama has pulsed through this beautiful girl since the day she was born.

This school year we decided it was the perfect time for Sophie to step off the only co-op path she has ever known (Classical Conversations) to give her drama an arena to pour into.  We found just the place as Sophie attended Artios Outpost summer camp and then Artios Co-op.   As the school year started our Mondays began to look a little differently than they have the past several years.  Instead of all heading to the same spot for the day, we piled in the van and headed to drop Sophie off across town and then head back to our CC co-op.  Every Monday evening when I picked Sophie up we would roll through each of her classes asking how it went and what she had learned.  This was our routine until a few weeks ago when all routine went right out the window.  This routine went right out the window because play week was at hand. 

I was hesitant as this week approached not knowing what to fully expect.  But honestly it was a pretty sweet week that taught us (I do mean us!) a lot.  The hours were long, there were many last minute decision that changed timing and expectations, there was a tired young lady arriving late in the evenings exhausted and there were sisters hanging on for the ride.  (One sister may have cried on Thursday when we again dropped Sophie off for another long day away simply because she missed her.)  But there were also many sweet discoveries throughout the week.

 I had been asked to make available a few meals during the end of the week for the cast and crew.  To be honest I dreaded this position as it approached, but in the end it was such a blessing.  This spot I had been asked to fill gave me an opportunity to get to know many of these kids I had known of only by name and stories Sophie had filled me in on.  I can honestly say each person I served a meal to was so polite, appreciative and kind it made this position I dreaded a real joy. 

Finally it was play time! 

 Let The Little Mermaid Jr. begin...

There are really not many words to describe the swirl of emotions I had as I watched Sophie and so many talented students (who I felt I now knew) put on an amazing production. There was so much more than the production that happened on the stage when the lights were shining brightly those two days. 

There was the production of dealing with the emotion of disappointment when parts were given differently than one was wanting to accept.  The production of the reality that a root of jealousy had taken hold and how you can deal with that in a way that reflects Christ, and how being honest about that can be such a freeing thing that it can actually lead to a production of a friendship.  It was the production of emotions from seeing your "little girl" appear on stage looking not so much like a little girl at all (her Daddy may have shed a tear or two each time she appeared on stage.) 

And mostly it was the production of so many sweet friendships of these young people who were encouraging each other, praying with each other and genuinely cheering each other on.  It was a beautiful production on and off the stage!!

What an absolute blast to watch you shine on stage and off!!

Teen Pact

 A few Fridays ago Sophie, Haleigh and I dropped Mackenzie off at her buddy's house, way too early, and headed down the road to Columbia for an adventure.  We arrived at TeenPact excited for our day, but really not too sure what was ahead of us. 

We were proud of ourselves for finding our way to the exact spot in the Capitol complex and being on time!!  At the start of the day we were introduced to the staff and given the overview of the schedule ahead.  It was a privilege to kick it all off with praise and worship.  After learning a bit about the branches of government and their purposes we headed out on a prayer walk.

 What a blessing to hear the sweet voices of children 8 - 12 years old praying for service men and women, their representatives and our governor. 

 After a quick lunch we headed out on a scavenger hunt.  We gathered so much information about our state and its capitol.  One of the most fun facts we learned was why there are six stars placed randomly on the capitol building .

Each star marks a spot where a Union cannon struck the capitol building during the Civil War.

 As we reconvened from lunch and the scavenger hunt there was a great lecture on public speaking and an interactive discussion about speaking distractions. 

 Next were some great skits to demonstrate how bills are passed backed and forth between the House and Senate then failed or made into a bill.  Prior to this fun day each of the girls had written their own "bill."  Each student was given a "first read" and their bills were sent to committees for further discussion. 

We broke up into committees and discussed the bill just as they would in the house committees.  Having the kids fully participate really cemented in the process.  After passing some bills in committee we again convened as the "full house." Then closed the day after great discussion and demonstration of all the kids learned.

It was a great day!!!  Already planning to go back next year.

"I'm Not One of Those"

     Yesterday as we were wrapping up the last of school I just wanted to get done.  Finish the school day and get some other "stuff" done.  That stuff that hangs over you when its undone, like the kitchen that hasn't been clean all week, like the laundry stacking higher and higher on my bed.  

     Mackenzie and then Haleigh had just finished their reading and I was in motion to tackle the non-school tasks.  Then Haleigh said, "Mom, before you go upstairs can you please read me the book that you and 'Kenzie were reading?"  

     "No, baby I have to get the kitchen cleaned!"  As I shifted to get up it was almost as if the Holy Spirit pushed me back down into the couch.  Begrudgingly, I settled in and began to read.  Soon Mackenzie reappeared and joined us on the couch, I asked Sophie if she wanted to pause her violin practice to cuddle up with us.  It was a sweet time, we read our story about a little girl who was a princess to the King of Kings.  Once we had turned the last page Sophie and Haleigh were off to do whatever their focus had quickly turned to.   Mackenzie, however just sat there, "Mom, I am not one of those."

     "Not one of what?"  

    "Not a child of God.  Sophie said I have to understand more first."  (In Sophie's defense it was two years ago after Haleigh's baptism when Mackenzie was asking when she could be "bath-tized".)  So began the discussion...

     "Well, do you know you sin?" 

     "Yes!" was her quick reply with a look that said you tell me that about every day.  She went on to tell me how Jesus went to the cross with her sins.  We talked in depth of what Jesus did.  She prayed.  (A sweet friend said once, "Excuse my tears, my joy comes out wet."  I did think of her in this moment as my joy came out wet.)  I often wonder how real this can be at such a young age.  But honestly there was no doubt left as I watched my baby with her own tearful joy run to tell her sisters of her exciting news.  She wanted to tell her Daddy immediately.  She was absolutely giddy. Here is the precious message we got to send...

We celebrated, and wrote in her Bible... (dictated by Mackenzie herself.)

 

Last night, when I went in for the final kiss of the night, this is how I found her...

When I woke her this morning she was still giddy, still excited to know she belongs to the King of Kings!!

Trying To Catch Up

... isn't that the way it always is?! Just trying to catch up, seems like that is what fills many days.  However, instead of being defeated and getting more and more behind here it comes, in one fell swoop. 

Since I last posted our days have been filled with many special things among the daily "stuff" of school, cooking, driving to lessons, folding laundry.... and chasing joy.  Here are some of our special joy moments.  After this I hope to stay more up to date, there really has been much to share, many lessons God has gently taught us, sermons to chew on... For now, here we go...

Our once a year, all family in, Broadway show at the Peace Center was The Wizard of Oz.  It was really great!  A fabulous way to kick of the new year! (January 2)

 Of coarse there is always Lego love!

 A great, new favorite cookbook that has instructed us towards lots of special meals and treats.

 Sweet family times of just being together.

 A school time favorite, science experiments.

 A fun morning at the circus. 

 I think I may have watched my girls' faces as much as I watched the circus.  It was sweet to watch them enjoy it SO much!!

 A quick weekend trip to Columbia for a ID meeting.  Mark went to the meetings, the girls and I played at the pool...

 ... and at the EdVenture Children's Museum..

 ...and at the King Tut exhibit at the State Museum.

 A few days, almost as rare in South Carolina as the King Tut Exhibit... snow!!

 and about a week later, more snow!!

 During the snow if your hills aren't steep enough, just sled down the steps for a bit more adventure!

 Sophie's first sewing class.  She made a winter hat, a zipper bag, and these super cute frog PJ pants.

Long awaited special arrivals!

AND just this past Wednesday, 

..she..

 turned

twelve!!!

 Finally, last but certainly not least, just the latest because it was just yesterday, Haleigh and Mackenzie had their big piano recital of the year.  It was beautiful and fun.  So fun that it will have to be a post of its own hopefully within the next week...

 Till next time, which I do hope is very soon, if your day are filled with special outings, or if it is one of those days you don't make it out of your PJs, may you see the joy that abounds around you!!

 (This post sure has helped me see that joy happens around me all the time.  In the special and the everyday.  I just have to slow long enough to see it and thank God for His blessings that go far beyond what I could ever think to ask!)

It's Friday!!

Being back on our school schedule this week makes FRIDAY much sweeter!!  Hope your weekend is full of laughter, fun, and pauses to enjoy God's sweet blessings!

Hello 2014

2013, Where did the calendar pages go?
Two of things I know for sure about this year, it did fly by and it was not dull!
Throughout this year we have had some amazing trips. 

(I know you can't really see us, but that's us right beside Mickey!!)

Our first family trip to Disney was beyond what any of us had dreamed.  We had planned, studied the plan, planned some more, then the time came to execute the big plan.  The first day we were at the park, early as planned,  we were asked to "help open the park!"  We were so excited (one of us may have shed a tear  or two of excitement) as we crossed the train with Mickey Mouse and the gang to welcome the thousands of folks waiting to enter the park.  Unbelievable!!

Perhaps as amazing, probably more amazing (minus the fact that our girls weren't with us) was the complete opposite kind of trip,
Mark and I took the adventure of our first mission trip together.  It has been Mark's desire for years for me to join him on a mission trip.  They have become an annual part of  his life.  This past March it happened!  We headed out with E3 Partners to Cali, Colombia. We had an amazing trip and I am telling you I experienced God in ways I have never imagined.  God just kept showing Himself in ways that made goosebumps on top of goosebumps.  That He would allow me to be part of such a beautiful thing as to share the truth of His love poured out for us while we were still sinners.  I can't wait to go again!!

Then summer came and squeezed between all the girls camps and trips to Grandma and Poppy's, and Gran and Meeps' we headed out to a quiet cabin in Bryson City, NC.  It was absolutely beautiful!  We did everything from pottery to tubing.  It too was another fabulous trip full of fun and memories.

 

Our travels kept up hopping but we had such great times that we will never forget!!

Sophie is finding her way in this time of middle school, pre-teen age.  She is loving ARTIOS, which is the fine arts co-op she attends.  Her excitement level could not be higher as they look forward to The Little Mermaid Jr. they will preform this coming spring.  Sophie spends hours practicing her violin and is progressing nicely. 

Haleigh is still as energetic as ever.  She loves to climb, run, and play hard.  A highlight of her week is our weekly piano lesson.  It is a joy to watch Haleigh's passion grow and she is close to completing her first level Suzuki book.  Haleigh is in her forth year of Classical Conversation Co-op and she's hoping to test for Memory Master this year!!
Mixed in with the fun Haleigh has struggled a bit with her health but it is amazing to see God's hand each step of the way.  We have needed to further limit the foods she can eat.  This has stretched us all as we learn how to balance the needs of one kiddo in the mix of a family of five.  We eat differently than most families but we have discovered we can do this thing with cooperation from everyone and buckets of grace and compassion.  It is not always easy or fun but Haleigh is showing GREAT improvements and that makes it all worth it!  I am so thankful to those God has placed in our path to care for her (and us.)

Mackenzie is still amazing us all as she has completely left behind the struggles of her first few years.  She is in her second year of Classical Conversations Co-op and full out homeschooling.  She loves to read and math seems fun to her. Mackenzie also loves playing the piano and keeps her teacher and I laughing through most lessons. 

As I look back over the past year there have been so many blessings I continue to be overwhelmed with gratefulness.  Yes, there were tough days and we did have to say our final goodbye, this side of heaven, to Grandma but through it all God has been ever faithful, our anchor.   We look forward to 2014 and what God has already prepared for us to walk in and draw closer to Him through. 
So here we go... goodbye 2013!  I've got one more game of Mario Cart to get whipped in, then watch the ball drop and then...

hello 2014!!

May you have a blessed 2014 and see Him more clearly and love Him more deeply!