For those who have noticed my new blog title (and even for those who haven't!) ... I wanted to share this exciting new chapter in our lives.
Last year, as most of you know, we home schooled H while J attended preschool at our church. This year we have decided to continue on our homeschooling journey and therefore decided that we should give our 'school' an official name.
I wracked my brain for weeks trying to come up with an appropriate name ... using our last name seemed too simple and creative names were just not coming to mind.
Right now I am reading through the book of Proverbs. One day while reading in chapter four I came across this verse ... "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23
I knew immediately that our school name should be 'Wellspring Academy'!! The moment I read the verse I loved it and thought it very appropriate.
I do think it's extremely important in this world that we choose to 'guard our heart'. As a wife I need to guard my heart from temptation, as a Mom I need to guard my heart from allowing negative influences to enter our home life, and as a parent I need to be sure that I help protect my children's hearts.
I'm not saying that my kids will never face adversity, or that they will never have their hearts broken. To me it's more about guarding our heart from the evils of this world. From the peers who will seek to bring you down, from the TV or movies that compromise a child's innocence, from all the negativity that seems to swirl all around us.
As a parent I cannot shelter and protect my children forever. And they will learn some of the harsh realities of this world. But I can choose to protect them and teach them and train them in God's ways so that when they face difficulties or people who seek to bring them down they will have the strength they need to get through it or stand up against it. Strength from their heavenly Father and all they have learned.
Going back to the blog title ... I did not want to lose my original title because it was chosen in honor of my Dad. So in order to combine the two I've chosen Because He Lives at Wellspring Academy.
Hope you enjoy and hope you continue to follow along on our wonderful journey of family, friends, homeschooling and LIFE!
{I'm going to cut and paste what I originally wrote about "Because He Lives" right here ... so that I can just make a link to the whole story. Thanks for bearing with me!}
Because He lives was one of my Dad's favorite songs. When I first started thinking about a blog title I couldn't help but coming back to these words time and time again. The chorus of the song goes, "Because He (Christ) lives, I can face tomorrow, because He lives, all fear is gone. Because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, just because He lives."
When my Dad passed away in January of 2004 it was a very hard time for me. He died of leukemia and it all happened very fast. There was only a period of 3 months between the initial diagnosis and him going home to be with the Lord. It was barely enough time to adjust to him being sick. And yet I would never have wanted to drag out his suffering. I'm thankful that the Lord gave my Dad and I a couple visits during his sickness when we got the chance to talk. We got the chance to say I love you, which wasn't something we said to one another very often. We got a few last times together that I will cherish for the rest of my days.
At his memorial service a family friend sang Because He Lives. The words assured me that although we can't know the future, God does, and it's in His hands. And because of that, it makes life worth the living.
I still miss my Dad and still have moments where I long to see him again. I know that one day I will when I too am called home to heaven. But until then I've tried to live my life as if every day counts. To remember that life is worth the living. You can't go back, you can't undo the past or bring a loved one back, but you can live life and enjoy it and cherish every moment. Because He lives!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Summer Reading list and bragging
Our summer reading list is growing!! Yippee! I have to clarify that the books with ** next to them are my summer reading choices ... which are still a work in progress, not yet completed - so perhaps should not even be on that list!
But my little Miss H. WOW! She is blowing me away with her reading skills lately. Yes, this is where the bragging comes in. She has always been a strong reader, but this summer she is literally flying through these books. Every one of those chapter books like the Junie B. series and the Magic Treehouse series are all being read by H. All by herself. And she's been reading about one a day. Last week she read 4 chapter books in 3 days!
I am so proud of her. I am so thankful that she has such a love of reading. J can't read yet so H and I take turns reading to her, and we're doing OK adding some books to the list too ... but H, WOW!
But my little Miss H. WOW! She is blowing me away with her reading skills lately. Yes, this is where the bragging comes in. She has always been a strong reader, but this summer she is literally flying through these books. Every one of those chapter books like the Junie B. series and the Magic Treehouse series are all being read by H. All by herself. And she's been reading about one a day. Last week she read 4 chapter books in 3 days!
I am so proud of her. I am so thankful that she has such a love of reading. J can't read yet so H and I take turns reading to her, and we're doing OK adding some books to the list too ... but H, WOW!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The unbreakable bond
I've always been intrigued by the bond between sisters. I never had any sisters, but always longed to have one just so I could know the feeling of that deeply rooted bond.
My Mom had 4 sisters, my Mother in law had 3. I've seen the times when sisters don't get along, don't share the same viewpoints, or lifestyles, or thoughts on parenting ... but I've also seen (and heard) the stories of late nights talking and whispering, shared clothes and shoes, memories of funny experiences ...
My daughters have this bond. I was thrilled to pieces the day we found out that our second born would be another girl. My longing for a sister was about to be lived out in my daughter's lives.
My daughters fight. A lot. Every day. All the time. About everything. You see the bond of sisterhood does not mean you will always get along. They have very different views of life, very different personalities and very different ways of doing things. So they fight. And they argue. About everything.
But then ... there are those times ... times when I find them huddled together reading a book, or playing make believe out in the yard, or lying side by side 'sunning' on their beach towels ...
The day I took this picture (a couple weeks ago) we were sitting at the beach while the girls played. After a little while I noticed they had moved about 200 yards down the beach away from us and had set up this little spot for themselves. They were lying there talking and relaxing and as soon as I saw it I grabbed my camera and ran to capture this precious sisterly moment.
Yesterday another moment like this happened. They played in the pool for awhile. Sometimes fighting and sometimes getting along. Later they decided to get out and play in the yard. I was inside doing housework when I glanced out the window to check on them. They were sitting in the top of the swingset/fort and were just chatting away with one another. They later took pillows and towels out there and set up little beds - side by side. Then came supper time and they chose to bring their supper out to their little 'home' to have a picnic. It was wonderful, they were getting along so well and really enjoying one another so much!
I am so thankful that my girls have one another. I am always trying to teach them that they are so blessed to have a sister, a very best friend, to play with and talk with every single day. {Of course they don't always see it that way ... but I'm thankful for the times when they do!}
Right at this very moment ... I can hear them listening to music in H's room and chatting together. Ahhh, love those moments!
My Mom had 4 sisters, my Mother in law had 3. I've seen the times when sisters don't get along, don't share the same viewpoints, or lifestyles, or thoughts on parenting ... but I've also seen (and heard) the stories of late nights talking and whispering, shared clothes and shoes, memories of funny experiences ...
My daughters have this bond. I was thrilled to pieces the day we found out that our second born would be another girl. My longing for a sister was about to be lived out in my daughter's lives.
My daughters fight. A lot. Every day. All the time. About everything. You see the bond of sisterhood does not mean you will always get along. They have very different views of life, very different personalities and very different ways of doing things. So they fight. And they argue. About everything.
But then ... there are those times ... times when I find them huddled together reading a book, or playing make believe out in the yard, or lying side by side 'sunning' on their beach towels ...
The day I took this picture (a couple weeks ago) we were sitting at the beach while the girls played. After a little while I noticed they had moved about 200 yards down the beach away from us and had set up this little spot for themselves. They were lying there talking and relaxing and as soon as I saw it I grabbed my camera and ran to capture this precious sisterly moment.
Yesterday another moment like this happened. They played in the pool for awhile. Sometimes fighting and sometimes getting along. Later they decided to get out and play in the yard. I was inside doing housework when I glanced out the window to check on them. They were sitting in the top of the swingset/fort and were just chatting away with one another. They later took pillows and towels out there and set up little beds - side by side. Then came supper time and they chose to bring their supper out to their little 'home' to have a picnic. It was wonderful, they were getting along so well and really enjoying one another so much!
I am so thankful that my girls have one another. I am always trying to teach them that they are so blessed to have a sister, a very best friend, to play with and talk with every single day. {Of course they don't always see it that way ... but I'm thankful for the times when they do!}
Right at this very moment ... I can hear them listening to music in H's room and chatting together. Ahhh, love those moments!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sad
I am sad to tell you that Bob's cousin Michael just passed away. Micheal has had several health problems over the past year and last week he was admitted to the hospital with not much time left. This weekend he was removed from life support and he died this evening.
Micheal was in his mid-fifties, a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother and more ... he will be missed. Please be in prayer for the family - the days to come are sure to be hard ones.
Micheal was in his mid-fifties, a husband, father, grandpa, son, brother and more ... he will be missed. Please be in prayer for the family - the days to come are sure to be hard ones.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Our week in pictures
We have really been enjoying the summer so far. As I mentioned in some earlier posts I spent the beginning part of the week doing some projects inside and outside of the house. The latter part of our week was pure enjoyment!
The weather has been beautiful, a little cooler than I would expect but very enjoyable if you ask me. We've had lots of thunderstorms too but they're mostly at night giving us beautiful, sunny days. At night it's been a little cooler making it easy to keep our A/C turned off and enjoy the open windows and fresh air pouring in. I hope this lasts for awhile as I prefer that to blazing heat and a closed up - air conditioned house!!
Wednesday we had a quick but wonderful visit from Julie & Johnny and their youngest two girls ... it was so great to meet baby Cora for the first time, she sure is a cutie!
Johnny and the girls enjoyed the pool ... Ella was a bit tired at this point so she wasn't feelin' real smiley. We missed seeing Haylee, but can't wait to hopefully see her next month when we plan to visit them.
Thursday morning was a day for doing errands, then once again using and enjoying the pool. In the afternoon it clouded over so we headed in side where I was able to do quite a bit of sewing while the girls did some fun art projects - painting and clay!
On Friday my friends Caroline and Sandy were over with their 6 kids (3 each) and we enjoyed talking and having lunch while the kids swam and played.
(Morgun)
(Mason, Morgun and Evan)
And today was another wonderful boating/beach day. We spend most weekends going out on Bob's parent's boat ... then lounging at the beach all day. It's so relaxing and we all enjoy it so much. Here are the tired Father and Daughter ... taking a quick beach snooze.
J really enjoyed some fresh cherries ... check out this cute cherry smile!
H enjoying the beach with Grandpa in the background. 
Bob was thrilled that he caught about 5 or 6 fish ... here are a few pictures ...
H reeled in the biggest one! 
YAY!!
The weather has been beautiful, a little cooler than I would expect but very enjoyable if you ask me. We've had lots of thunderstorms too but they're mostly at night giving us beautiful, sunny days. At night it's been a little cooler making it easy to keep our A/C turned off and enjoy the open windows and fresh air pouring in. I hope this lasts for awhile as I prefer that to blazing heat and a closed up - air conditioned house!!
Wednesday we had a quick but wonderful visit from Julie & Johnny and their youngest two girls ... it was so great to meet baby Cora for the first time, she sure is a cutie!
Johnny and the girls enjoyed the pool ... Ella was a bit tired at this point so she wasn't feelin' real smiley. We missed seeing Haylee, but can't wait to hopefully see her next month when we plan to visit them.
Thursday morning was a day for doing errands, then once again using and enjoying the pool. In the afternoon it clouded over so we headed in side where I was able to do quite a bit of sewing while the girls did some fun art projects - painting and clay!
On Friday my friends Caroline and Sandy were over with their 6 kids (3 each) and we enjoyed talking and having lunch while the kids swam and played.
(Morgun)
(Mason, Morgun and Evan)
And today was another wonderful boating/beach day. We spend most weekends going out on Bob's parent's boat ... then lounging at the beach all day. It's so relaxing and we all enjoy it so much. Here are the tired Father and Daughter ... taking a quick beach snooze.
J really enjoyed some fresh cherries ... check out this cute cherry smile!
H enjoying the beach with Grandpa in the background. 
Bob was thrilled that he caught about 5 or 6 fish ... here are a few pictures ...
H reeled in the biggest one! 
YAY!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The Decision
The decision has been made. We have waited and waited for weeks to find out if the girls would attend a Christian school next year, or if we would continue to homeschool. We finally found out today that we will not be able to get the funding for the Christian school, so therefore we will homeschool again.
In a small way it's a let down. We really liked the school and knew that it would be a good opportunity for the girls. But in a BIG way I'm excited to again have the chance to homeschool. I have had all these great ideas and plans going through my head for the past few weeks and I'm very excited that I will get the chance to use them!
I admit that I'm a little nervous. I've never had to teach them both at the same time, and I've never taught kindergarten (learning to read!!) which is what I'll be doing with J. But like I said, I'm excited and have lots of new ideas I'm hoping to implement.
So there it is, the decision is made and on we go with plans for the coming school year. I'm so thankful to have an answer and be able to move forward!
In a small way it's a let down. We really liked the school and knew that it would be a good opportunity for the girls. But in a BIG way I'm excited to again have the chance to homeschool. I have had all these great ideas and plans going through my head for the past few weeks and I'm very excited that I will get the chance to use them!
I admit that I'm a little nervous. I've never had to teach them both at the same time, and I've never taught kindergarten (learning to read!!) which is what I'll be doing with J. But like I said, I'm excited and have lots of new ideas I'm hoping to implement.
So there it is, the decision is made and on we go with plans for the coming school year. I'm so thankful to have an answer and be able to move forward!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Out door patio project
OK, I promise this is my last post today! I have been so busy working on projects that I'm just now blogging about them all at once!
So we just had our pool put in and we are loving it so far. But it's not attached to our deck, it's kind of near the deck. We are hoping to possibly build the deck out further next summer so they are attached but needed something for right now. We have the steps leading into the pool so we built a patio area at ground level so you can walk easily from the deck to the pool and also so you can get in the pool without having grassy feet.
This was a big project and Bob and I worked on it together today. It was kind of fun doing this together and seeing how nice it looked when it was all done ... plus then when we were all sweaty and tired from working we could just jump in the pool to cool off! His Mom had the girls which made it so much easier to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time. Here are some pictures ...
So we just had our pool put in and we are loving it so far. But it's not attached to our deck, it's kind of near the deck. We are hoping to possibly build the deck out further next summer so they are attached but needed something for right now. We have the steps leading into the pool so we built a patio area at ground level so you can walk easily from the deck to the pool and also so you can get in the pool without having grassy feet.
This was a big project and Bob and I worked on it together today. It was kind of fun doing this together and seeing how nice it looked when it was all done ... plus then when we were all sweaty and tired from working we could just jump in the pool to cool off! His Mom had the girls which made it so much easier to get a lot done in a shorter amount of time. Here are some pictures ...
Sewing Fever
I have had some serious sewing fever lately!! I have all these ideas for all these projects around my home that I want to do ... and now that it's summer I'm finally finding the time to do them! PLUS, I found this fabulous fabric store right near my house where everything is $1.99 a yard! WOOHOO, can't be those prices!
I made curtains for my kitchen oh, um, about a year and a half ago ... but never completed the bottom piece for the cafe style curtains! So this week I finally finished the bottom piece and was very pleased to find some frilly trim that matched perfectly on it!
I also recovered the pillows and cushion on my kitchen bench - they were looking very sad, very stained, and very tired. Some fresh new fabrics, a little extra batting, and some more frilly trim ... and VOILA! They look great again!
And yes, I'm a cheater ... even though I sew, I hate attaching trim to pillows ... so I cheated and HOT GLUED the trim on these pillows! If ya look real close you might be able to tell! Otherwise, it's my little secret ...
Here is another fun little project I made today ... a pretty little apron! I had all these pretty scraps of fabrics from who knows when so I decided last night that I would use them! While watching The Bachelorette last night I started cutting out pieces for the apron and today I put it all together.
If you are a fan of "The Nester's" blog ... you know her mantra is IDHTBPTBB ... or It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. If you look really close at this apron you will see tons of mistakes ... I'm kind of a lazy sewer, I just like to get the project done and don't always focus on the little details. Like how this stitching is looking pretty crooked and crazy!!! Oh well! No one will know because no one will ever look that close! 
My lovely daughters in their lovely PJ's were kind enough to be my apron models ... and yes, it's big enough for a woman, it's just tied tight enough to fit around their little bodies!
I made curtains for my kitchen oh, um, about a year and a half ago ... but never completed the bottom piece for the cafe style curtains! So this week I finally finished the bottom piece and was very pleased to find some frilly trim that matched perfectly on it!
I also recovered the pillows and cushion on my kitchen bench - they were looking very sad, very stained, and very tired. Some fresh new fabrics, a little extra batting, and some more frilly trim ... and VOILA! They look great again!
And yes, I'm a cheater ... even though I sew, I hate attaching trim to pillows ... so I cheated and HOT GLUED the trim on these pillows! If ya look real close you might be able to tell! Otherwise, it's my little secret ...
Here is another fun little project I made today ... a pretty little apron! I had all these pretty scraps of fabrics from who knows when so I decided last night that I would use them! While watching The Bachelorette last night I started cutting out pieces for the apron and today I put it all together.
If you are a fan of "The Nester's" blog ... you know her mantra is IDHTBPTBB ... or It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful. If you look really close at this apron you will see tons of mistakes ... I'm kind of a lazy sewer, I just like to get the project done and don't always focus on the little details. Like how this stitching is looking pretty crooked and crazy!!! Oh well! No one will know because no one will ever look that close! 
My lovely daughters in their lovely PJ's were kind enough to be my apron models ... and yes, it's big enough for a woman, it's just tied tight enough to fit around their little bodies!
Home School Field Day
Last Friday we had a wonderful time participating in the home school field day. This is the Christian homeschoolers group that we belong to ... although it's sad to say I didn't get very involved yet this year ... but maybe next year!
Field day was great, the kids had a wonderful time making new friends as well as playing with some friends they already knew. The games were fun, the weather was gorgeous, it was an A+ day! (haha, little homeschool humor there!)
H is in the red/white stripes ...
J is in the all pink with stripes on the right ...
It was a blessing to see this little guy there ... this is Tyler the little boy who's Mama died unexpectedly about a month ago. I hadn't seen him since then, and wasn't sure if I would just burst into tears the moment I did see him ... but seeing his bright, sunny, smiling face just made me so thankful that he is doing OK. I'm sure his heart aches for his Mama all the time, but he is just such a sweet little boy.
Friday made me realize that I really WANT to homeschool again next year ... with our decision still looming I have been torn about what I really want to see happen. But being a part of a wonderful homeschool community made me think it would be really fun to have the experience of homeschooling again next year. So we'll see ... I am just so happy that we have the freedom and the opportunity to even consider it. We will wait on the Lord ...
Field day was great, the kids had a wonderful time making new friends as well as playing with some friends they already knew. The games were fun, the weather was gorgeous, it was an A+ day! (haha, little homeschool humor there!)
H is in the red/white stripes ...
J is in the all pink with stripes on the right ...
It was a blessing to see this little guy there ... this is Tyler the little boy who's Mama died unexpectedly about a month ago. I hadn't seen him since then, and wasn't sure if I would just burst into tears the moment I did see him ... but seeing his bright, sunny, smiling face just made me so thankful that he is doing OK. I'm sure his heart aches for his Mama all the time, but he is just such a sweet little boy.
Friday made me realize that I really WANT to homeschool again next year ... with our decision still looming I have been torn about what I really want to see happen. But being a part of a wonderful homeschool community made me think it would be really fun to have the experience of homeschooling again next year. So we'll see ... I am just so happy that we have the freedom and the opportunity to even consider it. We will wait on the Lord ...
Happy (Belated) Father's Day!
To my wonderful honey, the amazing father of our two little blessings. I could speak a thousand words and still not adequately express how thankful I am for Bob in my life! Besides, I already showered him with cards, gifts and words of praise on the actual day! =)
Instead I will share a few pictures ... (side note: we did not get ANY pictures on Father's day - which I feel terrible about - the weather wasn't very nice and we just totally forgot!)
January 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
April 2008
June 2008 
June 2008
And I haven't forgotten my two "Dads" - my Dad in heaven and my Father in law who I call my Dad that I get to have now since my own Dad is gone.
I still miss my Dad and still wish he were here to be with us and see his grandkids growing, I will always love him and will always feel a small ache in my heart for him -- and there's a lot more I could say (and might say) at a later time.
My FIL is just an amazing person that I am so thankful for. He is such a great example to his kids and grandkids. I couldn't have asked for a better Father in law.
Instead I will share a few pictures ... (side note: we did not get ANY pictures on Father's day - which I feel terrible about - the weather wasn't very nice and we just totally forgot!)
January 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
March 2008
April 2008
June 2008 
June 2008
And I haven't forgotten my two "Dads" - my Dad in heaven and my Father in law who I call my Dad that I get to have now since my own Dad is gone.
I still miss my Dad and still wish he were here to be with us and see his grandkids growing, I will always love him and will always feel a small ache in my heart for him -- and there's a lot more I could say (and might say) at a later time.
My FIL is just an amazing person that I am so thankful for. He is such a great example to his kids and grandkids. I couldn't have asked for a better Father in law.
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