Ready or not....Here Comes Summer!

School's Out...finally I always look forward to the summer months. No more homeschool! No more school projects and homework! No more carpool, packed lunches and clock watching! However, what that leaves is lots of free time together, which provides lots of opportunity for each of us to grow in grace. Last summer, I made a schedule that really helped us keep our days structured. I plan to do the same this year. I approach summer like I do a new year; fresh starts and goal setting. Here are my TOP 10 things I hope to accomplish with my family this summer...

10) Get on a daily chore schedule.

9) Have a Family Devotion every morning.

8) Decrease the # of hours kids spend watching/playing media.

7) Have the kids work together to paint our wooden playground.

6) Complete a new 500 pc. puzzel we received.

5) Have the kids come up with an idea for a community or neighborhood service project.

4) Have each of us read at least 1 book.

3) Enjoy a family vacation (just us)

2) Teach each of the kids something new.

1) Laugh alot and enjoy each other!

Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Extreme Makeover-Backyard

WOW! What a couple of crazy days it was around here last week. Since we moved into the house three years ago, one of the BIG projects on the list was to put in some retaining walls on the hill in the backyard. The dirt came in by the truckloads...and before I knew it, we were surrounded by large machinery my boys only dreamed of ever having in their own backyard! It was a bit overwhelming at the time...but it has made a huge difference! Thank you Lord for giving my husband a desire of his heart!

Taking the Plunge!

We made a big decision to go in with a few other friends (Watkins & Padgetts) and purchase a used Pontoon Boat. We didn't let the fact that we have no experience or knowledge about owning a boat hold us back. We thought it might be a new adventure and a fun way to spend some family time. (Not to mention a few romantic date nights). So, today we went out on the boat for the first time and given the fact that it's Memorial Day weekend and the lake was very busy...Brian did great! There were lots of little coves to drop anchor and go swimming. The kids had a great time. We are looking forward to enjoying a new hobby for the summer. She's certainly not the fastest or the prettiest boat out on the lake...but she's ours!

Happy Birthday Uncle Chris!

Believe it or not Uncle Chris turns 39 today! We are so thankful that we get to celebrate this special day with him. Looking back on this past year, we cannot miss the opportunity to praise the Lord for bringing Chris through a very difficult year. He now has been able to replace his broken heart with a new song in his heart! To celebrate that new song, we gave him an ipod for his birthday. It is so fun to bless others. Thank you Lord for the opportunity and for loving my brother more than I could ever imagine. Happy Birthday Chris...may this be your best year yet!

Kindergarten Graduate!

Brandon had his kindergarten graduation ceremony on Thursday night. It was so cute and a bit emotional to see our last child move into the elementary years. But, we were again reminded of God's faithfulness. Many of you will recall how Brandon had such a difficult start to this school year (adjusting to a new school and meeting new friends) The little guy who graduated the other night is certainly not the same little boy who begged me not to take him to school. We are so thankful for the Lord's kindness and very proud of the little man Brandon is starting to be.

Madison meets Clara Barton

Madison's 3rd grade history class is studying the Civil War and each student was assigned a specific person to research and then present the facts to the class...in character. Madison learned all she ever wanted to know about Clara Barton. (quick...do you remember who she is?...civil war nurse, founded the Red Cross). Anyway, Brian and I were able to come and watch her presentation. She did a great job.

Who loves Pizza?

So Brian orders pizza last night for dinner. We thought we would try a new place that just opened a few months ago (Big Pie in the Sky Pizzeria). Instead of getting two large pizzas (like we always do) Brian decided to order the XL size...and I''m telling you-it was the largest pizza I have ever seen. It was a 30 inch pie! The pizza slices were unbelievable; the menu advertises the slices are "bigger than your head!" I think the slices were bigger than Brandon's entire body! To make the whole experience even better-it was the Best pizza I have ever had in Atlanta!

Update on Brandon's eye condition

I took Brandon to a Pediatric Eye Specialist last week and was encouraged with his diagnosis. This doctor did not believe that Brandon has Amblyopia. After several tests, he felt that the eye itself was healthy and that it was more of a "focus" problem that is causing Brandon's two eyes to be out of balance with each other. The doctor increased his eye prescripton and wants to see him back in a month. He's hopeful that there will be an improvement even in that short period of time. We thank God for leading us to this doctor and are rejoicing in His faithfulness to show his love and care. Please continue to pray for Brandon's eyesight to improve. We will continue to keep you updated.

Mother's Day Bouquet

The kids woke me up this morning with Mother's Day greetings. One at a time, they each walked in handing me a different flower. After all five had expressed their love and hugs, I had a beautiful bouquet . It was a very sweet way to start my day, but even more special was the thought I had as I arranged the flowers. Just like each flower, each of my children are unique and different. Some are vibrant and easily noticed, where as others just fall into the background. Some are wide open and in full bloom, and others I wait with eager anticipation to open up. Each has its own aroma-some stronger, maybe even sweeter. Others may even have a few thorns I need to watch out for. Separately, each of them display beauty, but gathered together reflect a wonderful example of God's kindness to me; He has abundantly blessed me with a beautiful bouquet of children!

Baseball Fever!

Bats are a crackin' and balls are a flyin' as ALL the Andrew's boys are having lots of fun playing baseball. Brandon and Brian Jr. are on the same team "The Mets" (for all you NY Fans) and Brian (dad) is playing on our church softball team. It has been fun to see the little guys learning the game. Brian Jr. already hit one over the fence! Brandon has been playing 2nd base and gets lots of action. Almost turned a double-play last game! The brothers have had several "opportunities" to encourage the other when one of them makes a good play. It's not alway easy to avoid wanting to "out-do" your brother. And Brian (dad) is learning a few tough realities too. As he comes home with a new sore spot after every game.

Lauren's Moment to Shine!

What a HUGE blessing Lauren received this past Friday. She is involved in her first year of Journalism at school. The journalism staff puts out a monthly school newspaper, where all articles, pictures, and layout of paper are handled by the students. They were invited to take part in the GSPA (Georgia Scholoastic Press Association) ceremony-where their articles/paper are evaluated and rated on four levels. Lauren received a "superior" rating for one of her news articles and was recognized at the ceremony. She has worked very hard this year and we could not be more proud of her. But what is especially sweet is to see her use the gifts God has given her. "You Go Girl!"