What I'm Reading

I have been on a reading streak lately. It seems I read alot in a short time, then go for a while without picking up a book. This is a great book for mothers. The Ministry of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. She gives alot of helpful advice and encouragement for moms about being intentional about teaching values to our children. I am enjoying this book.

I love Dr. Leman's books. This is a down to earth, easy to read book about raising children. I have read several of his books and always glean alot of valuable information.

Since I have a new crop of boys, I decided to re-read this book and it is just as good the second time through. It refutes alot of cultural craziness and explains why boys are the way they are. I think every parent of boys need to read this book. The chapters on fathers and mothers are very eye opening.

I stumbled on her blog a few years ago and read every word she wrote. I started her book last night and even though I know the story, I couldn't put the book down and finally went to bed at 1 am after shedding several tears. Angie Smith is an excellent writer.

This is a heavy book. I bought it years ago, started it, put it down and didn't pick it back up for about five years. It is an excellent Bible study, but more than that, it is an instruction manual for discipleship, including parenting. I can only read a few pages at a time because the pages are full of truth that need to be meditated on.

I heartily recommend all of these books.

Anna and Ellie's Softball Game

Today was the first softball game of the season. There was much excitement in the air and in our house. Both girls are on the Braves and both girls outdid themselves today.

Anna has played for several years and has gotten better each year. She is one of the better players and a great hitter.

This is Ellie's second year and she is developing into a great player. She got a hit everytime she got up today!

Anna hit it farther than she ever has today!

This was the last inning of the game. The score was tied with the bases loaded and 2 out. Ellie was up and got a hit and won the game! It was very exciting.

We love going and watching the girls' games. The atmosphere is encouraging to all the girls, but there is plenty of friendly competition. It is a fun family activity for all of us.

Sam's First Tee Ball Game

He was very excited to play in his first ball game. He was running to his field. Notice how his feel aren't even touching the ground!

He was the only one on his team that did not hit off the tee. The coach pitched to him and he hit it easily.

Of course, his tongue helped him with the concentration!

Off to first base.

I'm not really sure what he was telling this girl, but their conversation was intense!

Go Sam! He scored a run!

I love this picture of these two little boys so excited!

He was so proud of his muddy pants. He told me he slid into the base.

He loved it and was thrilled when he realized he was going to get to do it again.

I love this boy!

Ben at the Ballgame

Ben was not very happy in these pictures. He was so, so thirsty and wanted a drink. He didn't realize mom spent all her change buying him snacks because he was so, so hungry.

Ooooh. The evil eyes.

Oh wait. Here's some big rocks. Maybe I'm not as thirsty as I think.

Little boys don't need water. They need rocks and lots of them!

Emma at the Ball Game

While we were at the ballgames, Paul bought a pickle and let Emma try it. He didn't get it back.

She LOVED it!

She sucked it dry and then ate the little pieces.

She sure is cute; however, she did smell alot like pickles. She had to have a bath as soon as we got home!

100 Days

Sam celebrated a significant milestone in Kindergarten last week. He finished 100 days of school and completed his 100 chart. He was so excited!

It seems like such a lot of numbers to fill in when you start, so it is quite exciting to finish.

Here is his 100!

The curriculum we use has him put 1 straw in a box for every day. So by now, he has 100 straws in his box that he counts every day.

He is doing well in school and reading simple words. He is very quick to understand new concepts and is a joy to teach.

We are both enjoying ourselves!

Benjamin

Benjamin was eating dinner tonight and enjoying every bite. "Mom" he called. "Dis is bery licious." Might be the best compliment ever.