We made it through the first day.

So, day 1 is down of the first day of the 2009-2010 school year. How did it go? I would say pretty good. I don't think it will ever be a relief to me that the kids are in school and I have "the day to myself". When they use to go to school, I pretty much counted the minutes as I did yesterday, or helped in their classrooms 3 times a week. But I was so proud of both of them. They have a confidence and understanding that I didn't have at their ages, and it was so cool to see them just walk in and start a new phase of their life with such courage. I love that.
Jordan came in the door yesterday afternoon with such a grin, I knew that he had a pretty good day. He said that it was pretty much like Riverlink (the school that offered a few classes they took last year for homeschoolers) but way longer. We laughed at some of his teachers, prayed and thanked God for being so awesome, and ate snacks and watched movies. I don't know why I feel differently when he comes home from school than when he is just at a friend's, but it was wonderful to just look at him. I am sure that part will get better...or else he is going to really be freaked out. :)
Jasmine seemed to have a good day too. When she walked in the door, she truly looked just exhausted. Having volleyball practice makes for a REALLY long day, and as much as she loves a good party, she is my homebody girl. I think we will both miss the days of doing school in jammies a lot. But she said she had no trouble finding classes, and felt pretty comfortable. She wants to be in Art rather than Choir, so I am really hoping I can negotiate that today. We will see.
God took care of us all yesterday, as He always does. I woke up yesterday with such a peace, it didn't make sense. I think having so many "before school starts" activities like band camp, volleyball, open houses, etc really helped me get over the first day hump early, and spending a couple of hours yesterday morning with other moms praying for all the school kids in Vancouver really helped get my focus back where it should be. I love you, Lord- you are far too gracious for my peanut brain to understand. :)

This is a photo of what discipline in our house looks like. A little intimidation always goes a long way. Bahahahahahaha!

No, really. Jordan was kind of mouthing off last week, and the next thing I know, I turn around and Steve has jumped up on the bar and staring menacingly at Jordan. Needless to say, the effect was hilarious and we all started busting up. Steve looked like he was going to jump onto Jordan, so Jo spent the next couple minutes running around the island trying to avoid Steve. Just an average day in our house. Now you know why we will miss our kids during the days so much. Who will we harass?

Courage that is contagious...book reviews rock!

"Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do no do well, sin is crouching at the door; and it's desire is for you, but you must master it.." Genesis 4:6-7

"God wouldn't expect us to master our inner urges if He didn't first give us the ability to do it...(God) has placed courage deep within us. He wants us to cultivate it. That's why He said to Joshua, "Be strong and courageous." It was a command, not a request. God wouldn't expect Joshua to practice a quality He had not first placed within him. Once we exercise courage, God strengthens it." Tim Kimmel

Thought I would share another good book with you. Tim Kimmel wrote a very intriguing book called Home Grown Heroes based on the idea that taking eight God given principles and LIVING THEM, could help us establish a strong foundation for the next generation to live better than before. To truly believe great things of God and stop making excusing and start using their "internal muscle" of courage that God has planted in their souls.
One of my favorite chapters talks about the priest Eli and the mishandling of the apprenticeship of his sons. (You gotta read the book to get the details!) Good intentions will not complete the job, this book dares to say we must put those ideals into practice. "Courage is the natural result of internal disciplines".
This is a super fast read, full of real life stories of courage, Biblical examples and scriptures that will bless your heart as you pray for your families. Kimmel is also pretty witty, which always makes a good book better. Come borrow it, buy it, or check it out from the library. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this read years ago, and revisiting it with teenagers was a good reminder that my kids are my greatest disciples. If I want them to know and love their God with passion and courage, I better know and love MY God with passion and courage everyday. Spending the day at VBS and watching the personalities and gifts of all the kids- from crew leaders to preschoolers- my heart did somersaults for the potential there! What an impact our kids could make- should they believe God at His word to do amazing things through them. Oh, Father...let it be so, and let us live to see the day!

(Just had to introduce you to my new niece, Olivia Tuesday- in all her 4 pound, 10 ounce glory! The first picture is the only recent photo I have with my incredible kids, Jasmine is truly beautiful underneath all that hair...hehehehe why, oh why must the beach be so windy?)