Facts

Fact...

The Beavers lost the Civil War and Mommy did not punch anyone.

Fact...

You cannot see lice on blonde headed children until they are big enough to wave back at you.

Fact...

Vinegar can cure (almost) anything.

Fact...

My Grandma is the strongest lady I know.

Fact...

Candyland is for 5 year olds....Clue is not.

Fact...

Kids are good forgivers.

Fact...

If you are unfortunate enough to walk into a wasp nest, you will get stung...a lot. You will run into your house with wasps all over you. Your family will get stung by wasps...even your dog. And if you were so brave that you crushed a couple of those mean old wasps in your tiny hand, you will become the most courageous five year old in town. And you will brag about it.

Fact...

Fencing is not for sissy's. Fencing will leave bruises. Fencing masks might carry lice into your home.

Fact...

If you attempt to "decorate" the yard of a family of Duck fans with 6 kids in tow, you will get caught.

Fact...

Two Thanksgivings are better than one.

Fact..

God is so Good...so very, very, Good.

And He loves us....incredibly.

 Zibby and Ben playing pioneers on a chilly Sunday just before the wasp attack.

 My grandma/Mamo, Patricia Dawn Wheatley Henderson, up and smiling after a triple bypass on the week of Thanksgiving.

 Our Friday night Thanksgiving dinner, celebrated early so that Mamo & Papo could join us before the surgery.

 Ben's first fencing tournament. Such a fun sport to watch.

These three beautiful blessings after being tortured and scoured by lice combs & vinegar rinses. The entire house has never been so sanitized....nor have their heads been so clean!

lessons on losing

"Well, Mom, I didn't get elected Vice President."

"Oh, I'm sorry Ben. You would've done a great job. But, I'm so proud of you for trying."

"It's okay...I knew it would be close."

"Are you sad?"

"No, not at all....it's no big deal."

"Good."

"But, when Austin started bragging about it at recess I kind of wanted to punch him."

"I understand. But, if you had won, you would've been proud too."

"It was different than being proud. It was obnoxious."

"Well, I'm sorry about that. But losing builds character. Look at Abraham Lincoln. He lost way more than he won. But he didn't let that get him down."

"I know about Lincoln, he was shot in the back of the head...anyway, I'm done with politics. I'm going to be a Lego designer and a dad."

"Those are great things to be Ben. But I also know that you are a gifted leader, so don't let losing get you down. It's an important part of life. Honestly though, if the Ducks beat the Beavers in the Civil War, I guarantee I'm gonna feel like punching someone too."

He smiles.

Kiwanis Terrific Kid of the Month

No doubt about it. 

on justice for all...

"Who do we vote for? Why do we vote? Does my vote matter? What are you and Dad...Republican or Democrat?"

The influence we have on the opinions and convictions of our children cannot be taken lightly.

This morning we prayed,

"Lord, thank you for our country. Thank you for our freedoms. Thank you for the faith of our forefathers. Thank you for the men and women who have given their lives for liberty and justice for all. Lord, today is in Your hands. We ask that you would direct the hearts of our country to their knees. We ask that you would appoint the leader for our nation that You will. We know that all things are in your hands and that You are working it all together for Your perfect plan. You are in control. Thank you for that knowledge and peace...even when it's hard to know who or what to vote for. You are God. ~Amen."

Aaron and I are registered to different political parties, but agree on most issues. We want the kids to grow with an independence of opinion that is first and foremost surrendered to the convictions that they have been given through the Spirit of God.

I'll be honest...both candidates are not my first choice, but...

 I will not let that stop me from voting.