Copy Cats

 I love watching my littles copy the bigs.  You can just see the wheels turning, as they sit and silently stare and take it in.  And then, the light goes on and there's a change in their expression.  They smile and hop up to the bigs and say something like, "I want to do that too!".  And they do it, and when they're done, they seem to have grown taller a few inches. 

 We were made to imitate.  The apostle Paul said to follow him, as he followed Christ.  And it's so good to have somebody worth following.  In fact, it's absolutely neccessary in my opinion.  I am reading a book right now called, 'Come of Age', by Angus Buchan (the man that Faith Like Potatoes was filmed about).  This book is so sweet to me, because I can confidently follow some of the paths of Angus and his wife.  The Lord shines through them.

 After watching older sisters, Sarah just had to make her own yard sale signs for the neighbor's fundraiser.  I don't think she looks very proud of her work, do you?

Garden of the One True God

One of my family's favorite places to visit when they come out is the Garden of the Gods.  The rock formations are so beautiful and just so different.  There are wonderful trails to walk, and it's all nestled near the base of the Rocky Mountains.  By the way, if you have been following any of the news on the Colorado wildfires, the biggest one has been quite near this place.  Our family got the chance to visit just 2 days before the fires went wild.  And although there are different explanations as to how the rock formations got here, my children will happily walk through the place reminding us all that the Garden of the Gods is really the Garden of the One True God.  And how blessed we were to spend this day together, admiring His handiwork.


Super-Perfect Weather!

Nat, Emily, Emma, and Thomas, waiting for us all to get ready to start.

Can't you just feel the warm sun and fresh air?

My Mom has lost 75 pounds and she practically left us all in the dust!

Super-Sam!

The little girls stopped to make peach pies in the shade.  I think their dresses were light blue before the trip.  Not so blue anymore...

My Little Fishies

When my sisters were here, we had some extra time on our hands while the guys were out with the older kiddos.  Uncle Loren took 2 of his nephews hiking in the mountains, and Uncle Jim and my husband rented a ski boat for the day, complete with a long list of interesting happenings...It seems there is quite a lot to learn in renting your first ski boat and transporting it to a lake you've never been to.  And let's just say us women were quite glad we only went to the pool!
SO...Grandma, us 3 sisters and some of the littles headed off to the Rec. Center for an afternoon in the leisure pool.  And we made some sweet memories.

 This little man is growing up WAY too fast. 

 Rub-a-dub-dub...Three beauties in the tub.



Sweet Ellie floated around to her heart's content.

Em 'n' Em (Emily and Emma)

We're Back!

It's been a while.  The last 6 weeks have been full to overflowing in every way.  I feel like my summer is complete and I am ready to start back to a school schedule!
My Mom flew in and stayed for 5 weeks, we graduated Danny, endured and thoroughly enjoyed a 6 day Speech and Debate National Tournament, attended our state's Homeschool Conference, and hosted a small family reunion with my sisters and their families.  And what do I see as I look back on all the activity?  God has been so gracious to strengthen relationships and personal walks with Him through it all.  There are fingerprints of His goodness amid our tiredness.  June was a sweet, sweet month for us all. 
And with that, I'll leave you with a few shots of my way-too-serious older boys.  Uh-Huh.

I love these guys!

Checking In

I have people checking in with me all day long.

 
In the mornings, my little girls come to my room first thing and tell me about their night, play with Michael, un-make my just-made bed, mess up my stuff, and wait for breakfast.  Then they are off to play for a while. 
Baby does this thing where he lays on his tummy, looks at me, looks away, looks back at me, looks away, looks back at me, and on it goes.  It's obvious he just wants to make sure his Mama is still there! He is checking in. 
My middles are busy throughout the day with school work, chores, projects, and creativity.  They come to me here and there to let me know they are enjoying something, have finished something, or just want to talk.  They are checking in. 
Those older boys check in, too.  Usually starting about 9:30 PM, when I am ready to drop dead in bed.  They want to re-open the kitchen, fry up something meaty and salty, and just hang out and discuss life. 
When my husband has something on his mind, or wants to tell me he loves me, or needs to be reminded his home is still a refuge, he calls and checks in.
Why do I say these things?  Because I am privileged to be this woman in the center, and I don't take it for granted.  I have made many mistakes over the years, some of them quite painful, but through all of my shortcomings, I still get to be the one they come to, when they need to check in. My desire is that they know that my life's work is for them and by the favor and guidance of God I will remain.  

Ellie's New Hat

Isn't it wonderful what 25c can buy you at the Thrift Store? 

Our First Homeschool Graduate!

Well, we did it.  After months of reflecting, praying, and planning, we graduated our first son.

Before Graduation

It was a wonderful ceremony.  There were 8 young men and women graduating with Credo Academy, and each family had a 2 minute slide show for their child's life and 3 minutes to give some sort of speech.  Afterwards, there were munchies and punch, and lots of fellowship. 

After Graduation

But the Sargents just couldn't stop there- I (yes, it was me) invited 9 families over to our 1900 square foot home for the party to keep on going!  I think the last few families left for home around 1:00 in the morning.
In the days following, we were quite tired, and I think quite relieved it was over.  I'm so glad to have it behind me now, and I'm so glad to be looking forward to Danny's next season of life.  He has been given to God all along, and so much more so now.  I am eager to see what our good God will lead Danny into, and how Danny will serve Him in His kingdom.