Whose Responsibility?

Brian had a good talk with Zach last night. We realized that we were trying to tell him things that we had not fully explained. We had not told him that we struggle with things sometimes and it is normal for him to do so.

They talked about outreach. They talked about spiritual growth. They talked about responsibility. In the end, the botttom line is this, only Zach is responsible for his spiritual growth. We will help him, give him the tools, study with him, refer him to the youth minister with questions, etc. But, he has to be the one to actually do it.

In that vein, not everything that occurs at church is designed to "feed him." He can only feed himself. Brian explained that we are all guilty of feeling that way at times - man that sermon didn't apply to me - he was talking to those who weren't there. Man, I don't feel like I am being "fed." Man, that music was lame. Etc, etc. Basically, we are being self-centered. We are making it all about us. Not about a relationship with God. We want someone to feed us, make us feel good. Do what WE want. That is not what it is about. We have to take ownership of our growth.

Finally, I am hopeful that Zach took to heart this discussion. There are different purposes for different activities - worship, fellowship, outreach, etc. And as he grows as a Christian, he should continue to seek the Word and feed himself as he finds his place within those purposes. Further more, I am hopeful that Brian and I can be an example for all the kids concerning these issues. They are certainly areas in which I need to grow!

I write this because as my kids continue to grow, the more I think they know, the more I realize that they don't always fully understand. Kids don't learn by osmosis. They must be taught intentionally. If we do that in school, then why don't we do it at home?

What things are you working on teaching your kids intentionally? Will you help hold me accountable for doing the same?

Puzzle Cakes!

My mom sent us a Build- A- Cake Puzzle cake set. It comes with silicone baking cups to arrange and create fun shapes. Today, Lizzie did the butterfly with a little help from me. And I mean little. She even cracked the eggs and then reported, as she licked the batter, "Oh, I just ate half a shell!"

Lizzie and her masterpiece

Ummm. . . yea. . . that is a butterfly!

We had a lot of "accidently" getting our fingers in the icing.

And if you have it on your fingers, they you HAVE to lick it off!

Bottom line? I would suggest this activity to anyone. It was a fun thing to do on a rainy day and I can't wait to see what kind of "object" she wants to make next time!

Nature and Wildlife

Just a few pictures of some of the nature and wildlife we have experienced lately.

The poor deer who went through our yard and got caught in the commons area. He wanted to go back through our yard, but was too nervous. He finally ran the other way.

Love this shot!

Zach's baseball has been a little rough this year. This quote from the Bad New Bears would have been appropriate a few times thus far.

[after the Bears lose 18-0]

Coach Morris Buttermaker: Come on, fellas. Rome wasn't built in a day.

Ogilvie: Yeah, it took several hundred years.

BUT - the boys NEVER give up! They are a good group of boys and I like how they push on no matter what the circumstances. Tonight, was one of those "not gonna give up nights!" We were getting beat 11 - 5, but we were rallying and it had been one heck of a inning. The end of this game could have been a scene in the Bad News Bears. Just imagine this:

Great inning. . . great hitting, great base running, two outs. Zach is up to bat, men on second and third and the count is full. As he prepares for the final pitch for the walk, hit or strikeout, the ump raises his hands and calls time. He saw lightening. Seriously?!? It appears that the storm we had been waiting on is finally moving in. There ends the game. Zach is just SURE he would have gotten a hit !

Me? I have no idea what that pitch would have brought. But, I have to admit that I was somewhat relieved. The thought of him striking out and ending the game made me want to puke. I could just imagine his frustration with that. But then again, maybe he would have gotten a hit. We will never know.

I do know that this quote from the Bad News Bears is true:

Coach Morris Buttermaker: All I know is when we win a game, it's a team win. When we lose a game, it's a team loss.

Yea, try telling that to the boy who strikes out to lose the game. Or the pitcher who gives up six runs in an inning. Those are tough pills to swallow!

My hope is that now that the team has had a taste of what it feels like to field, hit and run the bases well we will continue with it. They just have to remember this:

Fundamentals are the most valuable tools a player can possess. Bunt the ball into the ground. Hit the cutoff man. Take the extra base. Learn the fundamentals.

Dick Williams

And no, I did NOT take the above picture.

Woo Hoo - School is out!

Tomorrow the kids report to school to pick up their report cards. They only have to stay as long as it takes to get the report card and I am officially done as of 10 am!!!!

Some comparison shots:

The first day of the 2010-2011 school year.

The end of the 2010- 2011 school year.

Lizzie and her friend on the first day of kindergarten.

Lizzie and her bestie on the last day of kindergarten.

Brian and I didn't realize just how much they had changed over the year.