what shall we do?

We're pretty casual around here these days. We don't make any plans. We might do quiet things like reading and playing memory all day. Or we might run around. We might stay in or we might go out.






We'll get in the pool for a while. We might get in again later, or we might not.

When it's time to get dressed, Braden might put together an ensemble like this one.





Or he might not.

Hiding God's Word

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:9- 11

"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." John 14:26

I didn't post this today to brag about my kids' amazing mental abilities. And I can't take credit for this either. They learn a verse every month in their sunday school class. If your church doesn't have a program for teaching children to memorize scripture, I encourage you to do it at home. It doesn't take much time at all- at this age they are like sponges. Trevor learned a verse every week through AWANA Cubbies. We would spend maybe 30 minutes a week learning the verse at home, then he would go to Cubbies and recite it to his teachers. He finished his entire book this year, which means that he memorized about 28 verses over the course of the year. I don't know about you, but he's way ahead of me! We're very proud of all his hard work! I believe (and know from my own childhood experience at AWANA) that if children learn scripture at a young age, it will always be there in their hearts. Many years later, as an adult, he will recall the Word of God hidden in his heart as a child, when he needs it most.

Botanical Architecture

I have no idea what this plant is, but it's all over our city, and even our yard. I've only seen it in yellow and orange. It doesn't require any special care. (i.e. deadheading. I hate deadheading.) It grows about 4-5 ft tall and will bloom all summer long. I think the structure of the flower make it beautiful even if only a few of the blooms are open. Is anyone acquainted with this plant? It is one of my favorites here.

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

Meanwhile, I struggled for exactly the right BB gun hint. It had to be firm, but subtle. "Flick says he saw some grizzly bears near Pulaski's candy store!"



"I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!"

- A Christmas Story








Trevor and Dad went on a special outing together and came home with this. Officially, this is Trevor's new BB gun. Imagine how much I laughed when I saw that it was a Red Ryder! Dad went through the four firearm safety rules: Treat, Never, Keep Keep. Before they took it out of the box, Trevor could recite them by heart.



Dad showed him how to line up the sight, how to operate the safety, how to cock the gun. He didn't need to show him how to pull the trigger.


Then they went outside to try it out. I'm not sure if Trevor will remember this when he's older, but I know his Dad will never forget it.

Disclaimer: I never imagined my son would own a gun while he lived in my house, but when I married a Marine, I had to make peace with them. My motto is: Guns aren't toys. This is definitely not a toy, it is a weapon. This is not for playing; it is for early firearm education and pest control. Never allow children to use a firearm unsupervised. Teach them about firearm safety.