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So, Judah and I  had some time yesterday. I thought we hadn’t had an intentional Family Fun event in awhile, so….why not grab some pop, some mint candies and create a reaction of some kind.  Here’s our adventure.

Judah was excited for the candy

Not sure what to expect.

so I kinda freaked out a little - I hate getting dirty.

Impressive, huh?

Even Judah was a little unsure

1st round over. Diet Coke shoots pretty high.

hmmm, Judah you think Diet Dr pepper would shoot higher? Let's try.

Judah starting to get into this pop experiment stuff.

pretty high too.

funky shot

All done. Judah loved it and Diet Coke worked best in case you wondered.

Esther, Judah and I were setting up for a sleep over in the basement and it was decided that jumping off the couch would be more fun.

Setting up for our sleepover in the basement

Getting side-tracked. Couch jumping to ensue.

Judah about to launch...

Getting some good air.

attempting a 360.

crazy jump attempt #1

crazy jump attempt #2

dual jump

didn't turn out so good for Judah

My blessings.

Moose & Juice - man i love 'em!

Esther is turning six and grade one is looming around the corner. I say looming because what was once clear in my mind is not so very clear anymore.

Context:

I was home schooled from grades 7-12. I didn’t like it very much at all. Notice, I didn’t say it wasn’t beneficial for me. However, I always promised myself that I would never home school my kids. This past year Naomi and I decided to home school Esther for Kindergarten. It ended up being a wonderful experience for both of them. I figured no big deal. Kindergarten isn’t mandatory anyways, so no big deal.

However grade one is the real deal. This is official. I have been quite adamant about my stance with Naomi, and I have had to ask for forgiveness on a couple occasions because I have been a little over the top in my attitudes and responses back to her.

Dilemma:

I’m actually starting to lean towards homeschooling. Amazingly and frustratingly I think that is the educational route we as a family are potentially suppose to take. It’s frustrating, because I still have my stubborn pre-determined opinions, but my heart is slowly changing.  So, what would you do? Or, what did you do?

Just for clarity:

We have no issues with our educational systems, no political agendas, just a passion to raise godly children. And we are still discerning God’s will for our family. No decision has been made yet.

Being a parent is much more difficult than I ever thought, but I love it!

As a family Naomi and I try and have consistent family fun events with the kids. I found great comfort when someone once told me that these don’t have to be the big, well thought out events we sometimes think we need to plan as parents. Often they aren’t even close to being well thought out. They are however intentional times where we as a family can laugh, play and have fun together. This time round I decided to do a quick round of “Egg Olympics” prior to me leaving for church.

Pre competition prep while the kids still sleep

Kids just waking up

The choosing of the eggs

Choosing which egg will run in the first race

Judah taking his mark

Esther still sleepy but getting ready to race

They're off!

Almost at the finish line

Winner of Heat #1 Esther!

A little less enthusiasm from Judah with a second place finish

Next Heat, egg smash. Egg left standing wins.

Judah's egg starts to explode (wish I had set a faster shutter speed)

A mess is now unavoidable

Oh, oh!

Judah declares himself the winner & incredibly Esther believes him.

Good sportmanship

It was declared a draw.

The spoils of battle go to Jackson

Anyways, a quick snapshot into some “Egg Olympics” at the Herbold household early Friday morning.

I have been reflecting on the special moments when my kids look at me. I thought a quick video would be a good reminder for me the next time I don’t pay attention to the depth behind each expression my child shares with me. During the process God met me. I love how He interrupts our journey to speak and remind us of truth. For me it was that even though I quickly forget the special moments He gives me with my kids, He has never forgotten anyone of the expressions of my face when I look to Him. He is faithful, He sees me, enjoys me, is proud of me, and loves to laugh with me. He has never forgotten.

I hope that my kids will always know how much their dad loved and loves them and that he treasures every moment with them.

I trust that He will also encourage and remind you of special moments with Him and others.

A big shout out to Carlos Whittaker and this post. It was the still images in his video that started me down this road…