April

 April was a month with more little battles than usual.  I felt like each week, I was looking for verses for both Jackson and me.  Our spiritual muscles were exercised, OFTEN!  

"All things work for good for those that love him." Romans 8:28

What we often place value on, things that seem so important, the errors that we focus on, seldom change where we are going.  Too often, we get caught up on past sins, attainments, accomplishments, and failures.  We lose our way and and lose sight of God's bigger picture.  We must remember that God uses it all, good and bad, for the journey and it's all preparation for what lies ahead.  God loves us so much, that he is always working FOR us.  Do your best and know that God will take care of the rest:-)  

"I am sprinting toward the only goal that counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed." Philippians 3:14

I've always heard that when you are racing, you shouldn't look back to see how close others are to you.  I know firsthand that it slows my pace when I focus on what's going on behind me.  I've even noticed how in Pilates class, when I am attempting some new balancing move and I look around at others, I end up losing MY focus and balance.  Isn't that an appropriate lesson in comparing oneself to others? We are all running a race but in this race, nobody else's time is important:-)    

"Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.  They will soar high on wings like eagles."  Isaiah 40:31

The boys and I read a great devotion last month about eagles.  Eagles learn to fly and hunt by observing their parents.  Imprinting is done when the eaglets are about 8-10 weeks old. It's not instinctive for them to learn to fly.  The parents begin the process of teaching them to fly by hovering over the nest and flapping their wings.  The babies then learn to do the same. Eventually, they are ready for flight and the parents nudge them from the nest. What lessons did I take from this?  Flight is a process for eagles.  They aren't born knowing how to fly just as our children aren't born knowing how to walk.  Some things must be learned and life (and parents) can be great teachers.  Additionally, eagles must face into the wind to experience lift.  That sounds hard, much like life at times.  But guess what?  Without the wind and the air pressures working together, there's no soaring.  Soaring allows them to save energy because they don't have to flap their wings as often.  Okay, here's the symbolism....we can rest in the Lord when we soar....and yet again, I'm back to that trusting thing....believing that it'll all work for good in my life.  I can definitely rest in that!  

Here's a reminder to my boys, who will one day read this: you will mess up and you will make mistakes. Don't get hung up on failure.   If you know Him and follow Him, failure won't keep you from what He has for you.  Enjoy the run, the walk, the journey, and the soaring.  God's got this!  

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.  ~Winston Churchill.

Webb met me at the YMCA one evening to pick up S so I could go to class.  The firefighters were leaving and asked if S wanted to sit in the truck.  What a treat!  

S's depiction of his daddy.  We framed this and sent it to work with Webb.

More art!  The boys and I created an Easter cottage.  

Jackson catching

I took the boys to play mini golf one week.  It was Sawyer's first trip.  He finished the course in record breaking time!  He was done in 20 minutes!  

These guys are so funny together!  

Cole

Addison

Yes, I let them order the largest snowball.  No, they didn't feel good afterwards.  

We came home that day to this note and broken toy on our front porch.  There are honest people in this world!  The UPS man ran over S' toy and left a note saying he would replace it.  

This is what homeschool socialization looks like;-)  

Homeschool day at the park

At the beach with Garrett

Fort Fisher- this gave me the creeps.  We let the big boys walk to the end of one side.  

Exploring

The ferry is leaving for Southport

The big boys couldn't tolerate the gnats.  They were awful.

A quick photo while being attacked by the gnats

This cat was a keeper.  I wish we could've brought him home but I'm pretty sure some family would've missed him.

NC State Farm Days

                                                            Covered Bridge- Troy

They ventured off the path (imagine that!) and found these guys

Beautiful butterfly and flower there on the path

We learned that day that box turtles can survive underwater.  Ask this guy how we found out.  

Low Water Bridge

Pretty with her boo-boo's and all:-)

This was the highlight of the trip.  These two discovered a rope swing.  It looked like such fun!  

Jackson

Chase

Playing in the Uwharrie

Jumping Off Rock- we only stayed long enough to take three pictures.  This is too much for my heart to handle, being the mother of adventurous boys.  Yikes!