The White White House: What's New

Another season of baseball is in the books, another school year is almost complete and summer break is on the way. It's all a little bittersweet; the reality of only one more year of middle school is ahead of us. My babies are growing up!

We've learned so much, as we do every year. Sometimes I think I am getting the best education of all, learning about my children, always questioning if I am doing things the best way and failing in many areas weekly yet seeing how God gives me some of the best lessons in my failures and in my searching and seeking. It's never about me and that's a constant reminder. I feel like I have weeks when I am frustrated with the path and my patience is greatly tested but I know that each day with my boys is something to treasure. I'm getting an education in life and learning. For one, I never knew that history could be so exciting and that my faith could be strengthened by the study of it. I'm amazed at how much everything in the history books confirms the majority of what's in the Bible. Sawyer is learning too. As we studied Plato today, we were also made aware that Sawyer knows a lot about Plato (Playdough) and even has some in the kitchen (those were his words). I guess he's really listening to most of our conversations even when his head is in the game, Goat Simulator.

We've studied so much of creation this year and learned a lot about technology and inventions. Much of this we may forget but as I said, the lessons I have learned and and memories of our time together are long lasting. Jackson's ability to understand math concepts is surpassing mine (should I even admit that here?). I'm really not his math teacher though, just the coordinator. All of his math is taught through a program via the Macbook and the principal(Webb:-) fills in the gaps when more instruction and review is required. It's been a good year overall. I'll soon start researching and planning for 8th grade but for now, we will take a mental hiatus and enjoy the down time.

Last but not least, we've taken on a BIG project lately, besides taking in a new puppy;-) We are building! It's been nearly 19 years since Webb and I last built a home but we are excited to soon have a small family getaway in the country. This experience has been much different, for one, we aren't planning a wedding while building. We also have a better foreman this time around; special thanks to our wonderful coordinator/project manager from Montgomery County, Granddaddy, who has made so much of this possible. I hope that my family and friends who are reading this get to share this special place with us throughout the years.

Last game of the season- Jackson and Sawyer are running the bases and Webb is waiting at home plate.

Our country cottage

We put lots of miles and lots of dirt on shoes. I think the boys need new ones:-)

Checking out Remus' ride

Pup checking out the newly graded area

Beautiful view

A little Minecraft and puppy love

Rotten, just like the other dog

She loves Sawyer's boots

New Life
Our caterpillars transformed into butterflies. Unfortunately, Jackson didn't want to participate in the release.
He's also in a new phase of life:-)

Watching us through the fence

This one hatched as we were releasing another

Chasing after a butterfly

Striking a pose for the camera

Strawberry pickin'

Pre bike ride on the Neuse

This looks like one large rock but it's not and Sawyer fell right in

No shirt

Andrew, Cole, Sawyer and Granddaddy
We had such a wonderful time. Most of the best things in life really are free.

No shirt, no shoes, no problem:-)

Moving up to the big bike that was once Jackson's

Jackson<3

Super Poppi (notice the cape) & Superman

A beautiful rainbow over Cary a few weeks and a beautiful reminder that God keeps His promises

Napping

He's got it made!

New treasures I found in the dryer:-)

Mother's Day cake from Whole Foods

Another Mother's Day gift;-)

Mother's Day flowers

We have strawberries

And blueberries and soon we will have more herbs and veggies. What's not to love about this time of year (beside the NC humidity)!

These treats were enjoyed by many, and not just the dogs. Yep, some kids got into them and didn't know they were dog treats. Apparently, they taste like the real thing. There's never a shortage of dull moments around the White house.