February Update

It has been simply beautiful here the past week or so. We have taken advantage of the unseasonably warm temperatures and the blue skies. Riding bikes in the afternoons, playing outside all day on Saturday, a trip to Vicksburg on Sunday, etc...It’s been fun!
Luci joined ‘the boys’ (ben and a few other neighborhood boys) in digging in the dirt with Tonka trucks. What a mess she made! Her pink jeans were practically black in the legs, but she had so much fun that only the promise of a bath (Bath = more fun) could pry her away.
Sunday we took a ride over to Vicksburg to drive through the Military Park. The kids always enjoy this--not sure if it’s the wide open spaces and history or the fact that we let them ride with no seatbelts in the park. But for whatever reason, they always have fun. Last Spring when we went the boys decided how much fun it would be to be able to slide down some of the hills in the park so this time we brought some sheets of cardboard. A quick trim, some dry grass, a semi-steep hill, and they were in business!! Sliding down the hill, sometimes coming to a slow gradual stop and sometimes coming to a sudden stop, was a thrill and a half for the boys! Luci even got in on the action with Dad to help her. What fun! The thought crossed my mind while the boys roared with laughter that some might find it disrespectful to have so much fun on this “battlefield”. I thought about that for a few minutes and the conclusion I came to was that ANY soldier, no matter the flag he fought under, who shed blood on that battlefield would look at those children laughing and playing today and know that this is the America he fought for. Our children understand (to whatever ability they are capable) the importance of the Military Park and the significance of the bloodshed there. But there is no harm in taking advantage of some downright awesome hills on a warm sunny day!
The kids have been getting Valentines in the mail all week long. We signed up for the Sonlight Valentine Swap again and are mailing (and receiving) Valentines world wide. They also got Valentines from Grammy and Gramps today and Luci’s included a princess crown she could decorate with stickers. Ben helped her decorate her crown, and then was so taken by the idea of being her “King” that he (with Gavin’s help) made a crown for himself. The picture above was taken tonight with them wearing their crowns and robes...Ben’s, obviously is a towel--but, hey, it works! The loving look on Ben’s face and the way Luci is looking up at him is just super sweet to me! I love those tender moments!
I didn’t mention school at all in writing this blog, but it isn’t for a lack of “school” talk. School continues, and is going well. I think sometimes the best part of homeschooling though, is the family closeness that happens as a result. Sure, spending so much time together does cause arguments and temper tantrums, but overall it simply gives us more chances for those random times when we can grow closer. I wish that I could put into words what it is like to see them together when they are at their best. Encouraging each other, helping, and even teaching each other. Gavin helping his sister count, Ben helping her with a puzzle, Luci tellling me “My big brothers helped me!”, the boys working together on a project...So many opportunities. It’s all priceless. I think, unfortunately, others don’t see those moments nearly as often as I do and I’m thankful that I’m able to witness it.