Books, Books, and More Books

     I've been knee deep in a room full of new textbooks, study guides, lab manuals, test packets, and answer keys, preparing for this next school year, and I couldn't be happier. As we started this homeschool journey this past year,  I wasn't exactly sure where it was headed, but I did know what I wanted to accomplish.
     I desired for our youngest son to be confident, an independent thinker, and free to live life at his own pace. I felt like the past couple of years in public school were achieving nothing but breaking his spirit while trying to keep up with the break neck speed of a race we never signed up for.
     As our oldest son barreled towards high school, I wanted to see him excel in what he does best...academics. Let me be clear, it wasn't that I thought I could give him a better education or teach him in a better way, it's just that he's a self learner...enough said. Homeschooling can allow him to get his needed class work done in a short amount of time, and then off he goes to explore the world. Right now that happens to be space exploration and the means to get there. He spends hours bent over books studying ever single piece that goes into building and engineering a rocket into space, and then breaking it apart and figuring out what can make the next one better. It's way over my head, but he's seeked it out, on his own, an internship at Space X as soon as he's old enough to apply. I think we'll be okay!!
     I've seen so many changes in the boys over this last school year. We've spent so many hours together as a family digging into heart issues. I know without a doubt that we are on the right road. I'm seeing happy boys with content hearts, hearts seeking a big God, with big plans.

“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?” - Nehemiah 6:3 (NLT)

Boys of Summer

This post is just because... just because the sun has set on another day, just because the boys are another day older, just because I cherish these days...

Boredom leads to creativity, which usually leads to laughter in the Rhoades house. We decided to do an impromptu photo shoot today... just because. 

Oh sweet boy, with the long eyelashes and the heart as BIG as Texas, I can't wait to see where God takes ya. I feel like an observer more than a parent. Oh, I guide, and I teach, and I discipline. I dish out love in heaps. I hug and I kiss, for I know you'll be waving goodbye way before I'm ready to let go. I've also learned to listen, and to sit back and watch, for your hand in God's is way more inspiring to watch from the backseat, and I dare not interrupt.

Baby boy, the one that makes me laugh, I never thought you would outgrow my lap, oh but you did. I'm so proud of who you are. My sweet boy who sees the good in everyone. Life is but a party that's just waiting for you to show up. Smiles and hugs galore, you stop to ask for a hug, and I don't dare pass those by. I hold on a little longer. I know one day they will be so few and far between. God will move you out in to the world to share that smile with so many more, and I cherish these days.