Sweatin' With A Smile On!!!

Earlier this month our church had Vacation Bible School. As we were driving home one day in 100+ degree weather Jacob said to me..."Mom, I'm sweatin'." Then after a few seconds I heard him say, "But I'm doin' it with a smile on!" I said, "Why are you smiling?" He said, "'Cause I'm mad about it, but I don't want to be mad, so I'm gonna smile!"

Out of the mouth of babes! How many lessons we could learn from our children if we just take time to listen. It's taken me a few weeks to mull over this conversation with him. I've just started studying the book of James and interestingly enough in chapter 1 vs. 2 it says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials...."

I have a very good teacher/friend at my church that has taught me to be deliberate in my thinking. I think that is just what Jacob did that hot summer day. He could have been mad about his situation, but he made the deliberate choice to take control of his emotions. He "considered it all joy" instead. I hope that the next time I encounter a trial I can remember to apply this lesson.

My Tribute & FYI

Hats off to my fabulous sister, Laura, who knows exactly what to do in order for my blog to run smoothly! She helped me get my pictures where they're supposed to go so that you all don't have to scroll to the bottom of the screen anymore! Yeah!

FYI, it has been brought to my attention that dryer sheets such as Bounce, clean soap scum from shower walls. I've not tried this yet, but thought that I'd give it a whirl next time I clean. I do know from personal experience that Mr. Clean Magic Erasers do a marvelous job at cleaning soap scum from the tub and shower walls as well. Happy cleaning!!!

School and Court

The boys started school Monday and absolutely love it! They wear uniforms to school and were so handsome. I took their picture and a picture of them with our neighbor kids that also go to school with them. Anyway, they LOVE their new school and I think we're off to a great start to the new school year.

David will be playing violin this year. He's really excited about that and has his first class in violin today. Guess who gets to be his private teacher????? : )

Today is our first court hearing regarding our adoption of Emalee. It's our official "Petition to Adopt" her. From what I've heard the Judge just verifies with us that we do want to adopt her. It looks like she'll be "officially" adopted sometime in February. That's when she'll become a U.S. citizen too. We'll be so happy to have all of this over with soon.

David and Jacob

David and Emalee

Jacob and Emalee