James 1:2-4

What a great reminder of the parent that we should all strive to be, not one who shields their child from pain, but one that helps them with it.

I received an email from MOPS today with this message...

Tough Love

By Jen Hatmaker, author of MOPS devotional "Out of the Spin Cycle"

Caleb, my eight-year-old, came home from a tackle football scrimmage last week and reported his grievances right away:“Mom! The boys on the other team kept hurting me, but it was all in secret so they never got a foul! I told Dad, but he said football was for getting hurt, then sucking it up.”

"More than anything,
I want my children
to become mature in Christ"

Sounds harsh right? But maybe not so much if you know where we’re coming from on this. I don’t know if this is inspired parenting or not, but the hubs and I decided early on not to raise – ¿cómo se dice – whiners. After ten years in student ministry, we’ve seen plenty of overindulged kids who believe the world should revolve around their agendas and bend over backwards to protect their happiness. Likewise, we’ve counseled kids whose parents cushioned every blow, fought every battle, and paid for every mistake their kids made, so when they encountered trials as college students or young adults, they were incapable of handling stress or conflict in a remotely healthy way.

Instead, we’re seeking to raise our children under the instruction of James 1: 2-4: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” More than anything, I want my children to become mature in Christ, but rescuing and coddling them through every small struggle ensures that they’ll never develop perseverance for the big ones that will come later. And I know that isn’t inspired parenting.

Busy Weekend

In our tradition of filling our weekends, we put our time and sanity to the test as we headed up to the Wilderness in Wisconsin Dells with our friends, the Glassfords. We headed up on Friday after stopping at A&W for some dinner. We played in the waterpark until late and got a good nights sleep. On Saturday, Justin and the kids headed to the water park while I enjoyed a morning to sleep in until 9 (yes a luxury!). We relaxed for a while then Justin and Cami headed to the play area while Ian napped, Ben watched Animal Planet, and mom got to read 3 chapters in my book (yes, another luxury). After lunch, we headed back to Madison to attend a friend's retirement party. Mstr. Sgt. Roger Elliott is retiring from the Air Force after 21 years of service. The kids had a fun time playing with Sean and Chloe, while Justin and I chatted. After the party, we headed back to Wisconsin Dells. Another night of playing and time at the play area, then heading to our room so the kids could have snacks and watch Scooby Doo.

Sunday we left a little after 8am to head back to Madison to church. We took a different route so we could surprise the kids with a ferry ride in Merrimac. They got a kick out of going across the water. We made it to church a few minutes late. We were happy to see our friends, Casey and Debbie and their 3 kids joining us for church. They use to be members until they moved to Appleton 2 years ago. We enjoyed a nice brunch at Perkins after church, giving us a chance to catch up. After an hour back at home, our friend Marcia came to babysit so Justin and I could have a few hours out. We met up with Chris and Jim. We enjoyed a quick trip to Costco and then off to see the movie The A-Team.

The weekend flew and now we dive right into the week. Another busy week of school, a quick visit from Mike, swim class, piano, and a spine stabilization class for Dana. This week will fly by, but hopefully we will get some good family time in.

Self Portraits

Our sassy and silly little boy

First Day of School

Here are a few highlights from Ben's first day...

When asked how his first day was, he responded "AWESOME" as he jumped up and down.

When asked what the favorite part of the day was, he answered "recess"

Ben ready to walk into school to start his day

Ben's 2nd grade teacher (was Cami's Kindergarten teacher last year)

Excited to see friends

End of the first day

It is hard to believe that we have a 1st and a 2nd grader. Where did all the time go? Ben was up and ready to go by a little after 7am. Justin stayed home and made a special breakfast of strawberry crepes and sausage. He even had whipped cream, which was a special request from Ben. We had one problem this morning....Cami had a 102 degree fever. At the Parent/Student meeting last night at ALCS, Cami was more fidgety than normal. She complained that she was cold. I kept reminding her that we will bring a sweater for her to keep at school. Then I touched her. Ouch! She was on fire. She was freezing, yet her body was a temp of 103.5. It was a long, hot/cold night and the morning did not bring the relief we had hoped for. She was devastated, but knew that she did not have enough energy, even if she was allowed to go. She and Ian would stay home with dad while mom took Ben to his first day of school.

The day went by quickly as we made a trip to the doctor for a throat culture, thankfully negative. We are praying that God heals Cami and Ian quickly.

Mall of America/ American Girl

We headed to Mall of America in Minneapolis to start our vacation. We were looking forward to a day of fun then the celebration of Katrina and Chris's wedding. The boys toured around the mall while Cami, her doll Lizzy, and mommy had a girls' date at the American Girl store and cafe. We began with lunch and then spent time in the salon getting Lizzy's hair done.

Cami and Lizzy

Ready to order lunch

Cami sharing her lunch w/ Lizzy

Bitty Burger lunch w/ fruit, veggies, and pink lemonade

Lizzy enjoying her lunch and tea (with flag in cup)

The beginning of Lizzy's makeover

Still combing through Lizzy's very "loved" hair

braiding Lizzy's hair

Finishing touches on Lizzy's hair

Nail polish stickers are the finishing touch

State Fair and Mooooooooooing

We headed to the State Fair with the Hackmans. Justin "mooed" during the Farmer's Market contest sponsored by Cousins. They voted him through to the State championships, which were held at the State Fair. Free tickets were included. The kids had a great time eating lots of yummy food and also checking out the animals and craft areas. Although Justin did not win the contest at the fair, we all had a great time!

Intrigued by the bees at the honey stand

a picture with the Cousins sub mascot

waiting in line for his turn to moo

Justin MOOOOOING

Craft area

New piglets born during the State Fair

Ian talking and trying to play with the horse

Ian looking at the horse

Cream Puffs! YUM!

Justin on the mechanical bull

The 2 Bens sliding down the bouncy house slide

Cami and Ben Hackman sliding down

Ian going down the bounce house slide

the kids enjoying a baked potato

Happy Birthday Cami

The weekend of July 30, Aunt Keri and Natalie and Grandma and Grandpa came to Madison to celebrate Cami's 6th birthday. The kids enjoyed spending time with Aunt Keri and Natalie on Friday then having Grandma and Grandpa arrive on Saturday morning. We always enjoying spending time with them when they visit. Grandma Sandy made a very special birthday cake. Cami requested a princess cake and grandma delivered!!! We all had a wonderful time. We played, ate cake, then headed to PAC to swim at Dolphin's Cover water park.

Cami's amazing birthday cake, created by Grandma Sandy

On August 1 we invited Cami's friends over to celebrate her 6th birthday. Cami has been looking forward to a swimming birthday party for many weeks. God blessed us with such a beautiful day. Her friends enjoyed swimming, playing games, and decorating birthday cupcakes.

decorating special birthday cupcakes

Cami's birthday guests