Open House

Kennedy and Mrs. Rains

It is out of order, but here are some pics of Kennedy's first grade open house. She got to see her classroom, desk and meet her teacher.

1st Day of 1st Grade

Our precious Kennedy had her 1st day of 1st grade today. She has Mrs. Rains at Sidney Deener. This is the same school Jordan and I went to long, long ago! I was fully prepared, camera and all, to accompany Miss Kennedy to her class and she said, "NO! You have to drop me off-I'm a first grader!" So, that's what we did :( She's growing up and she knows it!

You cannot stop my girl and her style. Who says you can't wear pink and purple shoes with a blue and white dress?!

Thanks for the idea, my blog friend, Billie Jean!

There she goes.

Pigs in mud

After the storm we had a few weeks ago, there were many limbs down in our yard. So, we put the kids in their swim suits while they helped us pick them up and load them into the wagon. After we finished cleaning up the yard, I sprayed the kids with the water hose. It made lots of mud, and then they played in it! Had more fun in the mud, of course!

Gone Fishin'

Jordan took Kennedy fishing at his parent's farm. She caught her very first fish! She even held it and threw it back in herself.

The next weekend was Jackson's turn. He chose a CARS fishing pole that was just his size. Jack was a first timer and caught 2 fish! Reeled them in all by himself, but would not touch the fish. Maybe next time.

Katy's Graduation Party

We had a party to celebrate Katy graduating with her masters from Harding. Kennedy played the role of party planning Nazi. These are the name tags she made for everyone and then placed all over the house where she wanted-and expected everyone to sit.Not only did she take it upon herself to wait on everyone during dinner, she made an impromptu speech about Katy and her graduating. Complete with the "Can I have your attention, please?" and all!! So funny.
Then, she said, "Katy would like to make a speech now." We were all cracking up. And, it was no surprise that Katy humored her, and gave a speech!
Opening presents. Even Aunt Belle was at the party! (This is my dad's sister. We called Kennedy "Belle", after her, for a few days, before we knew she would be our Kennedy!)
Way to go, Katy! Isn't she just beautiful? And, just as beautiful on the inside! We love our Katy.
Uncle Kyle and Katy with the 3 kids that love them the most.
Jordan and I with 2 of our favorite people in the world.

It was a great night. We are so proud and happy for you, Katy! We wish you the best with your new school and students this year!

Preparation (faith & doubt)

My husband is scared-nay, phobic of storms-especially tornados. This has been fueled by his witnessing lightening strike the tree outside of his bedroom as a child, and his insistence on watching the tornado chasers documentaries as an adult. Needless to say, when there is a tornado warning, he wants to follow the safety protocol to the letter. Mattress in the hall and all.

As for me, well, of course I know they are dangerous and I certainly do not want to be on the business end of a tornado, but I guess although I know it could hit, I really don't think it will.

So, I wasn't bitter when my husband woke me from my glorious sleep holding our 3 year old son to "take cover" with the kids at 3AM when the tornado sirens were going off. Not bitter at all.

Don't get me wrong-if it's going to hit, I want to be under that mattress in the hallway, but on the chance that it won't, I'd rather be in my warm comfortable bed.

This scenario struck a familiar cord with me.

I have battled faith and doubt, and am currently reading the book, appropriately titled, Faith & Doubt. It hit me today that preparing for a tornado is just like preparing for eternity.

I think everyone would all agree no one wants to be on the other side of saved at the end of their life. No one wouldn't choose heaven.

However, there are those actively preparing for eternity and those who are are not.

What was I waiting for? For the tree to actually come through the roof? For the house to blow away? Then, it would be too late. I mean, I had been warned to take cover. The sirens had been sounding for an hour.

Just like with faith. We are given the warning, and some will be ready and some will not.

I love this portion of the book Faith & Doubt:

"I'd like to know. Not just trust, not just hope. I'd like the skies to part sometime. I'd like my own bona fide miracle-like my own burning bush or magic fleece or the Cubs winning the World Series in my lifetime" John Ortberg

I love that part. It resonated with me because, I'm a "show me" kind of girl.

However, one thing that we can know with absolute certainty is that the end will come. There is a sense of urgency. We don't have the luxury of time. We don't have the luxury that allows us to know and then decide. Then, it will be to late.

Just like waiting to take cover after the tornado hits.

Going Private

I want to apologize for the hassle of going private to all of you.  

I am sad to miss connections that are made on the blog, but am certainly thankful for those I've made over the past 2 years.  

This is a no-brainer decision, because it is what is best for our family.  Thanks to all of you who care about us and keep up with the crazy antics of the Harrs!