TTD

Last Thursday to Saturday we went ATL for the Teach Them Diligently Home School Conference.  It was amazing!  We left 2 hours late on Thursday due to all sorts of mishaps, but made it eventually, however, we did not get to attend any sessions that day.  Friday, Ryan got to do his robotics class, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and Saturday Sean got to attend a men's breakfast where Dr Greg Smalley spoke.  We also got to hear another message from him, as well as a handful of other sessions with various speakers.  We had prayed to only allow us to hear the things we really needed to hear and let me tell you that is exactly what happened.  I left there feeling pretty broken, but in a good way because it was all from things I really needed to hear from the Lord to allow me to make the necessary changes to get rid of these struggles in my life.  I am excited about that.  

Some time at the park before attending the conference on Saturday.  We also went to Cheesecake Factory for a Mother's Day lunch after the park.  3 words.  Godiva.  Chocolate.  Cheesecake.  

My Mother's Day gift!  A popcorn maker!  Such a unique I would've never guessed I would own one of these in a million years, but oh how I love movie theater popcorn kind of gift.  

Ryan at the robotics course.

A stop for lunch in Chattanooga also entailed rock climbing at Outdoor Chattanooga! Not planned, but a great moment.  The kids were entertained for free and got some energy out!

If you struggle with anger, do a study on John 15.  The only way to resolve your struggles is through salvation, through God, through living by the Holy spirit.  You cannot wake up every morning promising not to be angry anymore, that you will be better, you will smile, etc.  It will not work.  You cannot do it in your own power.  Otherwise, you would not need God. 

You cannot deposit good works into a blessings bank account.  Just because you home school or don't cuss or watch bad movies or attend church 4 times a week or read your Bible everyday or the million other things that are good works does not mean God will bless you because of it and that trials will not still come your way.  They will still happen.  It's not about what we do, it's all about Jesus.  His grace.  His mercy.  Of course, He wants us to follow His principles and be obedient to Him and to do good things and there are rewards for that, but it will not make us immune to hardships and trials and sadness.  The place we need to focus is on JESUS.  

Just a Lil Braggn'

Hunter and Ryan were in a music festival last weekend where they had to perform in front of judges (Hunter violin and Ryan piano) and then they were evaluated and scored.  Ryan got 5 points and Hunter 4.  Ryan got the highest one and Hunter right behind them.  We are proud of our boys!  

Also, we plan to go to the Teach Them Diligently Homeschool Conference in May in ATL and Ryan saved $50 of his own money doing chores so he could pay for a robotics program there.  He probably worked on that for a few months, even while his siblings would go out and spend their money, he stayed strong and kept on saving, even though it did not make him happy at times.  We signed him up on Friday.  Way to go, Ryan!!!!

ATL

Had my toes done for the BIG game in ATL - Cubs and Braves!  Go Braves!



I can't even remember where I took this and it was just last week lol!



We took an overnight trip to ATL to go to the game, as mentioned above, and decided to show the kiddos where we got married - Dunwoody Country Club!

This is where we walked out - the getaway car lol! I was balling my eyes out!

This is where all the ladies got ready :)

This is where we got married and had the reception - obviously didn't look like this lol

the view

had to stop at The Varsity - unfortunately I don't like The Varsity like I used to now that we eat real food.  And I saw a live cockroach in there.  :( 

The game!  Last year that the Braves will play at Turner field b/c they're building a new stadium in Cobb County.  It was fun.  Braves lost.  It was also 95 degrees so not a lot of time was spent sitting at our seats, but either way it was a good day!

Pray for my Aunt Michelle who has leukemia.  She's in our prayers and oftentimes in our thoughts.  Love you!

And a Part 2

We took the kids to Hard Rock Cafe.  The music was a little much and so were the music videos.  I kept covering Ryan's eyes.  

Centennial Olympic Park

This too.

View of The Westin from the park.  It's the silver and black round one.  :)

The kids turned this into a slide!  :)

Sunrise view from our room