Wii love it!

Not being able to hold off until Christmas, Mamaw and Papaw Beard got an early Christmas present for the family. As you can see from the picture below, Gary set it up, and we tested it. Meanwhile, with blinds closed and back door locked, the kids played outside. :)


When we finally let them in the house (realistically, it was only 20 minutes), they were excited! Wesley and Andrew had decided to save their money to buy a Wii, but they knew it was going to take quite awhile to save up that much money. We bowled, golfed, shot hoops, shuffled, and played basketball and tennis most of the day. The kids and Gary went for an all-nighter.

When Gary and I woke up this morning, we saw that Wesley and Andrew had decided to share the couch---not a good idea for Andrew!

A hidden talent

Andrew had a play date with his best friend, Sean, a month ago. His mom just gave me a CD with some pictures of the two of them this past school year, and this video was included . I was surprised to see this hidden talent in Andrew. The boys wanted me to post it, so that Gramma could see how good Andrew was doing at his piano playing. Not bad, considering he has never had a lesson! (Note: Sean's brother, Blake, is the busy one in the video.)

Brooke gets promoted

Last fall, I wrote a post about our dilemma with Brooke's age and kindergarten. I found the comments and verbal advice from people very interesting. No matter what the outcome, we decided (and Brooke was ready) to do her kindergarten work and see how well she focused and comprehended.

Well, nearly 10 months later, we are proud to say that Brooke has completed her kindergarten work. She is reading and adding and saying her special blends like a pro. I must admit, that I struggled with teaching this young girl. She is a much more an "emotional" learner than her brothers ever were. Some days, Brooke would read quickly, and then the next day, she would say, "I don't want to" or "I don' know how to" or "Can you help me, PLEEEEASE!" Girls can sure be moody!! This past Sunday, Brooke was promoted to Junior Church since she will be going to first grade in the fall.

We will continue to work this summer in getting her ready for first grade. Though I debated over the issue of "should she be the youngest or the oldest in her class," I finally realized that it was not really MY choice to make. I thank God for a husband who is a great leader and a daughter who is a great learner and a group of friends who are a great support. I pray that Brooke continues to grow to be a godly, young lady who most importantly loves her Lord. Upon finishing kindergarten, Brooke was given a new Bible (a pink princess Bible). She hugged it and said, "Can I please read John 3:16 to you?" "Yes, Brooke," I replied. She opened to some page and said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son whoever should believe in Him should have everlasting life." I think that is a combination of KJV, NASB, ICB and Brooke Beard :)

End of an Era

It may not be the end of an era, but it was the end of the school year at Ventura Missionary School. I am not sure who was more excited this evening: me, that there was no homework to be done; or the boys, that they could stay up as late as they wanted and watch the Lakers.


The picture above was taken after school this afternoon. As a comparison, I am also posting the picture from the first day of school last August (2008). It is not a great portrait to compare how they have grown, but they have both grown!

Andrew completed second grade. His teacher, Mrs. Campbell, loves Andrew! She always tells me what a kind soul he is. She loves how "Andrew always talks about his church and his family. He has such a kind heart." I am thankful for Andrew's testimony and for this special teacher.

Wesley finished fourth grade. Most parents and students comment how fourth grade is such a "tough academic year." I am proud of Wesley's academic accomplishments, though he does need some extra practice on his cursive. (What is it with males and their attitude toward cursive writing????) Mr. Rabinowitz was a great blessing to Wesley this year. It was fun for him to have a "guy" as a teacher. Better yet, a guy with a Harley :)


So, it is the end of an academic school year and the start of a welcome summer. Good work, Andrew and Wesley!!!!!!!!