10 purposes of parenting

Many times a life of parenting can become overwhelming. I found this list very encouraging and wanted to share it, hoping you would find it an encouragement.

10 purposes of parenting

1. To model Jesus

2. To pray for our children daily.

3. To demonstrate a life of integrity.

4. To set safe and appropriate boundaries.

5. To be a student of our children's world.

6. To promote our childrens unique interests.

7. To encourage a passionate desire for truth.

8. To respect their abilities and self determination.

9. To influence their beliefs, rather than control their behaviors.

10. To shape their environment, because it will influence their hearts.

Taken From Parenting without Perfection by David Seel Jr.

trip to wakula springs

Another trip we took this summer was to Wakula Springs. Before we went to the springs, we actually went to a science museum where the kids were able to touch and feel marine life!

I think Christian really enjoyed seeing the marine life move around.

Here is Emily holding a crab!

Aunt Mindy & Tyler also experimenting with the marine world!

I am not sure if you can see...but Christians shirt and face are both wet...you may be asking how did that happen? Papa. Papa. Papa. Christian were he with his mama would not have had quite an exploratory time. But with Papa, he got to splash and play to his hearts content!

Yuk!

Papa with all of his grands!

Here is a shark that we were able to see. No...we could not touch these!

Here is a picture of our Emily. We went on a boat ride around the springs. It was nearly an hour long and Emily had a great time! Christian took a well deserved nap!

If you look closely you can see there is a crocodile hiding in the bush.

On the trip home, the kids lasted about 15 minutes before they were both sound asleep!

The Smokey Mountains

A quick update. Where have we been?

Not much happened in May. We all got a stomach bug and had to be rescued my Donna, who came in full force with lysol! Mom, Dad, Kevin, Emily & I were all sick. sick. sick. Like Kevin lost 10 pounds and I lost 5!

I turned 31! Ha! Am I over the hill?

In June we went to The Smokey Mountains. I am putting in some pictures below. We had a great time!

Here is Emily at our first rest stop on our way to the smokies. She has just enjoyed an altoid and a cookie!

Here is Christian...also enjoying a cookie

And another cookie!

We split meals when we are in the mountains and this was a picture of the kiddos chowing down!

Here is Emily and her favorite 2nd cousin Olivia. Olivia and Emily have been good pals at each family gathering we have had!

Bubbles are always fun. Of course Emily wants to be the one to make and blow!

This was the cabin we stayed in.

Emily had her first roller coaster ride!

Gigi And Papa enjoying their grandkids!

The three of us!

Can you tell we are related?

Unlce Chris & Ty having fun with the race cars.

Three generations!

Christian's first roller coaster ride!

Emily & Tyler had a blast!

I am not sure who had more fun...us or the kids!

cutie!

cutie tootie!

Mindy & Dad doing their traditional dare devil act. This was one of those like 50 feet high thingys that spins you around around. You know where you could die riding it! I was not a participant!

Backpacking!

Our Little Movie Star

My beautiful family!

Our hiking trail

More hiking trails

Mommy hiking.

My babies minue one! (kevin)

Mommy with the backpack

Emily's turn.

Papa and his little man.

My super cool Dad!

Group Photo

Dad and I hiking. We use to hike a lot more when I was single. it was special to have this time hiking with my family and my Dad!

Christian taking a nap!

Emily getting her own little ride!

Our journey.

The waterfall. This was what we were hiking to.

We were able to walk underneath the falls to a little creek bed

I thought I could get Christian to go swimming.

But he said it was too cold!

Emily did go swimming wihtout her clothes on!

I am not including photos of that!

A beautiful shot!

A handsome group!

Daddy's turn carrying the pack

Papa playing hide n seek

OUr journey home

In addition to our trip to the mountains, Kevin began teaching a series of lectures at the bookshelf, in the art gallery above. This was an attempt to expand his services to include marketing and consulting. I have been very proud of him as he has taken a great leap of faith in pursuing a venture all on his own.