But don't go into Mr. McGregor's Garden, Peter...

Though you're welcome in our yard!

Meet Peter. Peter Rabbit.


Peter's been a frequent guest this year. In fact, he's given us a great reason to read the many tales of Beatrix Potter.

Emmy Xiang loves to hear the stories, but has enjoyed even more the BBC productions of the same tales. She's been inspired in many ways, quite the natrualist, especially in nature walks! Additionally, when she asked tonight to "do watercolors," I gathered the necessary supplies. She'd been busy setting herself up outside to paint there. You see, the opening of each episode of the Beatrix Potter tales shows Beatrix painting a landscape when rain, frequent in England, begins to drop. Emmy Xiang, the observer, gathered a cloth to sit on, her paint supplies - and an umbrella.

So, you see, we welcome Peter, though he eats the herbs on the front porch. He's not shy. But neither are we.

Buried with Christ in Baptism....

Raised to walk in newness of life.

Thanks be to God. Our Gracie publically proclaimed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized yesterday (by her Daddy), along with several other friends who attend our church. What a joyous day for her to look back on.

It was a bit tense, however, for the spectators. It was raining, quite hard, with many pops of thunder and lightning. Needless to say, the service was brief, but still as happy.

Thanks to my sweet friend Brandi for the video. Now our dear family and friends (who could not attend) can join us in the moment! Enjoy the photos and video.

A Recent Visit with the Cousins

What a joy to have our nephews/cousins with us recently.

These pictures are especially for Mammy and Pop...enjoy!

A New Athlete

Gracie is entering the world of sports. She attended a volleyball camp and really enjoyed learning the game. Her dad bought her a volleyball with which she can practice at home, and a jump rope to help her learn a bit more coordination.

She's a chip off the old block. My daddy said I was the "prettiest little girl on the bench" when I played volleyball! Gracie still likes to wear hair bows. She'll be pretty, too!

Have fun, Gracie! Enjoy the process...

Still waiting to see talent in smallest variety. She's shown us a few new dance moves lately. Hmmm.

Wordless Wednesday

Okay, so it's not wordless in the strictest sense, but I've seen this idea on other blogs and thought I'd give it a try. Shhh. Pretend I didn't say anything.

"Get off the Road!"

That's what Frodo yelled, and that's all the warning you'll get.

Why the warning? Jane Ellen got her Learner's License this week. YIKES! Next thing you know, she'll be driving the Frauline (our name for the VW Jim's rebuilding for her). Mercy!

I just can't believe she's old enough to drive. I remember when I started driving. Uh-oh. Maybe I shouldn't go there!

I think she's started something. Emmy Xiang now wants to driver her bike without training wheels. My little girls are growing up!

A New Reader in the Family

She's "read" several books this summer (granted, they were audio books). She picked up and read (on her own, with no coaxing from anyone else) A Tale of Two Cities. She even searches out books to read. No, I'm not talking about our littlest reader....our NEW reader: Katie.

We thought she'd never join our "reader" club, but she's with us. She told Jim and me last night, "I just had to learn that I could read GOOD books, not fluff. Now I like to read. I need a book. What should I read?"

Can you hear it? The "Hallelujah Chorus"? Amazing.

To Do: Blog Post

Check.

In fact, I think I'm going to do one a day for a few days...just to get back into the habit.

So what's been keeping the Browns so busy? First of all, school. All those "Back to School" deals came a bit late for us. We started school weeks ago, but we're just now settling in good. Of course, just when we get it figured out, things will change. Keeps us on our toes, I guess!

I've implemented a new school/home organizational system (oh, try to ACT surprised!). We're getting used to our version of WorkBoxes (or WorkBinders, as my friend calls her version). Productivity and acountability in the homeschool was a goal this year, and this new system seems to support both. The entire range of personalities in the home have been able to function quite well in the new system, so I'd say, it's been a success thus far. Now I just have to make a WorkBinder for Emmy Xiang.

Speaking of EX, we're working on learning to read. Should be interesting.

Tomorrow: a bit about my new reader.

An Emm-ese Lesson

Emmy Xiang, after Gracie came in wet from the raining weather, "You are melting!"

No, she hasn't seen Wizard of Oz!