God is the Good Shepherd ~ The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake...
Psalm 23
We have entered a season of experiencing the Lord as our Good Shepherd after stepping out in faith and trusting Him in this career-change, move across country, journey. After encountering a season of strong refinement, the Lord is taking us into a new season of resting in Him and being refreshed by Him. Psalm 23 is coming to light in a whole new way of lying down in green pastures, following Him beside quiet waters, enjoying restoration, and abiding in Him.
What's on the Harrisons' Hearts & Memorable Moment of the Month
Tasting and seeing the Lord at work in our lives ~ It has been a joy to see and experience the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to us in this new season, and it has been especially sweet to have loved ones visit, experience, and confirm seeing the Lord's goodness and faithfulness to us too!
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
Psalm 34:8
Memorable Moment of the Month ~ Fun with Visiting Family
Harrison Fam ~ From Wisconsin ~ Wes' bro, our niece (Abby), and nephew (Joey)
Joey & Josiah watching a movie since Joey didn't feel good * Abby & Noah playing on the Ipad
Samuel trying to get in on the action ;)
Aaron brought his mower for us that we bought from him * Samuel's excited! * Mower wannabe ;)
Sweet Joey sound asleep
Abby and Samuel playing ball together
Having fun on wheels * Abby's first time rollerblading
Gametime
Fishing fun
Uncle Aaron in action showing the cousins how it's done :)
Noah * Josiah * Samuel enjoying the bobber as a pacifier ;)
Abby * Joey
Sweet siblings sharing * Noah on the hunt for an elusive frog
Bros splitting wood * Uncles & cousins loading the logs on the palate
Samuel enjoying a backrub from Uncle Aaron after a hard day's work ;)
Papa ~ From Colorado ~ Christina's Dad
Papa ~ From Colorado ~ Christina's Dad
R&R by the pond while fishing * Papa's catfish catch
Wes' catch * Samuel excited about my snag
Papa helped us set up our fire pit and picnic table area
Papa helped us set up our fire pit and picnic table area
Building the campfire * Lighting it up
Campfire * Campfire songs
Campfire * Campfire songs
S'more please ~ Noah * Josiah
Samuel's 1st smore * Papa
Samuel's 1st smore * Papa
Papa also helped us set up our mini shooting range
Wes teaching Noah how to shoot while Josiah plugged his ears from the loud noise * Noah hit the target!
Wes * Smiley Samuel
Pistol * Having fun!
Skyping with Nana
Praises & Petitions
Friend - Continued prayers for a friend who has left the gospel and is in a journey of agnosticism. I am praying John 8:32 for her that she would know the truth, and the truth would set her free.
Heartland Friends - Please pray for the Lord to heal two friends from cancer that we know through Heartland (Psalm 30:2).
Tami - Continued prayers for the Lord to give my dad and other loved ones His perspective and that God would heal Tami, but ultimately that His will would be done. Please pray Galatians 5:22-23 that the fruit of the Spirit would abound in Dad's & Tami's lives during this trial. Also, prayer of James 1:5 for wisdom with this trial.
Our Family - Praise for the Lord leading us to the church He has for our family! Please continue to pray for the fruit of the Spirit to abound in our family in the midst of all the change, adjustments, and transitions in this new season (Galatians 5:22-23). Also, please pray for Noah and Josiah to be able to take fearful and anxious thoughts captive the nights that Wes works late, since the are adjusting to Wes' new schedule and the temptations to worry that can come with it (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Wes - Praise for Wes quickly learning various aspects of his new job as an Outdoor Education Instructor. Please pray for him to be faithful with the opportunities the Lord is blessing him with to encourage, build up, and invest in others, even in the midst of being the "newbie" (Proverbs 27:17).
Christina - Praise for the Lord growing me in my love for Him. Please pray for me to walk in the Spirit, which Wes' inconsistent work schedule has been giving me a lot of opportunities to grow in sensitivity to the Spirit since it is very different from Wes' previous, extremely predictable, work schedule (Galatians 5:22-23, John 15:5).
Noah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for Noah enjoying our new church and being excited about continuing to hide God's Word in his heart through Awanas! I asked Noah what he would like loved ones to pray for him, and he said to continue to pray, "That the Lord would give me more good friends."
Josiah - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for Josiah also enjoying our new church and also being excited about continuing to hide God's Word in his heart through Awanas! Please continue to pray that the Lord would bless Josiah with a good friend and comfort him when he misses his cousin, Nathaniel (2 Corinthians 1:3-5).
Samuel - God would graciously save him at a young age and lead him to walk with the Lord all of his days, if that be the Lord's will. Praise for the Lord helping us to comfort Samuel in midst of his molars coming in. Please continue to pray for the Lord to give us wisdom in comforting him when he is experiencing teething pain (James 1:5).
Marriage Memories
We have been enjoying seeing the Lord refresh our marriage in new ways in this new season during our 10th year of marriage.
Solo shots ;)
Family Fun
Our Fam :)
This photo is full of quite the expressions ;)
The boys and I enjoyed watching Wes "fell" his first tree. He said he felt more manly afterwards. ;)
Having fun together!
Sweet moments too ~ Samuel holding my hand & walking with me... melts my heart
My first time mowing in Ohio ~ I was the family mower growing up and also had a job mowing on a farm a couple of summers in Kansas during high school, so this brought back memories. ;)
Our dogs got full of fleas with being outdoors, and poor Sierra had to get shaved like a lioness... :/
Noah News
Age - 7
Cute Communication
*Noah with tears in his eyes, "Mommy, I'm scared for you to pick up Papa at the airport late at night." Sweet boy...just wanting to protect his mom... We talked about God's protection, sovereignty, and goodness and how we can trust Him and have peace, even when we are tempted to feel scared.
*Papa - "Does your dad mow all this grass?"
Noah - "Yes. He rides a push mower."
Papa - "Really?!?" ;)
*When Noah was helping me put Samuel down for a nap, he informs me, "I think Samuel needs a stuffed animal with him... and a blanket." :) We put the blanket and dog that Noah and Josiah gave Samuel when he was born into Noah's crib with him, and Samuel was very excited! Way to go, Noah, looking out for your little bro!
Latest Likes
Fire pit / campfires and smores
Playing, pruning, and building forts in our woods
Rock climbing
All harnessed up * Quickly climbing to ring the bell at the top
Cruising up * Belaying down
Josiah Joys
Age - 4
Cute Communication
*"I love you!" Josiah's favorite thing to say repeatedly to us. :)
*"I love you!" Josiah's favorite thing to say repeatedly to us. :)
* "What if..." Josiah enjoys thinking up all kinds of random hypothetical scenarios and asking what we think would happen.
* "Sam... Sam!... SAM!" Josiah just adores his little bro ~ aka. "Sam" as Josiah has nicknamed him :) ~ and likes to talk to him frequently. He will continue to call Samuel's name until Samuel responds with some kind of noise or one of us responds to Josiah on his behalf. ;)
Latest Likes
Samuel :)
Fishing
Fire pit / campfire and smores
Getting brave & holding a worm! * Fun times!
Mr. Personality!!! ~ Stare-down * Excited * Cheesin' * Silly * "Eyebrows" ;)
Samuel Sentiments
Age - 18 months
# of Teeth - 6 on top (2 molars popped through!!!) & 4 on bottom
Cute Communication
*Latest sounds / words ~ Mama, Dada, yes, no, uh-oh, Bubba (name of his stuffed animal dog), Dodo (Dozer)
Latest Likes
Bubba (stuffed animal dog) & blanket
Climbing
Playing outside
Sweet smiley boy!
"Talking" ;)
Bookworm * Having fun
Big boy * Little climber boy
Cute boy * On-the-move boy
Bros!
Reading books together * Josiah giving Samuel kisses
Homeschool Highlights
Due to moving to Ohio and having different homeschool options than we did in Colorado through Rocky Mountain Classical Academy's Homeschool Program, we prayed about what approach(es) the Lord had for our family this coming year. The Lord led us to try 2 new options and continue 1 option:
1 ~ A nationwide online school (technically public school, though for all my purposes it is homeschooling) called Connections Academy. We chose to try this option for various reasons and are aware of the challenges and blessings with this approach. So far, the blessings far outweigh the challenges, and overall it has been a good fit for our family, Noah, and me.
Noah receives free speech therapy online through live Skype lessons.
Noah is only on the computer for about 4 hours/week for speech therapy, technology program that he completes with me, and a couple computer programs called Reading Eggs and Mathseeds. Noah's main education is 1-on-1 and hands-on with me. :) Connections Academy supplies all of our curriculum and manipulatives (FREE! + a laptop for Noah to borrow), and they also provide me with support for any questions.
2 ~ Homeschool co-op on Tuesdays from 9 am - 3 pm that Wes' boss' wife (Traci) and three sons encouraged us to try out. Even though it is a decent distance away and drive, it has been a good fit for our family and our boys. Our boys' classes this semester include:
Noah ~ History, Earth Science, Reading, Self-defense, & Writing
Josiah ~ Circle Time, Various Preschool Skills, Show-&-Tell, Learning Games, & Writing
Me & Samuel ~ I help Traci teach a Scripture Memory / Prayer Class and also games in the gym while a friend at co-op watches Samuel. The rest of the time I try to let Samuel get his naps through walking with friends with Samuel in the stroller in the morning and running errands in the afternoon.
3 ~ General Skills/Benchmarks Guidelines ~ I am still continuing to use the following resources for skills/benchmarks to ensure that our boys are learning the essential skills they need.
Reading
Shooting sight words with Nerf Gun after reciting :)
Writing
Beginning of 1st Grade writing example ~ Noah's fine motor skills have greatly improved since Kindergarten
Writing on his own initiative with chalk :)
Science
Noah receives free speech therapy online through live Skype lessons.
Noah is only on the computer for about 4 hours/week for speech therapy, technology program that he completes with me, and a couple computer programs called Reading Eggs and Mathseeds. Noah's main education is 1-on-1 and hands-on with me. :) Connections Academy supplies all of our curriculum and manipulatives (FREE! + a laptop for Noah to borrow), and they also provide me with support for any questions.
2 ~ Homeschool co-op on Tuesdays from 9 am - 3 pm that Wes' boss' wife (Traci) and three sons encouraged us to try out. Even though it is a decent distance away and drive, it has been a good fit for our family and our boys. Our boys' classes this semester include:
Noah ~ History, Earth Science, Reading, Self-defense, & Writing
Josiah ~ Circle Time, Various Preschool Skills, Show-&-Tell, Learning Games, & Writing
Me & Samuel ~ I help Traci teach a Scripture Memory / Prayer Class and also games in the gym while a friend at co-op watches Samuel. The rest of the time I try to let Samuel get his naps through walking with friends with Samuel in the stroller in the morning and running errands in the afternoon.
3 ~ General Skills/Benchmarks Guidelines ~ I am still continuing to use the following resources for skills/benchmarks to ensure that our boys are learning the essential skills they need.
Click on these links if interested in seeing more info about the K-8 skills/benchmarks books I use:
Please let me know if you would like to know about the specific curriculum I use. :)
What Your [Grade-level of Your Child] Needs to Know ~ Core Knowledge books corresponding to grade-level
Reading
Shooting sight words with Nerf Gun after reciting :)
Writing
Beginning of 1st Grade writing example ~ Noah's fine motor skills have greatly improved since Kindergarten
Writing on his own initiative with chalk :)
Science
We have all kinds of creatures on our property that makes Science truly come alive! :)
God's creativity in creation is amazing!
Art
Chalk art - design * Rock art (Noah made his own chalk from various rocks) - face
Noah drew a picture highlighting Wes' new beard ;) * Making a bracelet all on his own
P.E.
1st time working out at the YMCA! ~ Using the exercise ball, jumping rope, & lifting weights
Homeschool co-op playing after lunch ~ Swinging with friends * Noah pushing Samuel
Life Skills
Observing construction & strong work ethic next to our home * Learning how to use an ax to chop wood
Noah switched out many of our outlet covers
"Field Trip" ~ Apple Cider Party
Noah climbing trees & picking apples with friends * Josiah enjoying eating an apple
Samuel helping put the apples in the wagon
Pressing fresh apple cider! * YUM!
This adorable boy keeps our 1st Grade & Preschool homeschool extra lively! ;)
Heartland Happenings
Playing with friends at the playground ~ Swinging * Ga-ga ball game
Rolling down the hill
Our boys helping out in the "bus" lines
Noah (in red/black shirt with camp hat in front) also likes to join the "bus train" and help take the dishes back to the kitchen.
Evening entertainment including Wes participating some evenings in skits! ;)
Wes is officially on Heartland's website as an Outdoor Education Instructor! :)
Visting Heartland
The boys and I try to visit Heartland weekly to say hi, eat a meal with Wes, and have fun! We are grateful that Heartland is so family-friendly!
Playing with friends at the playground ~ Swinging * Ga-ga ball game
Rolling down the hill
Our boys helping out in the "bus" lines
Noah (in red/black shirt with camp hat in front) also likes to join the "bus train" and help take the dishes back to the kitchen.
Evening entertainment including Wes participating some evenings in skits! ;)
Getting to the Heart of Heartland
Click on the following links (in blue) for helpful info:
What does Wes do? (primarily teach kids a variety of hour long lessons & activities)
Wes' main position = Outdoor Education Instructor
Also ~ Occasional Host (which we get to serve together as a family) for conferences & retreats on the weekends
Wes' main position = Outdoor Education Instructor
Also ~ Occasional Host (which we get to serve together as a family) for conferences & retreats on the weekends
How can I keep in-the-know about Heartland through Facebook? ("Like" page)
We gladly welcome you to keep in touch with us by... phone, email, Facebook, blog, or even better....
VISITING US!!! :)
Please let us know if you would like our new address!
We hope to hear from you... or SEE YOU... soon!
We gladly welcome you to keep in touch with us by... phone, email, Facebook, blog, or even better....
VISITING US!!! :)
Please let us know if you would like our new address!
We hope to hear from you... or SEE YOU... soon!
No comments:
Post a Comment