Mine are telling ghost stories in Noah's bedroom. Every once in a while I hear shreiks and screams coming from in there. It really is music to my ears because I know they are sharing together. They are actively playing and loving one another. One thing that I love about homeschooling (okay, there are many th
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Go order some earrings...
I forgot to mention that my good friend, Jody, had some disheartening news this summer when her sister was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Though they are in the early stages of deciding the course of treatment, there seems to be some question as to whether is is actually cancerous or not. We are praying for NOT! Jody's mom has set up a blog to help raise some money for her up-coming treatments. Jamie does not have insurance, so they are looking up at the mountain of treatment costs and trusting that God will provide the funds that they need.
Please help them if you can. Every little bit helps.
Here is the site:
www.jewelsforjamie.blogspot.com
Hopefully that link will work for ya. Now go order some earrings!
Please help them if you can. Every little bit helps.
Here is the site:
www.jewelsforjamie.blogspot.com
Hopefully that link will work for ya. Now go order some earrings!
Well, how do you sum up a summer like this one?
I haven't had the chance to update this blog. It seems like summer just flew by. This was a strange summer for me, one of extreme highs and extreme lows. There are really no words to describe it except for the proverbial roller coaster. If any other summer could compare to it, it would be the summer of 2004 when we loved, then lost our Emily. There is nothing like family drama to really zap your spirits and your energy. But, I am going to focus on the positives of this summer in this post. What was that old song, "Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative..."
The kids and I had some great adventures this summer. You may have seen some of the pictures. Two of our highlights were our trip to Ft. Worth to meet up with our friend Christina and her kiddos. The journey was supposed to include the Fasnacht family (I still don't know how to spell it, sorry, Jody), but some unfortunate tire blowing caused a major snafu. So, it was just the Foster children and myself. We had a great time seeing the Haleys. We went to another jumping place, a homeschooling bookstore, and we loaded up on some pillow pets. Everyone was happy. Pap-pa joined us for one of the nights and the kids always enjoy seeing him. Christina and the kids had to leave on Friday, so I took my gang to the museum. We had a great time. I think it was the first time I've taken the kids by myself to a really busy place. We loved the new additions to the Ft. Worth Museum and I got some good ideas about how to implement some of the exhibits into our school. We had sort of hung out in Ft. Worth because the weather was supposed to be bad between there and Corpus, but it turns out, it was clear. Oh well, it gave me more time with the kids, which I always enjoy.
Another one of our favorite things we did this summer, was an EARLY trip to the Padre Island National Seashore so we could watch the releasing of the newly hatched sea turtles. This trip was AWESOME! There is something about watching new life starting out on the journey that really connects me with our Creator. Being there as the sun rose over the wave tossed horizon, was just breathtaking. The kids were so excited to go. I thought I would have to drag them out of bed, but they (Noah and Caitlyn - Aiden stayed home with Daddy for this visit) were bright- eyed and bushy-tailed as soon as I got them out of bed. I pulled out one of my "working mother" tricks and dressed them in their clothes for the day before they went to bed, that way they just had to get up and go. We went with Melissa and her kiddos and felt so blessed, not only to have that incredible experience, but with good friends. We saw Jody and her kids there, so almost the whole gang was there. The kids (and I) thought the turtles were so cute! They decided to name all of the ones that the rangers brought around. I think there was Carlos, Rubber (because he looked like rubber from your tires), Princess something-or-other (I'll have to check with Caitlyn on this), and several others. Oh, and we named the last two Pokey, since they were slower than the rest. Overall, it only took the little ones about 45 minutes to find their way to the waves. The rangers said that they were pretty fast considering the batch the day before took 2 hours! I was so glad that it didn't take them that long. I think Caitlyn and maybe even Noah would have lost interest after that long. Anyway, it was a wonderful trip and I am so glad that we got up at 5:00am to do it. It did take some coaxing on Melissa's part; but I am happy she convinced me to do it.
Next up, was Caitlyn's 5th birthday party. It was actually the day that we went to see the sea turtles release. THAT was one long day! She had a strawberry shortcake party. It was so neat that she wanted a strawberry shortcake party, since that was one of my favorite characters growing up. Nothing better than a sweet smelling red-headed doll! As always Caitlyn loved having all her friends over. I think the highlight was playing a rousing game of musical chairs (who knew that old game would be such a hit), then making strawberry shortcakes afterward. A great way to celebrate our Berry special girlie!
After celebrating Caitlyn's day the whole family headed to B-port for our annual cousin-fest. Did we ever have a good time! I always love seeing Stephen and his kids (we did miss Sanae, though we did get to skype with her a couple of nights). This was the year that Caitlyn and Ashley really became friends. Before this year, I think the girls were still figuring out how to "play" with each other. Well, this year they became fast friends. It was so sweet to see their little friendship blossoming. Of course, no trip is complete without some fun on the boat, and swimming in the lake. Aiden was even able to join us this year. He is still talking about Pap-pa's lake, saying "Pap-pa, boat?" He's already ready for next summer. Noah and Sean played well too. We brought the Wii and all the kids had fun playing together. There was also LOTS of time spent outside with the dogs. One of the highlights of Pap-pa's house is all the critters there. Paula and Steve came out with their boys and we had a nice swimming time at the Simpson's house. I really could not have asked for a better time with all of them. It was fun and relaxing, a beautiful combination!
Unfortunately, summer has already come to a close. We started back to school two weeks ago. Chris and I decided to start a little early this year, since this will be our last year in Texas for a while (sniff, sniff). We will be moving to Pensacola next May-June (most likely - you know the Navy). We want to get going on getting the house ready so we can get this baby on the market. Hopefully, we won't have any trouble selling it. So, it is back to work for me and the kiddos. Caitlyn has begun kindergarten and is already reading! We are using a combo of Sonlight/Five in a Row with her and Noah is following a classical schedule according to The Well-Trained Mind. Aiden is just tagging along nicely. The other day Caitlyn was playing a phonics game and Aiden was copying her. I said, "Look Caitlyn, you're already teaching him phonics!" and she just beamed! One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is your childrens sharing the joy of learning with one another. I think they are so much closer because of this. I am thankful that God set us on this journey, even if I was a bit, ahem, resistant.
I have chosen as our verse for the year, Matthew 5:3-10, the Beatitudes. Our theme will be "bees" to help us remember how we want our attitude to "bee". I think focusing on our attitudes will be good for all of us. I think overall this will be a wonderful year. I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than to be here, in this moment, teaching and learning with my children. Although there are times I'd like to run outside and catch that yellow bus and put my kids on it, I mostly feel blessed by this opportunity. I guess it just really goes to show you that anything worthwhile has it's difficulties... I am just glad that God has put this spirit within me and that I have the ability to stay at home and teach them. I can't think of any better students than these...
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled"
The kids and I had some great adventures this summer. You may have seen some of the pictures. Two of our highlights were our trip to Ft. Worth to meet up with our friend Christina and her kiddos. The journey was supposed to include the Fasnacht family (I still don't know how to spell it, sorry, Jody), but some unfortunate tire blowing caused a major snafu. So, it was just the Foster children and myself. We had a great time seeing the Haleys. We went to another jumping place, a homeschooling bookstore, and we loaded up on some pillow pets. Everyone was happy. Pap-pa joined us for one of the nights and the kids always enjoy seeing him. Christina and the kids had to leave on Friday, so I took my gang to the museum. We had a great time. I think it was the first time I've taken the kids by myself to a really busy place. We loved the new additions to the Ft. Worth Museum and I got some good ideas about how to implement some of the exhibits into our school. We had sort of hung out in Ft. Worth because the weather was supposed to be bad between there and Corpus, but it turns out, it was clear. Oh well, it gave me more time with the kids, which I always enjoy.
Another one of our favorite things we did this summer, was an EARLY trip to the Padre Island National Seashore so we could watch the releasing of the newly hatched sea turtles. This trip was AWESOME! There is something about watching new life starting out on the journey that really connects me with our Creator. Being there as the sun rose over the wave tossed horizon, was just breathtaking. The kids were so excited to go. I thought I would have to drag them out of bed, but they (Noah and Caitlyn - Aiden stayed home with Daddy for this visit) were bright- eyed and bushy-tailed as soon as I got them out of bed. I pulled out one of my "working mother" tricks and dressed them in their clothes for the day before they went to bed, that way they just had to get up and go. We went with Melissa and her kiddos and felt so blessed, not only to have that incredible experience, but with good friends. We saw Jody and her kids there, so almost the whole gang was there. The kids (and I) thought the turtles were so cute! They decided to name all of the ones that the rangers brought around. I think there was Carlos, Rubber (because he looked like rubber from your tires), Princess something-or-other (I'll have to check with Caitlyn on this), and several others. Oh, and we named the last two Pokey, since they were slower than the rest. Overall, it only took the little ones about 45 minutes to find their way to the waves. The rangers said that they were pretty fast considering the batch the day before took 2 hours! I was so glad that it didn't take them that long. I think Caitlyn and maybe even Noah would have lost interest after that long. Anyway, it was a wonderful trip and I am so glad that we got up at 5:00am to do it. It did take some coaxing on Melissa's part; but I am happy she convinced me to do it.
Next up, was Caitlyn's 5th birthday party. It was actually the day that we went to see the sea turtles release. THAT was one long day! She had a strawberry shortcake party. It was so neat that she wanted a strawberry shortcake party, since that was one of my favorite characters growing up. Nothing better than a sweet smelling red-headed doll! As always Caitlyn loved having all her friends over. I think the highlight was playing a rousing game of musical chairs (who knew that old game would be such a hit), then making strawberry shortcakes afterward. A great way to celebrate our Berry special girlie!
After celebrating Caitlyn's day the whole family headed to B-port for our annual cousin-fest. Did we ever have a good time! I always love seeing Stephen and his kids (we did miss Sanae, though we did get to skype with her a couple of nights). This was the year that Caitlyn and Ashley really became friends. Before this year, I think the girls were still figuring out how to "play" with each other. Well, this year they became fast friends. It was so sweet to see their little friendship blossoming. Of course, no trip is complete without some fun on the boat, and swimming in the lake. Aiden was even able to join us this year. He is still talking about Pap-pa's lake, saying "Pap-pa, boat?" He's already ready for next summer. Noah and Sean played well too. We brought the Wii and all the kids had fun playing together. There was also LOTS of time spent outside with the dogs. One of the highlights of Pap-pa's house is all the critters there. Paula and Steve came out with their boys and we had a nice swimming time at the Simpson's house. I really could not have asked for a better time with all of them. It was fun and relaxing, a beautiful combination!
Unfortunately, summer has already come to a close. We started back to school two weeks ago. Chris and I decided to start a little early this year, since this will be our last year in Texas for a while (sniff, sniff). We will be moving to Pensacola next May-June (most likely - you know the Navy). We want to get going on getting the house ready so we can get this baby on the market. Hopefully, we won't have any trouble selling it. So, it is back to work for me and the kiddos. Caitlyn has begun kindergarten and is already reading! We are using a combo of Sonlight/Five in a Row with her and Noah is following a classical schedule according to The Well-Trained Mind. Aiden is just tagging along nicely. The other day Caitlyn was playing a phonics game and Aiden was copying her. I said, "Look Caitlyn, you're already teaching him phonics!" and she just beamed! One of the beautiful aspects of homeschooling is your childrens sharing the joy of learning with one another. I think they are so much closer because of this. I am thankful that God set us on this journey, even if I was a bit, ahem, resistant.
I have chosen as our verse for the year, Matthew 5:3-10, the Beatitudes. Our theme will be "bees" to help us remember how we want our attitude to "bee". I think focusing on our attitudes will be good for all of us. I think overall this will be a wonderful year. I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing than to be here, in this moment, teaching and learning with my children. Although there are times I'd like to run outside and catch that yellow bus and put my kids on it, I mostly feel blessed by this opportunity. I guess it just really goes to show you that anything worthwhile has it's difficulties... I am just glad that God has put this spirit within me and that I have the ability to stay at home and teach them. I can't think of any better students than these...
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
