tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33363497412878143072024-02-18T19:50:55.128-06:00faithfull mamafaithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.comBlogger104125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-41820907677046798772013-08-14T18:07:00.001-05:002013-08-14T18:07:13.019-05:00They do keep me laughingIn the middle of what I think is a serious conversation about the importance of knowing that some parts of our bodies are private and we keep them covered and to ourselves even if there is something really cool that we want to show our brothers (dear me!)Ethan says to me, "So, about privacy...." (pause) <br />
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"Yes," I reply wondering if I am really equipped to answer any questions on these topics.<br />
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"Privacy rhymes with wii, right?"<br />
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"Uhh, sort of."<br />
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"They both end with the eeee sound," he says as if this is more than evident. Then he slides his dancing feet over, tucks his head close to mine, smiles with that big toothy grin, and says "So, can we play wii?" <br />
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That's not the question I was expecting but certainly one I can answer and for now, I think that is just fine. <br />
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faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-33415944914707256472013-04-12T12:28:00.000-05:002013-04-12T12:28:30.977-05:00Free-write Fridays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We donned our writing hats which had some vague connection to famous authors - I can't really explain the transformer mask that Ezra had or why he is perpetually shirtless. Anyhow, with our writing headgear, we gathered round and spent five minutes putting pencil to paper.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhQumWk66zhyphenhyphenKOsLF9mBQaO49oq4LqhGybXzkhDNs5jfHHA1g2Rbqi0stNFw-9ZdzKW9oZfSEX6FKNXs8KdcllvGmiZtS_tSRUIv_b_P3lTfOwhu9mKJdTBfg-SdKDgKgbaKuYoIM36rm/s640/blogger-image-1160273483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhQumWk66zhyphenhyphenKOsLF9mBQaO49oq4LqhGybXzkhDNs5jfHHA1g2Rbqi0stNFw-9ZdzKW9oZfSEX6FKNXs8KdcllvGmiZtS_tSRUIv_b_P3lTfOwhu9mKJdTBfg-SdKDgKgbaKuYoIM36rm/s640/blogger-image-1160273483.jpg" /></a><br />
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Then, we made our selection of tea or hot chocolate and sat down with a few sandwiches and cookies to hear and applaud each other's stories. Ezra's story was taken by dictation and was so interesting that the others wanted to hear it again.<br />
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Jude says, "I think we need to this every Friday." The others agreed, even the one who just that morning had made up and sang repeatedly the most atrocious song about how much he hates writing. <br />
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"Sure, sounds like a great idea," I say hiding the tiniest of grins - or was it a smirk?<br />
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Idea of free write came from <a href="http://www.vitafamiliae.com/just-another-date-night/" target="_blank">LoraLynn</a> who has some of her own non-writers and it seems great success with this process.<br />
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faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-37782636737408697142013-03-13T15:09:00.001-05:002013-03-13T15:13:24.710-05:00"If God is in your heart, then is He also in your blood?" says Ethan from the very back row in the van with absolutely no preface.<br />
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Then ensues a conversation on what it means to have Jesus in your heart, where is the soul, and other such deep topics on a sunny afternoon drive home.<br />
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And I thought I must jot this down to remember how sweet they can be...faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-82122250543902519772013-01-21T14:52:00.001-06:002013-01-21T15:00:38.070-06:00PoetryCourtesy of Nathaniel and a new app called Word Mover. This is completely undirected on my part and must be way better than writing on paper because that is not something that this child enjoys in the slightest. This is when I think that interest-led learning has much more merit than I fully understand. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq03MWC-UBEuqGCZIuObeNMwVnBQPuF2jmo5g4umnVRwTfN8RTKOzckvlNe0zRc1jta8V07lV8gvlw4FgNjB6QB5ETv9ZALH9JAtdrJgIwBEZN-n8HeWIWfdM6P00Wk2JjgakOiMlH4NmZ/s640/blogger-image--1744383205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq03MWC-UBEuqGCZIuObeNMwVnBQPuF2jmo5g4umnVRwTfN8RTKOzckvlNe0zRc1jta8V07lV8gvlw4FgNjB6QB5ETv9ZALH9JAtdrJgIwBEZN-n8HeWIWfdM6P00Wk2JjgakOiMlH4NmZ/s640/blogger-image--1744383205.jpg" /></a></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-10858182648233758032013-01-16T21:04:00.000-06:002013-01-16T21:04:47.098-06:00Some days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
... we get lots done, we play, we learn, babies nap, and generally everything goes as it should. Today worked out that way. There have been enough days these couple weeks that haven't been that way that I think I need to halt and remember this one. <br />
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Also, notes to self:<br />
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Your attitude makes a difference. <br />
Let them know what's expected of them. Your oldest loves a checklist!<br />
Give them choices and let them be accountable for their decisions.<br />
Make time to run off some energy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJYMCTf1LZWPU76CHkbIkuRWH7nQGljITrzaZY615nXeRaJ68VvoQ_hkrJc6-ZgC8hUBctQ0l68DZY-vrjC4tQrjHM8eoc3z_EJXHB5oz9LNaFE-KhdCZ74tZoTxrfwLHcay-vVAdFQXl/s640/blogger-image--137455070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJYMCTf1LZWPU76CHkbIkuRWH7nQGljITrzaZY615nXeRaJ68VvoQ_hkrJc6-ZgC8hUBctQ0l68DZY-vrjC4tQrjHM8eoc3z_EJXHB5oz9LNaFE-KhdCZ74tZoTxrfwLHcay-vVAdFQXl/s640/blogger-image--137455070.jpg" /></a></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-20828537230310958962012-12-25T23:54:00.004-06:002012-12-28T22:20:14.626-06:00just thinking<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Tomorrow is a special and happy day for us -- our 10th wedding anniversary. But for a good friend of mine, it marks one year of her "goose" flying into the arms of Jesus. Last year, I remember being completely shocked when we received the news that Matt's colleague and friend, Luis Bonilla had passed away in a helicopter crash. He was on his way with others from Mayo Jacksonville's transplant team to procure a heart. I will also never forget being at the Bonilla house that night when Tracy and the kids returned home to MN. That night, I witnessed in Tracy the incredible grace, hope, and strength that only faith in Jesus can bring. <br />
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That day also brought about the unexpected for us and now a year later, I find myself in Jacksonville, Florida.<br />
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The recent tragedy in Connecticut freshly imprints on my mind how much things can change in the span of a few moments and how quickly an ordinary day can become anything but ordinary.<br />
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Life is fleeting and even fickle. Life will bring suffering and pain along with joy and beauty. But God is always in control. <br />
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I want to choose to be thankful for the moments that are given to me - the good ones and the not so pretty ones. I want to choose to cherish the ones around me. To use my words to bless. To store up treasures in heaven. To build deep into the solid Rock, so that when the storms blow, I can hold on to that everlasting hope and the hand that will never let me go. And when the storms cease, I can know that God brings joy in the morning and beauty from ashes. He is faithful.<br />
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faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-12610829901098945612012-12-12T21:22:00.001-06:002012-12-12T21:23:37.487-06:00The most wonderful time of the year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I love this time of the year for so many reasons. Slowing down, family, cool mornings and hot drinks (which have been somewhat hard to come by here in Florida), and the whole world (aware or not) remembering that the Savior has come. </div>
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We took the afternoon off from school and had a little tree decorating party ... just the kids and I.</div>
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We put on some holiday music - <a href="http://www.jillpearsonmusic.com/home.html" target="_blank">Jill Pearson's</a> Christmas cd, The Herald is my favorite. </div>
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Made some special snacks. <br />
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Dug out the stash of Christmas boxes.</div>
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I helped string the lights and garlands and then let the kids have at it. They chose whatever ornaments they wanted and put them as high as they could reach. They stopped along the way to chat about the ones they had created, munch on the yummies, and of course play legos.</div>
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They are still decorating, they say. So, I'll leave everything out for another day. I better add a few things to the top boughs so that no little monkeys will be tempted to climb the tree and do it themselves. </div>
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I'm guessing it's not going to be magazine worthy, but I'm hoping it will make memories. That's what I'm going for.</div>
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faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-64781719695585506372012-05-29T10:09:00.000-05:002012-05-29T10:09:22.086-05:003 months later...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Whereever did these past three months go? It has been a busy time for sure. Here's a long recap with a few mostly unrelated pictures.<br />
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<b>We are moving, and we know where we are going! </b> Come late summer, we will be heading to Jacksonville, Florida where the mister will be joining the CardioThoracic Sugery team of Mayo Jacksonville. That's five hours closer to home being a 12 hour straight shot down I-95. :) At least you can do it in one day, right? I am hopeful that the job will be the right mix of interesting, challenging, and rewarding for the hubs which plays big time into our family and home dynamics. One positive thing is the lack of traffic that we expect in JAX as compared to some of the other east coast opportunities. Easy, pleasant commutes make for a happier Thomas family, that's for sure.</div>
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What are we looking forward to? The beach, the ocean, the pool, being close to Lego Land and Disney World the kids will tell you. Sounds like I will need to get over my fear of the kids and water and get these guys in swimming lessons. Actually, I might have to take some too. I am eager to explore the area, find some yummy local treats, and settle into a home. I am trying to keep a positive outlook because once again, we will be starting out completely new to an area. We don't know anyone going in, although because of the Mayo connection we are already starting to meet people. It's daunting and exciting all at the same time. It definitely brings the family closer as we huddle close to each other and face a brand, new adventure.<br />
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What are we not looking forward to? According to the kids (and their daddy), alligators. Yes, there are alligators. The Clinic even has signs to beware of the wildlife and has an alligator removal service. Hilarious. The heat and the humidity is what I say. Oh, I would much rather be in the cold than in ridiculously hot, muggy weather. But, I figure if we could survive three MN winters, we can adjust to a FL summer. <br />
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<b>We have finished our first year of homeschool</b>. As with most things in life, homeschooling was a journey with both the good and the bad. Overall, I feel that we had a good year. We liked and used most of the curricula we had selected at the beginning of the year. I think the twins have a better understanding of their world and a stronger grasp on reading which we will continue to work on this summer. Nathaniel has gone through his second grade material with relative ease. His greatest struggle is creative writing. It's something that he can do, but on his own time and schedule.<br />
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We have decided to continue our homeschooling adventure into next year and then we'll research and decide on school options in JAX. <br />
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<b>We are almost out of our house in Rochester</b>. This house selling business is a lot of work! We put our house up on the market and showed it 18 times. We have signed an agreement and are waiting to close, oh right about the time that baby # 5 is expected to make his appearance. I think the hardest part was getting everything stored and put away so that we could actually put the house on the market. It was probably a blessing that we showed the home so many times because it was easier to keep it clean. The boys did a stellar job of putting things away and helping me tidy up when the time came to skedaddle. Now, if I can just find the motivation to keep up with it.<br />
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<b>Ezra turned two!</b> Special little man who really does think he's about 4 years old. I'll leave his update for another post, but notice he has been inducted into the cleaning crew.<br />
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<b>We are three months closer to having a baby.</b> I can't believe baby boy is scheduled to arrive in a couple months. I feel like come July, I am going to be in for a big shock when we bring home a newborn. Thankfully, it seems like things are slowing down just enough so that I can "nest" and prepare for having a tiny one in the home. Baby boy is kicking and moving a whole lot and growing at a good pace. It's so sweet to hear his little heartbeat and feel those not so subtle kicks reminding me that he's here with us. I am so curious what he'll look like - like one of his brothers or some other mix, and I do have a thing for baby fingers and toes. <br />
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<b>We have spent time with our friends here in Rochester</b>. I am, once again amazed at the people He has brought into our lives in our three years here. I always worry when we move if we'll connect, who will the kids play with, who will watch the kids if I need to be somewhere? God has blessed us for sure with a fabulous church, our neighbors, a good preschool where we met lots of friends in our first couple years here, and of course, my women's bible study group, Side by Side. I had hoped that there would be an established Side by Side that we could plug right into in JAX, but that would be too easy. :) So, we'll wait and see what happens and where God takes us. One thing is for sure, we are going to miss our friends. The kids feel it more than they did when we left Pennsylvania.<br />
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I have high hopes that since we are pretty close to Disney World and since some of our friends will be rotating through Mayo JAX, that we will see each other again. Consider this a standing and open invitation to come visit the Thomases in FL when you're in the area or just because...<br />
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Now, it's time to focus on what we'll be taking with us to Florida and what we'll do when we get there. We have a house hunting trip scheduled and then after that no more trips until baby gets here. We are looking forward to spending a couple more months with our friends here and family.<br />
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A couple weeks ago, I gave my departing "talk" to our Bible study group. We call it a love gift. I ended it with these few sentences, and I'll do the same here...<br />
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There are overwhelming moments when I realize we're supposed to sell a house, have a baby, find a new house, maybe temporary housing, and resituate ourselves all in the same month or so... and then I hear the echo of lessons past and that ever constant voice, "Who do you say I am? Do you know who I say you are? I have brought you this far, and I will lead you on. I've got this." He has indeed been good, and I trust that the Lord will guide our paths as we surrender to Him.<br />
<br /></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-74557576787284643782012-02-26T21:17:00.001-06:002012-02-26T21:17:52.076-06:00all things new<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Excitement, reluctance, hope, anxiety... these are a few of the emotions that I wander through when I think about this season of our lives. The mister finishes up his training this year. That would be a total of 8 years of residency and fellowship in this country. And now we are slowly turning the page to a new chapter. <div>
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We don't know where we'll move yet. My mom has flown out to watch the kids while we travel to a few places together. So we might know sooner than later. I had held out hope that we would be close to family. Not even right next door, but just so far that the boys and I could get in the car in the morning and get somewhere, to any family, by lunchtime. Truth be told, I don't know if that little dream of mine is going to come true. But, in the process I'm relearning some basic truths. </div>
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God's got great things in store for us. </div>
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He's got a great track record, and I am thankful.</div>
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He's going to be there even if my family can't. </div>
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He has been enough and He will always be enough. </div>
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He knows. </div>
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There is peace when we are at rest in Him. </div>
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So once again, I surrender. Not with a great big groan but with an expectation that He's got something pretty neat around the corner.</div>
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Speaking of neat and around the corner... in just a few months (sort of right around the time that we're supposed to be moving), we're expecting our fifth little bundle of boy. Yes, you read that right. BOY. It makes me laugh out loud thinking of being a mama to five little boys. I'm thinking of knocking down a wall and having a great big room with five twin beds. Or maybe an indoor slide. Or maybe just a soundproof, padded room? </div>
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It's so fun to look forward to something. Reminds me that there is always a reason to be thankful. We have a lot of that right now. New city, new job, new friends, new church, new baby. </div>
</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-49263635546744077452011-12-08T08:39:00.001-06:002011-12-08T08:48:25.544-06:00john 3:16<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As of last night, Nathaniel has taken it upon himself to teach his brothers John 3:16 so that they can join him at AWANA Sparks.<br />
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This was Ethan's rendition last night:<br />
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"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son. That whoever believes in Him should not <i>panic</i>...."<br />
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Not quite the verse, but oh so true. <br />
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There came a simple reminder that was exactly right for this time of change and mounting pressure to make sure the house is ready to sell, find the "perfect" next job in the "right" place for our family. From the mouth of babes, as they say.</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-57442742432657043692011-11-28T21:07:00.000-06:002011-11-28T21:07:16.290-06:00echoes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">This conversation that I happened to hear tonight is a complete echo of what has been on mine and the mister's hearts. We are deeply desiring to have more of Jesus and to do so much more of His work. <br />
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The audio clip below is a Focus on the Family interview with Francis Chan. [For those who might not have read "Crazy Love," I highly recommend it.]<br />
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<embed flashvars="allowfullscreen=true&allowscriptaccess=always&autostart=true&shownavigation=true&enablejs=true&volume=50&file=http://fotf.cdnetworks.net/fotf/mp3/fof_daily_broadcast/ffd_2011/4_oct_nov_dec/ffd_20111128.mp3&image=http://www.focusonthefamily.com/~/media/images/media-center/logos-fotf/daily-broadcast-640x360.ashx" height="384" src="http://www.focusonthefamily.com/family/JWPlayer/mediaplayer.swf" width="640"></embed></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-35016902826348440952011-11-28T13:51:00.000-06:002011-11-28T13:51:31.490-06:00a heart of thankfulness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Since we've been married, I think we've spent every Thanksgiving except the first away from home. Although we've sometimes had family come and visit, we have often spent this time with friends, usually new ones. This year we invited some of the mister's colleagues and their families to share Thanksgiving dinner with us. This was my first sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. We set one adult table and two kid tables - one for the boys and a quieter one for the girls. We borrowed dishes, chairs, and tables. The boys found some pinecones that we put in a vase with cranberries for their centerpiece and lots of butcher paper and crayons on the kids' tables to keep them entertained along with some Mayflower boats with candy. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">[Truthfully, I did not have time to take pictures before everyone ate, so these are all some time after the table was cleared, hence no dishes.]</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFgmF1R2ptzbRIDjvwLHQnUhejbXifj03f2oMUJ0pdAdVaBZC3KMxV91ow0DOiYBVW7hV3kSIGZdmnUHgbpjelIsGSbBpfTNbqJW8puHnbZt3oO4erR7jf-h_q5GYMskzDGKAPBPx07tV/s1600/table+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFgmF1R2ptzbRIDjvwLHQnUhejbXifj03f2oMUJ0pdAdVaBZC3KMxV91ow0DOiYBVW7hV3kSIGZdmnUHgbpjelIsGSbBpfTNbqJW8puHnbZt3oO4erR7jf-h_q5GYMskzDGKAPBPx07tV/s640/table+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Again, I was reminded that I love a full house. I loved watching the kids make up games, play bingo and color. It was so nice to be able to chat with the other couples, talk about old traditions, tell funny stories, and plan for the future. It was also a pretty good deal to be able to share the cooking with some of the ladies and my goodness, I have to say that their dishes were scrumptious! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Y_Z_O85tTNXg6hsRrSA7ITdx46GWsaJ2TSXH7wRNv8tLmI1UDjo2HuO_7Vvrs35BxvEaU9kVvgJh2cT5aFJdQ0d3t8ZIDo8-eE5mf5bQt83Bgl3F1G_bPR4gKn_KuOxrVxy7QlfwBR7/s1600/boats+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-7Y_Z_O85tTNXg6hsRrSA7ITdx46GWsaJ2TSXH7wRNv8tLmI1UDjo2HuO_7Vvrs35BxvEaU9kVvgJh2cT5aFJdQ0d3t8ZIDo8-eE5mf5bQt83Bgl3F1G_bPR4gKn_KuOxrVxy7QlfwBR7/s640/boats+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">boats with treats for the kids</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4X9w8Q9qBWqUwk436DFZtz07QuukxbQj6YsuA3tJEyb9CeYHigbhGe7plz8PUbV81HYzLny1dF5RalQcWm0JKzYnb9phitHUhXipIi2grPUw3zTOr3kjadouvmBaloOgXZnnavOfCyc9P/s1600/kids+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4X9w8Q9qBWqUwk436DFZtz07QuukxbQj6YsuA3tJEyb9CeYHigbhGe7plz8PUbV81HYzLny1dF5RalQcWm0JKzYnb9phitHUhXipIi2grPUw3zTOr3kjadouvmBaloOgXZnnavOfCyc9P/s640/kids+table.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lots of art work at the kids table</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There is much to be thankful for today and always. We are so incredibly blessed, who could list it all? My heart is thankful for friends and for how God fills in the gaps. I am thankful for the gift of doing ordinary things and enjoying an ordinary day. I am learning that it is indeed a gift. <br />
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And, I am extremely thankful for who God is because even if all the things we have disappear or we come upon troublesome times, we can still <i> Give thanks to God, for He is good! His love endures forever.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaowuS9KE1DZ1HYMZc8OVctHlR4O0hNfCltAOhQmVcszLUhPzuOWoWGM2L4qpFDjakUK2lXRxw_ofmc2nPIN3mZ_1au5tJQZZk6FihWSAD4KkBRYT6WFLOo-rkqIoP-ho2cKmBuHwVcmEG/s1600/thanksgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaowuS9KE1DZ1HYMZc8OVctHlR4O0hNfCltAOhQmVcszLUhPzuOWoWGM2L4qpFDjakUK2lXRxw_ofmc2nPIN3mZ_1au5tJQZZk6FihWSAD4KkBRYT6WFLOo-rkqIoP-ho2cKmBuHwVcmEG/s640/thanksgiving.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our thankful garland</td></tr>
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</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-13653456077330288572011-10-26T23:21:00.000-05:002011-10-26T23:21:29.707-05:00more on apples<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">We read so many books about apples, orchards, pies, and of course Johnny Appleseed during our apple unit.<br />
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We also did a few crafts including making this little flip book about an apple tree through the seasons. This activity helped us summarize all that we had learned about seasons, how plants and trees grow, and of course apples. We had learned about Van Gogh for art and we used I tried to put out as many textures/media as I could find like pipe cleaner, foam sheets, tissue paper, pompoms, and of course paint. We had learned about Van Gogh for art, so we tried out some of different brush strokes and heavy paints like he used in his work. I love that their handprints are included in this. We used their painted hands for the leaves on the summer and autumn page. But, we forgot to put in ladybugs and bees which are an important part of the process.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We also used fabric paint and apples cut lengthwise and crosswise to stamp the rest of our muslin. Now, I have to figure out what to make with this fabric. Any ideas?<br />
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And of course, we had a little taste test. I only selected four varieties to taste - Honeycrisp, Sweetango, Golden Delicious, and Fuji. Each voter received 3 stars (votes). I suggested putting two stars for your most favorite and one for your second favorite. Of course, Nathaniel chimed in with every other possibility, so eventually I let them "cast" their 3 stars however they wanted. Nathaniel put all three down in one spot, so he could be sure to make sure his apple won. Jude liked the name delicious and sweet, so he divided his stars between the two. Ethan was our most fickle voter moving his stars between the columns so he could be sure he would be on the winning apple. Talk about personalities. <br />
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Once the voting was completed, they graphed the votes on a sheet that I created with the pictures of the apples. This was the first time that Jude and Ethan did any graphing work. So interesting to watch their little brains go through the steps of processing this task.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjB5rktA7py_UEMEhSET9Bl3VunzppJVHKsmC4WYde9JMrhhjRpxlOBv3gmZBTIVLqE11ahzNqnUvdjtj9myQRF8YSN3BcbkrbTVo-rgV67nwdwpTnkhCeE7KNnBnWwhFWzAmRDOpsKG-/s1600/graphing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGjB5rktA7py_UEMEhSET9Bl3VunzppJVHKsmC4WYde9JMrhhjRpxlOBv3gmZBTIVLqE11ahzNqnUvdjtj9myQRF8YSN3BcbkrbTVo-rgV67nwdwpTnkhCeE7KNnBnWwhFWzAmRDOpsKG-/s640/graphing.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-70760543262456967142011-10-26T06:00:00.003-05:002011-10-26T06:00:17.659-05:00all about apples<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOt_quuuvYlNdI_w45uVs-mMbQ5ZbYc7IqRjiUKaQQM57XBjpyEfU6WM5SMcbGW-QACZU_AN53ojcEXhq_X5kWA_36pM5J8KF0g38G_zYmo9rXaUY0D0YP8y3XqCk_gOn4GLrtEFflD7np/s1600/apples+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOt_quuuvYlNdI_w45uVs-mMbQ5ZbYc7IqRjiUKaQQM57XBjpyEfU6WM5SMcbGW-QACZU_AN53ojcEXhq_X5kWA_36pM5J8KF0g38G_zYmo9rXaUY0D0YP8y3XqCk_gOn4GLrtEFflD7np/s640/apples+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's something I've discovered this year. The apples from the orchard are so much better than the ones from the store. I don't know why this year has been so different. Usually, I'm not insistent on fresh apples but man, the ones that we've gotten from the store this season just don't compare to the ones we picked a few weeks ago. So, we made another trip. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDBbCooNSb96KCSOqvFvFlqs2KkpGWlKIrWy8rqeeUGnKLQ736_H6XZONAaJvs35_rCd-DGaTzluCKNfw153ZQup4fVLfLUP9tcb6thmq_8E0yhD-Wyb-RY_7MZVTeO5KmSAHFMPet_8n/s1600/apples+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDBbCooNSb96KCSOqvFvFlqs2KkpGWlKIrWy8rqeeUGnKLQ736_H6XZONAaJvs35_rCd-DGaTzluCKNfw153ZQup4fVLfLUP9tcb6thmq_8E0yhD-Wyb-RY_7MZVTeO5KmSAHFMPet_8n/s640/apples+7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The first excursion was with my Bible Study gals which was loads of fun. I also considered it a field trip to go with our apple unit. The second trip was made with another couple ladies whose husbands were in some way busy with their doctoring work. We packed a little picnic and met up under the apple trees on a Saturday afternoon. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMU-dFRat_kezO5T3hyGf33pZStFEeSoG7SfzFtaKg2pvg_UuLlhXenV5ytWQ6hbz8TKcuW_72ncBNVjoBZDOUWdiOXvsjcQ92H7ZMZS3MN0vlqhX0qSMxT4QcY0Ftl1_OL5CxWqZRu5d/s1600/apples+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMU-dFRat_kezO5T3hyGf33pZStFEeSoG7SfzFtaKg2pvg_UuLlhXenV5ytWQ6hbz8TKcuW_72ncBNVjoBZDOUWdiOXvsjcQ92H7ZMZS3MN0vlqhX0qSMxT4QcY0Ftl1_OL5CxWqZRu5d/s640/apples+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">thanks <a href="http://larkoflife.blogspot.com/">Erin</a>, for our field trip picture. :)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">On our first trip, I took the boys through the corn maze. We slowly meandered through exploring every possible option. I am ashamed to say that on this second trip (with grown up help) I managed to lose one child in the corn maze... and worse, didn't even notice until someone said "Aren't we missing one?" Oh yes, that one was mine and where was I? On the tractor about to head back to the main area. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyCv2DJAz6ZETB1qChxz-HMkdhyphenhyphenlFo_IVpOqKZCFvEAlW30ABr9K-xy_9qaIYudCdAKT9QXe8natKL7Hb_MLKYs0qKhnoj8Ku_NbctZDLTIv-iP0h5EUnaeZu6ohLtrfeMkfV33xYMR3d/s1600/corn+maze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyCv2DJAz6ZETB1qChxz-HMkdhyphenhyphenlFo_IVpOqKZCFvEAlW30ABr9K-xy_9qaIYudCdAKT9QXe8natKL7Hb_MLKYs0qKhnoj8Ku_NbctZDLTIv-iP0h5EUnaeZu6ohLtrfeMkfV33xYMR3d/s640/corn+maze.jpg" width="640" /></a>Just a little bit panicked, the three remaining boys and I quickly scrambled off the tractor. Nathaniel and Jude ran through the corn maze crying out for Ethan. They were definitely on a mission! Nathaniel eventually found him all the way at the back of the corn maze. It seems he wanted to try to get out on his own and abandoned the pack of other children. Thankfully, he wasn't too frightened ... but I know I was saying some prayers as I bumbled through the maze.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_p2XQVNrht6Y6p5NWlMNb89ZwAvlSM7HEg8_8qvidzhBd4Nq1EjiWQDaLNMRjBKftdJlEzTKPltY3IvDl_diO9FawWscWA76e2EuPxRiVc9hiPrteF1D90b82pKV4syn2AOqlneO5qB/s1600/apples+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7W_p2XQVNrht6Y6p5NWlMNb89ZwAvlSM7HEg8_8qvidzhBd4Nq1EjiWQDaLNMRjBKftdJlEzTKPltY3IvDl_diO9FawWscWA76e2EuPxRiVc9hiPrteF1D90b82pKV4syn2AOqlneO5qB/s640/apples+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The kittens and puppies were out and about this past weekend. Is it obvious that they want a pet? Nathaniel asked me today if he could be a dog walker so he could have time with dogs without us having to own one. I've told them that we'll consider pets once we figure out where to next. That's sooner than I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmATTerpPnjgEv0_0fJRU1zilWYAqjHtct9O1VF28YYXm5WKBdp8v03bxcc1FsesMWQsMOHgX9fP9xuBgeXTrlH5r7P_NOXbQ4vVW-NffbzQDRRWgKOnG6gvj5TCcbTLLORgCl4FGfB1d/s1600/apples+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmATTerpPnjgEv0_0fJRU1zilWYAqjHtct9O1VF28YYXm5WKBdp8v03bxcc1FsesMWQsMOHgX9fP9xuBgeXTrlH5r7P_NOXbQ4vVW-NffbzQDRRWgKOnG6gvj5TCcbTLLORgCl4FGfB1d/s640/apples+5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkN3j6gtpUAFCMjbpcTsvcvA22fn6phqaD2-XWiLXqRNGsbkbTXjPANiRrzDXPfXQHqNp7phMYFpvV5n05pLmC4lqDXvfnfMk4s3dR99xbwZ06LmsUc9ULs4UEYXH6ced-drQ-ULmO88f/s1600/animals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkN3j6gtpUAFCMjbpcTsvcvA22fn6phqaD2-XWiLXqRNGsbkbTXjPANiRrzDXPfXQHqNp7phMYFpvV5n05pLmC4lqDXvfnfMk4s3dR99xbwZ06LmsUc9ULs4UEYXH6ced-drQ-ULmO88f/s640/animals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The boys saw caramel apples at the orchard and really wanted to have some. I promised we would make it at home (including the m&m's just like at the orchard). I was brave enough to take them all to the store and get the caramel that very day. But then it took me two days to get motivated to melt the caramel. :) And wouldn't you know, I should have bought a lot more caramel.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIItL5byrxVHvKEC6At5_LVPzhyphenhyphenDBHTy5ma8jlqAVpLjEyDg9m7QwEimAktY-YcBlNEl0VXNysNHO0_F-YDYdAbEXlMtb-lcsNfL_CROQ8lTPKVf5yMdstGOJ8Pm2bJYQJ1HAiTwil58Hm/s1600/caramel+apples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIItL5byrxVHvKEC6At5_LVPzhyphenhyphenDBHTy5ma8jlqAVpLjEyDg9m7QwEimAktY-YcBlNEl0VXNysNHO0_F-YDYdAbEXlMtb-lcsNfL_CROQ8lTPKVf5yMdstGOJ8Pm2bJYQJ1HAiTwil58Hm/s640/caramel+apples.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Surprise, surprise... daddy came home early! Just in time to enjoy the caramel apples. These silly boys ran out of the house to get daddy to taste their apples.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQsIY-duz8d2x_SX2Mv88BmflWXyy6eOju4TGgCi90EWK-Igm1luHnvHeg2AkApui6jin7ELZ5ZOeCqQG7-AYrvjuJjZ38Lu7Mh-lW0OkWuwbTHSCSxYVpXD492X17K1IHNs0xbwOD8Il/s1600/caramel+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfQsIY-duz8d2x_SX2Mv88BmflWXyy6eOju4TGgCi90EWK-Igm1luHnvHeg2AkApui6jin7ELZ5ZOeCqQG7-AYrvjuJjZ38Lu7Mh-lW0OkWuwbTHSCSxYVpXD492X17K1IHNs0xbwOD8Il/s640/caramel+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I have more to post on our apple unit... later. For now, here are my goobers (again).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhWlMSshBaXjcJjtPrIz7iCILX9sv7d_tGgezqRrgOZCBKF3BHZY1k-9gC2TQUalBW66zX6qPvWlVGSxjRhqFfX0GLbIAbBbjRYYg8Vfa6nfzfaOzzUwY4ISQjQBCTm_X0JusRJbZbNW_/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhWlMSshBaXjcJjtPrIz7iCILX9sv7d_tGgezqRrgOZCBKF3BHZY1k-9gC2TQUalBW66zX6qPvWlVGSxjRhqFfX0GLbIAbBbjRYYg8Vfa6nfzfaOzzUwY4ISQjQBCTm_X0JusRJbZbNW_/s640/boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-2113630174893570422011-10-20T16:05:00.013-05:002011-10-25T18:21:27.098-05:00leaf pounding<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">During our recent unit on leaves and plants, we tried out several new hands-on activities that the boys really enjoyed. We did lots of leaf collecting and some leaf pressing and painting. <br />
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Our kindergarten curriculum (My Father's World) has a Biblical theme for each unit. The theme for this one was "I will live and grow in Jesus." The curriculum suggested using a branch of leaves to illustrate this point. We put a whole branch in a vase with water and then we pulled off one leaf and put it by the branch but unconnected. The twins were fascinated and would check it every day to see how the leaf was doing. After a couple days, the leaf is, of course, dry and brittle and the boys totally got it without any explanation. That night, they greeted their very confused daddy waving the poor leaf and saying "See, this is what happens when you're not with Jesus." Gosh, I love how these children see things so simply.<br />
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We also tried leaf pounding. I read about it online and figured it would be most fun for the boys since it involved hammers, loud pounding, and smushing things to smithereens. Of course, they loved it.<br />
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We collected leaves from around the neighborhood and pulled out the hammers. I cut out two sheets of unbleached muslin for each. The boys arranged their leaves on one sheet of muslin and covered their arrangements with another sheet. We put all three layers on some cardboard and hammered away till we could see the imprint of the leaf. I eventually took this activity outside where our neighbor kids could join in the merriment. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_F4g0hBktqPeOFTOn5CloR7Fp03q_w5YoA2grSwcrNByxdnBGfobTzZip1xwMuH0hU7-fo0DltZSbRPOCEDgZiQdRNqCoNp9Br-MVNb1ar-k6srWmH9c6MKJ_0UvUhvRmzEmKNt4AmpL/s1600/leaf+pounding+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA_F4g0hBktqPeOFTOn5CloR7Fp03q_w5YoA2grSwcrNByxdnBGfobTzZip1xwMuH0hU7-fo0DltZSbRPOCEDgZiQdRNqCoNp9Br-MVNb1ar-k6srWmH9c6MKJ_0UvUhvRmzEmKNt4AmpL/s640/leaf+pounding+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I strung a few together with some vintage green and white polka dot bias tape I had collected from a yard sale and for now it's hanging by our front door.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqo5lCtvtrnTzJ183pYch3fbS1Z0LdXU77gQoFUVOwTgap3rQkXtrhIev5dfN4WKRhnTyPgto6-nGKFxOzTLwW1hJHcz6wq_8hU02T47diz6WtOnLe6JkPGXpvQA7dyHYS-3_KAQLCZRO/s1600/garland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqo5lCtvtrnTzJ183pYch3fbS1Z0LdXU77gQoFUVOwTgap3rQkXtrhIev5dfN4WKRhnTyPgto6-nGKFxOzTLwW1hJHcz6wq_8hU02T47diz6WtOnLe6JkPGXpvQA7dyHYS-3_KAQLCZRO/s640/garland.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
The maple leaf is my favorite. Such clear lines. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBuezZpYoBXJtLzH9fsug4OC0ok5mJ_4nieObxzTv-xCby0yE3SXIrS7n3apogzHUvLxl310Cf1F8dvgLCk-l4DMj_CQIdiNn3N6x6K0K6Zi6wU_u7r9opuCXhWPObXYsYmYt-nU-07RI/s1600/maple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgBuezZpYoBXJtLzH9fsug4OC0ok5mJ_4nieObxzTv-xCby0yE3SXIrS7n3apogzHUvLxl310Cf1F8dvgLCk-l4DMj_CQIdiNn3N6x6K0K6Zi6wU_u7r9opuCXhWPObXYsYmYt-nU-07RI/s640/maple.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I think the boys liked the colored leaves and the real wet leaves that would really splatter all over.. wouldn't you know? Fun to hammer but not such a good imprint.<br />
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<strong><em>featured at:</em></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://letkidscreate.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://i1189.photobucket.com/albums/z423/art4littlehands/Art%20For%20Little%20Hands/MondayMadness.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.abcand123learning.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="abc button" border="0" src="http://i596.photobucket.com/albums/tt46/meyeringk/ABCGraphics-Page003.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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</div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-78878412646929128002011-10-14T06:57:00.001-05:002011-10-14T06:57:00.230-05:00homeschooling: two months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Two months into homeschooling... and we are still going strong and even living together in peace. I call this our golden age because it's fresh and different and therefore exciting. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2Xb_cBcP6OMVSoNvK1uU_QFjXv71ubxNo0wBrqKsFWvSJkKobWcEpJWBRo0UsJ4SdRqf6bzAF204CfJlqrVX011qRaFixfVE4CTcGs4RHR9hv1qRccwnJfuWgn66-CntXBkicbtqbu51/s1600/ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2Xb_cBcP6OMVSoNvK1uU_QFjXv71ubxNo0wBrqKsFWvSJkKobWcEpJWBRo0UsJ4SdRqf6bzAF204CfJlqrVX011qRaFixfVE4CTcGs4RHR9hv1qRccwnJfuWgn66-CntXBkicbtqbu51/s640/ready.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We have worked out a routine so that <em>if</em> we have a "normal" day, we know what to expect. But, in fact, we make many exceptions. I am finding that this is part of the fun of homeschooling. We take detours and slow down to observe a little bit closer or to study a new interest. I feel like I have been given such a gift as I learn, observe, and grow alongside my little ones. I don't know how long this journey will last but I sure do hope the attitude of learning and the joy in being together stay with us for years to come.<br />
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Our routine, on a typical day looks something like this: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-SZG_aB30Jd9kTQEiUF_dLRQUb-k5HjbITh1qiDY1y8zaTQTuKuT-5_GWERXhxPtMNPwYKuDxXst1TJCri37YQnbFKdWnecvb01j8__TWeViWoZwkrscY45SzCg2nN2znUTGMdeoF6Zn/s1600/the+day+...+visually.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-SZG_aB30Jd9kTQEiUF_dLRQUb-k5HjbITh1qiDY1y8zaTQTuKuT-5_GWERXhxPtMNPwYKuDxXst1TJCri37YQnbFKdWnecvb01j8__TWeViWoZwkrscY45SzCg2nN2znUTGMdeoF6Zn/s640/the+day+...+visually.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(also proof that i was once a consultant)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We haven't been getting in enough Spanish, artist study or music theory as I would like, but we will be working on that over the next couple months. Jude and Ethan sort of audit the afternoon boxes. They stay and listen and pick up what's interesting to them. A couple afternoons a week, I do try and work with them specifically on their reading. We take Fridays off unless there's a project to be done or we've missed work from earlier in the week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jNtx6mQLEZAfVwNb6jogPg_sQswyOxINZBZ1pliZ15Yb4sps3Y6CShKUDpi3AA-6Cfo4atWauWq2wJ0ikyFbZv6Smyt_GhETV8KiCtsf8KRwzk_pB18XVQZYdpv7ZYuOatnIXZnrSXab/s1600/boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jNtx6mQLEZAfVwNb6jogPg_sQswyOxINZBZ1pliZ15Yb4sps3Y6CShKUDpi3AA-6Cfo4atWauWq2wJ0ikyFbZv6Smyt_GhETV8KiCtsf8KRwzk_pB18XVQZYdpv7ZYuOatnIXZnrSXab/s640/boys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am thankful for the years of preschool the kids have done. I use quite a bit of material for circle time and calendar from our preschool co-op teacher in Sayre, PA, Mrs. Hafer. Because it was a co-op, the parents took turns being the TA and we learned the songs and various techniques that Mrs. Hafer used. We use three of the songs she taught us in the morning for the months of the year, days of the week and the weather.</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH8p2VUVL3mbGGQJC6aguC8xmRw8rRwYrO6pGzV3UmG34Ogr-tpABTCTK13_O6I2ks07Qh_Ed5VAVklkIkZHEGm-vP0CtkycOzG8RAFt4-BTEenfBPLC2IkdlZrHHd8FS70cRs4Z6W178/s1600/calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH8p2VUVL3mbGGQJC6aguC8xmRw8rRwYrO6pGzV3UmG34Ogr-tpABTCTK13_O6I2ks07Qh_Ed5VAVklkIkZHEGm-vP0CtkycOzG8RAFt4-BTEenfBPLC2IkdlZrHHd8FS70cRs4Z6W178/s640/calendar.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Nathaniel enjoys history very much. We are using Story of the World on audio which has been a nice way to mix things up for him. The boys also get very interested in the particular units we are studying. I have discovered that they love craft/science projects and remember quite a bit from them. We did a unit on the moon and just the other day after AWANA the twins were so excited to show me the moon, saying "Look, it's a gibbous." :)</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_RyXm_XIAT4gc0iYONjm8ziMf9x0QXpxMaT5Vl7ANVKXU9BVKDOWSlMehjW9JTCSpodg44K__XFpFMJbjTOhHOrkxyDePyW6E6oKadKaSpl6yA_OQBsiPZoi4TUWVZoavXIsOJOjL9M/s1600/moon+model.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3_RyXm_XIAT4gc0iYONjm8ziMf9x0QXpxMaT5Vl7ANVKXU9BVKDOWSlMehjW9JTCSpodg44K__XFpFMJbjTOhHOrkxyDePyW6E6oKadKaSpl6yA_OQBsiPZoi4TUWVZoavXIsOJOjL9M/s640/moon+model.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jude and Ethan both started to read within the first couple weeks of school which is such a huge accomplishment for them. They were at the brink for so long, I just couldn't wait for them to take the plunge. They now speak phonetically which goes something like, "M-m-m-o-o-m, c-c-c-a-a-n..." Very slow and very funny... thankfully, they seem to be just doing it with certain words these days. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our greatest challenge has been keeping Ezra occupied. I was convinced that my various bags of during-school-only toys would do the trick. But no, this little man needs to be doing exactly what his brothers are doing. I still lay out a blanket for him with some play items, sorting toys, or puzzles. He sits down with it for a little bit but eventually comes over to be with his brothers. So, we let him. He has his own set of notebooks that he scribbles in, when the brothers show me their work, he comes over and says "mama" until I carefully examine his doodles as well. If they read, he gets a book and reads with them and on and on...</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFYSTT-Xu1F7CBfAfpL_Llm31rcMgro5MthgvMA4EEzcxAmIqmlNc0NoVk5-ICQ8Q36RA_OXOhg203ZuTaa5qRoqLEHPxDyByufX5Ed8Q836WqUOQsEFN0I4DfWobuY6aEMpZmezwuCqe/s1600/ezra.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFYSTT-Xu1F7CBfAfpL_Llm31rcMgro5MthgvMA4EEzcxAmIqmlNc0NoVk5-ICQ8Q36RA_OXOhg203ZuTaa5qRoqLEHPxDyByufX5Ed8Q836WqUOQsEFN0I4DfWobuY6aEMpZmezwuCqe/s640/ezra.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I already get the sense that the "golden age" is approaching its end, not in a riotous fashion but it's becoming obvious that the littles need a few different things to keep it interesting. I'm working on finding ways to keep them engaged and to change things up just enough that they stay with me on our ride.</div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-83326926518528541752011-10-07T16:51:00.001-05:002011-10-24T09:36:57.928-05:00ezra: eighteen [18] months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Our littlest man is such a ham. He's a very jolly fellow with a pleasant temperament, moving along with his brothers, definitely a part of the pack. He's more possessive of his mommy and daddy than his brothers were which is at the same time perplexing and hilarious. When he sees his brothers cozying up with a parent, he somehow manages to squeeze right in between, do some cozying of his own, and then scamper off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbdnNrBSskVoawisnTXpUeAZt9LWKfgQOmibAUsmVetSlKnyc8zxmiCVgdWdNX5ouNuYHLMsYR6Y9ndZlHnSWp8LrbYEDShVtUZM_BSvQSbZe6xX9SOF2fHvVwHCevYW9dMtba1T1Qz2_/s1600/18+mos-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbdnNrBSskVoawisnTXpUeAZt9LWKfgQOmibAUsmVetSlKnyc8zxmiCVgdWdNX5ouNuYHLMsYR6Y9ndZlHnSWp8LrbYEDShVtUZM_BSvQSbZe6xX9SOF2fHvVwHCevYW9dMtba1T1Qz2_/s640/18+mos-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ezra at 18 months</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He loves his brothers and believes he is about four years old. He tries to make his brothers laugh by doing funny dances and making funny faces. His antics never fail and his brothers end up in peals of laughter. He spins in circles until he's dizzy and bumps into a piece of furniture, then he laughs and continues to spin. He loves to be outside, going up and down on the slide or swinging. He sits on the tricycle and somehow meanders along the sidewalk<br />
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He imitates everyone around him. He pushes toy cars around with the sweetest sound effects. He likes to play with the toy kitchen tools and of course, all of daddy's gadgets.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRT2TnfHIhj3oCuFFXM6VouZ34VhoxLQdo4UE_gdsK9NijiVUN0-v2fK1dUCqe7W_IGBU7g4bQTUTypCPj2ogHpTIZf6uTaCbToQ-PMQT2fG8FLxCiyJS1gcDptCq_yOfeo_6cN_XrOML/s1600/18+mos-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRT2TnfHIhj3oCuFFXM6VouZ34VhoxLQdo4UE_gdsK9NijiVUN0-v2fK1dUCqe7W_IGBU7g4bQTUTypCPj2ogHpTIZf6uTaCbToQ-PMQT2fG8FLxCiyJS1gcDptCq_yOfeo_6cN_XrOML/s640/18+mos-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">i need to get my blanket just right so i can pretend to take a nap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>His naughtiness is tempered with the cutest grin and if he knows you're really upset, he'll quickly back away...literally and pretend to hide even though he's right in front of you. He pushes a chair around so that he can access whatever is supposed to be out of his reach which can get quite tiring for his mama. He loves to help clean up,which I suppose is good because he can reach the water dispenser on the fridge which affords him plenty of opportunity to wipe up spills. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlvD6FQrb28bDUniDhyHtE4kQ5O93_LW8IlW5dwvva7o86M7SEDSh3li4xnubDOvlbMeT62ziRXqLPc1OEzU7rkbpATy7b4WeXL-45vAWc5Pen_uI6zBFMQalWUWKNYGIACFe8N06TA92/s1600/18+mos-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlvD6FQrb28bDUniDhyHtE4kQ5O93_LW8IlW5dwvva7o86M7SEDSh3li4xnubDOvlbMeT62ziRXqLPc1OEzU7rkbpATy7b4WeXL-45vAWc5Pen_uI6zBFMQalWUWKNYGIACFe8N06TA92/s640/18+mos-6.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this smile says, i'm thinking about something naughty and it involves you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUk4r5XuLVGQrHL01HQhyR05vQtAExy4IjehuNhnybK6lfFSOZV_f-fLyNyU0MrQMTKq84UEMuI0XdKGax79ADD2qQCq8MSUJh1r_tLVVNbyZ8HxDJbUakV_mNA5KytByGgYk_90_LvPmI/s1600/18+mos-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUk4r5XuLVGQrHL01HQhyR05vQtAExy4IjehuNhnybK6lfFSOZV_f-fLyNyU0MrQMTKq84UEMuI0XdKGax79ADD2qQCq8MSUJh1r_tLVVNbyZ8HxDJbUakV_mNA5KytByGgYk_90_LvPmI/s640/18+mos-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cute, playful grin that makes you just want to squeeze him and bite his cheeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>He still is not very verbal although he gets what he wants with signs or other gesturing. Mamma, Dadda, Nanni (nathaniel), bye-bye, hi, ba-bo, pala, done, thangu (thankyou) are his most frequent words with a few more sneaking in each day. In a way, this keeps him a baby just a bit longer and that is special. He loves most every food with a particular fondness for sweets and also yogurt, pasta, fish, and chapatti. Without a doubt, he loves his milk. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMRd1m04EdSX_dp_-tzG8zfj8WMEip6tC9tYDmERv_iZhMpKCQEEQLrTkfwUQvAZe9OdVdR7vBIPuwDPhW9keetQ7jrLUxBEVOF7SZGxPaesD5LsyZwDUQWqzhD72auNXEI8ouPa5Oo7m/s1600/18+mos-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMRd1m04EdSX_dp_-tzG8zfj8WMEip6tC9tYDmERv_iZhMpKCQEEQLrTkfwUQvAZe9OdVdR7vBIPuwDPhW9keetQ7jrLUxBEVOF7SZGxPaesD5LsyZwDUQWqzhD72auNXEI8ouPa5Oo7m/s640/18+mos-7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">taking a break</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
He is quite dramatic making many different faces and sounds to convey his meanings. I've tried to capture some of that with the photos here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_cq-q7JlclH6ci-St1fdS_KF-STuk6piIrnPUv_QDoUn9UB-SwHNOfmjP-bZ99YzkkZJirhRimunghzg_2FylHLDFcm1OIoWZBVuKu9JJhbQt-ANjv2Ce9xJFx2G_pUjCTSpIipPxThv/s1600/18+mos-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM_cq-q7JlclH6ci-St1fdS_KF-STuk6piIrnPUv_QDoUn9UB-SwHNOfmjP-bZ99YzkkZJirhRimunghzg_2FylHLDFcm1OIoWZBVuKu9JJhbQt-ANjv2Ce9xJFx2G_pUjCTSpIipPxThv/s640/18+mos-2.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the squint that say "i don't really like what you're saying"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubmP_u_loHxVKhdiv4kPWfCk9xQ4nCR4APFpg9yLabFtAdYVPPtQTCQEvxYAGfY0sRc2EvWCkOAR5a3V555B5ZcTXDLeC7SV9C0CvPgyp0Ne5Pw0wBlYfFp0jaYNNgWB3vVc__6C9sYp9/s1600/18+mos-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjubmP_u_loHxVKhdiv4kPWfCk9xQ4nCR4APFpg9yLabFtAdYVPPtQTCQEvxYAGfY0sRc2EvWCkOAR5a3V555B5ZcTXDLeC7SV9C0CvPgyp0Ne5Pw0wBlYfFp0jaYNNgWB3vVc__6C9sYp9/s640/18+mos-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">drama and flexibility while pointing out a minuscule ouch</td></tr>
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</div>We really do love this little man/person and and as with all our special boys, we are so thankful he's here.<br />
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</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-19267968430009737162011-10-04T16:35:00.000-05:002011-10-04T16:35:17.851-05:00my pupils<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">At school today, we had:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqb_SHNSK_Y4toGWIMUD6s0YlNcAmZrph_1aEXNu15qZh80Z39x6WkAuzCovJEjqTEczHQidnv_D581tWZ7sLYKDxC5BTaSvXrdjvYpoSj0daOdGRm47JBbkE2kCIffCSHjyGq-ek6ERR/s1600/costume+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHqb_SHNSK_Y4toGWIMUD6s0YlNcAmZrph_1aEXNu15qZh80Z39x6WkAuzCovJEjqTEczHQidnv_D581tWZ7sLYKDxC5BTaSvXrdjvYpoSj0daOdGRm47JBbkE2kCIffCSHjyGq-ek6ERR/s640/costume+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The captain pirate (L) and his brave knight (R)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7jYys5wNQrx1V1iMup8E7uvhzhspM9GoJ3sxGTtDVpGgmbukmykng2LxKhL0U23SL_yD29LgfS1d-OL7lyPD2PlykbQMGQb11oNlxhaAFJ9JM16vBJtZ0lGF-sjIentPU81zq2sTyILD/s1600/costume+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7jYys5wNQrx1V1iMup8E7uvhzhspM9GoJ3sxGTtDVpGgmbukmykng2LxKhL0U23SL_yD29LgfS1d-OL7lyPD2PlykbQMGQb11oNlxhaAFJ9JM16vBJtZ0lGF-sjIentPU81zq2sTyILD/s640/costume+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The industrious artist</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXVFQNjFvV84Lb0l-L5aru-2ym8q_LrcHeH_NNb9sAcyYbfCuX_ML3TdcqghY6NdJafWpfRR9eHgq8Y_fkT0_PMjx236LU-zGbMyzDvIxVN49v0VPtncxIZySB8UPfybY7ZGmME3SK9RO/s1600/costume+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXVFQNjFvV84Lb0l-L5aru-2ym8q_LrcHeH_NNb9sAcyYbfCuX_ML3TdcqghY6NdJafWpfRR9eHgq8Y_fkT0_PMjx236LU-zGbMyzDvIxVN49v0VPtncxIZySB8UPfybY7ZGmME3SK9RO/s640/costume+3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, the class clown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div> When I looked around the table, I just couldn't help chuckling at how unique and interesting they all are, and then I ran off to quickly get my camera.<br />
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<div align="center"></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-15675711072302497832011-10-01T22:24:00.000-05:002011-10-01T22:24:35.992-05:00Door County, WI: Fish Creek {3}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I love the names of these small towns right by Green Bay. We stayed in Egg Harbor where there are so many shops selling locally grown apples, plums and other yummies. I brought home some pumpkin butter and apricot jam and lots of fresh fruit. At one of the shops, they enjoyed apple cider popsicles and several turns around a huge apple on little dirt bikes. There were also a plentitude of antique shops. I had to restrain myself from entering though... I figured that one mamma with four boys under six and plenty of delicate items might cause unnecessary angst for all involved. <br />
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We also made the quick drive to the next town, Fish Creek. We enjoyed some frozen custard by the marina, let Nathaniel take lots of pictures, sat and watched ducks for a good long while, and walked around a quaint 'spring through fall' town. Of course, I stopped at the local coffee and chocolate shop where I was told that most everyone leaves the town after the first of November. I can just imagine how cold, gray, and windy it must be in the winter. But approaching the end of the summer, it was perfection.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cm3mvjKKtKCnzuvpR6pjwQckMV10i2uBS0m8_Vw8w4B7XmaJ8IeqCvT3osMW0A6bUReZ_yPW0Vwi_55qdRRfmsxCtTvoONhZ9aYiW9AUL26ZT2LPF0VMqh1spyOXqubq1Xhyzb7LN8tg/s1600/fish+creek+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6cm3mvjKKtKCnzuvpR6pjwQckMV10i2uBS0m8_Vw8w4B7XmaJ8IeqCvT3osMW0A6bUReZ_yPW0Vwi_55qdRRfmsxCtTvoONhZ9aYiW9AUL26ZT2LPF0VMqh1spyOXqubq1Xhyzb7LN8tg/s640/fish+creek+b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-73908136278336522152011-09-30T23:23:00.002-05:002011-10-02T01:40:10.069-05:00Door County, WI: The Beach {2}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Truth be told, the mister and I would rather be at the top of a cool mountain than sitting on a hot beach. Yes, it's beautiful and it's fun to play in the water and the sand... but it's also hot. Not so on this trip, and I just might have changed my mind about the beach. The weather was lovely... sunny but not terribly hot with just the right amount of wind and occasional cloud cover to make me want to come to the beach repeatedly. <br />
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The children were delighted. They made sand castles that seemed to have a decidedly mexican flair (think sombrero). But, hey they were without any tools, and they were so pleased with their creations. The water was a bit cool but with the sun, it was pleasant. They ran in and out, playing, splashing, and thoroughly enjoying themselves. They collected rocks, dug their fingers into the moist, thick sand and got as wet and sandy as they possibly could. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-37994596471951567602011-09-30T16:53:00.003-05:002011-09-30T23:25:49.952-05:00Door County, WI: Nature Walk {1}<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A few weeks ago, we travelled several hours away from home leaving behind the routine, chores, and school workbooks to tag along with the mister at a conference. After all the packing and loading up and running in and out of the house for that one last thing, we drove off, and I think took a collective deep breath. Sometimes, being away from the usual is just what's needed. We took walks, drew, read, sat on the sofa, cooked simple meals, went to the beach, and caught up with the mr. as much as we could.<br />
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<em>{There are so many pictures, I think I'll have post them separately.}</em><br />
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I have been wanting to get the boys started on a nature journal for school... so on the first morning, we went on a nature walk around the lodge armed with a camera and a bag to collect treasures. With four boys, trust me, there are lots of treasures. We walked, we explored, we rested, and Jude found a friend. He named him "Jumpy" and we spent a lot of time with said cricket. Nathaniel would plead to let the cricket get back to his family, Jude would concede, and then filled with regret, he and Ethan would run off to search for Jumpy again. Of course, the littlest one is the best impersonator and so just like his brothers, Ezra went in search of his own critters. He found some ants that he wanted to befriend, but he couldn't quite keep up with them. Good for the ants, I'm thinking. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nathaniel has been really interested in taking photos and it's always fascinating to see things from his perspective. </div> </div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-54641185683845303832011-08-16T22:51:00.000-05:002011-08-16T22:51:27.030-05:00faith academy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRZ_UXtu9AlWIbXOKPDqgCA4OobKFH9gIWmU8HAgMGY0H_RqDihyGIGPF5dPjXteusEqhaBHEGA1An_1TtuPcM7FYDOPafBJjBDOh4poN9u17mR1DCbc6cscMrN9Gh0oFsybJSMumkH-S/s1600/tomorrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmRZ_UXtu9AlWIbXOKPDqgCA4OobKFH9gIWmU8HAgMGY0H_RqDihyGIGPF5dPjXteusEqhaBHEGA1An_1TtuPcM7FYDOPafBJjBDOh4poN9u17mR1DCbc6cscMrN9Gh0oFsybJSMumkH-S/s640/tomorrow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" closure_uid_1oo1jl="392" style="text-align: center;"><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="393">drawing by nathaniel, bookmark gifted to mommy from nathaniel. so true!</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Well, tomorrow we start our first day of homeschooling. <span style="font-size: x-small;">[I somewhat offhandedly named it faith academy for the obvious reasons and because it made be chuckle since it sounds so typical of indian & christian school names.]</span> I am excited and just a tad nervous. I was one of those kids who was always excited for the first day of school, organizing and reorganizing my supplies and making sure everything was packed up and ready to go for the first day. The same couldn't be said for the second week.. but the first day was always much anticipated. I sort of feel the same for tomorrow. I've reviewed the lessons for the day numerous times and I've got our materials ready to go. Most importantly, I've prayed and surrended our plans to the Lord and asked for His blessing on our desires and efforts.</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeyuXcyAmRkX46odDzCMlqd_eIAAt2IEflhFaHVBb7BVGR-_XG1yQDiZxhf1id8FkIyiJd7fzXa9wwCZ1LD5qF-pMdHyn_0MiEhB0Ju7KaZgHBVB8lEkb5LzGdurZfBHQDtwUw46pF-yf/s1600/jande+reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeyuXcyAmRkX46odDzCMlqd_eIAAt2IEflhFaHVBb7BVGR-_XG1yQDiZxhf1id8FkIyiJd7fzXa9wwCZ1LD5qF-pMdHyn_0MiEhB0Ju7KaZgHBVB8lEkb5LzGdurZfBHQDtwUw46pF-yf/s640/jande+reading.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"reading" tintin. once daddy's favorite.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I know real life and four children are going to alter the course of learning that I've outlined, but isn't that part of the experience and, with limits, even the fun of learning together. The boys are excited as well and have all sorts of suggestions for me. In fact, we had to sit down on Monday and have a little meeting so they could express all their thoughts in advance of tomorrow. Jude and Ethan want to call me Mrs. Faith. Nathaniel suggests that if the class (of 3) isn't behaving, I have them put their heads down on the table like his kindergarten teacher did. They wanted to know all about recess and what they would do if it rained and on and on the questions and discussion went. Clearly, they've been in a school environment before and therefore have expectations... that will soon need adjusting, I'm sure.</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've been really blessed to be surrounded by so many homeschoolers including many local friends. Some who have been doing it for many years and others who have littles just a little older or about the same age as mine. I have received such great advice and plan on receiving much more.</div> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td closure_uid_1oo1jl="402" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHQKKZwWFSq76ib_pZQo0qfJ4vVZ-YXQ4g-kaCsvVF6LOv-1Lm-LIeXkKPQh8u_d6XQaYNwktGVfkOaTKbLywPo-JRF9zuiP6ArocfFhOYmS81N1lOWqVirvheNVj0phDh6wyrwmu5-Gv/s1600/_8164278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="472" naa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKHQKKZwWFSq76ib_pZQo0qfJ4vVZ-YXQ4g-kaCsvVF6LOv-1Lm-LIeXkKPQh8u_d6XQaYNwktGVfkOaTKbLywPo-JRF9zuiP6ArocfFhOYmS81N1lOWqVirvheNVj0phDh6wyrwmu5-Gv/s640/_8164278.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">how i love these little men.</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">My objectives for our year are to explore what we're curious about safely, learn lots, laugh a bunch, and learn to work together as a team. {I might have to come back to these.}</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135">Here's my curriculum plan for the year - </div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><strong>Nathaniel </strong>(6, starting 2nd grade):</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Bible</em> - AWANA, Sunday School, Christian Light Workbooks, and other at home education</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Math </em>- Singapore Math 2A, 2B</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Language Arts</em> (grammar, writing) - First Language Lessons 2</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Spelling</em> - All About Spelling</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Reading - </em>We'll use the library. I had him starting out of with the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but wouldn't you know, he already went and read it in the last two days. So...</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Science</em> - Simple and Fun Science (we'll be doing lots of experiments and hands-on learning)</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Spanish</em> - (we're going to start with the local library has and expand from there)</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>History</em> - Story of the World, Ancient Times</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Geography</em> - country study starting with Egypt</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Music</em> - piano, (still working on extra curriculum here)</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Art</em> - tag along with Jude & Ethan's art project or tied to Geography</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>P.E.</em> - local sports classes/team</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><strong>Jude & Ethan </strong>(4, starting Kindergarten light)<strong> </strong></div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em closure_uid_1oo1jl="141">Bible, Math, Language Arts, Art </em>- My Father's World Kindergarten</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Bible</em> - supplemented with AWANA, Sunday School, and other at home education</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Phonics</em> - supplemented with Hooked on Phonics</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Handwriting</em> - Writing without Tears</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><em>Spanish -</em> (we're going to start with the local library has and expand from there)</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="142"></div><em>P.E.</em> - local sports classes/team<br />
<br />
<div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135">** Depending on their interest, they will also do some of the Geography, History, and Science that Nathaniel does.</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135">Keeping our little man, Ezra occupied during our homeschool time may be our greatest challenge. Anyone have suggestions? For right now, I have some new toys and baskets of goodies for him.</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div><div closure_uid_1oo1jl="135"><br />
</div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-28251415069639511922011-06-15T13:41:00.003-05:002011-06-15T16:05:09.630-05:00rainy day play<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Last week we had a rainy day just as the boys were feeling well enough to go outside and play. After a morning of occupying themselves, I started to hear the dreaded "I'm bored." [Usually, I let them figure it out but every once in a while I understand the need for instruction.] <br />
<br />
So, I brought out some cardboard and asked them what they would like to make. Nathaniel immediately said a "space helmet." The twins jumped on board with the idea. No one cared that the box I brought out was a huge Sams Club size diaper box. So, we created a very spacious space helmet. ;)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnJPuRvFddairUQ5y7IOas3rRXYq1ZQkubas0ykWOeTw9tJFz6DtsdDUtA7ozGIIvwlMsQ83fez80DO-R_dunHsiPnsq9WeJ8qs25iXdgXs0fYfm6puqN7bZqcXXPAL7hrSvlNUUY7241/s1600/rainy+day+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnJPuRvFddairUQ5y7IOas3rRXYq1ZQkubas0ykWOeTw9tJFz6DtsdDUtA7ozGIIvwlMsQ83fez80DO-R_dunHsiPnsq9WeJ8qs25iXdgXs0fYfm6puqN7bZqcXXPAL7hrSvlNUUY7241/s640/rainy+day+1.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6ePlS6zt63GvADiQKwAOs9z09KCP_G1MSALtXRAxstPQLEAGScTRGhEdR4lrRbGDdDa8T76E5cVvLn2N-9wMxoEoiQZMt52KxT6PK2q-oci0Fo3Vc3DpGerFlVprF5LTuOwFSXgvZNe_/s1600/rainy+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh6ePlS6zt63GvADiQKwAOs9z09KCP_G1MSALtXRAxstPQLEAGScTRGhEdR4lrRbGDdDa8T76E5cVvLn2N-9wMxoEoiQZMt52KxT6PK2q-oci0Fo3Vc3DpGerFlVprF5LTuOwFSXgvZNe_/s640/rainy+day+2.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><br />
The painting and decorating took up a good chunk of time, and they had lots of fun. Jude and Ethan told me so repeatedly. Sometimes fun can be so simple. Of course it can also be messy which does give me pause before I suggest an art activity. For me personally, it has helped to have certain supplies put away for just when we need it. We have an old sheet dedicated to messy projects. I've also put together a bag full of paints, brushes, glue, and cut up paper that we can just pull out when the mood strikes. I need to put in more collage items for smaller projects.<br />
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And now, we can take our helmet out and play as astronauts, sometimes robot or if you're Jude - you can be George Washington giving a speech from his space helmet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMinY54hrH7yWFOVOd0WD4yNUT2jD0dJ6xQT5BcU2730HWiwArvvePBbY4HYHVSyTZGr8jrqijznVgQvn6e2iIWLP0ZWnDyasSnhFJPI3r6I1P2hUlW99iL2neMD_gVOHk7g5FGPDqxEY/s1600/space+helmet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMinY54hrH7yWFOVOd0WD4yNUT2jD0dJ6xQT5BcU2730HWiwArvvePBbY4HYHVSyTZGr8jrqijznVgQvn6e2iIWLP0ZWnDyasSnhFJPI3r6I1P2hUlW99iL2neMD_gVOHk7g5FGPDqxEY/s640/space+helmet.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8vIQwC3HoRXU94d5uN6ymrm1bartUyfVY7Pepl3ELZ4LN6Jv3xJ2eJZUs3sx8CFCz7RYdxehMwP9Tuydm3xSgQvxge3-l5Dqx_FK2F5yvoYaMySVHDgvbOmqIkTprgvgmYXOwGoioaML/s1600/helmet+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8vIQwC3HoRXU94d5uN6ymrm1bartUyfVY7Pepl3ELZ4LN6Jv3xJ2eJZUs3sx8CFCz7RYdxehMwP9Tuydm3xSgQvxge3-l5Dqx_FK2F5yvoYaMySVHDgvbOmqIkTprgvgmYXOwGoioaML/s640/helmet+3.jpg" t8="true" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"george washington"</td></tr>
</tbody></table> I almost forgot to ask, what do you do with littles on a rainy day?</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-48012344969474957482011-06-15T13:40:00.000-05:002011-06-15T13:40:29.499-05:00check out susie mey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susiemey?ref=si_shop"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3csm1_fTlquespZHd-t5Vx5YFJ9uyUcdaUVZIbD31317gWjlXk-SJA7hLQdkL36zEaWkBYOQ6AyFhnA0GT6LK47PQaumqHt0dnfPEB1h7VeoOI50Ybl_Y6J4sKZczBaXULrLjLFLXdMml/s640/susiemey+shop.jpg" t8="true" width="426" /></a></div><br />
It's a new <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susiemey?ref=si_shop">shop</a> featuring really sweet and unique clothes that are handmade by one of the original members of the fantastic 8. The fantastic 8? Not a group of superheros, just eight kids that grew up together, spending the night at each other's houses, playing, sometimes fighting, putting on many sunday school productions together, and we are as close as family. I'm so excited for you, Susan and can't wait to see what happens with your new adventure.</div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3336349741287814307.post-89023683711159584662011-06-13T23:55:00.000-05:002011-06-13T23:55:48.594-05:00on my heart today<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">are my brother in law and sister in law in London who today buried their little baby boy. Here's my way of remembering little Joshua.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">**********</div><br />
Dear Joshua,<br />
<br />
You have gone home to be with Jesus. How sweet it must be to hear the songs of angels. We imagine the beauty that surrounds you, the glory, and the awesome presence of our Father.<br />
<br />
And, we mourn. We waited for you. We trusted that a miracle would make you well, and that one day you would be running about with your pack of cousin brothers. We were hopeful because you stayed a strong little baby despite the numerous challenges you and your mommy faced. And then, you came. You brought joy and light to your mommy and daddy for a few short hours. Oh, how we hoped and prayed for more than that. Your cousins still pray for you. I wish that we could have held you just once. <br />
<br />
Then just as quickly as you came, you were gone. So, we cry. We are sad. It feels like too much. We even question God's plan. And that's ok because God, well, He's our daddy. I think He understands.<br />
<br />
In time, we remember that God's plan is far beyond our thoughts. He let His own Son die and turned His face away from Jesus at his greatest time of pain. Why? For love. Does it make sense? Only in the fullness of time.<br />
<br />
We weren't promised an easy life just because we signed up to follow Christ. In fact, suffering seems to be part of the walk. But the good news is that He is walking it with us. He is holding our hand. He knows our ache. He cries with us and catches our tears.<br />
<br />
Above all else, this is truth: WE ARE LOVED. Deeply loved. <br />
<br />
We will remember you, Joshua and the short time you shared with us. We will keep our hands in Jesus' big ones. We will trust Him because He loved us first and He says that He will be faithful to the very end. And at the end, we'll meet you on the other shore.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">************</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This is what it means to be held</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And you survive</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This is what it is to be loved and to know</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>That the promise was that when everything fell</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We'd be held</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>If hope if born of suffering</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>If this is only the beginning</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Can we not wait, for one hour</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Watching for our Savior</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This is what it means to be held</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>How it feels, when the sacred is torn from your life</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>And you survive</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>This is what it is to be loved and to know</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>That the promise was that when everything fell</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>We'd be held</em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">"Held" by Natalie Grant</div><br />
<br />
<div align="center"></div></div>faithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18358578739558034617noreply@blogger.com3