Who Wore It Best?

4/26/2016

Who Wore It Best? 


Here's my oldest daughter (now 12) back when she was almost 2 years old, wearing the most adorable blue polka-dot dress with matching hat. So adorable! 



Fast forward to my now 2-year-old daughter wearing the same outfit. Too cute for words! 

Loving the multiple benefits of saving clothes as hand-me-downs. My heart delights in seeing my littlest kids wearing the same things their big bro and big sis did a few years back. 


Daughter's Haircut: Before and After

4/25/2016 

My 12-year-old daughter got a haircut last week. A real haircut, at a salon, where you tip the stylist and everything. It was a first for her!  She is very pleased with it!


Before. Long strands. Tangled easily.


After. Shorter. Super cute. 

Homeschool Co-op Semester Ends

4/25/2016


We were once again delighted to be able to participate in a homeschool co-op during the spring semester. Home Grown Hearts is a group of nearly 50 families (130ish kids) who get together one morning a week for 12 weeks to learn together. The kids enjoy snacks together, play gym games and take other social/educational classes. The moms help teach classes, work in the nursery and have at least one hour of small group prayer time. 


This semester my oldest daughter (12 years old) noticed that her classes were getting harder. She took Poetry, Canvas Painting, Bible, and Show & Tell (informal public speaking). She had to write a few papers for Bible class and write numerous poems for Poetry. These assignments challenged her. I was glad for these classes, though she was ready to throw in the towel and go back to easier ones! In this photo she is showing off her 4 canvas paintings. I'm proud of her!


My son (age 8) enjoyed his classes: Liberty Kids (revolutionary war history, videos and discussion), Gym, Character Traits and Godly Men. Here he is with a poster he helped create on Thomas Paine, one of the influential men of Revolutionary War times. And in front of the poster is a lapbook he created in the same class with facts on other characters from that time period. I'm proud of him! The Liberty Kids class has given him a good foundation for American History, which we jump into next school year.


The kids are challenged each semester to memorize a scripture passage. This year it was Psalm 91:9-16. Both my older two memorized it completely. I'm proud of them for hiding God's Word in their hearts. All of the kids who memorize the passage go up on stage to recite it for all those assembled at the end-of-semester program. 


And here's the entire group of all the children from our co-op. They encourage me and give me great hope for the future!

My semester was spent almost entirely in the nursery, with my two littlest people. I don't mind that at all. There are a handful of other moms serving in there, so we chat while changing diapers and rocking babies. And I enjoy spending the time with my own two in there too. Then for one hour I had my small group prayer time, which always provides a more intentional time of slowing down, sharing at a deeper level and carrying each others' burdens. 

I love our co-op. I love America, where we have the freedom to teach our children at home. I love seeing God's Word spoken and memorized and shared and lived out. 
I am most abundantly blessed!

Baby Boy Turns 7 Months

4/23/2016 


Days keep passing by and now baby boy is turning 7 months old! He had his first haircut this month. He looks older, more boyish. 


He is almost all smiles! I've heard more than a dozen times "He's such a happy baby! He is always smiling." I tell folks that he has them fooled :-)  He still loves his mama the most and doesn't want me out of his sight... or the smiles quickly turn to tears! 




One highlight of the past month is the introduction of baby food. I wouldn't say he enjoys the baby food yet, but he's tried green beans, peas, and avocado. He does like sitting in the high chair at the dinner table when we're all together.


This man is mobile, when in his walker. He sits up with a little assistance (a bumbo seat or propped against the side of the playpen). He much prefers being upright to laying on his back or stomach. 


Life is good! Happy 7 months, baby boy!

Four Children

4/21/2016 


All four children together. 



It's getting harder to get good pictures of all of them. 


But they are adorable in any pose... right?! 

Ag Days

4/20/2016 

 We enjoyed our local Ag Days last week. This is very kid-friendly way to introduce farm basics. 


We have gone many times before, but this was the first time our Little Miss (age 2) would remember it. She was able to touch goats, sheep, calves, horses and rabbits. And we were able to see ducks, geese, turkeys and more.


On the way out of the building, everyone is provided with a cookie and a carton of milk. Perfect for hungry little ones to end Ag Days on a good note!