Deer

We had a deer lying in our yard! 

Kids 4 Truth

We had a great kickoff to the Kids 4 Truth program last night with 25 kids!  Very exciting!  Here is Jack's group getting their sashes and books.  

Nature walk scavenger hunt

Peek a boo

Baby Brytain's shower

Here are some pictures from a baby shower we had at our house for a lady in our church.  We had so much fun getting together with over 20 ladies to celebrate baby Brytain with the Walker family!  And a bonus - I got to decorate.  Ava and Jack helped us with the cake pops.  The mommy is on the left along her mom on the right, her mother in law next to her, and her two other daughters.  The auntie is holding the baby.  

Ava's phrase-ology

I feel I should be walking behind Ava with a recorder.  She is just exploding with all kinds of songs and phrases.  When we tell her we love her, she has started answering, "you too."  And Wednesday she added, "you dust da best mommy."  She's been singing parts of songs and does not appreciate help from Jack.  The wise man and foolish man, tinkle tinkle little stow, itsy bitsy spidow, and more.  She also likes to shake up Matt by bursting out with, "Packows!"  (Packers!)  As you can probably tell, she has trouble with her "r"s and reminds me of Rebekah when she was little.  She was so cute trying to say them!  

She is doing well with her colors and knows most of them.  Still no letters really, but that will come and I want to start working with her on verses.  She still prays to go downtown every day.  I finally asked her why and she said, "Heidi go downtown.  I go Heidi."  So there you go, Auntie Heidi!

She was giving me a particularly hard time during school the other day and I was starting to feel badly for not giving her much attention.  Then Matt came home for lunch and all of a sudden, she started telling him about her day (happily).  "And den mommy said go pay toys but I no pay toys and I tow a fit."  Little stinker.     

One of my favorite things she does is when you ask her to do something and she's trying to buy some time, she will say, "dust 2 seconds" while trying to hold up 2 fingers.  And it takes about 5 seconds to do that.  

School is a little more organized and streamlined.  The honeymoon is definitely over with Jack.  That didn't take long.  He doesn't perk up until after our break now, but we are moving ahead anyway.  I'm glad I just have 2 to attempt to inspire instead of 20!  Ok 1 to inspire and 1 to distract/occupy.  One little Jack phrase that he made up.  He said one day describing himself, "I was just crackin' nuts!"  What does that mean?  According to him, it means going crazy.  I think we are all crackin' nuts over here!

I am a list person and I have realized there are a few benefits to me personally with homeschooling that I maybe didn't take into account before.  I'm sure there are many more, but these have struck me the past couple of weeks.  I was so focused on my fear that it was outweighing the pros.  

1.  My favorite part is that I have planned interaction with my kids.  I really like them!  As Ava has said recently, "I yike you and I yove you too!"  With the move, I know that hasn't happened as much as it should.  So that has been fun.  

2.  I try to stay on school while it's school time, but I like that I can catch up on housey stuff during our break.  It seems easier to get things done when I have more of a schedule.  

3. I didn't have to buy school clothes.  I do try to have us all dressed and ready for the day but it was nice to be able to use what we have on hand.  And socks are optional!

4.  I know I will appreciate being able to stay inside in the winter!

The next big thing happening for us is our two new ministries beginning at church:  Kids 4 Truth on Wednesday nights and a youth program on Sunday nights after church.  We are looking forward to seeing what God does here.  It's all new and scary, but it will be good!  And then we are hoping to move in October or November depending on how smoothly the process goes.  Another benefit of homeschooling - it keeps me from dwelling on that too much!  

Oh and this Wednesday was Play-doh Day!  Thanks, Mom, for the tips on the special days.  

Happy Grandparents' Day!

Our kids are blessed with the best grandparents ever!  Both sets are godly examples that influence our children for Him. They were able to spend time with them this past weekend; and even though the Fure's card somehow came back with us, we still want you all to know how much we love and appreciate you!  Thanks for all you do for us and the kids.  We are so glad they have a relationship with you.  (And we will make sure we get the card to you, Grandma and Grandpa!)