Wendell Berry

On Monday night I gave Andy an early birthday present. We went out to dinner and then to hear Wendell Berry speak at a university nearby. Andy is a big fan of Mr. Berry's books. If you have read them you know that many are set on farms or in rural settings. He writes essays, short stories, and poems and they are very unique, simple, and beautiful. These words could be used to describe Andy, as well: unique, simple, beautiful.

I did not take any pictures that night. We were really doing well to do the daily stuff at home, get the kids to grandparents (with packed suitcases) an hour away from home, and make it to dinner and then the university by 7:00. The afternoon was a bit of a whirlwind. And I do not recall ever having a date night on Monday before. But it was a lovely night. So worth the effort!

Mr. Berry spoke of his passion for reading, writing, the outdoors, and sustainable farming. It was quite interesting to hear his simple, but articulate, opinions on the future of our country, big-scale farms, and even religion. I was struck by the way his no-frills life has touched so many.

"We learn from our gardens how to deal with the most urgent question of the time: How much is enough?"

~Wendell Berry

I want that type of success, too. One that gives more than takes. One that gets ahead in life not by stepping on others, but by being servant-leaders. One that values what God has created and is a good steward of those things. I pray that each of us here in our home will use the gifts and talents that God has given us to do, be, and say for the glory to God (and not ourselves).

Love and Greyce

On Sunday we went to church with my brother's family. His youngest daughter accepted Jesus as her Savior in November and got baptized on Sunday. Although it happens occasionally, my children do not often see children and adults get baptized at our church. (Presbyterians administer infant baptism, holding to the concepts of covenant theology.) Lydie especially was asking questions about the baptismal, etc.
It was a special day. My brother baptized my niece, which was SO sweet! The church made a short video where our niece told of the story of how she came to know Christ- her testimony. And the video was so HER. Smiley, giggley. "Could my three nieces and three nephews be any cuter?", I kept rhetorically asking myself. (The answer is a resounding NO! They are absolutely THE CUTEST.)
I am a crier. (I am a hugger, too.) Regardless, I try to keep my tears and touchy-feelyness under wraps. But I cannot help myself on days like this one. I hugged and cried profusely (and kissed, too). Because these sweet children-their hearts, souls, and minds being under the Lordship of Christ-this is what we long for. I cried until my lip quivered. Sweet little Greyce. What a blessing!

Auburn love

After Joshua's basketball game on Saturday we went to spend the day at Auburn. Joshua has been asking to go to an Auburn basketball game and we finally found the time to take him. We had a wonderful day together at the game, and walking around campus and downtown. The new Arena is wonderful. The kids especially loved the old pictures and little museum there. The basketball games are a lot of fun with lots of entertainment for families. It was a good time. I am so thrilled that we only live an hour away!

The Auburn Creed etched into the outside wall of the Arena

We have moved around a lot in our fifteen years of marriage. And if I ever feel misplaced I can always find that "home sweet home" feeling as I walk the streets of our Alma Mater. I met and fell in love with my husband there. I became an adult there. And I went from a new, baby Christian to a married woman, all on in this town. And now my own children are dreaming of going to college there, too. We love sweet Auburn!

Did anyone hear Octavia Spencer give a "War Eagle!" on the red carpet at the Oscar's last night. When she won the Oscar for her amazing acting in The Help I almost flipped out. Three cheers for Alabama natives/Auburn alums!

Motivation, or lack thereof

We are lacking in motivation these days. Last week I let my exercise regimen slip. I also finished a book mid-week and can not seem to pick up another one that interests me at night. Valentine's day ruined my "only one dessert a week" policy last week. And my weekend travels threw off my "8 glasses of water a day" habit. I'm lost without my habits!

The children have had a hard time with school work this week too, wishing their fun weekend could continue on forever. Math itself has taken nearly 2 hours each day if you include our drill time. The more difficult they are, the more I want to choose sweet tea over water and sleep over exercise. It's amazing, as a tightly knit family, how our moods play off of one another.

Yes, we are in need of a little energy, motivation, and drive. But until we find it, I will drag the kids across the finish line of each school day. Even if it takes ALL day to get there! This is where my strong-willed personality comes in handy! Anyone want to come and make me exercise and drink water? No? I guess I need to put on my big girl panties and buck up!

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."

Aristotle

Fun in the ATL

This past weekend we took a break from country life and went to the big city. Our life is so similar to Green Acres (that would make me Zsa Zsa) and sometimes I need to break free!! :) So I called my friend-that-is-like-a-sister Liz and invited myself (and 3 kids and husband) over for the weekend. I'm very polite, let me tell you.
I didn't get out my camara that often. I was too relaxed. But we had a great weekend. Shopping in downtown Roswell...antique markets and cafes...beautiful! We also chatted, played games, and watched a movie by the fire. Our husbands actually cornered us into watched Red Dawn. Oh my goodness. Worst movie ever. Period. But good for some laughs. Sweet Liz invited two other families over for dinner on Saturday night. How many people do you know who can throw together an impromptu dinner party like that? There were 20 of us, including kids, and she fed us all without a lot of fuss! She's pretty amazing. And she loves us...a lot.

We enjoyed so much seeing our friends at our old church on Sunday, too. It was really a great weekend from start to finish. The kids' love tanks are all filled this morning after three days with their BEST friends! Joshua said last night on the way home, "If my Georgia friends and my Alabama friends were in a competition, my Georgia friends would win." I am sure this statement had nothing to do with which friends he enjoys more. It was simply a nine year old boy's way of saying his Georgia friends are awesome and he loves them like family. We all agree.

Today I am thankful for generous friends, a church who loved us so well for eight years through many joys and trials, friends whom I will know into eternity, and a heart full of hope. And I feel refreshed and ready to be ALL HERE! Thank you, Lizzie and Matthew, for a great weekend!

"We are not responsible for writing our own stories. Rest and hope do not come from understanding. They are found in the person who is writing our story! Rest comes as we focus on God." ~Rick Holmes, our wonderful pastor from Atlanta

Beginning a new week with these wise words. Not looking to the left at "her life", or to the right at "his life", but casting my gaze on Jesus and trusting Him with my life right here- not because it is always filled with what I want, but because it is rooted in knowing and loving Him! "The things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace!"

*LOVE*ly Valentines day

Lovely breakfast. Heart cinnamon rolls, bacon (sort of heart shaped) and eggs.Little love note on our new chalkboard in the kitchen.
Of course, Be My Valentine, Charlie Brown. Poor little Charlie!
In the mix of the fun, much of the ordinary, too. Brothers reading Cheaper by the Dozen together. I bought this new print for the kitchen a few weeks ago. It was perfect on Valentines.
Sweet flowers and a message from my husband. Isn't it thrilling when the doorbell rings and there is a delivery man holding a long flower box? We don't really celebrate with a big date and all the romance. I think that would be fun, but it's not feasible to do during the middle of the week with our schedule. But he always sends me flowers or a simple gift. It's a fun treat!
And pink carnations from Andy to his little sweetie- Lydia Joy. She almost burst with excitement! I picked up some heart stickers and paper for Lydie to have her way with.

Sweet, simple day together. The day before, a fun party with friends. (No pictures taken!) Good fun! I love these holidays!

No Mo Chemo Party

The kids and I dropped by the chemotherapy center for a little surprise visit. We took Mom a party hat and donuts. (Her blue glittery hat says, "It's time to party!) :) We sang and cheered, and made all manner of fools out of ourselves. "No mo' chemo!", we chanted. It was so much fun.My Mom has been amazing! I have not seen her get sad or down in spirit once. She has really been a trooper! And chemo is no joke. She has had dry skin and mouth (extremely), loss of hair, loss of appetite, achy bones and body, upset stomach, numbness, swollen feet, and severe fatigue. But it's almost ALL OVER!! In a couple of weeks she will begin waking up every day feeling a little bit better each day. It may take a full year to feel 100% back to normal, but she is very excited about daily progress. Cancer is a beast. I am so proud of her fighting spirit! Way to go, Mom!

A little pink and red

The kids and I decided to decorate the house for Valentine's day a couple of weeks ago. We always find ourselves more motivated when we have something to look forward to. Just a touch of festive fun, and the kids are excited. We also made Valentine's shirts for the boys with iron-on letters and a Valentine outfit for Lydie. The boys came up with silly phrases for the shirts. Candy dog?? I have no idea.

Sweet, "crowded" hours

Today was supposed to be a day to go on a field trip with friends. We have studied both George Washington Carver and Booker T. Washington recently in history. It just so happens that we are not far from Tuskegee Institute, a marvelous place to walk the places where these great men lived and worked. But, as God would have it, Jack got sick yesterday. So we have been at home all day instead.
We were a little disappointed at first,especially since we were the ones to invite a group of friends to go with US! But, it has been so refreshing to just be here. Andy has been gone all day to a grower's conference. It has been so quiet. I managed to do all the basic subjects with the kids, just a little at a time, over the course of the morning and afternoon. And I kept the lessons short, requiring less than usual.
I moved our tv/dvd combo into Jack's room. He felt so special. I've managed to keep him secluded all day, in hopes that the strep throat will not spread! It's really such an honor to take this opportunity to pamper my oldest son. He always is so thoughtful to help me and his brother and sister. It's nice to serve this little sweet heart. I've been taking food in on trays, fluffing his pillows, the works. I heard him whisper when I left the room earlier, "Wow. This is kinda fun!" I still remember how sweetly I was treated by Mom, Nana, or Grandmom when I was sick. I hope he will remember with fondness, too!!
Funny thing. My Mom used to talk to me in third person when I was sick. And now, without meaning to, I do it, too! Here are some phrases I echo from my childhood when my kids are sick, "Is she sick?" "That baby needs some hot chocolate!" "How is my boy?" "Does he need some extra love?" They eat it up, just like I did.
Our house is a full blown wreck. Lydie and Josh have pulled out loads of legos, butcher paper for art, and all manner of toys. Junk is everywhere. It's only 2:30, and Andy won't be home until 6:00. So there is hope that we can spend some time restoring order again. But for today, all the little piles of chaos aren't a big concern. I am so thankful for three darling children and a day at home to enjoy them, lots of laughter even when there is sickness, this hot steamy mug of coffee beside me, and the anticipation of a lasagna dinner around the table together. Despite all the feminists' arguments, it's a very sweet, complicated, busy, and fulfilling occupation, this Mother/home-maker gig.
"What do you do? You're a housewife, aren't you? Nursemaid to a bunch of kids?" "No, I have a fantastic job, a terrific career. I am curator of a museum- a museum of memories."

~Edith Schaeffer

**Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my last post! What an encouragement!!

Dreams for 2012

"We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." ~C. S. Lewis

Lewis was so amazing at articulating the hidden places of the heart. This last year has been one of the most painful in my life, only topped by 2005. Have you seen or read the Harry Potter series? If so, you remember that the evil character was often not spoken by name, but simply referred to as "He Who Must Not Be Named". He was so horrific that people feared the sound of his name. Well, 2005 is like that for me. Death, loss, marital problems, painful family issues, all mixed together to make it really dark. And I am still learning from all that happened. I shouldn't forget it all, and I couldn't if I wanted to. But I wouldn't want to live through it all again either.
"My child, do not despise the Lord's discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the Lord reproves the one he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights."

Proverbs 3

Last year has been the rival of 2005. This move, the leaving behind and the trying to belong here, has been so difficult. Add in Mom's cancer and other extended family issues and it has been...full. Of trials. I expected it would be. But I never could have imagined the tears, loneliness, heart ache, heaviness, dark spiritual warfare, and variety of emotions and challenges that I would face. There has hardly been a day with out one or more of these. I am so thankful for this journal because it has forced me to seek the good and kind ways that Lord has blessed us and record them here. I have enjoyed the challenge of recording good things that have given me hope and joy. It has been a blessing to me. Because who can keep getting out of bed when only focusing on the hard stuff of life?

"Thus says the Lord who made the earth, the Lord who formed it to establish it- the Lord is his name- Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known." Jeremiah 33:2-3

I have been desperate in asking God to reveal himself to me and help me to settle in. Why am I here? Why did you take so much away from me? Why do I feel like such an outsider? Where do we belong? I have tried to just live day by day, when possible, striving to accomplish more than mere survival. Waiting is hard. And it can be excruciating when you know, as Lewis points out, that what the Lord knows is best for us is often really hard. Some days I feel overwhelmed with the joy of knowing Jesus, regardless of my circumstances. And other days I can not get my heart and mind to feel what I know to be true. I don't feel like God is at work in my life at all. Those days build my faith if I press through them (sometimes Andy drags me through them, actually), in hope that God will show Himself in His own time, and that He is always loving me. I hope if you are reading these words and really struggling through a difficult season that you have someone who will drag you towards Christ, or just literally out of bed, too.
Funny thing, on the topic of Andy dragging me through the tough days. One week recently I was really feeling hopeless. He went to the barn and grabbed this wood that Josh nailed together and put it in his wing-tip tuxedo shoes. He told me to try (and this is a stretch) to look at it as a cross. When I am really struggling, write down what makes me sad or anxious and put those prayers at the "foot of the cross" (in the shoe). He checks there several times a day and prays with me. And, as I am sure he intended, I often find myself laughing, at least a little, at the sight of this place in our room. It looks hilarious.
Right now we are waiting on some answers. I cannot be specific, but opportunities (2 of them) could be opening that would be a dream come true for me. We could experience gospel community, I could use my gifts/talents, and the children could be involved in ways that I would not have even dared to dream months ago. I am really hopeful and excited. If you think of us, could you pray with us, even beg God along with us, to align our hearts with His and fulfill our longings? Is it wrong that I find myself begging, "Please Jesus. Please Jesus."? I think not, because this is the crux of the whole book of Psalms. David is begging...and God is revealing himself.
The good thing about 2005 is that is was followed by 2006. God blessed us as we mourned, turned to him, and found so much comfort and love in our family and church body. We conceived and gave birth to our only daughter, and it felt like I was living a dream that I didn't deserve for years afterward, just waking up to two sweet boys and a GIRL. Our marriage was broken and put back together in the most beautiful way, never to be the same again. We learned how to pour ourselves out in service and experience deep, gospel community. It was, by far, the best year of my life! Remembering how God brought beauty out of those ashes, I have big dreams and great hope for 2012.

Psalm 22:8

"Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver- let him rescue the one in whom he delights!"

Mommy, the competitive non-athlete

I consider myself a competitive person. My husband often reminds me I am competitive, so it must be true. I took ballet, or other forms of dance, from age 3-18. This meant at the very soonest that it became possible, I opted out of p.e. for a dance elective. This also meant that I never, ever, not one single time played on a sports team. I can hold my own at board games, Wii games, and ping pong (is that a sport?). On the other hand, if we play softball, don't pick me to be on your team. Trust me. And my sister-in-law can attest to the fact that I am no superstar on the ice skating rink, either. BUT, if there is a wedding, cruise, or any other event with a dance floor, I'm your girl!

Case in point...last weekend we took the kids to play bowling. It was really a good time. Family nights away from home always are. But, I got the worst score. Remember, I have a 5 year old daughter. In my defense, she did use the gutter guards. But still. I think my highest score was 60 points in a game. It's just crazy how bad I am. And here's the really sad part. Yes, I was excited for my 11 year old who won a game. And I was thrilled when all three kids got a strike or a spare. But, although I mostly had a happy demeanor, it really bothered me to lose- against my own children. I'm that competitive. In fact, when I got in bed that night I asked myself, "What's wrong with me? I feel really grumpy and angry." Then I remembered the loss, and that's what it was. How ridiculous!

Ironically, with two sons and a daughter, my daughter seems to be the only one with this supecrazy competitive spirit. (Although she keeps it in check SO much better than I did at her age!) My husband, my daughter, and I were all trying to WIN. Meanwhile, the boys are just wondering what's for dinner. And they got the highest scores! Makes me laugh.

Psycho Mom

On Tuesday when my boy got braces I felt a little panicked. I spent three hours in a waiting room reading magazines and blogs, wondering if he was okay. Meanwhile, he sat in the dental chair calmly while they put wires and all manner of things in his mouth, without a complaint. And then he stepped out, looking like a teenager. And I almost cried. He just patted my back and smiled for my camera, and acted completely mature.


On the way home I took him to lunch and the bookstore. In his usual, sweet way he was so thankful and humbled that I was buying him lunch and a book. He never ceases to be amazed when I surprise him with even a treat as small as lunch and a book. "Wow, Mom. Thanks!! Really!" I had to go to the bathroom and wipe a few more tears because he is growing up BEFORE MY EYES. And then I said it, the really goofy Mom thing. "You know, next thing we know you'll get arm pit hair. Then you'll be driving, choosing colleges, getting a job and a wife, and then I'll be a Grandmom!" He looked at me half mortified because I brought up arm pit hair and half genuinely concerned for my mental health and calmly said, "Remember Mom. I'm just eleven." I grinned as if I was only kidding and replied with a nudge on his shoulder, "I know! You're only eleven." Seriously, how did I let those words fall out of my mouth?? Goofball.

The good thing, really good thing is, I really like the young man he is becoming. What a blessing. And I like this stage when he can talk about politics in one breath and legos in the next breath. We can enjoy boyhood a little longer. But in the near future his boy days will be over and will be a living, breathing, young man.

Don't get me wrong, I certainly don't want to be psycho Mom who holds him back . Even if I have to cry in the bathroom, I will relish his growing up. I will encourage him to depend more on God and less on me, little by little and with hugs, treats, and lots of talks. Heaven forbid, we hold on too tightly! Growing up is good, it's just hard to let go. I guess for now, I will put the arm pit hair out of my mind (what a funny statement). And I probably shouldn't bring it up in conversation again. Ever. Reminds me of the day I started my period and my Dad came home crying, with flowers for me. I was beyond mortified and gave my Mom the glare of death knowing she let my secret slip...to my DAD! So yes, no more talk of pit hair. My lips are sealed.

Yucky 9 year old boy humor

Joshua got in the car from art class on Monday with a mischievous, smug look on his face. For such a quiet little guy he has such an enormous amount of facial expressions that I didn't think too much about it. And then he said, "Mom, it might not be okay." Oh dear. "What might not be okay, darling?" "Well, you might not like my art from class," he replied. "Of course I will", I assure him thinking he is just feeling insecure. "What did you make?" He tries not to grin, not sure if I will see his humor and whispers, "Well, poop...but you can call it cow poop if that will make a difference." "No, no, that won't make a difference, I am sure. What was the assignment?" (I am buying myself time here while I think this over and try to act reasonable.) "Well, we are studying proportions. I thought it would be funny to draw big buildings in a city, a little house, a little airplane, and a big piece of poop. You know, to compare proportions." He shows me the paper, and points to the gigantic display front and center. Oh my. "Well, what did your teacher say? Because really poop and gas are something you boys might laugh about on the playground, I get that, but do you really think you need to bring it into the classroom?" "Oh no Mom. I didn't put any in the classroom. That would be nasty! See, I just drew the poop on the paper. My teacher thought it was weird, but I didn't get in any trouble." Keeping a straight face, I again requested poop and gas not be draw, discussed, shown, bragged about, or in any way displayed in class. Agreement made. Of course, when he showed Andy there was all out laughter and amusement. At the dinner table. Even I had to bite my lip a little.

Winter fun

Our Friday art project: snow globes

Directions: Hot glue plastic figurines to the inside of the jar lid. (We chose penguins from a "zoob" tube at Hobby Lobby.) Pour distilled water, a couple of drops of glycerin, and glitter inside the jar. Close the jar and shake! (For more fun, use acryllic paint to paint the lids of the jars, if you choose! We liked the metallic lids. But black lids with white polka dots would have been adorable.) Source: Martha Stewart's website

Weekend with cousins

Last weekend we had our triplet cousins and Aunt/Uncle over for a night. Uncle Ben wanted to hunt with Andy and a friend, so Aunt Kim and I kept the kids fed and entertained. It was a rainy weekend so between romping in the mud...

They played board games (Apples to Apples), got tickled a lot, played the Wii and watched a movie, built creations, and played with lots of fun, ordinary kid stuff.

**Don't I look fab with my pastey white skin, non-hairdried hair, and '94 Chi Omega sweatshirt on??** We really enjoyed having them over and we are so thankful we live closer (but wish we were even CLOSER)! We love this family and look forward to more trips, field trips, holidays, and weekends together!

Mid-year update: The boys (5th and 3rd grades)

The boys are in a class together at a hybrid school 2 days a week. Here's what their days look like on the 3 days/week that they learn at home:
::Breakfast and chores (the boys are great at doing mostly all basic chores around the house now- cleaning windows, making beds, washing dishes, vacuuming, cleaning their bathroom, sweeping, etc.)

::Then they do a list of exercises that Andy created for them. It includes: jumping jacks, push-ups, sit-ups, wheel barrow walks, board twists, knee bends, shoulder presses, and throwing the football. This is part of their "p.e", along with golf lessons(Jackson), bike riding, farm work, basketball team(Joshua), and of course all the free playing. The boys, along with Andy, are going to take karate beginning in March when basketball is over.

::Start our learning day with a devotion/Bible from the Who is God? book (Apologia). This book has been an excellent study of basic theology for us.
::The boys study their spelling words (Abeka), verses (chosen by hybrid school teacher), and poetry (Abeka) while I clean up breakfast dishes, finish my chores, etc.

Stagecoach drawing project

::I teach them their new material for Math (Horizons) and Grammar (BJU Press). (These subjects, along with Spelling, are the only where they are on different levels.) Once I get them started and they begin their practice sheets, I work with Lydie.
::Snack/ rip and roar outside.
::Next we work on creative writing. Their grammar book teaches technical writing. I have loosely used the ideas from the Institute for Excellence in Writing to give an assignment based on our history studies. Every now and then they write in the journals on the subject of their choice. Every Friday they have a finished story and I type it and then they illustrate it. Jack has always been an excellent writer. Joshua has BECOME a great writer this year, too. When I get a chance I will post his recent assignment, a personal narrative. He BLEW MY SOCKS OFF!

Statue of Liberty drawing project
::Next we work on our History/Literature assignment from the Sonlight curriculum. This usually involves reading a short history lesson from a history book, plus a couple of chapters in 2 chapter books (one read aloud by me, the other read independently). Here are the chapter books (along with excerpts from 5 or 6 history books) that they have read so far this year:

Lincoln: A Photobiography

By the Great Horn Spoon!
Shoes for Everyone: Jan Matzeliger
Sing Down the Moon
World Changers: William Wilberforce
Freedom Train
Turn Homeward, Hannalee
The Perilous Road
Caddie Woodlawn
Old Yeller
The Story of Thomas Alva Edison, Inventor
The Great Turkey Walk
The Terrible Wave
Helen Keller
The Great Wheel
The Story of George Washington Carver
Little Britches (currently)
The Wright Brothers (currently)
::Lunch/ rip and roar outside or take a walk
::Next we work on "drilling". I have a thick notebook that contains all of the math, history, science, Bible, songs/hymns, and geography facts that I want them to remember. I divided them into five days. (Monday and Wednesday they are in school, so only math fact drills.)
Monday-Multiplication/Division facts (2s, 3, 4s)
Tuesday- Multiplication/Division facts (5s,6s,7s), Geography songs, Measuring facts with volume and weight, books of the Bible, disciples' names)
Wednesday- Multiplication/Division facts (8s, 9s, 10s)
Thursday- Multiplication/Division facts (11s, 12s), Shurley Grammar chants, capitalization and underlining rules, Measuring facts with time and temperature, presidents, US capitals, prime numbers, emergency procedures
Friday- Subtraction and addition facts, patriotic/history/folk songs, measuring facts with distances, planets, types of matter, types of sentences, address and phone number
::The rest of these topics are taught once or twice a week: Art (I find a weekly project from several art teacher's websites & they take an art class on Mondays), Logic (Perplexors workbooks), Latin (English from the Roots...), Drawing (Draw and Write through History), Music (Music Ace), Composer studies (I create these), and Science (Christian Kids Explore Chemistry).

Q-tip snowflake art project
::We are usually done by 2:00/2:30. It's a full, very challenging load of school work, but they are excelling. They are working hard and up to their full potential (Joshua especially). We all agree that this has been a really wonderful school year!

Half party

Today marks the halfway point of our year! It has been such a great year! I am so PROUD of all the kids have learned, their hard work. And I am thankful for the endless grace of Christ to sustain and encourage me along the way as their Mom/teacher. Just like any other milestone with the kids, the time has felt slow and fast, all at once. I am a big believer in celebrations. I think milestones should be acknowledged with something special. Amidst the day's agenda with a dental appointment, a day of school, cleaning the house, and this little celebration (before 3:00 when our visitors arrived!), my husband asked, "Are you sure you have time for cupcakes?". But I was determined (because I truly felt it a priority), and in the end we had plenty of time. Eighteen weeks of school is worth a little party (even if it means I had to skip mopping the floors!).

So much more to look forward to this year!

Half way party:

Half cupcakes

Half plates

Half-full glasses of lemonade

Homeschool update: Lydie's mid-year kindergarten update

I teach kindergarten to Lydie four days a week, with Wednesday being our day off. On Wednesdays we drop the boys off at their hybrid school and then enjoy 9:00-2:00 together in Birmingham. We usually spend from 9:00-10:30 at Bible study, each with our own friends. We ALWAYS eat lunch out at the restaurant of her choice, sometimes with family (often with Aunt Chelle and Greyce!). Sometimes we visit Nana, especially if she is under the weather or has a doctor's appointment/chemo treatment. Sometimes I have a doctor's appointment and she tags along and charms all the nurses and doctors. But mostly, we shop and eat lunch together for the rest of the day. She loves boutiques, antique markets, and Target as much as I do! Wednesdays are super fun and I can tell they fill up her little love tank (and mine, too!). On the other four days here is what her morning looks like:

::Morning Routine::

Breakfast and chores: Lydie is in charge of emptying the trash cans in around the house and making her bed/cleaning her room. She dresses herself and brushes her teeth. She also clears the breakfast dishes and cleans the table and sometimes floor. Then all the kids do a list of exercises Andy came up with: 30 push-ups, 30 sit-ups, jumping jacks, wheelbarrow walk up the halls, etc.

Devotion and prayer: We read from one of Susan Hunt's children's devotions. We memorized verses the first half of the year. Now we are working on catechism questions.

Fine Motor Skills activity: She plays with pegs, play dough, lacing, beading, puzzles, legos, etc. while I get the boys started on their work.

Calendar time: We review counting to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s, shapes, patterns, dates, days of the week, months of the year, her address, phone #, birthday, emergency 911 #, left/right, coins, ordinal numbers, and holidays.

Singing time: We sing 3 or 4 songs from the Wee Sing series. The singing includes dancing and instruments usually. She loves all of the old classics...Here We Go 'Round the Mulberry Bush, If You're Happy and You Know It, etc. She also works on memorizing a short poem at this time.

Extra practice: Each school day I use the dry-erase board with Lydie. I write letters and numbers and she identifies the name (and sound for letters). I write a group of capital letters and lower case letters and she draws a line to match the pair. I make patterns with letters and numbers and she solves riddles. I write three and four letter words for her to sound out and review sight words. Then we do 3 or 4 Brain Quest K cards.

Math: Horizons K worksheet

Phonics and Handwriting: Horizons K or Spectrum Phonics K worksheet

Her signature in September...

and her signature in December.

Reading: Bob books or Starfall readers.

Units (Read-Aloud, Science/History and Art): I read a book aloud, based on a seasonal/history/science theme and we do an art project to go along with it. Sometimes instead of an art project she will ask to just look at an illustration from the book and try to paint or draw it. I love when she does that! Here are a few of her snowy-themed art projects:

Our favorite winter read-alouds this month have been: Max and Mo Make a Snowman, The Biggest, Best Snowman, A Little Bit of Winter, Winter Tale, and A Winter Walk.

Biggest strides:

~Reading three and four letter words much more quickly, still sounding them out, but much more fluently and recognizing some words without having to sound them out.

~In math, she is counting to 100 well, identifies most numbers to 100, very good at patterns and calendar skills, has memorized her phone number and address, is adding, and is beginning to count coins and tell simple time.

~Her handwriting has matured enormously.

Lydie is easy and fun to teach because she is SO enamored with learning! Her enthusiasm makes for a fun morning, which is such a blessing because I expect a lot out of her. I am looking at her school table now, covered in rocks and clay. She studies those rocks from our gravel driveway with a magnifying glass for fun. And the clay mess is from a clay bowl she made and colored "just for decoration". Everyone needs a pretty bowl for their school table, right? She has drawings and ribbons taped everywhere, even on the blinds above her school table. It's so endearing!

Bracing myself (Couldn't resist the corny title)

Today we had a consultation for both boys with the orthodontist. Josh is still a little young, and can wait a year or so. But Jackson is ready for braces. He also needs a special appliance for the top of his mouth because he pushes his tongue against his teeth (instead of the roof of his mouth) when he swallows, thus the over bite. This little appliance will retrain his tongue over the course of a couple of years and prevent further damage. Good news: No head gear will be needed!

January 31st is the big day. Unbelievably, when they went over his x-rays with me, they pointed out that he has lost all of his baby teeth! I had no idea! (Sniff, sniff.) So no more "tooth fairy" for him! Good grief, my boy is growing up. If you are wondering how much braces cost these days, leave a comment or send me an email. I don't have the heart to post the amount. It's not comforting. Andy commented, "Oh well. At least the car is paid off." Silver lining. Jack saw the quote and said, "Whoa! Do you really think my teeth are worth THAT amount??" He was probably thinking we could take a couple trips to Disney World instead and he would be just fine with it!

One more funny. The orthodontist asks her patients to fill out a questionnaire before they are called back to see her. One of the questions asked, "How do you feel about getting braces?" My 9 year old, Joshua, answered, "I think braces will improve my future." And to the last question (after a dozen questions about their interests), "Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself?", he replied, "No. But thank you for asking." Adorable, huh?

Typical

My last post made me laugh. It was funny for me to think of how many people (my husband included) who would be UTTERLY depressed by using a list to relieve stress! But I take comfort in lists and goals. That's just how I roll. Typical me. I even already used my list for inspiration with the kids this week. Paper snowflakes!
Yesterday in the car my son was feeling exhausted. It took him a while to fall asleep the night before and then he said the loud storms kept him up during the night. Exhaustion for him leads to a very melancholy boy. He was lost in his emotions and deep thought on our 50 minute drive home from classes. At last we reached our driveway, and he muttered, "Mom, would we be alive without hope?" And I responded, "We could live. But not well." It's like living with a miniature C.S. Lewis. I love it. Typical Jack, always questioning and thinking. Always challenging me, in a good way.
Today we took a walk around the farm. The dog was crazy with energy and I wanted to take advantage of a break in the rain. We had such a wonderful time...watching our sticks race down the creek, looking for signs of animals (scat and tracks), splashing in puddles, just meandering. When I take the time to be outside life is so much fuller. So good to enjoy typical, simple, farm pleasures.And lastly, here's typical Lydie, practicing gymnastics in the living room. This happens every night! Usually she practices tumbling, but lately she has been laying out my exercise band and using it as her balance beam. Her first gymnastics meet is coming up soon. Exciting! And now for a typical evening of dinner (which my husband volunteered to make!), clean up, cuddles, struggling to stay awake and connect with my husband, stealing a few minutes to read, and dragging myself into bed to prep for a new day. Typical moments: not grand, but precious nonetheless.