Girl's just wanna have fun! (mama's too)

Hanging with my girls.  Literally!

 You will never have this day with your children again.

Plank hold competition!

 Tomorrow they will be a little bigger than they are today.

 This day is a gift.  Breathe and notice. 

Smell and touch them; study their little faces and their feet and pay attention.  

 Relish the charms of the present.

Enjoy today mama.  It will be over before you know it."

Jen Hatmaker

Sadness, forgiveness, then happiness and joy

 It's no fun when we've wronged another.  Even accidentally.  Such is the case when Mary accidentally dropped our new puppy.  She was absolutely heartbroken and sad.  Try as we might to help her feel better and assure her the puppy was fine (he only fell from her lap to the floor!) was not enough to put a smile back on her face.  Interestingly, what DID bring a smile to her face was when she was 'forgiven' by the puppy.

No words were spoken, none needed to be.  Only the little puppy eager to climb back up on her lap for more snuggles.  Sometimes that all it takes to show another they've been forgiven.  I can see the happiness Mary has from the pleasant smile and shine of her eyes.  It's a feeling I am sure we can all relate to from time to time as we too forgive others and feel the healing power of our loving Heavenly Father.  It's like a "hug from heaven" just like what Mary is experiencing.

Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.  Colossians 3:13

Sisters.....

"....she'll go and fall in love, and there's an end of peace and fun, and cozy times together."

Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

One Mother's Homeschool Days

 For the month of March 2013

Our Academic Journey-We are in week 13 of Sonlight.  The house hasn't been so quiet and focused in a long time.  Mary is coming along nicely with all the attention she is getting from mama.  I am finding her favorite subject is picture study.  She loves looking at all the art print books we have.  She will sit for the longest time and just study them.  Then she will come to me almost as if playing a game to tell me every single detail about the pictures.  Then I'll get a story to go with!  She began latin about a month ago and this must be her 2nd favorite.  She loves being 'tested' orally on what she is learning.  Most everyone else in the house is on auto pilot and quite able to follow their daily schedules on their own with a few exceptions here and there!  But all and all, we are enjoying our Sonlight journey together since we are all studying much of the same things each day but only on different levels.

Tips or advice-   Great blessings will come when we embrace our lives as they are.  We are all unique in our callings as mothers and women and trying to be like "that other lady" won't work nor last long. Seek for the path the Lord has set for YOU and happiness will spill forth in your heart when you do. Because He makes no mistakes.  Trust in your prayers and in your hearts.

Goals and Aspirations-My husbands goals are getting these bikes ready for riding.  After sitting all winter they are in need of attention.  As for my goals I am planning at least one field trip a week with our family! I am hoping the book I checked out from the library on Wisconsin Family Weekends will be just the tool I'll need!  As for aspirations, I am always looking to better myself physically and spiritually.  It takes constant focus and attention these days with so many distractions that can come into our lives.  "Staying focused" has become my motto.

Activities-We are just beginning to see the first touches of spring so not a lot of projects yet for mom but dad and the boys have been busy with de-winterizing their toys and readying them up for some fun times!

I really enjoyed-My special birthday dinner out with daddy at Texas Road House.  Love that place!

Projects/goals/ideas-The project under construction right now belongs to my little girls.  Mom and dad gave them full rein in our room.  We armed them with paints and brushes and let em loose only with their imaginations to lead them.  Here is the result of their art work!  One wall is still waiting for it's turn to be completed.

What mother is reading-Actually I am more like referencing them.  Wisconsin Family Weekends and The Nature Connection:An Outdoor Workbook

What mother is cooking-Swedish Rice Porridge.  A family favorite. You can check my recipe section if you'd like the recipe.

What mother is thinking/wondering about-I am thinking about my garden.  What will I plant and when will I begin.  I bought some heirloom seeds from emergency essentials this year.  They have a wonderful basic package and the cost is reasonable.  

A favorite quote-Women's Liberation is just a lot of foolishness.  It's the men who are discriminated against.  They can't bear children.  And no one's likely to do anything about that.~Golda Meir

Living with gratitude-I am so thankful that I am able to catch moments like these.  They are reminders of just how precious and full of joy my life is.  Being home with my kids and not having to work is a great gift!

Praying for-My husband.  He has another visit to the doctor on Wednesday the 2nd to see if it is doing some good healing.  He has been out of work for 2 months and they might possibly OK him to return.  Or not!  Just praying everything will be well.

Highlights of my month-A small highlight in it's own way but exciting for me.  I got a vitamix for my birthday and it has been the best thing ever.  I love it.  Making these yummy green smoothies and more has been great.  I'm not a big 'greens' person so this has been perfect for me to get some in my tummy!  And if it's mixed right, the kids will even have some.  The kids love it when I fill it with all kinds of different fruits and through in some Greek Yogurt.  Protein and so many live vitamins!

There are just some books that cannot be read enough.  In our home it is the four shown above.  As far as Heckedy Peg is concerned it is nearly worn out from so many readings over the years.  I suspect the chewed corners are most likely from a teething baby sitting on my lap during reading time.  We have been reading this book for over 10 years at least.  My kids love it.  And the other 3, my kids know them so well they can tell it by heart.

The abacus is our most used math manipulative.  It too is standing the test of time with many hands using it!

My camera is constantly missing.  I usually find it right here.  In the hands of girls who LOVE taking random videos around the house.  Nothing like those family videos, even if they are only 10 minutes old!

March's "life with kids" favorite memories

Winter is slowing fading and spring is trying to bounce through.  This year in Wisconsin we have seen a long winter.  Everyone is getting so excited to see it end!

Patiently waiting for spring!

Mary wears this hat to bed and wakes up with it on.  

Falling asleep during a Friday late night show!  Some folks just aren't up to it yet!

Exceptional Black Forest Cream Cheese Pound Cake

4 Eggs

1/2 Cup Milk

1 8 ounce cream cheese softened

1 Box Supermoist chocolate milk cake mix

1 Teas. Vanilla extract

3/4 cup cherry pie filling

Whipped cream

1.  Mix eggs, milk, eggs, and cream cheese until smooth.

2.  Add cake mix and vanilla extract and mix well.

3.  Pour half of cake batter into a well greased pan.

4.  Add cherry pie filling to form a layer on top of batter.

5.  Pour in remaining cake batter.

6.  Place cake pan in 350 degree preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes.  

Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Super easy individual foil pizzas

These are super easy to make.  So easy that even young children can do it with little or no supervision.  But of course with directions!

We used whole wheat tortillas, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and mozzarella cheese.  Any combination of ingredients can be used depending on your desire.

Prepare according to photos!

Roll up as you a burrito.

Wrap your final creation in single pieces of foil.

Place in 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes!

And enjoy!  It was a BIG hit!

Who doesn't like waking up cute?

This little grandbaby of mine takes the cake!  And our hearts!  

It can be "tamed" a bit!

Children and a love for learning

What parents wouldn't want their children to love books?  I know I am thrilled when one of my children are caught with a book in their hands.  You know, the "unassigned" kind! I was a reader as a child but today holds more of a challenge to instill a love of reading in our kids.  Today we have to compete with iphones, ipads, computers, electronic games, movies, etc. etc. etc.  When I was a kid the only distraction came in the form of the idiot box.  And fortunately for me my dad rarely let us children veg in front of it.  Of course, we complained, stomped, screamed, and all that but it never swayed my dad! Today, however, I am thankful for it.

So today, how do we instill a love of reading in our offspring? If you have read this far you are probably thinking that I have formulated some great plan to accomplish this but I haven't. I apologize! I do know this though!  

Kids are naturally curious and have a natural tendency towards learning new things.  And reading to them from great books from infant hood is key in developing these desires.  They are fascinated with the stories mom and dad read to them as a small child and as they grow it is only natural for the fire that you built in them as a young child to continue to burn with the children feeding it themselves once they learn to read on their own.  Like anything, teaching and training while young is key to nearly everything we want our children to learn.  Some simple tips to begin your child on his/her journey into the wonderful world of books.

     Read out loud to them while they are very young.

Take them to your local library frequently and let them choose their own (appropriate) books.

Interest them in little 'tea parties' where reading aloud to them imparting good feelings towards books.

Perhaps design a 'special' reading place for your child with baskets of favorite classic books, pillows and blankets.

Send extra praise towards your reluctant reader upon completion of reading for a specified time.

And most of all, again, as with anything we mom and pops do example soars above all else.  Pick up a book yourself and in doing so you will be sending a powerful message to your children.

And remember this.  No matter how much you plead, bribe, beg, demand, or even expect some form of read to come from your child it just might not happen.  If this is the case then I suggest that you stop beating yourself up and accept that for whatever reason your child is either not ready, or simply is not interested in reading at all.  It happens, because we are all created individually by a loving creator and no one is created equal.  Different strokes for different folks.

A World Record: Maybe.....

At least in our world!  Janai lost FOUR teeth in one day! And here is an update.  The same week she lost another one.  FIVE in less than a week!

One Mother's Homeschool Days

For the months of January/February 2013

What's happening in my life these days...Keeping busy with school, play, home, kids, and husband. Daddy had knee surgery this month and will be out of work for a while and on crutches. He has been jumping in on our daily routine.  Reading to the kids, doing math,  playing games or just whatever they come up with! The kids love having him around sharing in their lessons each day.  

Our academic journey...

We are in our 8th week of Sonlight I can't say it enough how much it has 'saved' me! In regards to time, brain energy, and scheduling.  The kids know full well each day what is required of them. No more waiting on mom to round up each child's schedule or hand out particular assignments.  I wake up, have a green smoothie, exercise, shower, and make breakfast before eyes have popped open.  I sit and read to them while they are having breakfast. Then while the clean up is happening I am able to thumb through their Instructors Guide and see what we have for the day.  So nice.  

Mornings are so much quieter and more productive.

Love it!

Tips or Advice-Don't cry over spilled milk when it comes to our kids.  They grow up way to fast and suddenly there will be no 'milk' to cry over. 

Goals and aspirations-We are setting a financial goal to hopefully join the YMCA this month and take some classes.  Our kids will love it.

Activities-The girls are working on a very special art project.  I will reveal it when they have completed it!

I really enjoyed-Playing with my family in the snow, then coming into a warm home and enjoying hot cocoa with them! With whipped cream of course!

My projects/ideas/goals-I got the wii zumba core for Christmas and my goals are to have all the dances learned by summer.  So far I am enjoying 8 of them by heart.  Love it!

What I've been reading-American Sniper by Navy Seal Chris Kyle.  Excellent book by an awesome man.  It was a sad day to hear of his passing earlier this month.

and cooking-Sloppy Joe's.  Something we've not made for a few years.  I don't know why either.  My kids love them!

and wondering/thinking about-Thinking out loud these days is......I need a kids fix.  Meaning, what I wouldn't give for a long road trip to visit my loves in Arizona, Colorado, and Idaho! Sometimes, Skype, texting, phone calls and email just isn't enough! Now I'm wondering how I can pull it all off!

Favorite quote-"Where you have the most armed citizens in America, you have the lowest violent crime rate.  Where you have the worst gun control, you have the highest crime rate."-Ted Nugent

Living with gratitude-I am so thankful for my family.  They mean everything in the world to me.

Praying for-The Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and lead each and every one of my children. I know and believe that as long as we stay close to the Lord He will direct our every footstep and lead us into His will where only true happiness and joy can be found.

Things my kids have said that made me giggle/smile-The girls were asking me if I would let them get married when they are only 15, or 13,or 12 even.  Of  course not I told them; I am not going to let you get married at all.  I've had enough girls get married and now we are all done with weddings!!! (of course we are only kidding, but at the same time we are not ready to lose anymore daughters anytime soon!) Moving on.....I left the room and I heard one of the girls say to the others, "Don't worry everyone, when we are older mom and dad won't want us anymore.  We will get married then!"

Highlights of my month...

Grandbaby number 6 is making him/herself known.  Daughter-in-law Heather showing us a peek at the growing blessing.  Vance and Heather's baby number three will join our family some time in August!

Gregg's book must be quite interesting to Emma because I see her reading as much as he does. Hang on there little lady, only 2 more years and you can have it!

Anytime Mary sees me in the kitchen she runs for her apron and begs to help me. How blessed I am.

When the kids wake up in the night with a bad dream there is only one place they care to be: snuggled up tight right next to mama's arm.

One of my little princess's learned how to curtsey and does it all day long now!

Someone forgot to wipe the excess chocolate from their faces!