Just because...

In which Mary out smarts daddy...

I am reading My Father's Dragon to Mary and I told her she should go ask her daddy if he had a dragon; and so she did.  "Of course, said he, all daddy's have a dragon."

Mary just had to see this dragon of daddy's so she asked him where it was.  "At work!  I will take a picture of it and show you when I come home."

Mary didn't forget about this dragon and as soon as he walked in the door she HAD to see his dragon right then and there.  Upon showing her the photo of his dragon she looked up at him and said, of course, what every child says these days.......

Mary and daddy's day out!

Mary and daddy's day in!

Mary and daddy enjoy a game of Pretty, Pretty Princess!

I have a feeling daddy was glad to have Mary win. He's not much into jewelry and crowns!

Janai and daddy sing A Whole New World

Out of the hearts of kids and into the heart of mom!

The drawing on the chalkboard in our dining room by our girls caused daddy to 'read between the lines!' He called the 'guilty' one to him and asked why the heart around mom's name was bigger than the one around dad's name! (after all, it is Father's Day this month, not Mother's Day!) Oh you should have heard the sweet excuses fly. I was too short, I ran out of chalk, the D's are bigger than the M's..........

Dad---"Yea, yea, I see how it works now. That's okay, I can live with it, it's no secret anymore who you all love more!"

It made for lots of laughter and teasing, especially for daddy!

Colorado/Wedding part one

Well here we are! Back home from our trip that lasted 2 weeks and was full of fun and adventure. I'm much ashamed to admit that once again I took a family trip to Colorado and once again forgot my camera. Two for two. Only what's worse this time is that my little girl got married and mama only had her phone. Really? Who does that? Twice no less. Thank goodness for a daughter who is a photographer and knows exactly when NOT to miss a shot. The pics of the wedding and events are forth coming and will make up part two of this post! I did managed to have a few shots of some highlights of our trip which include as usual a ton of motorcycle riding, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and grandkids! The wedding was indeed the highlight of our trip and I am proud to announce the bride and groom are off living a life of married bliss and are enjoying one another immensely.

Thanks a million Emma for creating the video. You're great!

Vance Jr. dominates air hockey and pool while at Juli's house and if memory serves me right he was the winner each game and with each person. He's looking quite comfortable and relaxed in his 'winner's' position!

I really don't know I spent so much time with Vance Jr.'s little ones and only got a few pictures. Another thing I missed out on by not having my camera. But I did get to spend a ton of time with his 2 little ones and ate up every minute of it! Gemma didn't really like to ride on the motorcycles much but she came close enough by sitting on one with her uncle Gregg.

Daddy and Kelly are going down, quite literally by our 2 young, weight lifting boys. I mean really, did these 'old' guys really think they stood a chance! Never mind that though, they both put up a real good fight!

We were able to get a little bit of novice rock climbing in when we hiked up Castle Rock. It was a beautiful day and our family had some great fun.

Little Ambreigh was a hit as all the babies were. This grandma found much joy in tending the 3 little ones while their mama and daddy took a 3 day trip to Puerto Rico. Juli put SOOOO much into the wedding and housing family and friends at her house that it was time for her to go off and enjoy some much needed quiet time while I got to enjoy some much needed grandkids time. Between my 5 youngest children and the 3 grandkids there was a party nearly everyday!

Mary and daddy are off to hunt what Mary called, "Fossils" while we were dirt bike riding.

The youngest 'Vance' in the family, along with his sister Gemma were another treat for me. Below, Baby Vance is showing his Great Grandma Elaine his very own version of peek a boo!

Little Miss Ambreigh certainly stole the show, and of course, my heart! I had so much fun being with my little grandkids. I had much opportunity to spend some special time with each one of them.

When we get together with these 3 grandkids my girls love every moment. It is so nice having them so close in age because they play so well together. From left to right we have grandson Beckham, our Mary, granddaughter Aubryn, and our Janai on the end holding baby Ambreigh. Mary and Beckham are finding some kind of game to play below. Not sure what, but they are happy!

And what's a day out riding the hills without spills and falls off the motorcycles.

Some people didn't have to 'spill' off the bikes in order to get an injury. Here Vance Jr. and daddy look over a muffler burned wrist.

And nothing beats being prepared with a cool bottle of water and a field knife to take care of a wound.

And a less serious injury, daddy ends up with a really cool V on his arm. One of our daughters told him he should be proud of it since it is his initial and to wear it proudly!!

One Mother's Homeschool Days

For the week of February 6-10, 2012

In my life this week....I am continuing with a determined focus to wrap up our lessons by April before leaving for CO.

In our homeschool this week....I think our favorite subject has been Classical Studies where we are reading through D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths and using our Memoria Press study guide to further our knowledge on the ways, ideas, and beliefs of the Greek culture. By using it alongside our Memoria Press Christian Studies we are able to contrast reality from myth by paralleling two totally different forms of belief.

Sharing a sampling of our learning journal/commonplace book pages

Five different drawings by five different hands of a Compass Rose complete with definitions!

Above-Kaydee's drawing of the Self Portrait of Henri Matisse

Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share....I have found through the years that making a conscious effort to stay home on the weekdays has brought many blessings to our homeschool. Our schedule stays on track, the kids keep focused, and our home just runs better all around when I make it a point to minimize outside activities!

I am inspired by....The strength of a very good friend who just this week began treatment for cancer. She and her husband are amazing examples of faith, patience, endurance, and a deep love for the Lord.

Places we're going and people we're seeing....Taking Robyn to the Milwaukee airport so she can fly to Colorado for a week and have her talented photographer sister take her engagement photos. She'll get to see her Luke after several weeks of being apart and she is extremely excited about it.

My favorite thing this week was....The joy that fills my heart when I see the kids spending "quality" time together!

What's working/not working for us....family lesson times are working great. I love the all the interaction the children get with each other and with me! Running a one room school house is awesome! It is amazing how it builds relationships with one another in a positive way. (most of the time!)

Questions/thoughts I have....Why my boys; when walking with their sisters naturally navigate to the outside of them! They do this all the time but this time I had my phone to capture the sweetness of these self proclaimed body guards!

Things I'm working on....With the help of my girls I am trying to do much better at utilizing coupons!

I'm reading....

I'm cooking/baking....Extremely cheesy, homemade pizza!

I'm grateful for....Grace

Grace - Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from Him. (1828 Dictionary of the English Language)

I'm praying for....My friend K, that the Lord would bless her with ALL the blessings she needs and desires to help her through her trial of sickness.

A video, and quote to share....

"Get comfortable with being uncomfortable" ~ Jillian Michaels

Daddy/daughter sing along!

Wordless Wednesday~Daddy~daughter moment

Wrapping up September

It is hard to believe that yet another month has come and gone. And with it, green grass and leaves, warm weather, and special thoughts and moments I've been blessed to capture with not only my ears and eyes, but my camera as well.

An empty wood trailer is a nice surprise for daddy when he gets home from work.

Serving up the last bowl of Swedish Rice Porridge; until another is made; tomorrow! (a favorite in this house)

Jumping from the tree into a pile of leaves!

Patiently waiting for curls to appear.

Twins smiling on a summer night of "lightening bug" catching.

Celebrating another anniversary and another birthday!

Creative rosettes in the making on a rainy evening!

Little sister getting hugs from big sister.

Catching a nearly napping child!

Saying good bye to the last of the "lightening bugs" being caught in little hands!

Big sister says, "Gregg needs a hair cut!"

Catching two smiles on a warm Sunday afternoon!

An invention from a boy determined to savor each and every drop of chocolate flowing from the can. (We buy it in the big can because in the long run we save $$. Dispensing it into saved glass jars is how we store it once we open it!)