Archive for August 2010

Jackson was starting to cross over into "mad-scientist" hair...instead of cute baby boy hair. Jason wanted to just give him a buzz...but he's only a year old! So we went to Great Clips and had his first haircut. Thankfully, they were very gracious, patient, and had PLENTY of suckers on hand to keep him occupied!

Good-bye to the beautiful curls!!!

All done! What a big boy!!!

I had read about Choreganizers from several friends and decided to get it for our family. We set up the chore chart and on Monday we began our version of Choreganizers. Each morning Tyler and Amy get up and complete several of their chores before breakfast. Then after school, they finish their assigned chores. It has been good for me to look around the house and find odd jobs that get lost in the routine weekly cleaning. The kids have "enjoyed" learning new chores and they still get excited to clean.

At the end of the day, if all of their chores are tucked nicely into the pocket they receive a "Mommy" dollar. Then Daddy sits down and asks them about their day and whether or not they had any discipline issues. If their answer is satisfactory....they get a "Daddy" dollar. (Jay feels like he got the raw end of the stick! :-)

On our date on Friday night, Jason and I picked up different items to stock the Chore Store. And Saturday morning...BRIGHT AND EARLY...Tyler and Amy were ready to shop!!! But the store owners were a bit slower to rise!

These are probably the most expensive silly bands around! But we are trying to help the kids learn how to save their money (despite the fact it is fake money!). There was only one item they had enough money to buy this week...a lollipop!

Amy was instantly drawn to the silly bands - she counted her money several times to make sure she hadn't miscounted. But alas...it looks like it will be several more weeks before she will own those silly bands. But they both decided to save their money this time around. And they both re-evaluated the process of earning more money!!! :-)

I was prepared for just another "normal" day - school, chores, dinner, bedtime...but my sweet husband, children and friends helped me to stop and actually celebrate this birthday!!!

We did school in the morning - amidst a flurry of birthday calls and wishes!! Then off to a yummy lunch with friends.

We took the kids to Sports Connection - yes, it was my birthday - but we ALL had a blast!!!

We came home for a quick rest and then our wonderful friends, the Colemans, came over to watch the kids. Tyler and Amy were soooooo excited for them to get to our house and by the time they walked through the door they were a little wound up! Thankfully, Mr Gene "calmed" them down with hide-n-go-seek, tickling, and monster games! :-)

Jason and I headed out the door for my birthday dinner and then a movie.

It was a wonderful day...I was so incredibly blessed by all the cards, gifts, phone calls...and beautiful renditions of the birthday song...even in text!!! Thank you to my amazing family and friends. I love you!

The other day, the kids and I were eating lunch...having a very interesting conversation.

Amy: When I grow up, I'm going to Carmel Church - but I'll drop my kids off at Calvary.

I am going to paint my finger nails blue, purple and dark pink.

(At this point she looked over at me)

I am going to have a big nose, big ears, and big teeth.

(Hm...what implications should I draw from that? :-)

I am going to go on a honeymoon on an airplane.

Tyler: When I grow up, I'm going to go all over the world and tell people about the love of Jesus.

Me: Wow!

Tyler: But don't worry, Mom, I'll fly back every Tuesday and Thursday to see you.

Amy: And you will have your honeymoon on your airplane?

Tyler: Right.

Okay! Guess we'll see how much of it plays out as they grow up??:-)

I do not have my teaching certificate.

I do not have an education degree.

I do not have endless amounts of creativity.

I do have a one year old toddling around EVERYWHERE!

I struggle with perfectionism.

I struggle with schedules.

I struggle with consistency.

I do not have the patience of a saint.

I do not have all the answers.

I do not even have all my curriculum! :-)

But we are gearing up for another year of homeschooling!!!

I am so very blessed to have been given this opportunity once again in the lives of my children. I will take it with a grateful, humble heart and offer up this year to the Lord. I will heavily rely on Him for His daily dosage of mercy, grace and wisdom!!!

I am so very thankful for those around me that have cheered me on, listened to my whining, and propelled me forward! I also thank the Lord for those of you that have bravely gone before me and paved the way...I really feel like I am standing on your shoulders and benefiting from all of your hard work!!!

Our homeschool room is almost ready.

Their folders are completed.

We are working on getting up early this week.

And next week - school is in SESSION!!!

Hold on folks...this will definitely be ANOTHER bumpy ride! :-)

I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through

His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.

And I pray that you, being ROOTED and ESTABLISHED in love,

may have power, together with all the saints,

to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,

and to know this love that surpasses knowledge

that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:16-19

To say that I'm proud of them would be a HUGE understatment!!! These students commited back in May to read through the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs in 90 days. It was a tough challenge...I know because I joined in on the fun!
We started off with about forty students...and it dwindled as the summer blazed into activity. But every Monday night...starting in June...we had at least fifteen students show up on our doorstep - ready to dive into the Word and share what God was showing them through their reading. It was an incredible time of growth, fellowship, and fun.

This last Friday night marked the end of the challenge. We threw a party to celebrate all that God had done through His faithfulness and His Word. In total we had fifteen students that completed the challenge. And what an accomplishment it was! (Personally...to be completely honest...I made it to Revelation by Friday - so I was a little behind! :-0)

Tacos were on the menu...as well as a "make-your-own-sundae" bar! Tyler and Amy were thrilled to be part of the celebration! And as always, they were excited to be a part of the "big-kids"!

Jackson loved all the attention - not to mention - the ICE CREAM!

After the dessert, the kids sat around and shared what God had done through this challenge. It was humbling for Jason and I to listen to their maturity, their faith, and their commitment to God's Word! We are praying that this will just be the catalyst for their excitement and they will continue in their thirst for God's Word.