Schooling Char-"I want to do my maff"

Today when we started school Char quickly exclaimed that she "wanted to do my maff". So we got out the spoons.  We got this idea from a preschool swap and it has been fun.  The spoons are different colors and have letters on them.  I turned them over for her so that the letters did not through her off.  Right now we are just working on colors.

Then I put one of each color in a cup so that she could match them/

Then she matched them!'

She did this several times.  She had a lot of fun.  I tried making a simple pattern.  She recognized that it was a pattern but had a difficult time continuing the pattern.  That is something we will work on in the future.  But for now this is her "Maff". 

By the way..there are no pictures of her because she was completely naked and refused to get dressed for pictures.  So you will just have to look at her little hand! :)

A small milestone

Ellie has finished her first book in the Explode the Code series, Get Ready for the Code.  She did really well with it and by the end she was able to work independently.  I love this curriculum because the format never changes (not even in the books for the big kids). It is also very thorough and I truly believe she gets it and is ready to move on to the next book.  She was so excited and we got a great picture of her showing off her completed book!

An encouragement....

We started a new curriculum and schedule today.  A schedule is something that we, as a family, struggle with.  I can never keep up and the kids always do something to mess it up! But that is okay..I think! :)

So this morning as I was reading over the teacher's notes for the lesson today I read a prayer that was so good.  It put me in check and I really appreciate it.  I thought I would share it because as a mom this is such a battle.  Not just for homeschoolers but for ALL moms out there!

"Diana just wanted to protect her family. She was going wrong because she was relying on her own strength, rather than crying out to the Lord for help. When she was reminded of the story of Daniel and the lions' den her heart was softened. It is very easy to rely on our own strength and get stressed. This robs peace from the whole household. Today take courage that there is no lion's mouth that God can't shut, and when you trust Him you do not need to fear."

"Dear Jesus, I call on your name to strengthen me to raise my children to love you. I surrender to You and ask that will lead our day. Please give me wisdom, grace, and energy. To your glory alone, amen."

We started our day with this prayer and the Lord is so good.  Instead of being frustrated with the fact that the schedule was already out the window at 9:15 am, I was gracious to my children.  And because of that my son asked me some really good "God questions".  I could have missed them if I had been consumed with myself today!

Summer Vacation at Grammy and Popsy's!

My bigs went to my parents house this past week.  It was a good time had by all.  Mom and Dad took them fishing.  Ellie was the only one who caught anything...

and did she ever!  An 18 in, 2 lb catfish!

Jackson tried....

but she beat him again!  Another catch!  This time a little bass.

Ellie fishing with Popsy.  Jackson is in the background trying a different spot.

Char and I made the drive to go and pick them up in Waco.  She was one tired puppy!  She fell asleep with her tongue hanging out!  Love this little girl!

There are more pics that I will post when Mom sends them to me!

PICTURES!!!

The kids painted the other day.  They needed something fun to do and what is more fun than painting?  The did great and I think I am going to frame them and decorate the school room with them! Hope you enjoy them! :)

Adventures in Gardening

I have a black thumb!  It is no secret! I try, Lord knows I do!  Last year we attempted to grow tomatoes and cucumbers.  I was in charge of them and they all died and we only got one green tomato that never ever turned red.  So this year when my husband planted tomato plants, I left it all up to him. Guess what we are getting tons of tomatoes!

I wish I could show you pictures but I can't get any off of my phone! :(

This all leads me to my dad.  He has started a blog about his garden.  He is doing a great job and I wanted to send you all over to his site! Check him out.  He is also on facebook under NonGreenThumbs!

My 2 year old is a MESS!

Many of you know that both of my girls have their favorite security items.  For Ellie it is a little brown puppy appropriately named, Puppy, and then a pink and white crocheted blanket from Mimi.  For Charlotte it is a little (used to be) white sheep from Bath and Body Works appropriately named, Sheepy.  So now that you are all caught up....

About two weeks ago Puppy went missing.  It was a sad day in the house.  Ellie cried and did not sleep well the first couple of nights.  Thankfully she was able to get over it and really has only missed it when she was extremely tired. I found it odd that we couldn't find Puppy.  I had just seen him in the gameroom and he just disappeared. We even cleaned it well and couldn't find him.  So two weeks and a very tired and cranky girl later, I decided to look one more time!

*Just a little side note here.  To all you Mom's out there, are you the only one who can find anything in your house?  I am!  And it drives me nuts!

Anyway back to the story.  Last night I decided to take one more look.  Behind the couch under a few strategically placed items was PUPPY!! I was so excited.  I quickly took him to Ellie, who was already in bed, and she was elated.  I told her where I found him and that it appeared someone had hidden him there.

Charlotte jumped out of bed and declared, "I did it!". She was so proud.  She then told us that she had put it in her "Fecret hidin' pwace" (secret hiding place).  She is such a MESS!  For two weeks she has known that we were looking for it and she remained quiet like she had no idea.  If this is how she is at 2 what will she be like at 15?  Lord, help me now!