Homeschooling...Here we go...

Hello,

This begins our journey of homeschooling. I am excited, but very nervous about how this will all work. Hoping that keeping up with this blog will keep me somewhat "accountable" to continue with homeschooling this school year.

We have tons of resources thanks to Grammy, who "unloaded" her cupboards from when she was schooling us. It also brings back lots of fun memories of growing up and learning different things.

I was most nervous about homeschooling this year just because of the ages of our kids. However, Ellie (4) REALLY wants to learn how to read; and Benny (2) BEGS for ABC time everyday; Gabe (1) loves coloring and "doing" the crafts with us; and Abby (3 weeks) just loves being cuddled... And they are CONSTANTLY asking about crafts, "spearments" (experiments), and wanting to cook things.

Preschool can't be that daunting, can it? I decided to do some research online, and found TONS of GREAT sites that I can reference, and downloaded a ton of EXCITING worksheets and such to use.

Some of my current favorite resources include:

http://homeschoolcreations.com/Bible.html

http://totallytots.homestead.com/OnceUponABookold.html

http://www.1plus1plus1equals1.com/index.html

http://www.icanteachmychild.com/

http://www.homeschoolshare.com/index_lapbooks_master_list.php

http://www.kizclub.com/activities.htm

http://www.littleblots.com/

http://www.mommynature.com/preschool-craft-recipes.html

http://www.abchomepreschool.com/Bible/Preschool-ColoringPages.htm

We also have most of the My Father's World set (www.mfwbooks.com/), Bright Beginnings (www.bright-beginnings.net/), Before Five in a Row (www.fiarhq.com/B4FIVEINAROW.html), and list of recommended books (Sonlight (www.sonlight.com/multi-subject-packages.html), My Father's World, etc...)

So here goes nothing, or something, not quite sure yet...Buckle up and enjoy the ride...Can't wait to find out where this adventure takes us...

Happy Father's Day

We had a great Father's Day...nice and relaxing...playing at the beach at my parents, and just being with family...So excited to celebrate what an awesome Dad mine is, as well as the amazing Daddy my hubby is to our children...and VERY blessed to have my incredibly patient, kind, wonderful Grandpa with us too. :D

Here's to you David: http://youtu.be/vmC3rJR7E98

Summer...I wish

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous. I must admit, I am loving this being at home thing. :D We have spent so much time playing at parks, listening to the birds, going on expeditions, etc...Saturday we spent 3 hours playing at the park. The kids LOVED it. :D

It was fun watching Ben trying to keep up with Ellie. Seeing Gabe's first real experience on the grass when it was warm...he wasn't a big fan. I am sure it will grow on him, but it was so great to see him explore it and then want to be picked up so fast.

I must say, I can't wait until we close on our new house and are able to move it. It will be great to just go in the backyard or draw chalk on the sidewalk. We are getting close and very excited.

Life...

Well...have to say, I am a bit behind on this...Only excuse is that life has happened.

Ben turned One last April, Gabriel Daniel was born on May 6th, Elizabeth turned three in June, I went back to work from July to November (so glad to be home now), Our house sold in November, we moved in December, David graduated with his BSN in December. He is now working full-time at Saint Marys...

As much as I'm disappointed at the way things ended at work, I am soo very thankful to be home with my little ones now. And...with that...number four will be here in July :D We can't wait to meet our new little princess. That's for sure.

We are doing some school with Ellie, she is enjoying it immensely and always begs to do more. We are waiting to close on our new house. Hopefully in the next three to four weeks. We defiantly can't wait.

The Weekend

Ellie's favorite past time right now is going anywhere...Here are some great quotes from this weekend...

Friday I picked Ellie up from her friend's house and she went with me to the Dr. She was sooo excited to hear the baby. After the nurse put the doppler on my belly Ellie exclaims "Mommy, it sounds just like a rabbit!"

Yesterday we were discussing birthdays and how Ellie's was getting very close, so I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. She stated "I would like cake Momma." I told her no problem we could get cake, and then I asked her what kind of cake she would like. She looks at me and says "Well, patty cake of course." Oh right...not sure how we will do that, but of course that would be logical... :D

She also learned this weekend how to drink out of a big girl cup. She was pretty ex-static about that. Benny ate like a horse most of the weekend...I am thinking he must be going through a growth spurt...Both kids actually started petting the doggies at the Vance's house...first time they have had the guts to get that close. Benny was trying to say Doggy and got sooo excited with Chakita he started telling stories...soo cute...

Ellie now is obsessed with calling pretty much any bird she sees an eagle... :D

Can't Get Enough Ellie Stories...

Last Thursday Grandma Vance came and played with the kiddos. They sure had a blast, she shared this story on Saturday night with David when he went over to hang out with Greg...First a little background though...Ellie had kept her pants dry pretty much all day on Wednesday, and since Daddy doesn't get home until between 9:30pm and 10:30pm on Wednesdays we decided for a treat we would g to McDonalds and get Chicken Nuggets with apples and milk, of course...what better way to celebrate St. Patrick's day, right? Anyway, in her happy meal was a "cell phone" it had a mirror and lip gloss in it, Ellie was thrilled. She started playing with it on Thursday and apparently took it to the park with her. The only problem was, the coat she had on did not have pockets. She played for a while and all the sudden stated "Grandma Vance, my phone is ringing." Grandma Vance thought this was funny since she hadn't seen her bring the phone and knew she didn't have pockets. All of the sudden Ellie runs over to the steps, takes off her rain boot and pulls out her "cell phone" and starts talking on. She finishes her conversation, hangs up and puts it back in her boot. She proceeded to do this several times while at the park. Moral of the story I guess is 2.5 year olds can be very resourceful... :D

We have also learned she loves to be in on the conversation. She has started asking "And just what are you talking about?" and "What do you mean by that." and "Where exactly are we going?" and "Where are we?" and "Does this mean we all get to go, kubuz I REALLY want to go."

Today I went to pick up the kids after work, I arrived and started putting Benny and the bag in the car. Ellie runs off to the backyard, she wants to stay and play, she insists I must still have work to do and it is still time for me to be "bye bye". I catch her, really must have been a sight seeing me run after her in the backyard, I am lucky I didn't fall...anyway, I get her in the car and she says "Mommy, can I plepleplepleplease listen to Larry Bob?" I tell her "Thank you for asking so nicely, I need to call Daddy and then you can." She answers "Mommy, please don't call Daddy, I didn't listen and obey right away. I am sooooo sorry, I promise I won't disobey again, kubuz Daddy will be very angry with me." Needless to say, I still had to call David because he was trying to figure out if he needed to pick up the kids, but it was funny to see her think this through. David thought it was pretty hilarious too :D

This is Ellie's "fravorite Larry Bob song" right now...

Ellie :D

So some updated phrases from Ellie (You can tell we are working on Potty Training :D)

1. She was at my parents last week, she came home and said "Grammy tried to feed me Tooter Tots (Tater Tots) but I didn't like them"

2. She now comes up and asks "Did you pee your pants, or put tooters in them" and " Benny poops in my pants, Mommy, not Ellie, Ellie puts hers in the big or little potty"

3. She told me "Mommy, you have my brother in your tummy, but what I really want is a sister, she is in my tummy so she will come faster"

4. Ellie: "Can I call Grammy?" Mommy: "Sorry, Grammy is at school." Ellie: "Well, then can I call Uncle Michael, Aunt Natalie, or Aunt April?" Mommy: "Sorry Ellie, they are in school too." Ellie: "Can I call Gumpy then, or is he at work?" Mommy: "Yep, sorry Ellie, he is at work." Ellie: "Well, then let me call Daddy, and don't tell me he is at work or school." Mommy: "Daddy is at school." Ellie: "Well, I'm getting busy then..."

5. "I'm getting to tired to pick up all the toys I got out, but guess what Mommy, Benny isn't" :D

6. Ellie "Mommy can I snuggle with you" Mommy "Sure!" Ellie "I'll be RIGHT back, let me get my blanky and myself" :D

7. "Mommy, your belly is big enough to float now."

8. Any time we run out of something "The store has that, let's go, I'll go get my penny for the horsey or for Larry/Bob" I think she thinks you can ride Larry and Bob from Veggie Tales like you do the penny horse.

9. "I just want to go with you" Said to which ever of us is leaving, and then "Well, you know Benny REALLY wants to go to, why don't we all just go?"

10. Grandma Vance came over last Thursday and made us a wonderful dinner, Ellie helped her make cookies. Before Grandma Vance left she was telling Ellie she had to go home and make dinner for her family. Ellie walks into the kitchen and says "Grandma Vance, are these for my fambily, or your fambily?" Grandma Vance tells her they are for us. "Oh goody, I really like cookies you know"

Princess Beauty

My parents took our whole family (including grand kids) to Beauty and the Beast last night. What a blast we had. Even Benny was "enchanted" with the story. He sure loves action...

The last few weeks Ellie has started making forts that she calls castles, and she always says she is Beauty. She sure had fun. It is sooo great making fun memories with the kids...I sure can't wait until we have more time to do more family friendly activities all together.

Life

Nothing to exciting happened here this last week. This was David's spring break, which was nice, but I am sure it didn't feel to him like we did too much fun stuff...Benny, David, and I all got sick towards the middle of the week...Thank God for health insurance yet again. Crossing our fingers that Ellie doesn't get it now.
David started back at Saint Marys tonight which is incredibly exciting. He was so ready to start again. Ellie has been cute as ever! We are so thrilled that Benny is starting to feel better too!
I feel slightly frustrated as I am going in to this weekend, but I know the Lord will provide and his timing is so much better then ours.

Annie...

We took Ellie to see the play Annie last night. I was VERY impressed with how well behaved she was. She sat through the whole performance, which lasted from 7:00 until 10:20 ish with only a 10 min intermission.



She especially liked the doggy, and the Christmas tree. She was so excited to watch all the singing and dancing. As well as being able to go "bye bye" with both Mommy and Daddy.

It is also so refreshing to have such lovely weather. Although, I really can't wait until it gets much warmer. We would love to be outside, but I'm afraid it's just going to get really cold again and then we will end up with more respiratory issues again. Oh well...Michigan weather...

Our Praise Today!!

David got an ok from the Dr. to return to work next Monday the 8th! We are so excited!! He also just successfully completed his first full set of classes. What a great start to this week. Hope everyone is doing well, and we thank you all so much for all of your prayers and support of the last several months.

Family's that Serve

In our church service yesterday they did foot washing. Talking about getting over yourself and serving each other...Jesus washed the disciples' feet as an example of becoming the lowest of servants. But equally important is the understanding that we must maintain a living relationship with the Head of the Body Who is Jesus Christ.

Who do we become humble to and become a servant to? This is a choice...Choosing to be a servant builds trust. How do we turn our everyday tasks into opportunities to serve and "wash each others feet"? "Washing feet" means that you have someone's back...

If you are a servant, you must let go of:
1. Power and Position - Will you give up everything? Philippians 2
2. Your Agenda - Are you willing to change your plans for the better of someone else?
3. Unforgiveness

I think one of the most touching things was watching Ellie wash her Daddy's feet. David washed and dried mine, and then I went to wash his. Ellie came up and helped us. It was sooo precious.

God is here -- Even in the hard times

Had a good day today, minus Ellie not wanting Mommy to leave this morning. It is so hard to go with her in tears. I know these times go away all to fast and you just want them back...How do you not miss it all when you are at work all day?

My heart just breaks to for our friends who lost a father/daddy today. The reality of there story and walk with cancer just seems to close for comfort. I just can't imagine what they are going through. However, through it all they have "Praised you in the Storm." Prayers and petition definantly being sent there way through this very real storm...Makes my petition and prayer to the Lord on behalf of other friends and believers that have been through big storms recently even more etched in my mind as well. What a rough few months this has been. Makes me really wonder what is going on, feels like the devil really wants a hold.

It definantly opens my eyes to the strength and depth of relationship and trust they have with our Heavenly Father. I definantly "covet" that. An area to continue to grow in. Also, an eye opener that I especially still have some healing of my own to do after the last seven months. I have to say this is still a very real fear to me. It will probably take quite a while for me to continue to work through. To be totally honest, I don't know if after getting that cancer diagnosis if the fear will ever go away, or just continue to be a constant in the back of my mind.

New Job

So...guess I should "start" with this...I started my new job yesterday at Saint Marys...It was great...

I am sooo excited to be back! I am really hoping we made the right choice for our family, and with life being so crazy.

Consistency just seems to be the key we have been missing. It will also be really nice to know what hours I am working and to be done at the end of the day. I won't have to come home and make phone calls or be on-call or any of that.

Also, David is doing very well with school and loving it! I think the homework and study time and such can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, but that happens to everyone. He is doing so well and we are so proud of him!!

So thankful for radiation to be done and counting down the days for him to be back at the hospital working. God is so very good!

Benjamin is talking, crawling, and trying so hard to walk. Such a little cutie with such a great smile. Everything has him so excited. Today, he learned how to push the buttons on the little people boat so it sings. He was very enthralled.

Elizabeth is sharing, just really warms my heart to see her be so caring. I love all the little cute things she comes up with.

Like:
1. "Ellie painting her teeth" last night with her tooth brush and tooth paste.
2. I got home from work tonight and Ellie greets me with "Mommy, your home, I'm not, but you are, I'm visiting." She decided very quickly to be home so she could snuggy with Mommy. Then I got to read my little ones bed time stories with snuggles tonight...priceless...
3. Ellie asked for "Larry Bob (VeggieTales)" in the car and I put in the Juniors Bedtime Songs one, she says "Mommy, Benny doesn't like the nigh nigh one, we NEED the morning songs, well, I guess we can sing Twinkle, twinkle, cuz I'm beautiful at that one." :D
4. Ellie has made "Tigger all cozey with Daddy" :D Just as long as he "Listens and obeys right away" :D
5. So Ellie goes up to Daddy tonight "I want to watch a movie, Can I watch Abby Gadabby with you?" Daddy "Mommy, what is she saying?" Ellie "Mommy tell him please" Mommy "From Sesame Street" Daddy "Ohhh..." :D
6. "Mom, I'm getting busy playing, so I can't call Mimee right now." then she comes to me and says "Mommy I NEED to go potty in the little potty, but I can kubuz (because) I just can't" She is just too cute...
7. Ellie "The Doctor took the itches out of my eye, Mommy" referring to stitches on her left eye, pretty good for a 2 and a half year old :D
8. My two-year old sees the sitter this morning, grabs my leg and cries "can't I just go with you to work all day Momma" as much as I need a break sometimes, this always breaks my heart...
9. My mom takes Ellie to Family Christian Stores, she tells Ellie "Grammy loves you soo much Ellie, and we I don't see you I miss you so much, I haven't seen you all week." Ellie is really quiet, looks at Grammy and states "Everyone loves Ellie, Grammy." :D Too Cute :D
10. Drove around seeing all the "Christmas Came" with Ellie and Benny :D Sooo much fun, I love how she processes things :D
11. I was just informed by my two year old that we forgot to do school today and now her homework is going to be late, I guess I'm in trouble ;D