Memorial Day

We had a blast! My crazy sisters came to lie by the pool with me (lay/lie?? I can never keep those straight! I'm a great homeschooler, huh?) My sister's fiance and his friend came and went fishing with Jeff & Dylan.

Mel at the pool (on the phone! Go figure!)



Mia at the pool




Then everyone came back to my house and my parents and my sister's girlfriend came over and we cooked a BIG bunch of meat on the grill!

Dylan with Millie




My sister and her "daughters" Missy and Millie







Kayti and Mia



Melissa and Dad

A nice surprise...

Ten years and nine months ago, we were all still in shock over Maw Maw dying and somewhere amidst all the pain and misery we were all feeling came a miracle...a surprise!

Jeff and I hadn't really talked yet about having anymore children. I had just graduated from Birmingham Southern in May of '97. Maw Maw passed away in June and we had our hands full just functioning through normal stuff, especially with 4 year-old Dylan and 1 year-old Kayti.

Unbeknownst to me, in August, my mom had a dream where she saw Maw Maw walking along and she ran up to her and told her she wanted to come with her. Maw Maw smiled and told her no. She couldn't come now. She had something else to do.

In September, I discovered I was pregnant again. I had to undergo fertility treatments to conceive Kayti. During that process, I found out that I had severe hypothyroidism and that it was unlikely I would ever be able to conceive without help. They weren't even sure how I get pregnant with Dylan or how long I'd had this condition. So needless to say, I was in complete shock!

There was also some concern about my medications and how they might affect my baby. Months later, I would find out that everything was fine and my mom told me about her dream. This precious little life--the surprise was indeed a miracle. But also a special gift from heaven. A tiny bit of peace to let us know that all is well, especially when we trust in our Savior.

Over the past ten years, there have been times when I've selfishly forgotten or ignored the Lord's promise that He is with me. But I'm thankful for His grace and that whenever I look into my children's eyes, especially my "surprise" baby's huge, beautiful blue eyes, I'm reminded of that promise, that all is well.

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby girl! You are indeed a blessing!

Firsts

Who was your FIRST prom date?
I did not go to my Junior prom and I went stag to my Senior prom with my girlfriends!

Do you still talk to your FIRST love?
Yep, I married him.

What was your 1st alcoholic drink?
Whiskey sour---my mom's. I thought it was lemonade

What was your FIRST job?
Omelet Shoppe when I was 12 (I washed dishes for my mom, who cooked there. She told the boss I was 17)

What was your FIRST car?
VW beetle

Who was the FIRST person to text you today?
no one, I don't text much

Who is the FIRST person you thought of this morning?
don't remember

Who was your FIRST grade teacher?
Mrs. Cameron (same as Kayti's)

Where did you go on your FIRST ride on an airplane?
Phoenix, Arizona

Who was your FIRST best friend & do you still talk?
Sherry, my imaginary friend and no, we don't! LOL

Who was your first kiss?
Tim Hood

Where was your FIRST sleep over?
my cousin Kelly's

Who was the FIRST person you talked to today?
Kayti

Whose wedding were you in the FIRST time?
my cousin Susie's

What was the FIRST thing you did this morning?
got something to drink

What was the FIRST concert you ever went to?
ZZ Top

FIRST tattoo or piercing?
ears pierced at age 6

FIRST foreign country you went to?
England

FIRST movie you remember seeing in the theaters?
Revenge of the Pink Panther

First state you lived in?
BAMA

Who was the FIRST person to really break your heart?
Jeff

Who was your FIRST roommate?
Aldona for a few weeks

Who do you think will be the next person to post this?
no idea

70 Questions you've never answered

70 Questions Guaranteed You've Never Answered...

Would you kill your neighbor?
No

Whats one word that describes your last fight?
stupid

What were you doing ten minutes ago?
checking email

What's the last movie you saw?
I don't remember

What did your last text message say?
jus wait

Who have you talked to most today?
I guess Brooke

Do you carve pumpkins every year?
Yes

Color of your shirt?
tie-dyed

Who's on speed dial 2?
don't do speed dial

How are you feeling right now?
blistered

How many times have you moved?
Not counting the times my mom and I moved when I was a baby (which I couldn't possibly know that number, I just know it was a lot) I think 5, if my count is accurate

What is the last thing you touched?
computer

Have you ever been called a punk?
don't think so

Was yesterday better than today?
the same

What is your ring tone?
Get Ready, Get Set, Don't Go

Do you have a favorite number?
3

Do you hate anyone/anything?
judgemental people, nosy people, liars and lazy people

Does your best friend have a myspace?
no

Do you have any music you're ashamed of?
no

Have you ever gotten into a physical fight with a member of the opposite sex?
no

How old will you be in 2 years ?
40

Do you think you'll be married by then?
I hope I'm STILL married

Do you have one or more Britney Spears CD's?
no, but Kayti might have one or two of the old ones!

What did you do last night?
grilled steaks

Are you a Lost fanatic?
No

Do you have a song by Ozzy Osbourne in your library?
Yes! Crazy Train lol

Do you ever sing in the shower?
no

Whats your favorite movie?
It's a Wonderful Life

Do people ever spell your name wrong?
yes

Do you believe everyone has a soulmate?
no

Can you sing?
yes (you didn't ask me if I could sing well! lol)

When was the last time you cried?
It's been awhile

Are you ever a freak about cleanliness or organization?
yes

Have you ever been to South America or Africa?
no, hopefully someday

Do you know how to knit?
no but I can crochet

Do you have a job?
yes

Is there anything currently bothering you?
yes

What are you doing right now besides this survey?
watching SVU

Do you know how to play poker?
no, I can never keep straight what beats what

Baskin Robbins or Coldstone?
any ice cream is good enough for me

Physics or chemistry?
neither!

Facebook or Myspace?
blogspot!

Do you wear any jewelry?
just my rings usually

When do you prefer to take a shower, morning or night?
just sometime during the day

Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, or Star Wars?
Ugh, if I have to choose, I guess Star Wars

Fly or road trip?
Hmmm, normally I'd say road trip but with gas at $4 a gallon....

Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Tanner Vineyard, or Shalayna Hatcher?
Where's Wonder Woman? lol

What's your favorite Disney movie?
Toy Story

What are your plans for tonight?
nothing

Big Fun!

Our "neighborhood" pool (aka Zamora Park, from which we live only 1/2 mile) opened this week. This is how we spend our summers. They have a huge lake with good fishing for the boys while the girls and I lounge by the pool. Okay, *I* lounge by the pool. The girls are generally IN the pool. It's a very relaxed atmosphere. Not many "rules". Just be safe and have fun.

Last year, Pop got Dylan his very own boat! But he didn't get to take it out because neither of our vehicles had a way of towing. So when we got our tax money this year, we had a tow package put on Jeff's jeep. Then we had to get the safety chains, hitch, blah blah blah. We still have to get some trailer lights if we ever want to take it anywhere besides Zamora. But at least he was able to finally get it into the water for the first time!







When the girls do get waterlogged, they just head for the playground which is within sight of mom, still sitting in the chaise!



Driving to the beach or the mountains? I'd love to. But been there, done that and with gas at $4 a gallon, I think I'll pass. Maybe a short little trip later in the year. Vacations in Europe? Been there, done that, too. Hopefully, I'll get to go again someday. Someplace exotic like Australia or Africa? That's on the list, too. Cruising? Been there, done that, too and really didn't care much for it. Not for Carnival anyway. For now, I'll be content with my Zamora Park!

Track Awards

Thursday night, our homeschool group had its end-of-the-year awards for the track team. Brooke got a few which is more than I expected her to get. She just doesn't take track & field season seriously. I think she enjoys cross-country season more. But this track team is very laid-back and I basically encourage her to do it for some kind of P.E. Not that she NEEDS the exercise. She gets plenty. But she seems to like it and it gives her another excuse to see her bff Lauren so...whatever...lol

Here are some pictures:

100 things

Thanks whoever passed this one along! I don't even remember, it's taken me this long to even get to it, much less get it done!

Hope it's not too boring! LOL

1. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot using only my tongue.
2. It's supposed to mean I'm a good kisser, or so I heard in high school when this first started.
3. But only one person really knows.
4. And maybe a few others from high school.
5. But I had them all conveniently disappear! LOL
6. I have the craziest family.
7. But I love them dearly.
8. One of these days, I'm going to write all of our stories down.
9. And even if no one believes it, it would make best-selling fiction!
10. I grew up in Tarrant before it went downhill.
11. It was a fabulous place to be a kid.
12. I went to school with the same kids from kindergarten through 12th grade.
13. I so wanted my kids to do the same.
14. But someone flipped a switch on the city.
15. And we had to bail.
16. I don't regret leaving at all.
17. I just hate it that we had to.
18. I have the best parents in the world.
19. I just wish they had more faith.
20. But God and I are working on that.
21. I really really miss my Maw Maw.
22. I wish she could be here now.
23. And sew and cook with Kayti.
24. And watch her clog.
25. I hope my three kids stay as close as they are now like she and her 5 siblings did.
26. Their's is an amazing story of family.
27. And one day I'm gonna write that one down, too.
28. The bio-dad gets out of the big house June 26.
29. I'm so not ready for that.
30. I have not seen him face to face in 28 years!
31. He's a great guy, mostly.
32. But he sucked as a dad.
33. And made some terrible choices in life.
34. But thank you, Lord, for my REAL dad, he's the best.
35. And bio dad knows that.
36. And he seems to be content just to be a friend.
37. I certainly hope so.
38. Forgiveness is really hard.
39. But with God's help, I can do it.
40. His grace and forgiveness is sufficient for me.
41. I guess mine can be sufficient for others.
42. And others have His, too.
43. But only if they ask for it.
44. I'm looking forward to this summer.
45. We're going to have lots of fun.
46. And my baby sister is getting married!
47. I still can't believe she's old enough to get married!
48. But I can't wait for her to have me some babies!
49. I'm very ready for more babies.
50. Just not for me to have them (Jeff says!)
51. I love to cook!
52. I love experimenting with new flavors, spices, etc.
53. Unfortunately, I also love to eat!
54. And hate to exercise.
55. And that makes for a bad combination.
56. But I DO love to bellydance.
57. But only in private for now.
58. I COULD be a vegetarian.
59. I'm not a tree-hugger/animal rights person and I do like meat.
60. But I can do without it, too.
61. But I can't do the vegan thing.
62. Sorry, Meg.
63. But knock yourself out, sister!
64. I really love to cook when it's someone else's night to clean up the kitchen!
65. I have to have things organized.
66. And matching!
67. I can't stand clutter.
68. I think I have a little touch of OCD!
69. And I believe in hollistic and natural medicines.
70. But Lord, thank you ever so much for prozac or I would have probably offed myself years ago!
71. Because everyone in this house LOVES clutter and they are pack rats!
72. That is one thing I did NOT get from Maw Maw!
73. When I pass away, there will not be nearly as much stuff to go through!
74. So everyone will have to remember me another way.
75. Most of my family will probably get drunk.
76. But they really don't need the excuse of a funeral to get plastered.
77. Yes, they are a bunch of drunks! LOL
78. But they are a fun bunch of drunks.
79. I don't drink much anymore.
80. Not because I think it's "wrong" or anything.
81. But because my tolerance level is REALLY high.
82. And it takes a LOT of alcohol (or it used to)
83. And it costs too much.
84. So does gas!
85. I can't wait for Bush to be gone.
86. Yeah yeah yeah, that's not his fault. Save it.
87. I LOVE to read.
88. When I'm in a zone, I read at least three books a week.
89. My girls are readers, too.
90. And Dylan if it's something interesting to him.
91. I love to take pictures.
92. I am pretty artsy-fartsy and crafty!
93. And I can sew pretty decent.
94. And my green thumb is coming in nicely now that I'm an old southern woman.
95. But as redneck as I am, I could still be totally happy living in NYC!
96. It's da Bomb!
97. And so is London.
98. Paris is beautiful, too.
99. But the French really are rude.
100. And the BEST place on Earth is still Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama!

Man, it was really hard to make this come out to 100! (oops, I guess that's 101!)

Blessings (102!)

Camp Fire Awards

Our 4th year of doing Camp Fire has come to another close. Wow! The year really flew by. We have been so blessed to have been a part of Tina's Camp Fire club. When we joined 4 years ago, I really had no idea what Camp Fire was about. I am really proud of the projects and things the girls have worked on and I hope this has helped to instill in them a sense of community service and outreach that I've always tried to do.

Brooke's Adventure Club


Kayti's Discover Club (obviously, a few girls were missing!)



Kayti with her beads and emblems



Brooke with her beads and emblems



Every year that they have participated, at least one of them has won an award for the Art Competition. Guess the creative gene got passed on! (Thank you, Lord!)

This year, the medium was pottery and they both created some really beautiful pieces. I decided to display them prominently in the living room, next to my piece that I did in 1st grade and next to the piece Dylan did in Kindergarten!





We wound up selling more candy than we really even intended to!



Playing at the park afterward...

Redneck Survey

You know I just HAD to do this one!!! I am generally the epitome of a redneck woman. I can be sophisticated when I want to be. But who wants to be? It's not much fun! LOL My cell phone ringtone even used to be Gretchen Wilson's "Redneck Woman"! I got this survey from Bobbi Jo. And hun, your name is even redneck! But I loves ya!

Here goes:

Have you ever gone muddin'?
No, but I have been off-roadin' in an old VW beetle through the woods! LOL

Have you ever lived on a dirt/gravel road?
No but I do have relatives that do!

Ever been swimming in a lake or river?
of course

Ever been to a bonfire party?
Many, many times

Have you ever driven a tractor?
No but I have sat on one!

Have you ever been on a horse?
Many, many times

Ford or Chevy?
Used to be for chevy but ever since owning "Fred" I'm a Ford gal!

Kissed someone in a pick up?
Definitely!

Whats your favorite country song?
"Redneck Woman" by Gretchen Wilson
"Smalltown Southern Man" by Alan Jackson
"Redneck boys" by Trace Atkins
and anything by Toby Keith

Ever done 90 miles per hour down a dirt road?
I think I may have missed out on this one

Worked / Lived on a farm?
No

Been to a rodeo?
Yes

Do you own cowboy boots?
No, but Brooke does!

Do you have a cowboy hat?
No

Have you ever said git r done?
many many times

Country skyline or a city skyline?
Both are beautiful

Can you name a rodeo star?
Lane Frost===yeah, him. Loved that movie, too!

Do you think tractors are sexy?
Depends on who is sitting on it!

Ever rode a 4-wheeler?
Yep

Are you from the country?
Pretty much

If so, are you proud of it?
Sure, why not

Gone hunting?
When I was little, I went bird hunting with my dad. Jeff goes all the time but it's too cold and too early in the morning for me and I just don't want to go!

Gone fishing?
Of course

Is your heart in dixie?
Pretty much

Been on a hay ride?
Yes

Have you ever line danced?
Yes

Camped under the stars?
Yes

Have you ever been cow tippin?
No

Do you drive a pick up truck?
Not anymore

Fell asleep in a hay stack?
No

Own a pair of overalls?
Used to

Drank Moonshine?
yep

So you think you can dance?

I know two little girls who can and LOVE doing it!!

We had a VERY busy weekend! Friday night, we had TWO dress rehearsals for our annual dance recital. Saturday morning, we had to get up early and take Kayti to an audition. Then the matinee recital began at 1 p.m. so we barely had time to grab some lunch and go get dressed! The matinee wasn't very stressful. Brooke had her ballet number and then Kayti did her tap and the finale.



Brooke and one of her bff's Lauren:



We got a little break before the evening recital began. THAT was the one where I had to run a few marathons. A few of their numbers were just a few apart so we had to make some quick changes and it made for some challenging moments for all of us, especially when our hair wouldn't cooperate!

Brooke's jazz/hiphop:



Brooke's tap:



both clogging:



Kayti's ballet:



My pictures from Kayti's tap and jazz/hip hop were blurry but here are the costumes:






They also performed their first ever duet:



And here is Brooke getting her 5 year trophy:



It's actually her 6th year but I forgot last year! Mom can't keep things straight anymore, especially since we did a few years at one studio, some at another and 1/2 at another! And there are two of them to keep up with!

After they got flowers from daddy:



and also from brother:



They were excited that their crazy aunts came to watch:





and the aunts can dance, too!



And here they are with one tired Momma!

Another one of those survey-thingys

Haven't done one of these much since I don't get to go to myspace much anymore (loads too slowly on my computer these days). I used to love these things! LOL Shows you how exciting my life is! Not!


Favorite person (outside family)?
Can't pick just one. Too many interests, too many favorite people!

Favorite food?
Right now, fried chicken! Love it, as all good southern women should! Like Mexican, too but it doesn't like me much anymore. :(

Quirks about you?
Do we have time to list them all? I have a little OCD going on. My closet hangers are color coded, everything has a file and a place, I can't stand clutter even though I have to live in it because my house is so small and everyone else in my family seems to LOVE clutter. And I can't stand bumps on me or anyone else. Pop that sucker already! Yuck!

How would the person who loves you most describe you in ten words or less?
flawed but talented, mean but loving and way too busy

Any regrets in life?
Not really. I would say some of our financial decisions from years ago--they are still wreaking havoc on us now. But that, just like everything else in life has served to make me who I am now and I like who I am. So I'm not big on regrets at all. Just thankful for the grace of Christ!

Favorite Charity/ Cause?
see the "Near & Dear to my heart" section. Pretty much anything to do with kids, wildlife, the environment, cancer, etc.

Favorite Blog recently?
of mine or someone elses? LOL


Something you can’t get enough of?
lately? sleep!

Worst job you’ve ever had?
Can't really say any of them was the "worst". They all had their moments. Pretty much any time I was bored and not busy or felt taken for granted.

What job would you pay NOT to have?
Dealing with gripey people!

If you could be a fly on the wall, where?
No where! The less I know that I don't need to know, the better!


Favorite Bible verse right now?
Always I Peter 5:6

Guilty Pleasure?
Dairy Queen's Mocha Moolattes!!! And if I keep it up, I'm going to be saying "moo" before too long!

Got any confessions?
None that I have to share with anyone except my Savior!

If you HAD to spend $1,000 on YOURSELF, how would you spend it?
on me? Can't think of a thing. I would either put it towards a car for Dylan, pay someone I owe or put it in the bank for our next house.

Favorite thing about your house?
It's small and doesn't take long to clean!

Least favorite thing about your house?
It's small and we have no where to put our stuff! Also, our couch needs to go, too!

One thing you are bad at?
money

One thing you’re good at?
organizing and planning

If you could change something about your circumstances, what? More money. Whoever said it's not everything was full of crap! It may not be, but it sure helps!

Who would you like to meet someday?
Monique, my bff online!
Lisa Whelchel
Robin McGraw

What makes you feel sexy?
Bellydancing!

Who is your real life hero?
My dad, my mom and my husband

What is the hardest part of your job?
listening to whining and fighting

When are you most relaxed?
at the beach or getting a good backrub from Brooke or Kayti

What stresses you out?
stupid people, childish people, fake people, whiney people, nosey people and lazy people

What can you not live without?
My daily fix of Coca Cola Classic

Do you agree or disagree with the recent article that reported that blogs are authored by narcissists?
Whoever wrote that article can bite me!

Why do you blog?
I love to journal but hate to write long-hand.

Who are you tagging?
whoever is bored like me

New/Newer bloggers -don't know any new bloggers

Bloggy friends -Monique and Yvie

Bloggers you’d like to get to know better - all of them

Bloggers who you don't think will respond, but you hope will - Monique and Yvie



Rules:


1. Answer the questions


2. Link back to whoever tagged you


3. Tag eight bloggers to do the same, 2 from each category.
New/ newer bloggers (since we want to share the love and send them traffic)
Bloggy friends
Bloggers you’d like to get to know better
Bloggers you don’t think will respond, but you hope will

Winding down...

Now that SAT's are over, we are "unschooling" for the rest of the month. We are reading and working on some science projects.

We decided there wasn't enough time left to do another co-op this year. But we are trying to put together a Summer Arts & Crafts at Ms. Donna's and working on what we'll do for the Fall. It depends largely on whether or not Moody has one because I know the kids will want to do that. But then again, it depends on gas prices, too! I guess we'll take a wait and see attitude.

I try to never put much stock in test scores but I must admit I'm anxious to see how they did. I'm told we'll get results back in June or July.

Still not sure what to do about CORE. I want her to do it but goodness, it's a chunk of money. Lord, if this is your plan for her, you gotta come through big time!

4/14-4/18

This week is another busy one as I have to work for my mom tomorrow and Friday. We also have the usual Camp Fire, dance, track, etc. schedule and are trying to work out a mini co-op with some friends for the remainder of the school year. We are just having trouble figuring out whether or not to do French, Art or P.E. or some or all! We are also trying to incorporate some test prep into the next two weeks so we'll be better prepared for our SAT's. Who says homeschoolers don't do anything all day? LOL

We only have a few more weeks before we're done with Spelling and we are halfway through with our Language workbooks as well. Kayti is starting on Nuclear Energy and Ancient China. Brooke is starting on Machines in Science but is still on Missionaries in Social Studies.

I think we are finally making some progress with our Math, too!

Last week we did get to do the homeschool skating and are thinking about what to do with our next field trip!

We also finally selected a project for the Homeschool Science Fair and will start working on that this week.

Blessings!

4/7-4/11

This week we will test on Electricity and Motion and finish up on Ancient India and Missionaries. Brooke is going to do a project on a missionary and I am especially looking forward to it because I find missionary stories fascinating and still haven't ruled that out completely as something I may do one day.

We finished our Spanish Co-op a few weeks ago and are thinking about what to do next. We are leaning towards French since I already have that curriculum.

I am anxious to hear the results of the co-op survey the homeschool group conducted a few weeks ago for next year. I hope there were enough responses to try again for next school year.

We still have not made any decisions about CORE.

Today, Brooke has Camp Fire and will finish up her pottery project. Then it's off to ballet. Tomorrow is our other dance classes. Wednesday is duet practice and Thursday is violin and a practice track meet and we'll try and squeeze in a piano lesson in there somewhere.

Tomorrow, I turn 38 and as I reflect back on my life (like I do every year), there are some definite places I want to improve. But I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing that homeschooling my girls! What a joy!

3/31-4/4

Modem on computer has been out but we have been trucking right along. We only have a few more weeks until we are completely done with our Spelling curriculum! Yeah! Of course, we finished our handwriting a few months ago. Both girls are on punctuation, though Kayti's lessons are a little more in-depth.

I am very proud of Brooke. She has finally (yes, finally) mastered most of her multiplcation tables. She only missed 4 out of 66 problems on her test! I am still unable to determine why it has been so hard for her. We've tried everything from Schoolhouse Rock videos to trying to learn patterns to just drills drills drills. But I think we're finally making headway!

Kayti is still muddling through fractions and decimals and is getting her feet wet with some basic Geometry.

In Social Studies, Brooke is studying about famous missionaries including Dwight Moody and Mary Slessor. Kayti is studying Ancient India.

In Science, Brooke is learning about electricity and Kayti is learning Newton's Laws of Motion.

Last week, we had a homeschool faculty meeting and we went to CORE Open House. I was really impressed, especially with the Science. I am terrible at Science. I don't get into all the experiments, etc. so I am leaning toward her taking Science through CORE next year. About the rest of it, I don't know yet. We are still praying and waiting on God to show us what to do.

We also had the opportunity to hear Jack Bass, a Holocaust survivor who lives near us. He came to speak for the homeschool group. It is amazing to hear someone speak about their first-hand personal experience of all the evil that occurred right here on Earth not very long ago. In a day where we have world leaders denying that such atrocities even happened, what a blessing it was to see how God not only delivers us from evil but can bless us richly through it. I was so grateful that we had this opportunity.

Week of 2/25-2/29

We continued on with Lesson 20 in spelling and 10 new vocabulary words. We are almost completely finished with Spelling for the year! Woohoo!

In Grammar, Kayti is working on adverbs and Brooke on sentence types.

In Writing, Brooke is learning how to write instructions and Kayti is reviewing how to write a narrative.

Stories read from their Reading textbooks this week:

Kayti--Apple of Contentment, Tree for Wilderness, Greater God

Brooke--Ever Before Me, Hamlet (excerpt), short bio on William Shakespeare

We worked through lesson 55 in Math and have a Math test today (as well as spelling and vocabulary quizzes)

Kayti is also reading Black Beauty for her 2nd book report of the semester and Brooke is kind of slacking here! She is not the reader Kayti is, but that's okay. This whole book report challenge thing is to be done at their own pace. The more books they read and reports they turn in, the more often they get to go into the reward jar (just for book reports) and they are GOOD rewards!

In Science, Brooke is studying the moon and will soon begin a study of electricity. Kayti is reading up on volcanoes and doing a volcano project. Neither have selected their project for the McWane Science fair yet.

In Social Studies, Brooke is finishing up the unit on immigrants and Kayti is finishing up Early Israel. She starts a new unit on India next week and I am SO excited. The culture of India is fascinating to me.

Our Bible time is continuing to be missionary stories from Dave & Neta Jackson's Christian Heroes books. This week, we read about Martin Luther, Harriet Tubman and Jim Elliott. Last night, we watched the movie The End of the Spear, about Jim Elliott, Nate Saint and the other missionaries who gave their lives in the 50's to show the Waodani people of Ecuador the love of Christ. It is an amazing story and I highly recommend it!

Kayti has another violin lesson today and Brooke continues to blow me away with her piano. Without having been shown at all, she is already picked out the tune (chords and all!) of the Wedding March! I know it won't be long before I have to find her a more qualified teacher! LOL (I can only take her so far)

Both got their dance costumes this week and are SO excited about the upcoming recital. We met at Miss Tere's yesterday for our Spanish co-op and tomorrow night is the Camp Fire Lockin.

Blessings!

Week of 2/11-2/15

Both girls finished their book reports and were exited to get to go into the reward jar for the first time! Brooke drew out a coupon that allowed her to get out of chores and Kayti drew out a coupon good for the purchase of one new CD. She picked out a Radio Disney CD featuring Emily Osment, Jonas Brothers and several other faves, of course Hannah Montana, too.

We had our second meeting of Spanish co-op at the Nielsen's house on Wednesday and pretty much the rest of our work week was the same, just trucking along.

On Thursdays, the girls performed a puppet show for Valentine's Day for Deb's Daycare singing several age appropriate "love" songs (Jesus Loves Me, Barney "I love you", You are my sunshine, etc.)

Afterward, we had Children's Theatre and on the spur of the moment we decided to take sweet Allie with us! She is 2 1/2, very smart and one of the most beautiful children I've ever seen. She belongs to a friend of my sister's and my mom keeps her during the day. I don't think she got a lot out of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer (in fact, she and I BOTH fell asleep!) but she was excited to get to go somewhere and we were so happy to take her along!



On Friday, we met with our homeschool group for a Valentine's Luncheon and Card Box Competition. Both girls got a goody bag and an honorable mention.

Week of 2/4-2/8

We completed our reading on Corrie Ten Boom and began reading about George Muller.

We received our new Science and Social Studies textbooks and began exploring them. We talked about the homeschool Science fair at McWane center and pulled a few ideas off the web. We also searched for unique ideas for the Valentine Card Box competition with our homeschool group.

We read about Pecos Bill in Reading and also began our Accelerated Reader book reports. Kayti is doing hers on The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright and Brooke is doing hers on Horses by Seymour Simon. Both are already done with the books and are putting the finishing touches on the reports.

Both completed Lesson 17 in Spelling at their own grade levels, several pages in their Writing and Grammar textbooks and did an exercise in finding items in the newspaper.

Math is still going well, though Brooke bombed her test on Thursday. Kayti generally messes up her daily work and does well on her tests! LOL

Kayti's vocabulary words were: adviser, counterfeit, nuisance, reliable, vacate, deceive, yearn, anniversary, opponent and halo.

Brooke's vocabulary words were: derby, optimism, version, unintelligible, glaze, bleary, annual, priority, manuscript, and yarn (which is not the kind of yarn you crochet with!) Both girls aced their vocabulary quizes.

We also started a small Co-op for Spanish with a few sweet friends from our homeschool group. We're using the Spanish for Children curriculum from McGraw-Hill. We met at my house this week and had tacos for lunch after we were done. Next week, we'll meet at Donna's and have nachos.

October 22, 2007

Our first experience with opposition:

Saturday, the girls were playing with some other kids in the neighborhood and one of the little girls asked Kayti why they don't go to school.

Kayti answered, "Our mom likes to teach us herself."

Then another kid said, "yeah but you don't get to hang with your friends"

And Kayti said, "well, what do you call what we're doing right now!"

I was so proud!!!

I did caution her about turning the tables and making fun of school kids. I told her every family has to do what's best for them and just because you get another choice that most families don't get/want doesn't mean you have to act like you're better than they are. But I was so glad to see her stick up for herself and be proud that she is homeschooled!
We are continuing with all our regular stuff--The Human Body, World War II, etc. but we are also taking the time to do some Fall crafts and recipes. We are studying the origins of All Saints, All Souls and Halloween and talking about why some people choose not to celebrate Halloween and why some choose to look for the good in it. We hope to visit the Pumpkin Patch in the next week.

January 31, 2007

I love New Year's! I guess the main reason is that it usually means new beginnings and who doesn't love a new beginning. It reminds me of the new beginning we get when we ask Jesus to be the Lord of our lives and the new beginning He gives us over and over when we inevitably keep screwing up!

So much has happened since I last updated and I am definitely going to be more diligent about it. This journey with my girls is too important not to record the details and we have a new beginning with our homeschooling, too.

Last semester was not very productive. We did unit studies on the Human Body and World War II but for some reason, I just was not satisfied with the quality of education I was providing for the girls. No matter how diligent we were, it just didn't "feel" right and I still don't know why.

So I consulted a professional to advise me on curriculum. I told her our learning styles/teaching styles, curricula that I had tried and liked, curricula that I had tried and did NOT like, what my expectations were, etc. Anyone who knows me knows I'm pretty structured but not TOO structured. I am not rigid on times, etc. but I am pretty set in a "laxed" kind of routine. I wanted more hands on things but also like a curricula that is rich in literature and reading. So she basically customized a curriculum for me and I made final adjustments and that is what we're going with. So far, it has been WONDERFUL!!! I am so pumped about their progress!

She recommended Bob Jones for Social Studies and Science. It's a Christian curriculum but not 'overly' Christian like A Beka if you know what I mean. I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that much on books sight unseen. So I checked eBay and what do you know...I got great deals on used books to use for the remainder of the year. If we do indeed like it, I'll consider getting the whole kit and caboodle for next year.

I declined to take her advice for the Language Arts segment. I was very happy with the Spectrum Spelling and A Reason for Handwriting that we were already using, I just wanted to add a few things. So I looked at Spectrum's Writing and Language Arts and got those books instead.

And of course, we're sticking with Saxon Math.

I also ordered both girls a Bob Jones Reading textbook, although I'm still waiting to receive Kayti's.

Last week, we did a sample lesson from Myklin Vinson's "What Every Girl Should Know". Contrary to the title, it's NOT about puberty and sex but about Biblical ways to handle problems preteens face. The lesson we did was on choosing friends and role models and each of them was required to select a woman from the Bible and write what they liked about her, what they disliked, what they felt they could learn from her, etc. Kayti at first chose Esther but decided the story was too long! LOL She ended up choosing Abigail. Brooke chose Mary, sister of Martha and Lazarus. I hope to order the rest of the Bible study soon.

In the meantime, we are reading Hero Tales Volumes 1 & 2 by Dave & Neta Jackson. You just can't go wrong with Neta! She is the author of the Yada Yada Prayer Group series which I LOVE so much! She and her husband have written a family treasury of true stories from the lives of Christian Heroes. This week, we read about Corrie Ten Boom, which was fitting after last semester's study of WWII and yesterday our latest movie from Netflix arrived---The Hiding Place about the Ten Boom family!

Since we only received our new textbooks this week, we are finishing up a chapter in some old A Beka books I already had on Mesopotamia (Social Studies) and Rocks and Minerals (Science). We may take a field trip to Rickwood Caverns tomorrow.

I also implemented my own accelerated reader program. I gathered a list of recommended books from several resources, including the Children's Book Council and sifted through it to find ones I thought were appropriate to their interests and reading level. They can choose a book, they can even read the books together but they each much write their own book report on the book following criteria that I have posted on our bulletin board. After they present their report, they can go into the reward jar and this reward jar is ONLY for accelerated reader--and these rewards are GOOD! They have already selected their first books! Kayti has chosen The Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright and Brooke has chosen a book about horses by Seymour Simon. Since we took her trail riding last year shortly before her birthday, she has been obsessed with horses. I'm sure watching endless hours of The Saddle Club on TV didn't help either!

Next week, we will have our first lesson with our new co-op that we started!! Right now, it is very small and is only offering Spanish for Children. But if all goes well and the Lord willing, we may expand it to include other enrichment classes such as Art, gym and maybe even a small group Bible Study.

Kayti is going to DiscipleNow this weekend with our old church. I know she will have a great time. And that gives me some one on one time with my youngest which I am looking forward to!

Blessings for a great homeschooling week!

September 30, 2007

It is true that the second year of homeschooling is MUCH easier. We're used to our own little routine (if you can call it that) and I see the girls developing good study habits on their own which will help them in the long run!

I still love Saxon Math! One night, a few weeks ago, the girls actually ASKED if they could get their math out and work some problems! Thank you, Lord!!!

They are loving co-op but sadly, our homeschool group has decided not to do a co-op next semester. I'm so torn. I joined this group in part because of all the things they offered but of course our success isn't dependent on that. I just wish someone would step up and take over the administrative part of it because the girls have really enjoyed it. And before you suggest me, let me just go ahead and tell you God has already reminded me that He does not want me setting myself up again for trying to lead. I felt God leading me to step up last year and when I did, I got shot down. I know God will deal with those people (He already is) but I don't feel Him leading me to set myself up for so much hurt and disappointment again. He knows it's just not in my personality to care what other people think of me and to do something like that, well, you simply need to care. I'd rather continue being my imperfect self and be able to be happy with myself that to try and pretend to be something I'm not for the sake of others and be miserable. It's too bad that most Christians don't feel that way. They see someone of "good character" as being someone who is absolutely perfect all of the time. They need to read their Bible more, of course, as everyone God used to further His kingdom had issues. But that's not my fight, God will deal with those who try and hinder Him. He does not want me to prove His point. My talents and gifts can be used in other capacities. Like maybe a smaller kind of co-op or something! LOL

Anyhoo, back to my beautiful girls, we have been studying the Great Depression and all the other events leading up to World War II, getting ready for our big unit study on that. We continue to explore the human body and learn about manners. They did a week long study on Jackson Pollock and painted Pollock-style splatter paintings. Now we are learning about Leonardo DaVinci and they painted birds. DaVinci was fascinated with birds and flight. They are continuing along with their workbooks on Handwriting, Spelling and Grammar and of course, music. Brooke catches on so fast with piano that I am soon going to need her to start taking lessons from someone else! Kayti is progressing nicely in violin.

One thing I hope to do soon is get us some batons and teach them to twirl! I kind of miss twirling myself as I was a majorette in high school and briefly taught baton for a few years afterward. My mom loaned one of my batons to my cousin and I never got it back! Plus I think my arms must of grown a little after high school because the one I have left is just a few inches too short. But I noticed they sell batons at Dance and Things so maybe one of these days, I'll be able to get us some and we can twirl!

They are excited about their dance classes also and looking forward to their duet. They have submitted a list of songs they are thinking about!

They are also looking forward to the homeschool group's sock hop coming up on the 18th. I have made Brooke's costume already and am still working on Kayti's. She wants to be a carhop girl so hers is a little more complicated!

They just had their first practice for the school fall play and they are loving it. I've got to get to work on those costumes!

Brooke is doing track again and not only will she participate in the school's cross-country meet and the Maple Leaf Run but she and I are planning on doing the Race for the Cure together! Mommy has got to get her behind in gear and start training!

I just love this time of year! The Fall weather and foliage is so beautiful and there's so much to do! Pumpkin patch visits, fall crafts, getting ready for Christmas, etc. (did I just say that? ugh! I'm SO not ready! I don't even know where I'll put a tree this year now that we have the piano!) There's also football games, fall festivals, and if we're not careful, we can be overloaded and stressed out in a hurry. That's why I just love homeschooling. I feel so much more relaxed and shouldn't we be relaxed and not stressed when we're trying to learn? I think so!

October 18, 2007

Brooke counted down the days and finally, it came!

Jeff took off half day so he came along with us. I think it went very well. The floats were excellent! All the costumes were so cute but I was surprised to see some kids there had chosen not to dress up. I hate when people don't participate like they are supposed to. But that's my problem, just a quirk I have. I realize it's not really my business.

Anyway, Brooke won the hula hoop contest and walked away with $10 which she promptly spent on a Webkinz. Poor kid! She gets her money habits from her mom! I can't hold on to money with a baseball glove!

Kayti got upset that she didn't win anything and pouted for a bit but I think they both ended up having a good time. Some of the older kids were there, showing the younger ones how to dance and one little teenage boy asked Brooke to dance. She politely declined but couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear. Lord help us!

She ended up dancing with her little friend and her sister and posing for a few pictures:

September 8, 2007

We officially got started this week!

So far so good! I'm loving Saxon Math! Already I can tell a huge difference in both girls but especially Brooke.

We also had our first experience with co-op on Friday. I need to tweak my presentations a bit (I am teaching Creative Writing) but it was good. The girls love it! The feel like they are in real "school" with bells ringing and changing classes. Both are taking Critical Thinking Skills (different grade levels though). Brooke is taking Math for Fun and Alabama History and Kayti is taking Creative Writing and Beginning Painting. I am a parent helper in Beginning Painting. She was tickled to death with her art REAL supplies and the fact that she got to keep them. I told her she should keep them, I paid for them.

We start dance this week also. I thought we started last week but I was wrong but that's good. Gave me another chance to get Kayti some new clogs! Now I just have to get Jeff to put the taps on them!

Hope everyone has another great week!

July 16, 2007

We finished our first year of homeschoolin!!! Yeah!!!

Things got quite a bit hectic there at the end of the year as I took a part-time job working for United Way. But we worked it all out and got it done!

Brooke had her track meet. She placed 2nd in one event, 3rd in another. Of course what made that day fun was we had dance recital for BOTH girls that afternoone! Whooeee! And Kayti had to do two shows! But they were great and even though it was a jam-packed day, we had fun.

We've spent a lot of our time since then divided between two places: the ballpark, as my 14 yo son plays baseball and my dh is coaching, and the daycamp.

You see, my part-time stint for United Way led to a full-time summer gig. I run a Summer Day Camp for approximately 70 inner-city kids. It has been an experience and an education for us all. I've been able to bring the girls with me which I think is good in some ways. Bad in others. I'm reminded now why it is that I choose to homeschool. And these are pretty decent kids for the most part. But as with most anything, there is bureaucracy and that drives me crazy. It gets in the way of really being able to make a difference in the world most of the time. Every time I've tried to help one of these kids, my superiors have chastised me in some way. It's a sad situation that the world is in, that people will totally turn their children over for you to raise for them but then tie your hands behind your back. I really feel for the teachers in public schools, I really do. And I'm glad that my "tour of duty" will be over in 14 more days!

That leaves me a good month to enjoy the rest of the summer with my girls before we start our school year. We will be participating in the co-op this year. I will be teaching Creative Writing for 6th and 7th grade girls and I'm really excited about that! I've already planned out most of our first semester and we'll be learning some great things. Our history and geography unit will be focused on World War II and the Holocaust but we have to cover a little bit of WWI and the Depression before we can really understand the causes of the conflict. I'm adding typing to our curriculum as well as a Health & Manners section but I've still not decided what to do about math. I'm leaning toward Saxon but I'm still undecided at this point.

The girls are at dance camp this week, having a great time I hope. They went to Summer Camp at Camp Fletcher for a week at the end of June and of course we celebrated two birthdays this summer also.

Money has been REALLY tight, even with me working this summer so please be in prayer for us as we try and tighten up our budget even more. Hopefully dh will pick up some extra hours once baseball is over! I know God will take care of us, He always does.

Also, please pray that He will lead us to a new home church. We are still desparately seeking where God would have us serve Him.

Blessings,

August 15, 2007

Well, work ended for me (thank you, Jesus!) and school started back for Dylan. He seems to be really liking High School and even though I can't believe my oldest child is actually in HIGH SCHOOL, I really like it, too. CCHS seems to really have it together a lot better than the middle school seemed to. He has some good teachers and is enjoying football AND he got assigned to a GREAT counselor--Miss Sharon Mixon!! Yes, the same Miss Mixon I had in high school at Tarrant--one of the best teachers I have ever had. I am just tickled to death because in high school, a good counselor is everything. They hold the keys to your future in a way and I'm glad he got someone I know I can trust.

As for the girls, since we didn't get much of a "summer" we are taking it easy for the next few weeks and plan to get started again after Labor Day. We are carefully picking out our curriculum, books, supplies, etc. and aligning out schedules with what we want to learn and accomplish this year. We signed up for co-op and mommy is even teaching a class in Creative Writing this year. Meanwhile, we are trying to relax and beat this heat!

We are still searching for a church home so please be in prayer for us as we resume visiting this week. Lots to do before our summer officially ends so off we go.....



Blessings,

Michelle

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all the great moms out there! I hope your day was great!

Mine was an ordinary day but any ordinary day in my life is pretty spectacular, usually so...

It started out by all of us sleeping late. I didn't mean to but I was awakened last night by the storms. So I missed church but I did watch Joel Osteen!

Then my lovely children and hubby made me pancakes and cleaned the entire house. I spent most of the afternoon finishing up the slideshow I've been working on for my sister's wedding. I knew it was coming along a little too smoothly because when I went to visit my mom and show her what I had done so far...I ran into some problems. So back to work I go, but tomorrow!

Tonight, I'm kicking back and watching my shows!

OCP Blog Challenge #10

Okay, this one should catch me up! And this one is easy, too. Of all the stories and people in the Bible, my favorites are of David. Of course, the Savior did some awesome stuff.

But I find it fascinating, especially given the way Christians treat people these days (especially each other!) how everyone important to God, everyone in the Bible that He chose to use to bring about His purposes was somehow flawed...just like me and you. And none of them more so than David. And yet David is often described as being a "man after God's own heart". I just love it!

To know that the God who created the world, who is so perfect, who holds everything in His hands including the future and could pick anyone in the world He wanted to pick, picks those who are NOT perfect. If you can't take comfort in that, you can't take comfort in anything!

I LOVE how David was just a humble, shepherd boy to begin with.
I LOVE how he defeated his giants with his wits and God instead of strength.
I LOVE how he developed such an awesome friendship with Jonathan and showed mercy to Jonathan and his family when he didn't have to and would have been justified in giving them what they deserved (remind you of anyone else...???)
I LOVE how when he had the chance to kill Saul, he refused to raise his hands against God's annointed. I think of this whenever I hear anyone griping about a pastor or church leader and doing vindictive things to get their own agenda through.
I LOVE the story of his sin and how God brought good out of it because He knew David's heart was still for God.

So be encouraged, friends. You are NOT perfect and God knows that already so don't be afraid to confess it. He knows your heart, too and is ready to use you in a big way!

Blessings,

OCP Blog challenge #9

Okay, so moving right along. This blog challenge was supposed to be about our favorite hymn or praise/worship song. Again, you ask me to pick just ONE??? What kind of deal is that?!

Anything by Casting Crowns blows me away. Mercy Me is good, too. I also love Todd Agnew, Jeremy Camp, Nicole C. Mullen, Chris Tomlin and Tammy Trent is just awesome!!!

But I think I have to go with Third Day and if I MUST pick just one of their songs, it has to be Cry Out to Jesus. Here are the lyrics:

Cry Out To Jesus - Third Day (2005)

To everyone who's lost someone they love
long before it was their time.
You feel like the days you had were not enough
when you said goodbye. (makes me think of Maw Maw and how MUCH I still miss her!)

And to all of the people with burdens and pains (my husband, my dad)
keepin' you back from your life.
You believe that there's nothing
and there is no one who can make it right.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

For the marriage that's struggling just to hang on (so many friends of mine)
They lost all of their faith in love.
and they've done all they can to make it right again
still it's not enough.

For the ones who can't break the addictions and chains (again, so many that I know)
you try to give up but you come back again.
Just remember that you're not alone
in your shame and your suffering.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus.

When you're lonely and it feels like the whole world is falling on you
you just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus

Cry to Jesus.

To the widow who suffers from being alone,
wipin' the tears from her eyes.
For the children around the world without a home, (oh gosh, how I wish I could take them all home with me!)
say a prayer tonight.

There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.
There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
that meets you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.


And I don't mean to make it sound like we should only call on Him during bad times. He wants to share our joys with us, too! But it breaks my heart to see so much suffering in the world and have people ask "where is God?" He's here! He's right here, hun! Just call on His name!

Blessings!

OCP Blog challenge #8

Yes, I'm ridiculously behind on these. I told ya I didn't feel like blogging and you guys kept right on posting the blog challenges!!! Didn't they tell you it's ALL ABOUT MICHELLE!!!

Okay, I'm just kidding. Of course I know it's not all about me. It's all about Him.

This blog challenge (that I'm so late doing) is about our favorite Bible verse and why.

I hate this kind of challenge. Finding my "favorite" of anything is not easy. I have always had WAY too many interest, liked WAY too many things and thus, that is why my life is generally utter chaos, even though I like to think of myself as organized!

There are SO MANY verses that are near and dear to my heart.

I LOVE the Psalms when I need comforting and I LOVE the Proverbs when I need a good kick in the butt about something!

There are so many scriptures useful for so many different things--parenting, friendship, grief, encouragement, marriage and I think that's what is most fascinating to me about God's Word. I can read a verse once and it will speak to me in a certain way. Then a year later I can read it again and it takes on a totally different meaning. And then it speaks differently to each of His children, too. Not that His word is inconsistent. But that's what it means to be a LIVING Word, I think.

Romans 8:28 "All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord" is always near and dear. As is His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you..plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

And since one of my favorite words is "whatever" I love that God includes that one in His Word, too! "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8 Whatever whatever whatever! LOL

I am a worrier by nature. I guess all mothers are to some extent. And I have gotten better about it as I have 1) gotten older 2) discovered prozac 3) become stronger in my relationship with Jesus. But whenever I find myself start to slip and worry how this bill is getting paid this month or what's gonna happen with this situation or why can't I do something about....(fill in the blank--take your pick!) I remember "Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6 or "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 (and for some reason, that verse also reminds me of Pastor Kirk and Kidmo! LOL

Last year, when I was going through one of the biggest trials of my life, I found comfort in Psalm 38:17-18; 21-22 (the Psalms, of course!) "For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. O Lord do not forsake me; be not far from me, O my God. Come quickly to help me, O Lord my Savior" and "Let not those gloat over me who are my enemies without cause." Psalm 35:19 and "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11 I also remind my children of that last one--No one LIKES to be in trouble!!!

When I come across those brothers and sisters whose hearts are so pure, so full of love for others, so strikingly similar to the heart of Jesus, I'm reminded of Philemon 7 "Your love has given me great joy and encouragement because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of saints."

I have always been very mission minded. I wish I had the income and the ability to really reach out like I would love to do to all those in need. And Philippians 2:4 always reminds me that no matter how small our gifts may seem that "each of us should look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others". There is no greater blessing than to bless others. If you think you've got problems, go serve somewhere. There is always someone worse off than you!

But NONE of these are my favorites! Want to know what my favorite verse is (that is IF I have to choose!)?

I Peter 5:6

"Humble yourselves therefore unto His mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time"

I first fell in love with that Scripture when I heard Alabama QB Jay Barker say it on ESPN after his big win 29-28 over Georgia in 1993. I expected when he was interviewed that he'd say something about Jesus. Jay was always talking about Jesus. But for some reason, I was blown away. What boldness. What confidence. What peace. I envied that kid and his ability to be so outspoken about his faith. I wanted what He had. I'd been saved but I think it was just one of those pivotal times in everyone's life when you realize you want MORE of God. I actually still have those times!

But since then, whenever I feel discouraged because I don't have something I want, things aren't going my way or I feel like God isn't using me, I will remind myself, "humble, humble, in due time, in due time."

And I lay claim to that promise, one day, my "due time" will come. And so will yours, friend!

Blessings!

Sharing some pictures...

First, a bad mommy moment! My little track star failed to tell me and I failed miserably to notice that her track shoes were too small! Her toes were literally poking through the ends and she was running in these shoes!



I felt like a dope! She now has new shoes. Here is the jackrabbit:






The girls participated in the CRCS Homeschool Talent Show & Exhibit Fair. They did the dance they plan to do in recital--their first ever duet. They did fabulously! I was worried because the stage was REALLY small AND carpeted! But they adjusted well. Just before going up to perform, Kayti panicked and forgot which side to start on. Her baby sister said, "It's okay, I know, I know, it'll be fine." Why can't we all be blessed with that mellow attitude? LOL Maybe that's a result of taking prozac while pregnant, you get a calm, cool and collected kid! LOL



Kayti also displayed her micro-minis:



And Brooke displayed their American Girl collection





Yep, that's a bunch a dolls, etc.! Jeff was looking at it all set up like that and he said, "You know, that's $1100 just in dolls, not counting the furniture, clothes, accessories." So now you know where our money goes! lol Not really. That's the cummulation of several years of birthday and Christmas gifts, mostly from grandma aka Deb.

It was a great experience for both of them and I am glad they participated. There are a LOT of really talented children in our homeschool group!

The next day was Kayti's violin recital. This is her third year to take violin and her second year with Miss Connie:





Brooke also finished up the last session of horseback riding for the year. She'll start up again in the Fall and perhaps do horse camp. We'll see...





She is such a natural!

And not to be outdone...my darling son and his favorite past-time:




We are winding down our homeschool year with a little "unschooling". Now that SAT's are over and we survived such a stressful week, we are working on some science projects and concentrating on our reading.

We keep going back and forth about CORE and the dance team. Both cost a chunk of money. Both have pros and cons. I'm about to just give it over to God and say if it's your will, you work it out!

Still awaiting that tax check. Don't you know it's spent before it gets here! LOL

I finally got the scanner to work and got all the pictures scanned for Mia's slideshow. I've added the music and I just sat there and bawled! I can't believe she's all grown up and getting married!

But then I went to mom's today and brought back even more pictures so I have some adjustments to make! LOL Guess I better get busy...

Blessings!