Interesting Days!

Kidney stones (me)

Get well cards

Stomach virus :( (five of us)

and we have been busy getting ready for our move!

Hay!

Never thought I would tell my kids to watch out for the bulldozer!

boys with tools!

A Good Brother Moment

Very Thankful and Proud

We are thankful that God saw him through these two years.

We are proud of our graduate!  (Magna Cum Laude, I might add) Now, on to the University!

Cooperation

please excuse the wind blown umbrella

Gifts from the Heart

Cuddly Ocean Themed Blanket

Cool Camo Pillow

Girly Aprons

Beautiful Hand Sketched Picture

Thank you, BB :)

Priceless!!

As I mentioned before, we have been cleaning up a good part of the week in preparation for the house showings.  We have had our house on the market since June.  As many of you know, each showing is frantic-getting everything perfect is nearly impossible, especially when you have kids at home all day, everyday.  The craziness of getting our large dog down the street (to the neighbor's backyard) and four cats to the van, etc. just really gets to be too much.  But, this just made my day, reminding me to stop and enjoy the great life I have, wherever we live--


I (5)-- "Mom, do I need my shoes for this?"  (while helping mop the floor)
Me --"No, you can just be in your bare feet."
I (5)-- "Bear feet?"  "I don't have bear feet, I have human feet."

Priceless :)

"Mom, come see my bubble bath!"

Down by the river

"Mom, is this the Missi "city" River? This is the bestest day ever."

This Mom's Heart and a New Chapter

I tried to think of some matter-of-fact or funny ways to compose this post, but I decided to be transparent here.

Next week the youngest of my three older kids (we have two "sets" -- seven years between the older and younger) starts college. So, that set includes one married and two now in college. I guess this is now a new chapter in our lives. I will admit, it is tough to let go. Yes, the two are still living at home, but things have changed. My role is different now. I know that I can still teach them things, etc., but their "school" days with me are over. I guess this has me pretty sentimental right now.
Only through God's grace did we make it, there is no other way. There are so many memories that come to mind. I do have some regrets, but no regrets that we chose home education. I really got/am getting a whole new education (regarding the picture, my housekeeping skills have improved). I have learned more about history and science, but mostly I have learned about life. I have some great memories of stories, laughing, projects, eating, helping, learning-- living together. I can't even remember all of the curriculum we used (of course, I remember Five in a Row :)), but I want to always remember talks of politics, religion, God, "conspiracy theories", wars, issues with friends, church, and many other ethical issues. We had some pretty heated debates and one child in particular made sure we didn't commit any fallacies in our logic. I want my kids to remember the trips to the library and park, or days where I announced that it would be a short "school" day because the weather was too nice. I wonder if they will know that I didn't mind those "Lego breaks" going a little longer than ten minutes because brother and sister should be best friends.
I remember having to go and ask for forgiveness. I remember having to start new, to admit my mistakes and weaknesses. There is not much hiding your true self when you are together most of the time. In all, I am very thankful that I shared this part in their lives.
I think the best piece of advice I got was that education is about relationships-first with God. After fifteen years, I still have to remind myself.

For those who have gone before and paved the way, thank you.

So, I thankfully look forward to this new chapter......

A Special Gift

Herb Garden Markers - Homemade! Thank you, Brit!

The best scenery from our trip

Baby Judah

Learning geography

We've read about places in various lessons, but it really made a difference being able to see and drive through some of them. The salt dough maps took on a whole new meaning as well--especially Kansas (I thought of Climbing Kansas Mountains from Five in a Row) as well as the Rocky Mountains!

I got a boost of inspiration for this new school year--much needed!

I know we, as well as most, can't make a habit of traveling, but it would really enhance geography lessons!

Colorado

Just pictures