Random Thoughts

I haven't posted in awhile because I am in my pondering stage.  I have a lot of different thoughts going on in my mind...Here's a peak if you are truly interested...

~ I love our new small group study.  We are actually studying different church doctrines, why we believe what we believe, how it is supported through scripture, and what is the life application.  Scott and I host and it has been amazing to see how the Lord is working in my husband.  He takes his role so seriously with his study and preparation.  I am so proud of him and the love I feel in my heart for him just continues to swell.

~ I just went to the grocery and bought all kinds of yumminess (minus pumpkin) with hopes to truly make all kinds of yumminess this week and next! 

~ I want to take the girls to see Ramona & Beezus.  It is at the $ theater so we may need to take a special trip into Dublin this week for a matinee.  Wouldn't that just be so grand?

~ I am truly loving having the girls at home for school this year.   I am learning so much more about them, about myself, about our family, and about how the Lord is molding us and shaping us.  Although there has been periods of adjustment, we are all doing well as we find our groove.  I have been purposeful in reaching out to new friends and old friends so the girls stay connected "socially" since that always seems to be such a big deal.  ;)  Anna's little friend, who is actually her best friend, came over Friday night for a few hours to play.  It was priceless to witness both girls in total "giddiness" play together.  Anna announced on the way home after we dropped her friend off that "We just love each other Mommy!"  It is awesome because I prayed every day last year (or close to it) that my girls would always know there was at least one person that would be excited they were there that day.  A friend who they could always count on.  The Lord is good!  These friends have continued to be friends to my girls, even with our decision.  Anna has another little playdate with another friend on Monday night.  YEAH!!  It is so easy for Kate to make friends and feel comfortable in a social setting.  Anna is my more reserved and quiet child, although she is chockful of personality and pizazz!  So thankful....

~ Although I love schooling at home, I have had times where I miss a little freedom.  By the time they are tucked away for the night, I am usually exhausted and have not had the energy to do any "crafting" which...well, makes me sad.  There is something about it that has such a calming effect on me.  I tried to work on a little project this weekend but my needle broke on the sewing machine.  Of course I didn't have an extra.  Shucks!  ;(  I am really going to have to do something soon or ... I don't know what. 

~ Scott has started back to working Saturdays.  So sad...although it is a wonderful blessing too.

~ Even though I haven't been able to craft, I have been able to stay connected with some friends who help keep me sane!  Thank you!!  I love you and your phone calls/visits are so encouraging!!

~ I love Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle!  It is a MUST read if you haven't ever read it!

~ I just finished book 4 of the series "Chronicles of the Kings" by Lynne Austin.  WOW!  Although fiction, they are spectacular and aid you in understanding stories from the Old Testament.  Thank you Jacque for actually checking them out of the library for me!  (hahaha)  You are so wonderful dear friend!

Well, I am sure there is more going on in that ol' brain of mine but it is getting late.  I did manage to get the girls dresses all pressed for tomorrow!  I should have been more productive this evening but wasn't.  Oh well!

Instead of saving for a car...

My mom found this among the girls' play things at her house.

What can I say?

My {Heart} Melted

Hardin County Fair Fun 2010!!

I seriously {heart} going to the Hardin County Fair!

Sooo many wonderful memories!

Little House Comes to Our House

I have a friend who told me her dad had made a replica dollhouse of the "Little House on the Prairie" house and asked me if the girls would want it.  HELLO!!  YES!!  She asked her dad to make sure it was okay with him if she were to give it away (she doesn't have any children nor nieces/cousins who were interested and she knew we are LHOTP die hard fans!) and he said yes!  Last week I didn't tell the girls where we were going and we showed up at her house.  They were so excited for many reasons...  1. She has this really incredible treehouse and swing in her front yard that is a kid's dream come true  2. She has a "chalk room."  It is a little room/loft style space that has been painted entirely with chalkboard paint.  It is tucked away in the rafters/ceiling of her roofed patio.  3.  The girls got this little dollhouse.  Yes...all this cool kid stuff and she doesn't have any children.  However, she enjoys children and all the neighbor children can visit!  Unfortunately for us, we live too far away for frequent visits.  Nevertheless, I am completely excited and grateful for her generosity and thoughtfulness...

The girls have already spent countless hours playing with this gem of a toy!

Ancient Egyptian Papyrus

One of the greatest and biggest benefits of schooling at home is the opportunity to do all those fun activities to extend the learning process.  As a classroom teacher you desire to do these things but know that time, resources, opportunity, and truly the ability to achieve success with a room full of students is nearly impossible so you usually have to pass.  I knew we were studying Ancient Egypt in history so during our last visit to the library I checked out several books on Egypt.  One book in particular was chockful of not only incredible information but also projects.  I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!  And lucky for me it looks like it is a part of a series.  So, here are the girls making "papyrus" and then using "berry ink" to depict ancient Egyptian hieroglphys and aspects of ancient Egyptian culture.

Two Cuties

I forgot that I never posted these pictures of the girls wearing vintage hats their Aunt Jen found at a local shop in Wisconsin.  I love these!

What a find...

We walked out one night and found this on our door frame...

an adult Luna Moth!

From what I have read this is a male moth.  These moths were once very common but are now considered endangered in some areas.  Sooo cool!  Click on the link if you would like to learn more...

PS: Please excuse all the other bugs.  Gotta love country livin'!

Snuggling In

to watch "Parent Trap"...what a good, good movie!

My Little Fish

It has been so exciting to see Anna really grow into her 'fins' this summer as she has gotten so much more comfortable with water and swimming.  I have 'purposed' in teaching her how to swim.  Now I am hardly a good swimmer but I thought I would do my best to help both of my girls get a good start.  See...neither one of my girls have had swim lessons.  Well, that isn't entirely true because Kate has had 8 however, she was 5 and in a class with 10 other 5 year olds for like 30-45 minutes and one teacher.  Honestly, I hardly think that counts as swim lessons but a time to play in the water with your peers and a strange adult.  Anywho, it is my full intention since I know the girls can now go under water, swim without being able to touch, jump off the side going under water, float, and tread water to get them into real swim lessons.  In the meantime I am going to keep working with them.  One of my favorite sights are of my girls with their goggles on.  Actually I think all kids are so darn cute with goggles on because they squish their little faces all together.  Sooooo cute....