Fun Week

We just got back from a great week at Williamsburg. The kids really got into it. They even asked questions of the people dressed in character. Since Scott is the big history buff, I told him to pick out what he wanted to do. Some of the highlights were speeches from Patrick Henry and George Washington, the reading of the Declaration of Independence, and visiting a working farm and talking to all the people. We only had extra time to visit historic Jamestown. Which was really cool. They had an actually archaeological dig going on right there. We were able to watch and ask questions. The kids remembered studying it last year. Next time we go we will try to visit, Jamestown settlement and Yorktown. Scott is already thinking about the next time.

We've been busy

We have been so busy. Where have the time flown by. Well most of the kids have been sick. Pumpkin was throwing up, Bucky had a fever, and Baby girl had the runs. Boo was the only healthy one. And of course this didn't all happen at different times, it pretty much started and end the same with all of them. We are finishing are second full week of school. As of now, they think this is the best school year yet. I really pray this continues. I think one thing that has helped is we don't watch TV or use electronics during the week. I've seen a huge difference. They are reading so much more and wanting to do "fun" school during their free time. Biggest Loser is going well for me. I have lost a total of 37 pounds since Jan. I am feeling so much better and have so much energy. I think this is also helping with the kids. I am now getting up before them instead of with them. That makes the morning go so much better. Well I better end this for now. They are almost finished writing their letters, then off to do math.

Baby girl surprises

Well, I have been anticipating this for a while. I'm happy yet sad for another milestone in her life. Yesterday Boo was watching Baby Girl while I finished the dishes. Next thing he yells excitedly, "She's climbed to the second step!" Scott ran over to see. They all watched her climb to the top of the stairs. Everyone was so ecstatic. Of course I took pictures. Then I informed everyone that now the baby gate downstairs needed to be put up anytime she is down. I just can't believe my baby is growing up so fast.

Visitors

We have been so blessed to have visitors for the last 2 weeks. One of my dearest friends had a week off from work. So she came down to hang out with me. We had such a great time just hanging out, catching up, and watching movies. Right after she left my in-laws came down for a week. We had a fabulous time playing cards. Papa taught the kids how to play Pinochle. In a few years they will be really good. It is really fun playing with them. My in-laws also were gracious enough to watch the kids on our anniversary. Scott took me to Frankie's. We played miniature golf, raced go-carts, and hit balls in the batting cage. Then we went out to dinner, followed by a movie. It has been to long. We definitely have to go out more often.

Father's Day

It didn't turn out anything like I planned. The plan was to wake up at 6, get myself and the kids ready for church. Then have cinnabon rolls for breakfast. Well we overslept. We woke up 15 minutes before needing to leave for Sunday School. Needless to say we didn't go. We made it to the service with time to spare. That would be because Scott help get the kids ready and everyone ate a granola bar for breakfast. So Pumpkin and Boo helped me make a huge lunch. I cooked the bacon, sausage, and croissants in the oven so I would have room on the stove for the eggs. I made a fruit salad. I was so proud of us. I had everything out on the table we called Scott down to surprise him. Well, something was missing. I had forgotten to cook the eggs. Good thing I made the fruit. They all ate that while I made the eggs. The rest of the day was pretty good. Scott had everyone working around the house. His love language is acts of service, so we were loving up on him.

Feeling Encouraged

A friend of mine decided that she would do something to bless me. She picked up the two oldest and took them to the summer reading program. It was wonderful. I put the 2 young ones down for a nap and I had over 2 1/2 hours to myself. Then she told me that she felt that I was an answer to prayer. Are families are very similar and we are very like minded. God is good. He always shines a light when I need it.

The Recital

Pumpkin and I had such a great time last night. We decided to go out to dinner. She wanted to go the our old Arby's. She ordered a combo. She really felt like a big girl. No kids meal here. Traffic was horrible. It took us ten minutes to be able to head out of town. This year we just made it in time. We weren't able to get flowers for her friend like last year. She understood. The girls in the recital were fabulous. I'm really thinking that she is finally ready to do this. I still need to talk to her daddy about this. It was so nice to talk to so many old friends. We didn't leave until 10. You know me, I'm so shy. Ok I have one beef about the recital. All misbehaving children should be made to sit in the back or better yet, leave. The lady and 2 kids in front of us were horrible. I just kept telling myself that I was them to support the girls. And Pumkin was on the end, so she could see fine. Well, we were 6 or 7 rows back with 10 row behind us. When this lady's daughter was performing she stood so no one behind her could see. I knew then that she didn't care what her other kids were doing. I surprised myself and didn't get upset. I didn't even get upset when three kids started sliding up and down the isle. God is good. A few years ago, I would have allowed this misbehavior to ruin this night. Boy have I grown. Sorry for the tangent. After the recital we went to Sonic. Can I say yum? First we had a banana split, then mozz. stick and onion rings. Again, I'm so shy. I met a really nice lady and we had to go talked for at least 45 minutes. Pumpkin was happy to stay out so late. We didn't get home until 12am. I really hope we can do more of this. I really do enjoy being with my children. I pray this never changes.

mindless ramblings

I am so tired. I told the kids that we are going to take a break for a little while. I really, really, really need to finish a few projects that I started. I think once that is done I will feel better. I walk with a neighbor at 6am 3 days a week. Pumpkin and Boo want to go with me the other days. I told them I will take one. So they each have one day. It should be a good time. We will see how long they last. Pumpkin is so excited. We are going to her friend's recital tonight. She can hardly contain herself. She can't wait until her in old enough (according to us) to take lessons. She has already picked out her dress and is counting down the hours. Boo wants to go with us, but I said no. He doesn't realize what it is and will be bored. I know he will have fun at home. As I read this, it doesn't seem like I have a very exciting life. But I definitely feel blessed and wouldn't change it for anything.

Last day of School

Well, I can't believe it. We are done are first official year of homeschooling. What an amazing year it has been. We will take a week off then we will relax. I don't want them to lose anything. We will be working on fun math and reading though the summer.

On another note. Baby girl started standing all by herself yesterday. It is incredible. I think she will walk before the rest of them.

I did it.

I can't believe it. I finally created a blog. Well we will see how this goes.