Getting Ready For TeeBall

Last week before our 1st Tee-ball practice, Lydia and Anna wanted to paint their nails!!I thought it was soo funny and cute!

How did I end up with such prissy girls... LOL

I love chubby fingers and toes.... oh, they are disappearing from my house too quickly!

This week before practice I am on the computer looking up tee-ball drills! There are a couple of fathers who thought they'd give coaching a try... so I'll let them take that on!!! But I thought it might be good to have a couple other ideas to keep them busy and learning about T-ball!!!

Last week wasn't bad.... but as the kids get used to the parents and the kids, I'm just imagining "chaos"...LOL... just think 12 kids ages 3-5 running around or bored stiff and they try to make up their own game:)

Throwback Thursday - Swinging

Lately we've been trying to teach Christopher how to "pump his legs" when he swings... it's always nice when they learn to swing by themselves!! We've still gotta ways to go, but seeing him in that "big" swing at the park reminded how BIG he is getting!

Works for Me - Teaching a 3-yr Old to Read

I thought I'd try this meme....You can find all sorts of "how to" posts by visiting We Are THAT Family.

A couple of times I have mentioned the STRUGGLE Anna and I went through to complete the Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons ... I had my hesitations in starting that method. We did learn how to work together and we got through it:) I Don't recommend that book or method.

I knew I was NOT going to use the same book for Christopher..... Christopher!!?? He's only 3!!!!

Christopher has know ALL of his letters (upper and lower case) and letter sounds for over a year now because of Leap Frog Letter factory DVD... it's an amazing video!! Then at church one night he was writing letters and he brought me his notebook with C A T written. He looked at me and said, "Mommy, I wrote the word "cat"." It was then I KNEW he was ready.

My homeschooling-mentor suggested I try using The Ordinary Parents Guide to Teaching Reading by Jessie Wise. By flipping through the book I realized how simplistically basic, yet comprehensive it is! I saw that in the earlier lessons there were concepts taught that Anna had never been exposed to in 100 Easy Lessons !

Christopher is a normal, active 3-yr old boy! So even though the lessons are short and cover just one concept, I've been taking it SLOW and used other tricks:)

• We do half a lesson for 2 days and then review the next. I'm not sure if I will be doing this the whole time or not. But he's young and I'd MUCH, MUCH rather have him enjoy learning and REALLY understand before moving on. He's doing great:)
  
• We use the magnetic letters almost daily! For him it's easier to use the letters to make the words and manipulate the letters than just sounding out the words in the book. And it's more fun and hands-on:) He's a boy!!!


• He loves Smarties. So when he reads sentences or a list of words, he gets a Smartie.... hahhaa, a serving size is like 15, he'll get 5 or 6 at the most for one lesson. It gives him something to work for/immmediate motivation!


• Make a game out of it!! I'll write the words on cards and then the ones he flips over he has to say:) he loves this:)
  
• Practice during free time. While he's drawing or coloring, I'll ask if he remembers how to spell "jet". Or sounding out our words outside with chalk. Rhyming words that we are learning to read. Or making silly stories with the words and he'll try to spell with the magnetic letters!!
  
• Make it a fun and relaxed environment!!! AKA.... be patient
  
• Encourage him!

***For both of my kids, learning to read has also been a time of learning to work together and establishing the mommy teacher/kid student relationship. It truely is a journey! But I can't describe how awesome it is to hear Anna reading!!

***Keep in mind there are TONS of different reading programs out there. I am just so thankful we found one that "fits" us and the goals I had for my kids:) I love the SOLID program that Ordinary Parents provides for us! Thanks Erica!!

Wordless Wednesday - Contained!

Mother's Day at SIMPLE

This week the SIMPLE Ladies are reviewing items that are for Moms... know any? LOL So check out SIMPLE this week!! And some of the fun reviews and giveaways going on!!!

One giveaway going on this week was from the weekend! I was able to try a Kylie WRAP.... it's a way to wear babies close. So sweet!

But I didn't have a baby to try it out on. So I bribed one of my kids to be my model... LOL!! Chris was feeling weak from being sick, so he very willingly volunteered to be "carried" and get SweetTarts:)

Although he wasn't happy about all the pictures being taken, Chris actually didn't mind being in the wrap. I mentioned that he was recovering from being sick... he liked being outside without having to walk. And I think he also liked the higher view.... although being on MY hip isn't all that high!!

I asked him after if he liked being in the wrap. He said it was "fun for Mommy to hold him." Then he said, "I kind of liked it".... oh, soo grown up... LOL

Guess what, Buddy, Mommy likes having you close for the quick minutes you will give me:)

I'm hoping to try some more holds and ways to wrap the Kylie Wrap so I can help Jaclyn when her little one comes. The wrap is meant more for newborns and babies... so I will be looking forward to her using it soon:)

Desires & Faithfulness

I've shared on occasion that we desire to have more children. I was pregnant very quickly with my 3 little ones, so the "wait and see" every month can be emotionally draining. Most months, the end of the month comes and goes with disappointment but the reminder of the sweet blessings I already have that I can serve and love on.

While I still have that reminder this month, it's just been harder.

Brian has started a new series on Sunday AM in the book of Samuel. Some of his first studies and conversations we had together concerned Hannah. Her persistence in asking God. Her struggle during her wait. And the incredible emotions that she had, even causing her to not eat.....

But the end of Hannah's story is that God is faithful. He provided Hannah with an amazing son that God used for His glory. And after she gave Samuel to the Lord she was able to bear more children.

I know God is faithful! At anytime God can bless us with another child. Am I willing to be persistent in asking God for the desires of my heart and patient in waiting for Him to bring about the desire in His time with the opportunity to bring Him glory??

** Can I also share something else? I just made another connection!

The last two weeks in the kids' "Bible Time"... we have talked about "faithfulness". Like all Fruit of the Spirit, faithfulness is tied to the character of God. So the kids and I concentrated on God's faithfulness... especially to Moses and the Israelites in the Wilderness.

I wonder if that was more for me??? I mean, really! Seems very coincidental that for the 2 weeks prior to my struggle I have been reading to the kids and memorizing verses with them about God's faithfulness..... the EXACT lesson I would need THIS week.

He truely is faithful!

Saturday at the Park

On Saturday we visited a local park... this Park had it all:)
High Slides!

Rocker thingy:)

More Sliding

Goats who really wanted grass and some attention:)

Great Bridges for walking

Even snakes!!!! Yikes!!!

(not sure what kind it was but THIS was close enough!)

Peaceful, Quiet Scenes!!

I would have just parked a lawn chair and sat watching the peaceful creek &

listening to all the birds! So peaceful.

And Daddy-rides for tired feet!

We did have a great time at the park. I've been a little hesitant to go to this park more just because the equipment isn't that great... but between the trails, animals, available restrooms, shady trees for a lunch spot and an open lawn for Grammie and Pey's game... we had a FULL day!!

Minty Fresh

Getting back late from church tonight... I lost track of Chris... (that always is bad)! So I went into his room... hmm, faint smell of stinky...

As I tried to find him I saw a shadow in the bathroom. In the dark bathroom his had his pants down and was trying to clean stinky of his own bottom...

with.......

BRIAN's new toothbrush!!!

Of all the things to grab to clean his own bottom!

I stuck him into the tub with everything on. Shut the bathroom door and just LAUGHED (quietly, of course)!! What a nutty kid!!

Thank goodness I have a handful of new toothbrushes I got free at the triples!! One reason to stock up... never know when your son will use yours for whatever.

A Visit with My Folks

Well Grammie and Pey FINALLY arrived on Friday afternoon.... we had trying to plan a time to have them come visit for weeks... but there was always a conflict...

So the blog has been quiet as I enjoy time with my mom, dad, kiddies and hubby:)

Last night my parents volunteered to watch the kids for us and give us the "night out".... oh, it was soo great to have my parents watching them just because we didn't have to worry about staying out too late or the babysitter having to drive/walk home too late. So that was nice on our nerves... so we did do dinner & a movie:) (and snuck in some couponing at every stop... hahaa)It was a great night!!

I am hoping to post pics of our day today soon... we had a busy day at the park! Hiking, playing, lunching.... the weather was beautiful and now we're BEAT...LOL

SO we had a great time Grammie and Pey!! We wish you could have stayed longer... REST UP we'll be visiting you soon:)

First Teeball Practice

Here is the video... I'm posting it quick to share!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A Multi-tasking Breakfast

The kids usually eat breakfast before me. It's just easier for me to feed them, get them started on their chores and then eat something myself:) But then I stay on my feet while I eat:)

So this is what I did this morning while I enjoyed my HOT... umm, warm... cold bowl of oatmeal

• Initiated the chores
• Helped the youngest brush their teeth
• Wiped TWO stinky bottoms and WASHED my hands
• Reminded Lydia 4 times to put ON clothes
• Checked my email
• Put one load of clothing in the washer
• Took one load of laundry out of the dryer
• Helped Lydia find her jeans (the ONLY pants she'll wear right now)
• Asked Anna if she made her bed
• Fed Lydia some of my oatmeal
• AND Blogged about it....LOL

Off to continue my "normal" day!! I'm hoping to post some pics and video of our 1st teeball practice last night.... soo cute! We have some "interesting" nights ahead of us :)

It is Better....

It is better to live in a corner of the roof
Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.

Proverbs 25:24 (New American Standard Bible)

I didn't realize that these words are actually in two separate Proverbs... check Prov 21:9!! We women must be pretty awful to get along with when we're "quarrelsome" :)

I found Chris on top of the playhouse the other day.... and I just chuckled because I immediately thought of those verses! LOL I guess every guy needs a place to "hide-out"... especially this little guy with two sisters and a momma to deal with everyday:) He loves nights and weekends because he has another male to "watch his back"! LOL

Daddy and his PhD

I mentioned in my previous post that today was a BIG day for Brian. He headed into school to "defend" his dissertation. Because he needs to have a final copy of his dissertation turned in by May 10th, if there was a requirement to rewrite any major portion, graduation might not have been possible.

But MY husband is a perfectionist. He has worked hard on all of the PhD work, wrestled with the material and tried to write as clear and accurate as possible.Thankfully all his hard work shows in his writing! And thankfully he came through VICTORIOUS today:)

Yes, he has a few edits, no need to re-submit though... ohh, it's soo great!! I can't wait for graduation when the degree is officially finished and in his hands. It will mean soo much.


So my hubby comes through the doors to the house......

and it's back to normal. Clothes scattered from my little streakers, dirty bottoms, and kids really to be held by their Daddy because they "missed you when you were gone all day".

I guess things don't change much when you're a Daddy!! You could have plenty of degrees and a great job... but the kids wuickly remind you that you are theirs.... ha ha ha ha

Here's a picture of Anna tying him up the other day!! He laughed and said,"I thought this only happened in movies." LOL

A Big Day for Daddy

Early this morning Brian headed off to school....

He is in the last stage of his PhD work! This stage includes defending his disseration and making corrections or edits as needed. It's a big deal because they have to "defend" their positions in the disseration through questions by a panel of professors!!

Ok I would be nervous but Brian is ready.....

This has been a 7 yr journey for us. It's been hard but good. The deadline has been set though. He needs if completely finished by May 10th in order to graduate at the end of the MONTH.

We've come soo far and gotten a lot out of the program. More than just study and a terminal degree...... I've had to learn to protect his time, give him extra study time, lay aside my own desires. We've all learned patience, perservance and determination. It has definitely challenged and strengthened our marriage.

So PRAY for Brian today! For all the needed paperwork to be in to go through the defense today. For Brian's thoughts and words to be clear and thorough. And also for his safe travel today:)

Trampoline Video, Tricks and Small Town Quirks:)

I wanted to post the trampoline video from Sunday....

While we have had a couple of neighborhood friends vsiitng us for years.... the trampoline has brought them to us more and more. I was mentioning to a church friend that I needed to give it an official title... "Trampoline Ministry"...

But really I love the opportunity to spend time with some of our neighbors.... they are the sweetest kids and I'm been so blessed to watch them grow up. Let me also mention this... these kids are GREAT with mine.... my kids are smaller and a little goofy, but most the older kids just look at them and shrug (my response too when they are just too silly)!

In the video, notice Christopher's newest flip (and meet his inspirations) and listen to one of the funniest quirks of our small town!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yes, the "bell" int he first video. It's actually a horn-like thing. It is used daily at noon (or 12:30pm on the weekends) AND to alert our volunteer fire/rescue squad for major emergencies and needing extra help. I live 4 blocks from the horn... The kids are used to it, but I still thought Lydia was too funny covering her ears:)

Christopher, Christopher, Christopher

We are exhausted... LOL I don't know if it was because Chris was soo mellow last week from sickness or what... but he's been into EVERYTHING this week.

He's starting the back-and-forth, who-gets-the-last word arguments with his sisters. Like this,

"You only get one." Chris to Lydia.

Lydia: "No, I get two."

Chris: "You get one."

Lydia: "no, two"

Chris: "No, one."

AHHHHHH!!!
************************************

And then there is the crazy antics..... now he usually has some helpers.

But he's the one with the BLUE feet (like, "i caught you red-handed").... yes, seriously! He and Lydia were coloring Chris' body with blue (and green) markers... thank goodness they were Crayola... all of it came off without soap!!

*************************************
This morning, he came out of his room in just undies wiping something on his skin. Hoping it was just a Wipe, I asked him what it was....

"Sunscreen, " he responded. Hmmm?? "Chris, I don't have any sunscreen out. What are you rubbing all over your skin?"

"Umm? Sunscreen," he says, then adds, "it's kind of like bubbles."

************************************
So as I"m cleaning up dinner the little rascals are terrorizing the house... usually one parent has kids the other has clean-up, but Brian had a meeting tonight so the kids were crazy! I hear a door shut and then the girls trying to talk to Chris. Anna comes into the kitchen to inform me that Christopher had "locked himself in his room"... ahhh about time... LOL

He wasn't crying or scared so I left him while I finished the kitchen:) As the girls got ready for some playtime outside, I went to Christopher's door and asked if he was ready to come out. He said he was. So I reminded him how to turn the "button on the knob".

I heard the doorknob move around and then out of the room he walked. With the BIGGEST stinky EVER making a bump in his underpants.... I guess he needed time "alone"!!





Yes... I will keep him. And yes he is my son, although I think he looks more like his Dad... LOL!! I'm sure there is another boy out there who is as adventurous, mischievous, dirty and fun-loving as my Christopher.



But with a house full of girls during the day, he finds a way to bring in some mischief and antics, just to keep us entertained! And Momma on her toes!

Saturday Sentences

This morning we let Anna pick her own dress out of the closet:) She picked a very summery, beachy dress and I tried, tried, tried to figure out a cute hairstyle for her. Finally I thought just to do "messy buns" on either side...

I thought she looked soo cute! And she did to:)

Anyway, after some arguing at the front door about who was going to "call peoples' names"... I had some pretty fussy attitudes. As Anna was walking out the door after some pouting,

Christopher pipes up, "Anna, you look like a sad princess."

Anna's snappy response was, "I am happy not sad."

Christopher's reply, "Well you don't look happy to me."

Ahhh, the joy of little brothers pointing out our faults!!

After church she was soo smiles again! And sweet as ever during our visit with some neighborhood friends!

I'll try to post a video of the kids in the trampoline after church... whoa!
very busy!
Much giggling!

Random Picture Challenge

From 4 Little Men and Girly Twins, here is the challenge today:)

April 2008

42nd or 4th (if you don't have that many)

This from a day trip we took with Grandma and Grandaddy to a local "Bird Zoo". I actually made a montage of all of our fun pictures from the day HERE.

In the picture Anna is looking down into the the little creek! I was told by the staff of the "bird zoo" that if I could find and catch tadpoles, I could bring them home:) Anyway, the kids decided to look for some for me:)

I ended up NOT finding any that day. BUT a church member brought me a huge pot of tadpoles... I sorted them into jars of 10 to give to friends who also wanted to raise tadpoles... I had 100 easily... probably more. We kept only a few for the whole project!! Maybe we should do it again?? LOL

The Crud & Popsicle Weather

I've been dealing with the "crud" this week... at least that's what we call an achy lingering cold. The whole family has had cold symptoms this week, but the kids bounce back soo quickly:)

The girls had runny noses. Chris had the symptoms... tired, not hungry,etc! But he ate two FULL meals today, so he's back to normal:) Brian and I are still dealing with it... and ready for relief or a nap!!

So I haven't accomplished any amazing feats this week...LOL.. when do I ever...

But this afternoon was too beautiful to stay inside!! We rode bikes, jumped on the trampoline, did some swinging and ate popsicles!




Despite "the crud" we'll be outside enjoying our beautiful popsicle weather!

A Preacher in Training...LOL

Christopher has the funniest expressions and when you catch him in a silly mood, he makes us CRACK up!! He's a goofy little guy:)

I made this video MONTHS ago.... I thought it was sooo FUNNY at the time!!! I still have it on my camera because I still will go back to watch it!!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Throwback Thursday - more Easter & reflections

Easter 2006

This Easter:)

One of the blessings of being a part of an "older" church is that many members have reminded me of how quickly children grow up. In the midst of hectic, sleep-deprived newborn days or exhausted from disciplining/correcting toddler stage I tended to forget that time is passing "quickly".

But then I hear my sweet friends in Christ remind me and see old photos of my kids when they were babies and I think where and when did those sweet chubby baby cheeks leave...

I've got an almost 5 yr old (she reminds me daily) who uses crazy words like "responsible, forgiveness and awesome", she laughs at books she reads and zooms around the yard on TWO wheels... did I mention she's been fixing herself and Lydia breakfast in the morning (toast or cereal)??

I've got a 3yr old who wants to READ. He's soo inquistive and FULL of life! And he looks too grown in his tux, even with his hair messy because the spikes got mashed down:) He's been under-the-weather this week so I've gotten soo much snuggle time with him, and he even confessed to enjoying snuggles!

And I've got a 2 yr old whose chubby cheeks remain for the moment, but who buckles herself into her 5-point harness and tell me "I do it myself, Mommy. I a big girl now". And she was BY FAR the easiest to potty train... we still have an occassional accident, but everything else is in the potty... and she did it herself. "Mommy I do it." and so I let her:)

They do GROW UP soo QUICKLY!! Am I taking time during the day to enjoy THIS stage with them?

Wordless Wednesday - Easter Day through Pictures

Without a Cell, Couponing Quotes & Curtains

I went to town since I had other errands to run as well. One of biggest time-consuming tasks today was grocery shopping. The kids did really well considering we made 8 stops!! YES, 8!! Yes, I am crazy:)

The hardest part was that when we got into town I realized my cell was DEAD. We've been having issues with our cell for a while. So I wasn't very surprised... but very disappointed because we were hoping to meet up with Andrea and her crew.

It's amazing the confidence I have WITH a cell. I know if I breakdown or need to get intouch with Brian he's just a few buttons away. Andrea and I didn't make firm plans because we thought we'd just call one another when we both knew when we could meet...

Needless to say, we didn't meet up! It was weird not having that confidence. I felt bad for Brian.... he didn't know the cell was Dead, I figured he would be worried about us, since he couldn't check on us and Andrea probably called looking for us!

What do you do?? I just finished our errands and headed home when I was done.

When I got home I saw the concerned look in Brian's eyes and I immediately said, "The cell is Dead. It won't even turn on." I think he was thankful that he didn't have to fuss at me for not turning it on or answering it:)

Then he and Lydia got to work putting away the groceries.... At one point while on the stool, Brian looked down at me and said, "I think we need more shelf space!" LOL..

I thought it was funny because most husbands would say,"Honey, maybe you shouldn't bring home 9 boxes or cereal at a time!" Not mine!! He likes it when I stock up and SAVE money!

The other funny quote was from my Lydia! She was taking everything out of the bags and naming it as she handed it to us. After the 5th box of Wheat Thins (it was buy2 get 3 free, plus I had a BOGO coupon.... so ended up being buy 1 get 4 free), she said, "Here's another cracker. Why do we have another cracker?" LOL

Oh... I picked up my curtains! I ordered two different sets (both brown) to see which I liked better. Maybe I can put them up and take some pictures let you all help me again:)

Link to Easter Pictures

OKKK.. well I'm still recovering from our great weekend and busy with what THIS week has for us:)

But I finally got my Easter pictures uploaded from the camera and am deciding how to "blog" them:) Brian thought I should just posted them all... LOL

Here is a link to my flickr.... if you're interested, some need explanations. I'll put some on the blog soon:)

Marrying

Anna says, "Come on, Chris, lets' get married!"

You can see his response by the look on his face....LOL

It's always soo funny when they talk about marrying each other. I'm glad they like each other company enough to think about "marrying" them... even though they really don't know much about marrying except Mommy and Daddy are married.

I'll have some more Easter pics to show soon!!!

Just wrestling with Picasa again... it's a love/hate relationship most days with Picasa:)

Resurrection Sunday

The 1st Resurrection Sunday:

But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes.

The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day.” (NLT, Luke 24:1-5)

The exchange between Thomas and Jesus has always touched me. I am moved to realize that His hands and feet were scarred for ME. But "doubting" Thomas was told to touch him, know him and believe!

One of the twelve disciples, Thomas, was not with the others when Jesus came.They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.”

Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”

“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.

Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” (NLT, John 20:24-29)

Here is the song that has been running through my head this week in my "heart preparation" for Easter. It's called Forever My LOve/Nails in Your Hands!! It was such a powerful song in my life in college and still touchs me!!



May we be thankful for his sacrifice!! In awe in his power over death!! Ready to live out our faith in Him!!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

______________________
Above photo was found at http://www.scripturepics.org/index.php?option=com_ponygallery&Itemid=56&func=detail&id=77#ponyimg

The YOu Tube video of Forever of My LOve can be accessed here, too!

Beauty and the Beast

After baths last night I got Anna and Chris to try on their wedding/Easter attire! Chris fussed for a second about the tux and then got VERY cooperative?? Anyway, I got him totally dolled up in the tux and he smiled at me and asked, "Where's my lollipop?" LOL In order to get him to try on the tux for the wedding in Oct I had given him a lollipop everytime he sweetly put on his tux!! Too bad he had already brushed his teeth:)

As I hung up the tux I saw his Skunk Halloween costume. He quickly agreed to try it on to "scare" Anna!! HAhahaa... she slipped on her dress and we had..

Beauty and the Beast (AKA Skunk or Stunk... like my kids say)

A Visit with Sweet Friends

This week while wanting to participate in the services for a friend's father we were able to visit with some of our sweet friends from our Seminary days:)

We met the Coopers in class and in orchestra!! Erica and I had Church History together and then both played violin in the seminary orchestra... well, Erica played and I tried to keep up and stay in tune:) When she found out I was engaged to Brian she immediately offered to play her violin in the wedding... I was SOOO honored!! She's a WONDERFUL violinist and it was soo encouraging to me for her to have offered!

After the wedding we moved into the row of townhouses behind theirs (gotta love seminary housing) and we began walking to keep her active during her pregnancy:) I remember seeing a different car in the spaces infront of her house knowing that little Isaac had been born:) And she was there (and preggo again) when we welcomed my 1st baby into the family:)

We've keep in contact some and called when we could... talking over the squeals, cries and discipling of our many kiddos... she now has 5 and I have 3! BOY have our families changed, our ministries have grown and our friendship has grown... we have a lot more incommon as mothers, pastor's wives, homeschoolers and women trying to balance it all (or at least it seems)!

It had been YEARS since we've seen the Coopers... so our children had forgotten one another. How sweet it was to see and hear them together:) The first night Anna asked to sleep on the floor in the kids' room. Chris "helping" the older boys digging out a dinosaur home. Lydia looking for the babies in the morning:) And then my favorite was when Anna and Isaac laughing out loud as they colored and worked while Elliot entertained them:)

Here are some of my favorite pictures:






I wanted to THANK the Coopers for having us over and on short notice!!! We enjoyed our visit and look forward to meeting up with you guys again... maybe if you guy are in our "neck of the woods"! And Erica, thank you for letting me pick your brain about homeschooling resources:)

And I wanted to THANK my hubby! Forever he has had a goal of bringing me to see my dear friend. While the reason we were needed in that area of NC was NOT what we planned or desired... I am thankful for his willingness to let us leave early to spend time with our friends AND letting us girls get a lunch together (minus the kiddies)!!