I have to admit I have been a little bit on the grouch side today. I am just tired and unmotivated. I think it mostly has to do with going to bed late because I got to talk to my hubby on the phone for like an hour last night! Then I needed to finish up some things for a Bible study that I was having today and I of course had to read a few more pages of my new book. So mostly, it's just being tired. I was planning to go to the pool for our morning activity but since I was being unmotivated I opted for an hour of cartoons and playing at the church.
It's currently raining and to tell you the truth I wouldn't be sad if Peter's soccer practice was cancelled.
Peter has recently discovered a kids' cook book that I had since middle school. After his rest time, he asked can I find a muffin recipe to make for snack. Trying to be a little more motivated I agreed. No muffins but we did find caramel corn. It's cooling in the kitchen. It will be a nice snack while they watch their movie for the afternoon. We also have dinner plans tonight so I don't have to cook.
Tomorrow, we will have a busy morning with a check up for Emma, play date with home school group and a promised lunch at McDonald's. Mostly, we'll just be biding time until Hubby comes home.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Night 3
I have made it to night 3 of my week going solo. I truly don't know how single moms, moms with husbands who travel or moms that have full time jobs do this. It truly is exhausting. I am very spoiled to have a husband that is here year round, home usually around 5pm, loves to be with his kids and plays a vital role in the home when he is here.
So far, our time has been good and I mean that honestly. We have had some fun times. Tuesday we spent the morning at the library and then to the pool. We came home for lunch, Peter and I had a heart to heart and then it was nap time. Our heart to heart was really an amazing time. Peter and Emma were just stretching their limits; being obedient but at the tail end of the spectrum. Upon arrival home from the library and then the pool, I instructed Peter and Emma to change clothes, pick out some new library books, find a couch and read through them until lunch was ready. I overheard Peter mutter to Emma, " Come on, we can't have any fun. We have nothing to do.". I promptly showed my oldest son what "nothing" truly is. He was relocated to my bed with "nothing" to do until lunch was ready. We talked, cried and prayed together. Since then, he has been right with me, helpful, obedient and even striving to bring his brother and sister along with him.
I hear a thunder storm approaching...so I'll have to continue after the storm! I hope it brings some much needed rain. I'm off to read my book that I picked up at the library that I knew I shouldn't but I just couldn't resist the title.
So far, our time has been good and I mean that honestly. We have had some fun times. Tuesday we spent the morning at the library and then to the pool. We came home for lunch, Peter and I had a heart to heart and then it was nap time. Our heart to heart was really an amazing time. Peter and Emma were just stretching their limits; being obedient but at the tail end of the spectrum. Upon arrival home from the library and then the pool, I instructed Peter and Emma to change clothes, pick out some new library books, find a couch and read through them until lunch was ready. I overheard Peter mutter to Emma, " Come on, we can't have any fun. We have nothing to do.". I promptly showed my oldest son what "nothing" truly is. He was relocated to my bed with "nothing" to do until lunch was ready. We talked, cried and prayed together. Since then, he has been right with me, helpful, obedient and even striving to bring his brother and sister along with him.
I hear a thunder storm approaching...so I'll have to continue after the storm! I hope it brings some much needed rain. I'm off to read my book that I picked up at the library that I knew I shouldn't but I just couldn't resist the title.
Monday, July 28, 2008
There off...
Philip and some youth left this afternoon for a week long mission trip. They will be traveling to the Outer Banks which is about a 6 hr drive. They will be working with local youth groups to assist a variety of agencies in the area with projects. 
Last night as Philip was preparing to go I did offer to switch places with him. He would have happily stayed home with the kids but that would I would have to drive the 15 passenger van the entire week. NO thank you!!! I did get a few dinner offers from families who were dropping their kids off for the week. Peter begins his week of soccer camp tonight. The lessons are from 6:30- 8:30pm. So we'll fill our days with going to the library, the pool, going to Durham and hopefully having a good time!
Last night as Philip was preparing to go I did offer to switch places with him. He would have happily stayed home with the kids but that would I would have to drive the 15 passenger van the entire week. NO thank you!!! I did get a few dinner offers from families who were dropping their kids off for the week. Peter begins his week of soccer camp tonight. The lessons are from 6:30- 8:30pm. So we'll fill our days with going to the library, the pool, going to Durham and hopefully having a good time!
Saturday, July 26, 2008
my little girl
I have begun to notice that Emma is really changing. It seems like since becoming 4 she is becoming more "girly". This morning as we were eating breakfast, Peter asked if we could go to the park. I explained that we couldn't today because I had some cleaning to do, we needed to go grocery shopping and we were going to friends' house for dinner. Peter said, "Well, I'll take Ryan outside so you can get the house cleaned". Emma promptly said, "I want to stay inside with Mommy and help clean". That's exactly what she did. She handled the dusting and scrubbing of the toilets while I cleaned the shower and the sinks.
Peter and Ryan were playing outside together working on something.
After lunch, I told Peter and Emma that they needed to pick up their room. Emma's job was to collect the toys in the living room and put them in their proper places. This is what I found...
The picture doesn't completely describe her handiwork. But when I saw it I thought to myself, wow- this girl is really becoming a girl. Everything had it's exact place.
Peter and Ryan were playing outside together working on something.
After lunch, I told Peter and Emma that they needed to pick up their room. Emma's job was to collect the toys in the living room and put them in their proper places. This is what I found...
The picture doesn't completely describe her handiwork. But when I saw it I thought to myself, wow- this girl is really becoming a girl. Everything had it's exact place.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Swimming Lessons complete!
Here are the kids with Ms. Kelly. She was Emma's teacher this summer. She has been one of the kids teachers every summer along with one of the lifeguards.
(what's with the fingers in the mouth....urgg.. this really gets on my nerves-
is it genetic or do all kids do this?)
I am also thankful that our swimming lessons have been completed. This is our third summer of swim lessons and I am truly thankful for this opportunity. Our kids are on their way to being great swimmers. The lifeguards at the pool do a great job with the kids each year. I am always amazed at the progress they make from day 1 to day 5.
Peter was already swimming very well before lessons began. His teacher taught him how to swim under the water using the breaststroke and kicking legs. He learned how to dive to the bottom of the pool and retrieve a diving stick.
Emma definitely came a long way this week. Check out her skills on the video!
Here's Peter!
(what's with the fingers in the mouth....urgg.. this really gets on my nerves-is it genetic or do all kids do this?)
I am also thankful that our swimming lessons have been completed. This is our third summer of swim lessons and I am truly thankful for this opportunity. Our kids are on their way to being great swimmers. The lifeguards at the pool do a great job with the kids each year. I am always amazed at the progress they make from day 1 to day 5.
Peter was already swimming very well before lessons began. His teacher taught him how to swim under the water using the breaststroke and kicking legs. He learned how to dive to the bottom of the pool and retrieve a diving stick.
Emma definitely came a long way this week. Check out her skills on the video!
Here's Peter!
VBS is Over!!
I announced to the children last night at 9:00 when we arrived home from the VBS program that we are finished with VBS for the summer. Jokingly, Philip said, "Helena UMC is having their VBS the first week in August". NO Thank you!!!
I am very thankful that we took the plunge and did the VBS tour of Roxboro this summer. The kids were exposed to the gospel in some great ways and I learned a lot about their budding personalities.
Peter: He did great at VBS #1. Even though it was with unfamiliar people, it was a smaller group and he thrived. He found his place in the group, was outspoken, participated heartily and enjoyed himself thoroughly. VBS # 2 (our's) was even better for him. He was completely comfortable and felt very important because he already knew the songs and lessons. He felt it was his job to be the teacher's helper since he had experienced it all before. VBS#3- not so great. Although, he actually knew more people at this church than at VBS #1 I think the size of the church and the amount of people was over his threshold. I tend to think of Peter as outgoing, bold and willing to step up to the plate, I realized through VBS #3 that he needs to be comfortable with his surroundings. His teacher at this church said to me that he was very quiet; that is not a normal comment for him. I think this aspect of his personality reveals more of the "me" side of him coming out.
Emma: She actually thrived with all 3 VBS's. There was one night at our VBS where she backslide into this mommy separation anxiety thing. I really don't know where that came from. I was very proud of her for sticking with VBS #3. I think if it wasn't for her friend she would never have made it.
Ryan: Well, he absolutely loved the music. We continue to sing many of the songs that he learned at our VBS and a few of the songs he learned from VBS #3. Although, he only made it to 3 nights of VBS #3 he enjoyed his time ( after the initial screaming b/c he was being left).
I am very thankful that we took the plunge and did the VBS tour of Roxboro this summer. The kids were exposed to the gospel in some great ways and I learned a lot about their budding personalities.
Peter: He did great at VBS #1. Even though it was with unfamiliar people, it was a smaller group and he thrived. He found his place in the group, was outspoken, participated heartily and enjoyed himself thoroughly. VBS # 2 (our's) was even better for him. He was completely comfortable and felt very important because he already knew the songs and lessons. He felt it was his job to be the teacher's helper since he had experienced it all before. VBS#3- not so great. Although, he actually knew more people at this church than at VBS #1 I think the size of the church and the amount of people was over his threshold. I tend to think of Peter as outgoing, bold and willing to step up to the plate, I realized through VBS #3 that he needs to be comfortable with his surroundings. His teacher at this church said to me that he was very quiet; that is not a normal comment for him. I think this aspect of his personality reveals more of the "me" side of him coming out.
Emma: She actually thrived with all 3 VBS's. There was one night at our VBS where she backslide into this mommy separation anxiety thing. I really don't know where that came from. I was very proud of her for sticking with VBS #3. I think if it wasn't for her friend she would never have made it.Ryan: Well, he absolutely loved the music. We continue to sing many of the songs that he learned at our VBS and a few of the songs he learned from VBS #3. Although, he only made it to 3 nights of VBS #3 he enjoyed his time ( after the initial screaming b/c he was being left).
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
VBS III part 3
Well, tonight it was just Emma who made it to VBS. Ryan was with us and I was expecting to take him however, he began saying, "No Bible School" on our way. He got a little teary-eyed and holding on with a death grip when we left Emma.
Anyway- apparently, Emma got to see and hear "real missionaries" speak tonight. They worked (I think) with people who had to "walk very far, up a big hill to get water". Emma has decided that she now wants to be a missionary. Of course, she did get approval from Peter to be a missionary. As long as she still works for his science museum.
We were all in their room preparing for bed when Philip came home from choir practice and Emma told him about the "real missionaries". Philip told her, "did you know your mommy was a missionary". Funny- I had forgotten all about that! Anyway, he listed off all the folks we know who have been on mission trips. We told her that he was going on a mission trip next week. After Philip and Ryan left for their room and we said our prayers, Emma looked at me and said, "mommy you should do like daddy". I had no idea what she was talking about so I asked. She said, "you need to go on a mission trip". I explained to her that right now God has called me to raise her, Peter and Ryan and they are my mission field. We talked about it for a while. Then Emma said, "the missionaries said that you are supposed to start at home".
WOW- She was really absorbing everything that she heard! I can't wait to hear from my friends what was discussed.
Anyway- apparently, Emma got to see and hear "real missionaries" speak tonight. They worked (I think) with people who had to "walk very far, up a big hill to get water". Emma has decided that she now wants to be a missionary. Of course, she did get approval from Peter to be a missionary. As long as she still works for his science museum.
We were all in their room preparing for bed when Philip came home from choir practice and Emma told him about the "real missionaries". Philip told her, "did you know your mommy was a missionary". Funny- I had forgotten all about that! Anyway, he listed off all the folks we know who have been on mission trips. We told her that he was going on a mission trip next week. After Philip and Ryan left for their room and we said our prayers, Emma looked at me and said, "mommy you should do like daddy". I had no idea what she was talking about so I asked. She said, "you need to go on a mission trip". I explained to her that right now God has called me to raise her, Peter and Ryan and they are my mission field. We talked about it for a while. Then Emma said, "the missionaries said that you are supposed to start at home".
WOW- She was really absorbing everything that she heard! I can't wait to hear from my friends what was discussed.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
VBS III part 2
Well, being the super parents that we are, we enrolled our kids in their 3rd VBS for the summer! This one is at the church where we attend MOPS, Emma goes to Cubbies, and there are many homeschoolers. In many ways I feel like it is an extension of our church. I have made many friends here as well as the kids. We headed there Sunday night for day one. Emma has been showing some mommy separation anxiety here lately so I was interested to see how she did. However, once we found her friend Aubrey they were inseparable and ready to start. Westwood even had a class for the 1-2 yr olds so we left Ryan as well. Peter entered the Kindergarten class and unfortunately there wasn't anybody that he knew well.
Philip and I headed to the tennis courts. We have been talking about playing tennis for some time so this was the perfect time. I think my tennis lessons as a middle schooler finally paid off! It was pretty hot and I forgot to bring some water. We headed to McDonald's for an ice cream cone. Speaking of water, they charge for water these days- the same price as a soda and it comes from the fountain. What a ripoff!
Well, Peter made it to the van and then broke down. He didn't have a good time at all. A little girl called him "Peter Pan" and he didn't like it. He said that 2 VBSes were enough for him and he didn't need anymore. He also said that there were too many people. He didn't like all the people. I was so amazed at his ability to articulate his feelings.
So Emma and Ryan went for night 2 and Peter stayed home with me. I am positive Peter won't be going back b/c he got to play on the computer, eat popcorn, paint, read, and play transformers. Who would want to go to VBS when you can do all that at home!
Philip and I headed to the tennis courts. We have been talking about playing tennis for some time so this was the perfect time. I think my tennis lessons as a middle schooler finally paid off! It was pretty hot and I forgot to bring some water. We headed to McDonald's for an ice cream cone. Speaking of water, they charge for water these days- the same price as a soda and it comes from the fountain. What a ripoff!
Well, Peter made it to the van and then broke down. He didn't have a good time at all. A little girl called him "Peter Pan" and he didn't like it. He said that 2 VBSes were enough for him and he didn't need anymore. He also said that there were too many people. He didn't like all the people. I was so amazed at his ability to articulate his feelings.
So Emma and Ryan went for night 2 and Peter stayed home with me. I am positive Peter won't be going back b/c he got to play on the computer, eat popcorn, paint, read, and play transformers. Who would want to go to VBS when you can do all that at home!
Swimming lessons
Swimming lessons started this week. This year we decided to try the morning time slot. It seemed like last year we struggled with late afternoon thunderstorms and rescheduling. So far day one went great.
This is Emma swimming along with her teacher Ms . Kelly. I was so thankful that we didn't have any "issues " on the first morning. Emma was ready and excited to be with Ms Kelly and to learn to swim.
Ryan was hanging out ready in case anybody wanted to teach him how to swim. Peter was off with in the deep end with the older kids and Mr. Corey.
This is Emma swimming along with her teacher Ms . Kelly. I was so thankful that we didn't have any "issues " on the first morning. Emma was ready and excited to be with Ms Kelly and to learn to swim.
Ryan was hanging out ready in case anybody wanted to teach him how to swim. Peter was off with in the deep end with the older kids and Mr. Corey.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Saturday's party!
Peter and Emma got to spend the night with their cousin Caleb on Friday night. They had a great time and were so excited to be together. I love that they have cousins close to their age. We met the kids at Monkey Joe's and joined in with Caleb's "other" birthday party. This place was awesome. The kids (and Philip) had a blast and were exhausted once it was time to head back to Roxboro. This slide was the highlight for all our kids. It went down supper fast which is why the pictures are a little blurry!
Again, blurry picture but the smiles were great!
It was cake time for Caleb and his friends. It's hard to believe it's been 6 years for the boys.
This is Caleb opening our gift: money and gum. Those are Peter's favorite things these days so I figured Caleb would enjoy them as well.
It was a great party! The kids slept about the entire ride home!
Again, blurry picture but the smiles were great!
It was cake time for Caleb and his friends. It's hard to believe it's been 6 years for the boys.
This is Caleb opening our gift: money and gum. Those are Peter's favorite things these days so I figured Caleb would enjoy them as well.
It was a great party! The kids slept about the entire ride home!
Family party
Friday evening, we headed for Philip's sister's house for a family birthday for cousin Caleb! He will have this 6th birthday on Monday. When we got to the pool it was break time so we headed to the "kiddie pool". Even though it was only 1 ft. deep Uncle Philip knew how to have a good time. He started a noodle fight!
Here's our clan.
Here's our clan. 
More Charlotte Fun
Friday morning we headed out for a visit with Uncle Peter at his work place. He works for the National Guard Armory so we got a private tour of all the cool things he works with! We did this trip about 3 years ago but neither Peter or Emma remembered!
This is Philip and his brother. Lots of people who know Uncle Pete think our kids look just like him!
This is Philip and his brother. Lots of people who know Uncle Pete think our kids look just like him!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Old Friends
While in Charlotte we took the opportunity to catch up with old friends. Philip and Brandon go back about 20 years, seriously. They have maintained there friendship for all those years and in the glory days would celebrate their friendship anniversary! We hadn't seen them in about 3 years so it was fun to catch up. We each have had more children since the last time we saw each other. We had lots of reminiscing to do and lots of stories to tell. 
This is Gabriel in the yellow, Ezra without his shirt and Lindsay in the trike.
This is Ezekiel. Philip and I used to babysit him before we had children!
This is Gabriel in the yellow, Ezra without his shirt and Lindsay in the trike.
This is Ezekiel. Philip and I used to babysit him before we had children!
Trains!
We left for Pineville first thing this morning to head to the end of the light rail train system into Charlotte. The kids were so excited about this trip ! The trip took about 30 minutes and we ended up in downtown Charlotte.
We met Uncle Josh and cousin Caleb at the ImaginOn Children's library which was across the street from the train stop. This children's library isn't just a library. It's truly an amazing place that is a collaboration between the city and the Charlotte Children's Theatre. It was loud, crazy, and full of things for kids to touch, move and read! Here's Ryan playing with one of the toys.
ImaginOn had lots of computers all over the place! Some were connected to the internet and some where just connected to children's games. This was a big drawing card for the kids.
The train conductor could tell that we were tourists and offered the kids a chance to sit in the "conductor's seat"! It was great fun.
We met Uncle Josh and cousin Caleb at the ImaginOn Children's library which was across the street from the train stop. This children's library isn't just a library. It's truly an amazing place that is a collaboration between the city and the Charlotte Children's Theatre. It was loud, crazy, and full of things for kids to touch, move and read! Here's Ryan playing with one of the toys.
ImaginOn had lots of computers all over the place! Some were connected to the internet and some where just connected to children's games. This was a big drawing card for the kids.
The train conductor could tell that we were tourists and offered the kids a chance to sit in the "conductor's seat"! It was great fun.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Last Night
Tonight is the last night of our VBS. It has been a great experience! The first night my class had 12 kids; I was thrilled to have that many. Then Monday night we had 18 and last night we had 17. I can't believe it! I am so thankful for my partner; we made a great team. Tonight we will gather again but it will be for a short program and an ice cream social.
Our family will be heading to Charlotte immediately following the social. I thought of this great idea a week ago. Long before the kids were overtired and cranky from 3 late nights so I hope it ends up still being a great idea. We have lots planned for our short time in Charlotte. Tomorrow morning we are going to take the high speed rail from Pineville (outskirts of Charlotte) into downtown, meet up with Cousin Caleb and Uncle Josh, check out their amazing children's library, grab lunch and head back by train. The kids are so excited about riding the train. Friday morning we are going to head in the other direction and take the kids to the National Guard armory where Uncle Pete works. They'll get to see the big guns and tanks!
So if you think about it, pray that the kids will get enough sleep to enjoy the fun we have planned for them!
Our family will be heading to Charlotte immediately following the social. I thought of this great idea a week ago. Long before the kids were overtired and cranky from 3 late nights so I hope it ends up still being a great idea. We have lots planned for our short time in Charlotte. Tomorrow morning we are going to take the high speed rail from Pineville (outskirts of Charlotte) into downtown, meet up with Cousin Caleb and Uncle Josh, check out their amazing children's library, grab lunch and head back by train. The kids are so excited about riding the train. Friday morning we are going to head in the other direction and take the kids to the National Guard armory where Uncle Pete works. They'll get to see the big guns and tanks!
So if you think about it, pray that the kids will get enough sleep to enjoy the fun we have planned for them!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
One of our MOPS mentors invited us over to her house for a pool party! We had a great morning. Emma and Peter loved the slide. They were going down it so fast it was difficult to get a picture!
Ms Joanne and her husband fixed us a hot dog lunch and then treated the kids to push-ups. Those were almost as fun as the slide. My children won the awards for the messiest faces.
yes- Emma seems to have a sty on her eye but that didn't stop her from enjoying her push-up!
Ms Joanne and her husband fixed us a hot dog lunch and then treated the kids to push-ups. Those were almost as fun as the slide. My children won the awards for the messiest faces.
yes- Emma seems to have a sty on her eye but that didn't stop her from enjoying her push-up!
Monday, July 14, 2008
time off
My thoughts the last few days have really been centered around schooling. I have so many conflicting thoughts that I don't know what to do with them and how to process them. My goal for the summer was to maintain what we've been doing through the year. Some days have been better than others! However, it seems like most days I'm feeling guilty for not doing enough. I see our summer time slowly slipping away and I want to thoroughly enjoy what we have left. This week is filled with VBS and a trip to Charlotte and next week will be swimming lessons in the morning and another VBS in the evening. The following week will be a week of being home alone and maybe soccer lessons for Peter.
I have decided that we are officially taking summer vacation for the next 4 weeks. I need the time and space away from school (mostly the guilty thoughts of not doing enough). We need to spend some time focusing our attention on other things like behavior, chores, swimming at the pool and hanging out with friends. So my goal for the next 4 weeks(maybe more!) is to have Peter read aloud for 20-30 minutes/ per day and to do some math each week. That is it!
The goals I have for myself have yet to be figured out but I am going to pray through those! So far I know that I want to :
Wow- I'm feeling better already! Thanks for listening.
I have decided that we are officially taking summer vacation for the next 4 weeks. I need the time and space away from school (mostly the guilty thoughts of not doing enough). We need to spend some time focusing our attention on other things like behavior, chores, swimming at the pool and hanging out with friends. So my goal for the next 4 weeks(maybe more!) is to have Peter read aloud for 20-30 minutes/ per day and to do some math each week. That is it!
The goals I have for myself have yet to be figured out but I am going to pray through those! So far I know that I want to :
- go through the objectives for Kindergarten and first grade and see where we are
- figure out some type of chore/responsibility system for the kids and myself!
- revise my schedule for the day for when we start back with school.
Wow- I'm feeling better already! Thanks for listening.
VBS night 1
VBS started last night at our church. We had a great turnout and I had a blast.
This is my crew eatting dinner. I volunteered to be a teacher for the 3rd - 5th grade class. We had the largest class with 13 kids. I think the second biggest class may have been the 2-3 yr olds. Technically, that should have been the nursery kids and we didn't publicize for that age!
This is all of us at the end of the evening singing one of the songs. Ryan loves the music. His teacher told me that after their music session was over he went to the computer and said, "More Beach party".
This is my crew eatting dinner. I volunteered to be a teacher for the 3rd - 5th grade class. We had the largest class with 13 kids. I think the second biggest class may have been the 2-3 yr olds. Technically, that should have been the nursery kids and we didn't publicize for that age! 
This is all of us at the end of the evening singing one of the songs. Ryan loves the music. His teacher told me that after their music session was over he went to the computer and said, "More Beach party".
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Playdate
A very brave friend of mine from the homeschool group invited us and two others over for a craft and lunch. Ironically, this morning Peter asked me (at 7am) if he could paint. I answered, "are you kidding? It's 7 am." So what craft does she have for the kids? Painting! Peter and Emma were seriously at the tables about 30 minutes longer than all the other children. The other kids painted one sheet and a couple came back later for another. They painted for like 45 minutes straight!
This is Emma's catepillar.
I'm not into comparing children because everyone knows it's bad and usually you either get let down or your pride gets built up. However, this experience was really eye opening for me. Peter and Emma really enjoy painting pictures of objects, landscapes not just doodling. I wonder if this is because they were willing to spend more time at the table or is it their father's artistic genes coming out in them. I also learned that I need to let go of some of my "issues" and let the kids paint! I also need to let them stingy-ness (is that a word) and let them have a lot of colors.
This is what Ryan and some of the other kids were doing while Peter and Emma kept painting. Ryan was in heaven with all of the cars and trains this little boy had. He was also amazed as you can see by the TV in his room!
Not only were Peter and Emma the last to leave the painting table they (and Ryan) were also last to leave the lunch table...what do you think that means and whose side of the family does that come from?
This is Emma's catepillar.
I'm not into comparing children because everyone knows it's bad and usually you either get let down or your pride gets built up. However, this experience was really eye opening for me. Peter and Emma really enjoy painting pictures of objects, landscapes not just doodling. I wonder if this is because they were willing to spend more time at the table or is it their father's artistic genes coming out in them. I also learned that I need to let go of some of my "issues" and let the kids paint! I also need to let them stingy-ness (is that a word) and let them have a lot of colors. 
This is what Ryan and some of the other kids were doing while Peter and Emma kept painting. Ryan was in heaven with all of the cars and trains this little boy had. He was also amazed as you can see by the TV in his room!Not only were Peter and Emma the last to leave the painting table they (and Ryan) were also last to leave the lunch table...what do you think that means and whose side of the family does that come from?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Reading
Peter picked out this Berenstain Bears book at the library yesterday and I read it to him and Emma as we were waiting for the story time program to start. As I was reading it I noticed that there were lots of sight words that I knew he could read. I wondered if he would be able to read it on his own. I didn't say anything at the time and just read it. After I put Ryan to bed last night, I find Peter on the couch reading this book to Emma. I was amazed. He did so well! Sure there were a few words that he needed help with but the endurance he had was great. It's a long book and it was late at night. What was the first thing he did when he woke up this morning (at 6:30 mind you)? Pick the book back up and read it again! It truly is a blessing to be apart of this
process.
Philip just finished reading The lion, the witch and the wardrobe to Peter and Emma. This is totally a Philip thing. He has actually made me promise not to read it to the kids. I readily agreed. It has been so great to hear Peter's retellings of what happened. This book has captivated his brain and has caused it to spin! He loves it. I love hearing him use words like "betrayal" and "temptation" correctly. I love hearing him beg his father to please read another chapter. I love hearing Peter make predictions about what will happen next. I love hearing Peter ask Philip and Emma, "Who is your favorite character?". It is times like this that I know without a shadow of a doubt that homeschooling has been an amazing thing in Peter's life.
process.
Philip just finished reading The lion, the witch and the wardrobe to Peter and Emma. This is totally a Philip thing. He has actually made me promise not to read it to the kids. I readily agreed. It has been so great to hear Peter's retellings of what happened. This book has captivated his brain and has caused it to spin! He loves it. I love hearing him use words like "betrayal" and "temptation" correctly. I love hearing him beg his father to please read another chapter. I love hearing Peter make predictions about what will happen next. I love hearing Peter ask Philip and Emma, "Who is your favorite character?". It is times like this that I know without a shadow of a doubt that homeschooling has been an amazing thing in Peter's life.
Monday, July 7, 2008
I arrived
I have spent majority of my afternoon and the last hour playing on my new Facebook page. Why didn't I do this earlier??? Well, because I'm just a little slow about these things. It has been super cool to see faces and read a bit about friends I have lost touch with. I have to admit that I was inspired to join when I discovered my Aunt was on there.
Check it out. It's fun and a bit addicting! Oh and invite me to be your "friend" if we're not already!
Check it out. It's fun and a bit addicting! Oh and invite me to be your "friend" if we're not already!
Sunday, July 6, 2008
"hold it"
Ryan is in what I call the noncommittal (on my part) experimental phase of potty training. We have been doing a lot of sitting on the potty but it has usually been after he has wet his diaper. This morning he said to me, "Poopy diaper". I thought he hadn't "done the deed" yet. So I said, "hold it, run to the potty". Well, Ryan followed behind me and when I turned around he was "holding it" exactly like I said. We skipped the potty and went for a new diaper.
Maybe next time!
Maybe next time!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Fun with Friends
We had a fellow Dukie family over for an evening at the pool and dinner. Philip and Reggie are "buds" at school and I have gotten to meet his wife and their children once before.
Ryan took a break from swimming to check on Winston to make sure he was having fun. Emma and Ryan were responsible for making sure that Savannah got to her car with out getting lost! They took their jobs very seriously.
After dinner we had homemade blackberry cobbler. We had all picked some blackberries on our walk last night so it was fitting to use them for dessert. They weren't the sweetest berries but the cobbler turned out just about as good as it looked!
That's two nights in a row of homemade cooking...I'm on a roll!
Ryan took a break from swimming to check on Winston to make sure he was having fun. Emma and Ryan were responsible for making sure that Savannah got to her car with out getting lost! They took their jobs very seriously.
After dinner we had homemade blackberry cobbler. We had all picked some blackberries on our walk last night so it was fitting to use them for dessert. They weren't the sweetest berries but the cobbler turned out just about as good as it looked!
That's two nights in a row of homemade cooking...I'm on a roll!
What's for dinner?
We didn't have any firm plans for the evening of the 4th. I was trying to figure out something a little different, unique, low cost, traditional and fun for dinner. Guess what I tried after thinking about doing it for years but never getting around to it?
You got it. Homemade corndogs!!
Although the kids appear to be enjoying the corndogs, they surprisingly didn't really like them. I think Peter had 1 and Ryan and Emma didn't finish their first. However, Philip really enjoyed them. It was a fun treat.
You got it. Homemade corndogs!!
Although the kids appear to be enjoying the corndogs, they surprisingly didn't really like them. I think Peter had 1 and Ryan and Emma didn't finish their first. However, Philip really enjoyed them. It was a fun treat.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Happy July 4th
We found out that there was a parade this morning so we headed uptown with high hopes!
We arrived just as the parade was starting so the shady side of the street was lined with people. We found a little shade in this spot. The parade was 75% old cars! Peter enjoyed taking a few pictures of them.
They haven't quite figured out what the deal is with old cars. However, they did like to see all the different colors and they especially liked the ones that threw candy.
There were about 5 different fire trucks that participated. They all had to use their full sirens and horns (at the same time) which made for a very loud 5 minutes!
And for the real reason to go to a parade...
CANDY.
We arrived just as the parade was starting so the shady side of the street was lined with people. We found a little shade in this spot. The parade was 75% old cars! Peter enjoyed taking a few pictures of them.
They haven't quite figured out what the deal is with old cars. However, they did like to see all the different colors and they especially liked the ones that threw candy.
There were about 5 different fire trucks that participated. They all had to use their full sirens and horns (at the same time) which made for a very loud 5 minutes!
And for the real reason to go to a parade...
CANDY.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Work.....
So Philip had a hard day at the office on Tuesday! Here are some photos so you can empathize with him...
He played a good game and lunch was even better. However, it appears that he may have gotten into some poison ivy. Maybe next game he can stay out of the woods!
He played a good game and lunch was even better. However, it appears that he may have gotten into some poison ivy. Maybe next game he can stay out of the woods!
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
two milestones
Peter has accomplished two big things this week!
Last night he crossed the monkey bars at church all by himself. There wasn't anyone around to even catch him!
Tonight, he jumped off the diving board and swam to the other side of the pool. It's a 25 yard distance!!! He did great. He also figured out how to float on his back. He could stay that way for a good few minutes.
I took all 3 kids to the pool myself today. Maybe not a milestone but definitely a hurdle I needed to cross to realize that it wasn't so hard!
Last night he crossed the monkey bars at church all by himself. There wasn't anyone around to even catch him!
Tonight, he jumped off the diving board and swam to the other side of the pool. It's a 25 yard distance!!! He did great. He also figured out how to float on his back. He could stay that way for a good few minutes.
I took all 3 kids to the pool myself today. Maybe not a milestone but definitely a hurdle I needed to cross to realize that it wasn't so hard!
recovery
I have officially gotten over my bout with fame and the children got over (rather quickly) there bout with the stomach flu. We are back in business. We headed to see my parents right after church was over. We opted not to attend services because I was nervous someone might randomly throw up! Philip was a bit disappointed because if we had been there (all 4 of us) the numbers would have been in the 90s. Such is life as the family of a pastor!
We are back to whatever normal means for us!
We are back to whatever normal means for us!
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