catching up...

I guess it has been awhile since I blogged...oops. LIFE, does happen. Time does fly regardless if you are having fun or not. April was the last time I blogged.

I will give you some quick highlights:

MAY

• Anna turned "11"
• both kids tried baseball and liked it
• celebrated Karl's parents 50th wedding anniversary
• Christl & Barbie flew in for fun family reunion

JUNE

• annual Illinois Homeschool Conference
• BBQs with friends and family
• 3 Day Practicum for Classical Conversations
• Anna went on her 1st week long summer camp through church
• iron infusions for me
• swimming lessons for the kids

JULY

• gatherings with family & friends
• dearest friends from Africa came home for a visit
• I went to Philadelphia for a work conference
• lots of catching up with the Nickels'

AUGUST

• my dad turned "70"...wow
• Anna earned her 1st degree black belt!!!
• HOSS has several concerts
• more time with my dear friend, Sara
• mom has a birthday
• Brandon turns "16"....watch out
• more family and friend time

SEPTEMBER

• we left for an awesome 12 day vacation to Minnesota & Spooner, Wisconsin!!!!
• lots of family time out of state
• Eric turned "2"
• TEC (Tri-Cities Enrichment Co-op) begins on Tuesdays

OCTOBER

• Karl finally was able to get away and do some hunting
• lots of female issues and hopefully I am done!
• beautiful wedding of two dear friends
• bible study on Friday nights
• more family time
• Anna gets to go on another camp called Fall Camp for the weekend
• I get to do an overnight women's retreat
• knit night with Despy and skyping with Allison
  

Now, we are officially caught up. I know, I need to put pictures up. I will do that next. Especially, my knitting. I have been knitting again!!

We need to update more often. More for me than for you (giggle). Are you out there??? Do you read this??

What a Day looks like at OUR SCHOOL

People have wondered what 'home schoolers' really do at home. Well, let me tell you that no two homes will ever look the same. Every one has a different teaching style and to make it worse (ha, ha, ha) EACH CHILD has a different learning style! Not to mention the different ages and how many kids you/they have.

I will say, "I got off easy." NOT. I don't think it really matters if you have one child or 10 children. We will all have our ups and downs. I do make a new schedule in the beginning of the school year. I try my best to follow it. I don't put times, but I do list the subjects that need to be done that day.

We usually school year round taking July and December off. By doing this, it offers us more opportunities for outside activities, like field trips, family time, vacations and/or sick days. This way, I don't have to worry about making up those days.

Monday - Friday (Daily)

• Bible - I will read from Proverbs (the date will determine the chapter); Plus a chapter in the Gospels
• The Story of Liberty (RA a chapter a day)
• King Arthur (RA)
  
• Math (Saxon)
• Grammar (A - Growing with Grammar)
• Vocabulary (Growing with Grammar)
• Spelling/Grammar (J - Sing, Spell, Read & Write) Which we completed!!!!!!
  
• Cursive/Printing (J)
• Map Workbooks
• Required books to read
• Piano (practice daily)
  
• Classical Conversations
  

Classical Conversation is an intensive program that we do for 24 weeks through a co-op. I will start this program a month before it begins to give the kids a head start. This program covers the following:

• History
• Science
  
• Geography
• English
• Timeline (8 cards per week)
• Art/Orchestra/ Tin Whistle/Logic

We have just completed the Middle Ages. They had to memorize important facts pertaining to a specific time period. I will supplement what the kids are learning by getting them more information or explaining why it is important to know the facts that they are memorizing. We would review the facts daily.

Now, that CC is over. We have a new schedule until we break in the middle of June.

SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE Monday - Friday

• Spanish (3x)
• Latin (3x)
• Spelling/Vocab (daily)
• Grammar (daily)
• Math (4x)
• Reading (daily)
• RA Bible & History
• Piano (daily)
• Typing (3x)
• Science (3x)

Outside activities include:

• Awanas (during the school year)
• Taekwondo (3x a week year round)

PHEW....seems like a lot. It is! I don't stress like I use to. It is hard with a toddler but we have managed. We did have to switch the way we did things to keep the little guy happy!!

~~~photos of our classroom will be posted soon~~~~~

QUILTING galore

Alright friends....this is what I have been up to over the Christmas holiday. I know it was several months ago. But, now I have time to post them!

The quilt blanket below was a wedding gift.

Oma's blanket

This one took several steps. First, I hand embroidered the Swedish motifs.
Then I put the triangles together. Then I matched up the squares.

Here is a close-up of the embroidery pieces.

Jack's blanket...he likes monkeys!

Eva's blanket
I wanted the vintage look and I think I succeeded.

A close-up of the dolls.

This I made for my secret santa...Carie.

I will be posting more photos. I need to take a photo of the kids (Anna & Joshua's) blanket! Also, I have done some small knitting projects that I will add on here, too.

I have posted 3 times....don't expect that to happen too often! Especially, since it took me 3 months to post again.

God Bless and have a wonderful day!

LENT - unexpected growth & changes

The kids and I have been following LENT this year. Anna and I gave up something that would be difficult for each of us. She gave up playing computer games on the laptop (she was very specific on WHERE she couldn't play). Hmmmm, smart girl. Joshua did not want to participate with us.

I gave up yelling. I have been thinking a lot on how I treat God's children (my children). God has been working on my journey to take it to the next level. Next level?? What level? I asked the same thing! I thought I was walking the talk, and then God nudges me to do more, show more. How can I do that?? Well, it starts with my actions. Like yelling. I have my highs and my lows. Good days and bad. Just like everyone else. Then I recall this verse from the bible:

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Psalm 6:1
[ Psalm 6 ] A psalm of David. LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.

Exactly, what I was doing. So, I gave it up. Just like that. NOT. It was easier than I thought. But, I do occasionally fail. I am human. But, at least it is not daily. It is so nice not to get so angry at my angels. It is so nice to be able to talk to them. I did talk to my husband, then to my kids about the change God wanted me to make in myself. I asked all of them for forgiveness of my sin; my anger.

John 9:25
He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!”

God opened up my eyes! He showed me the truth of my sin and actions. I love it when I can turn to scripture and see the TRUTH!

Psalm 37:11
But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.

This is what my family has been enjoying! PEACE, LOVE, HOPE! God IS Good!

We has a family have been learning a lot about what God wants from us. Each household will be different. God has a plan for all of us....and we choose to follow.

Every morning I have been reading Jesus' journey leading up to his resurrection. I also read Proverbs (the chapter is picked by the day of the month). What an awesome journey for us as a family to watch the kids grow in their faith. Again, I thank our Father in Heaven for each day I am given! Amen.

I want to be the woman God created me to be. That is with a love for HIM and for my brothers and sisters in Christ. I can only move forward by starting within myself. I have chosen to stand on my two feet for Christ and for my family. To be able to lead by my faith, trust, love for God.

Proverbs 31

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

^{10 [b]}A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
¹² She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.............

²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
³¹ Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

LifE - it goes so quickly

Just noticed that I haven't blogged since February. Where does the time go? Time goes by in a blink of an eye. Sometimes, I feel my life goes just as fast. I think what I will do (for now) is update you on each of the family members (from youngest to oldest).

ERIC - He will be turning 19 months old soon (still only 20 lbs.) and busy as a bee!!! Cute as ever, too! Since his ear tubes has been put in....that cutie is learning new words daily. He still does his 'gibberish' talk. He can go on and we won't have a clue to what he is trying to tell us. That can be very frustrating to the little guy. He likes to repeat 'words' that we say. He can stack blocks and tear them down. He also LOVES music! He will strum Karl's guitar and bob his head. He has no problem saying, "uh, uh" (meaning NO). Enjoys listening to K-LOVE. I cannot keep him indoors if the big kids are outside. He loves to be outside. I am so in trouble this summer. I am going to have a very, dirty baby!

When we pray at dinner, he will fold his hands and pray with us. It is a blessing to see that it is never to early to teach the children God's word. He has truly been a blessing to our family.

Eric and Joshua has that special 'boy' bond. Anna has that natural 'big sister' role. She can be very protective of him (when she wants to be).

JOSHUA - He has grown so much this past year. At 7.5 he has taken on 'big boy' roles upon himself. He enjoys cooking; making omelets, eggs, sandwiches and snacks. Picks up Eric in the morning out of his crib. Looks after his 'little' brother. Now, Joshua is very protective of Eric.

Recently, Josh has been doing a lot of drawings. Taking after his dad??? We will see. He will pull out drawing books and start copying the pages. He also enjoys playing the piano. I think he has been taking lessons for 2 years now. (I tell ya, time seems to disappear.)

Currently, still taking taekwondo; attending Awana, CC (Classical Conversation a local co-op), piano lessons, and baseball starts this Tuesday.

Joshua has a heart for the Lord and His word. Watching his faith grow in the past year has been a blessing to me and the family. He truly wears his faith on his sleeve. You can see it!

ANNA - WOW. What can I say...she is turning 11 in May! She has also grown up so much this past year! In her responsibilities, her brothers, school, and growing into a young lady. She has learned to (at least) enjoy her school work vs fighting to do her work. Her 'attitude' has been a process but we have met in the middle. Meaning, I had to chill my temper so, I can teach her how to chill her temper. We BOTH have learned together about our attitudes.

She is still involved with taekwondo (red/black belt), Awana, piano, CC, summer camp (first time this summer), and will be taking baseball, too.

I have redecorated her room and she really does keep it clean! I simplified her furniture to one dresser, one end table and one cabinet for her 'chotskies'. Simplifying, really does work. She enjoys the outdoors, baking, cooking and prefers to clean than do any extra school work.

I am blessed to have children who love the Lord. She tries to live by the word of God. She reads her bible almost nightly. She enjoys listening to K-LOVE as much as I do!

Each of my children have been a true blessing from God! I love them all for very different reasons. I love learning from them as much as I enjoy teaching them.

Upcoming posts: more about me and my journey; quilts that I have been making; and what a day looks like in our home school class.

SKI VACATION 2011!!

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

My well coveted hat!

Christl, that is MY hat!

Joshina, you too?

Christl, you get that puck!

Going out to dinner on the gondola!! First time for the kids.

I am SO BLESSED!

Joshua is done.

I love this photo of my guys.

Opa and the princess!

My family!

Look at Joshua go!! A natural, just like his father!

What a way to end a day of skiing!! Oh, how I wish I was there....

I love all the photos of my family. But, really, I had a totally different kind of vacation while they were gone! It was all worth it to see the look on my 2 kids faces, when they saw their new rooms.

I lived in a big mess (along with Eric) has I decided to surprise Anna by redecorating her room. I must tell you that I did enjoy the 'shopping' part, especially IKEA. I can really go crazy there. I had a budget and I stuck to it.

I reused furniture that we had in other rooms (curio cabinet from my bathroom; antique dresser that housed miscellaneous items). I took out her old furniture (in the basement for now). I even took apart her bed and scooted into her alcove. Perfect fit!

It was a very stressful week!! Long days and nights. I am extremely thankful for my parents help. I so couldn't have done it without their help. Thanks mom and dad!

The motto for her room was 'SIMPLIFY' (really its Karl's motto but we all have to live with that ;0) I cleared out her closet and just made it easier to clean. She has kept it clean...so far.

I set up a HUGE loft bed in Joshua's room. Karl is not totally convinced that we will keep it. But, for the mean time. Josh is having fun touching the ceiling or should I say, "climbing it"?

I am glad that my family had a safe AND FUN trip. I am also happy that they are home, so I can hug each one...hundred times!!!

Thank you Lord, Jesus for wrapping each one of my members in your arms.

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...overcast, snow

I am thinking...I'd like to do some knitting and sewing. Finish up some Christmas gifts!

I am thankful...for a roof over my head. To be able to provide food and clothing for my family.

I am wearing...jeans and 2 shirts

I am going...to finish laundry. try to go to 5 o'clock Saturday church.

I am creating...learning to simplify! Motto of the year. Less stuff=less stuff to clean.

I am currently reading...nothing.

I am hoping...to continue to stay healthy. my husbands clients pay us.

I am hearing...Eric crying. Josh watching TV. Karl putting in the new 'hood' for over the stove.

In the kitchen...Karl. Dirty dishes piling up because our sewage is blocked.

Around the house...messes everywhere. bathroom leaking into the basement. I do have big piles of CLEAN laundry! Oven broken.

One of my favorite things...is to just sit and do nothing.

A few plans for the rest of the week...school. girls night with cousins. early intervention for Eric.

Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...nothing. Pitch black at 9:12pm.

I am thinking...that I had a long, blessed day. Getting ready to cuddle with Josh in my bed.

I am thankful...each and everyday. Today especially for being able to home school and to be blessed by other moms.

I am wearing...jeans and an oversize red shirt. Today was about warmth and comfort.

I am going...to snuggle with Josh.

I am creating...my first bible study that I will be leading next week. Making an analogy of women today with Alice in Wonderland.

I am currently reading...just finished a trilogy book from Beverly Lewis. Love those Amish stories.

I am hoping...to stay healthy and get some sleep.

I am hearing...Karl watching TV and silence from all 3 kids!

In the kitchen...my loving husband cleaned for me...yeah!

Around the house...evidence of me having 3 kids, 2 dogs and 1 husband. Wouldn't have it any other way.

One of my favorite things...is to curl up in bed with a good book. I don't get to do that too often.

A few plans for the rest of the week...dentist appointments, Eric's 16 month check-up and hopefully sometime with Anna.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...summer 2010!