12 and Holding

Yesterday my eldest child turned 12. I know I'm supposed to say that time flies but that is not how it feels for me. For me it feels like a lifetime has gone by since this girl was born. We have been through so much this girl of mine and me. I think it feels so long ago because I have changed so much myself over the years. I was about to turn 22 when she was born. This child has raised me up as much as I have raised her. Strangely it feels as if she has always been a part of my life (it feels like that with all my kids).

During our bible time yesterday I prayed over my precious girl and I could here her whispers of agreement when I prayed that she learned from the word of God more then she learned from having to make the mistakes herself. I prayed that she be used of God to reach others. She is always on the side of the underdog and I can see her loving service to others and missions. She is a doer and God needs more doers then theologians.

In celebration of her birthday homeschool was canceled and we went out for fun instead.

Our first stop was to Half Priced Books where all the kids got something and the birthday girl got four. Our next stop was a surprise. 

I found a cupcake bakery online and the kids were in awe of the selection and size when we arrived!

The birthday girl chose the "Birthday" Cupcake and received a candle on top. 

The shop was adorable and was decorated for Christmas. What a goofy crew I have! 

Today we are celebrating with Nana and PawPaw. The birthday girl is already there as she spent the night last night. I will be making her cake to bring over and we will have lunch. This year she didn't want gifts but to go shopping. So she and I will make a day together at the mall while the other kids help Nana decorate for Christmas.

Have a great Saturday! Tomorrow we will be visiting a church here. The kids are ready to get back to a church routine and to make some friends.

Giveaway at Rookery Ramblings (Tasha Tudor Family)

Tasha Tudor's family is giving away a beautiful 1800's table cloth this month. To enter simply make a comment on their blog. 
This past October I won an out of print Tasha Tudor book and two wonderful knitting patterns for bonnets. I will not be entering this giveaway because it feels a little greedy to try and win again! Just wanted to post it for   someone else to get a chance to win! 

The knitted bonnet pattern can be purchased at www.lisacruse.com 

The book is beautiful and perfect to read on a cold winter day with a cuppa. 

Homeschool Transitions

Yesterday was a day of some issues coming to a head. There were tears and struggles and anger. One thing home school does (which I do count as a big blessing) is actually getting to know your kids. I have many goals for homeschooling my children but one was to actually be together during our "best" time of the day. Not just in the afternoon or evening when I have nothing left to give except the basics of food and making sure baths are taken.

We started to home school after making a big move and all this change is more then some of these little hearts can handle. They miss their friends and the interactions. They came from "good" public schools and really enjoyed school. There have been lots of happy moments these past two weeks and I would say they out number the bad right now.

Yesterday after the tears we (including me) went in the back yard and played a game of soccer. That was a definite first this  momma isn't one for sports. Then there was a bike/scooter ride to the play scape in our neighborhood.

Besides the lack of school friends, one little one is having a hard time responding to mommy as teacher. Defiant behavior I know he wasn't displaying at school is showing up during our school time. Scribbling on bookwork, complaining that the work is too hard (then getting all the answers right after he makes even a feeble attempt).

In the middle of all this I have one blissfully happy child who is eating up all this attention from mom.

We will get this all "ironed" out. I am praying for the right church that gives my girl the "friends" experience she needs and I am praying for obedience from my sweet boy.

We did have some fun this week:

The two oldest reading Proverbs, I love to hear the insight they receive.

Cookie baking was fun. I love the little hands in the dough. It was a good activity for older brother to help little sister. 

There were also science experiments this week. Some were in the book and some were impromptu! 

Light and Refraction

Floating and Sinking

Today is a new day and His mercies are new every morning. I type to the sound of kids helping themselves to some cereal and getting the day started. Time for me to get started on another day!

It's Monday Time to get Dressed

A new week of homeschooling and its time to get dressed. 

Top: Kohl's Skirt: Wimberley Market Days http://www.shopmarketdays.com/ (If you are ever in Wimberley Texas stop by this open air market. Lots of fun antiques, junkin, and food. 

I love aprons and feel they make me get dressed because aprons and sweats just don't go together!

Apron: Made by me! Fabric: Hobby Lobby 

My detail for today:

John 3:16 bracelet 

I'm linking up today to:

Modest Monday on The Modest Mom Blog

A Touch of Christmas Cheer

This weekend we continued our unpacking but to break up the line of brown boxes we unpacked some Christmas as well.

First up was a Playmobil Advent Calendar  that was sent to us from my mother in law. This is a big hit with the 8 year old and 4 year old. Each day you open up a new piece of the winter scene.

Now that we are in a two story house our Christmas tree can actually fit! So up it went with room for the the star (which is still in a box not located).

On the mantel went the Nativity that my Grandmother painted the year I was born. 

 

On the kitchen counter went a snowy village. Yesterday it was  82 degrees where we live! The poly fil snow piles will most likely be the only "snow" we see this season!

Last but not least,  the kitchen received a touch of Christmas so we can get to making my favorite: Christmas cut out cookies!

By the evening I had two very tired feet but I loved waking up to the Christmas cheer this morning. My parents came over for dinner last night which was a first. We used to live 3 hours away so any visits always included a sleep over. Now we are 7 minutes away so quick visits are possible with everyone able to return to their own comfy beds later that evening. 

Let The Real Blogging Begin! (and the Homeschooling!)

I'm soooo happy to be blogging on the new computer!

The old set up above was lacking something to be desired! Oh yes the keys! Taken off by my precious little girl.

The new set up is much more usable and is in a cozy computer nook in our new house! 

Our family just joined the ranks of the Homeschooling Family this week and I am already vastly aware of the difference in energy output of this mom. 

I went from 2 elementary aged boys leaving the home at 6:50 am and not returning until 3pm. One middle school daughter leaving at 7:30 and returning home at 3:45 and a preschool daughter being gone on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9am until 2pm. Now all are home 24/7!

We are just getting our feet wet but overall the week has been enjoyable (no one has perished yet). 

Recess!

Are you not supposed to handcuff them?

(Just kidding! He did this to himself to be silly)

Tomorrow we may be making our first church visit, if the plumber fixes the water heater this afternoon. Showers are in order for all! The joys of moving.....

Have a lovely Saturday!