I had some mighty good helpers this morning. Katie, Larah and I made Buttermilk Coffee Cake for breakfast. Katie helped pour the milk in the bowl and counted out the items that needed measured. Larah helped spilled flour all over. Without these little helpers I might not have had such a mess to clean up and the cake might have been finished a little sooner, but the girls would not of had the experience of baking with Mama. They would not have had the opportunity of serving their brothers and sister. We had a great time and I thank God for little fingers and big hearts that like to help.
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This weeks Homeschool Hi-Light was a trip to the library with Lucas. He was able, for the first time, to pick out books that he can read all by himself. We came home with quite the stack. He went a bit overboard because he was excited about using his own library card. Because he had his own card, we (I mean he) checked out several books that he can read to me and several that can be read to him.
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Then Sings My Soul Saturdays Meme
One of my favorite things to do is to read other women's blogs. I like to learn and glean ideas from women who love the Lord. Some of these women have really blessed me. They share thought provoking wisdom and challenge me in areas where I need to grow in Christ. Some of these women pass along educational material and homeschooling tips. I am always open to new ideas when it comes to homeschooling. My children often benefit from such information given by fellow homeschoolers. Click here to take advantage of one such piece of information I thought was worth sharing with you. Let me know your results.
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Three things were accomplished this past week that were exciting. I'm sure there were more, but these three things stand out in my mind.You wonder WHY they make 4-roll packs of toilet paper.
You add a second (or maybe third) refrigerator.
You schedule bathroom time.
It takes at least 2 carts in the grocery store.
"Family Meal Packs" at restaurants are a laugh.
Your dream car is a Sunday School Bus.
Your family alone gets a group discount.
The bulk package of hamburger is a one meal serving size.
Your family vehicle is repeatedly mistaken as the church shuttle.
You laugh at the term: "Institutional size."
No matter the size, "It'll fit someone."
Goodnight and goodbye kisses, involves a line-up and head count.
You get the banquet room when you go out for family dining.
You wish the library had shopping carts.
Large appliances are bought in pairs.
It takes more time to pass and serve dinner than to eat it.
Consider the application of bathroom stalls for domestic uses.
People stop and stare, laugh or glare.
Life is full of the 3 'B's: Bulk, benches and bunks.
When you ask the dentist, ophthalmologist, and orthodontist if there is somekind of group discount.
Instead of a Christmas list, you have charts and graphs.
Diapers have been a staple on the shopping list non-stop since the 80s.
There is a line for the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Yogurt cups start to look like glassware.
A baker's dozen doesn't go all the way around.
You privately chuckle when others are worried about their dinner party for 12.
The checker at the grocery always asks if you are having a party.
Getting the family dressed for church takes longer than church does.
Wrestle with Dad time has to be split into two sessions.
You own more than four sets of bunk beds.
You think the house is empty with only five kids home.
Your grandson remembers you being pregnant.
You have considered purchasing a bus.
A trip to the restaurant supply store is your dream date.
You buy apples by the bushel and don't have any to can.
Your stock pot could house a small child.
The Tide company sends you a Christmas card.
When your friends can compare how long they have known you by the number of kids you had when you met.
When you have two small potties, thousands of training pants, AND a megapack of diapers in your house.
New neighbors think you run a daycare.
Three friends can ask you to baby sit their kids on the same day and yousay, "Sure, NO PROBLEM!"
You can leave your husband in charge of the above kids plus yours and know things will run smoothly.
Someone asks if you could use a place setting for 8 and you laugh.
Most of you children’s cartoon dishware is so old it could go for $100 oneBay.
You do your weekly shopping at Costco.
You know that your bathtub will hold 5 kids.
Your friends do not have to worry about bringing diapers, extra clothes,etc. when coming to your house.
Their kids think your house is the best place to play.
In little league, your children make up half the team.
The city could have your yard declared a public play area.
When your baby is a year old, the others tell you it is time for a "new"one.
~~Taken from http://www.quiverfull.com/
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I received this questionnaire from a friend today and thought I would turn it into a post. Have fun getting to know me just a little bit better.
1. Do you like blue cheese? Ummm…it’s okay
2. Have you ever smoked heroin? Absolutely not
3. Do you own a gun? Yes, a very nice 10/22 given to me by Tim
4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? Cherry and it has been oh, so long
5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? Depends if it is my midwife or a doctor…midwife, no…doctor, yes
6. What do you think of hot dogs? I think they are unhealthy and overpriced
7. Favorite Christmas movie? I don’t know if it’s considered a Christmas movie, but every Christmas I watch Little Women
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? I prefer diet Pepsi and coffee, but as of lately it’s just plain ol’ water
9. Can you do push ups? Yep, but just a few
10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? My wedding ring
11. Favorite hobby? Reading
12. Do you have A.D.D.? No
13. What's one trait you hate about yourself? My memory
14. Middle name? Lynn
15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment: How do I answer #13? The sun is shining…Praise the Lord. I love my home.
16. Name 3 things you bought yesterday. Milk, eggs, & cheese
17. Name 4 drinks you regularly drink? Water, grapefruit juice, grape juice and V-8
18. Current worry. Nothing at the moment
19. Current hate right now? My sin
20. Favorite place to be? At home
21. How did you bring in the New Year? I was sleeping
22. Where would you like to go? Forney, Texas and Cannon Beach…in that order
23. Name two people who will complete this? I think this question should be…name two people who will leave a comment…Kendi Lyn and Cayla
24. Do you own slippers? Yes, from Cabela’s and I love ‘em
25. What shirt are you wearing? A striped shirt given to me by my cool sister-in-law
26. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? I never have, but I’m sure I would
27. Can you whistle? Yes, but not on key
28. Favorite color? Green
29. Would you be a pirate? Not in this lifetime
30. What songs do you sing in the shower? Praise and Worship
31. Favorite girl's name? Cayla Nicole, Katie Jane and Larah Mikal
32. Favorite boy's name? Justin Todd, Matthew David and Lucas James
33. What's in your pocket right now? 26 cents
34. Last thing that made you laugh? Tim, he always makes me laugh…usually at something I said or something I did
35. Best bed sheets as a child? Raggedy Ann and Andy
36. Worst injury you've ever had? When I was little, I was riding my bike and I got hit by a car
37. Do you love where you live? Yes, absolutely
38. How many TV's do you have in your house? One
39. Who is your loudest friend? Lolanda...when she and I are in one of our crazy moods and we get to laughing
40. How many dogs do you have? Not a one
41. Does someone have a crush on you? Just my hubby
42. What is your favorite book? Right now it is Sacred Parenting
43. What is your favorite candy? Redvines and chocolate covered raisins
44. Favorite Sports Team? I don't have one
45. What song do you want played at your funeral? Goodbye for Now
46. What were you doing at 12 AM last night? Sitting in the recliner with Larah…she has a cold and couldn’t sleep because her nose was plugged up and she couldn’t suck her thumb. So we rocked and rocked and rocked. I cherish moments like that!
47. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up? I thought about how tired I was and even though I was tired I would make a conscious decision to be happy.
Cayla loves anything that has to do with nature and the outdoors. She enjoys walks, collecting bugs, staring at the clouds and studying their shapes, walking bare foot through grass, mud, and rocks, taking photo after photo after photo after photo of birds, eating on the picnic table when the snow is 6 inches deep…the list could go on and on.
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Yesterday was the American Red Cross Blood Drive at White Pass High School. Justin and I donated. Justin went into the Blood Mobile before me and was interviewed by a Red Cross nurse. I went in after Justin and this is what the nurse shared with me. She said, "You must be the mother. I have to share with you what your son said to me." At this point I was a little nervous, not knowing what Justin might have said. But she continued on. "He is a great young man. He came in here, sat down and said to me...'I have never had sex, I have never done drugs, and I have never been to a foreign country. Now do you have any questions for me?'" I think she was shocked. This nurse had spent her day with high school students who only offered the information they were asked. She was most impressed with Justin's honesty and bluntness, as was I, his mother. I thank the Lord for Justin and for his stand on purity. He is an incredible young man who loves the Lord and isn't afraid to take a stand for his beliefs. I love you, Justin.
Reading is going so well with Lucas, we've decided to start Larah! 
I have been invited to participate in a Homeschool Highlight Meme. I have gladly accepted this invitation and hope to post every Monday. For more Homeschool Hi-Lights feel free to visit Ellen @ Fun Learning.One of my favorite things about homeschooling is teaching my children to read. I love to see the sparkle in their eyes when the lights come on and they finally get it. There is that moment in time when it all comes together and the letters and sounds connect.
Lucas, our 6-year old, is doing great at reading. I started to teach him at age 4. He was not ready...not ready at all. So I waited until he was five and he did okay. Not good, not bad, just okay. But now he is 6 and he is finally getting it. Not only is he getting it, but he loves it.
I use 3 different products that work great for us. We start with a book called Teaching Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. After doing that for awhile I introduce a series called Explode the Code. This is by far Lucas' favorite. After completing the first 3 Explode the Code workbooks, we continue on in the series and add on Bob Books. These are my favorite. They are short, little books that Lucas can read in one sitting. To save on the family budget, we order Bob Books from the library (although someday I hope to own them all).
Teaching children to read is hard...well, it has been for me. Lucas is my third child that I have taught to read. The first two were a little more difficult. Not because of them, but because of my insecurities. I didn't know the first thing about how to teach a child to read. But after several years and a few different curriculums, I feel as though I have a handle on it.
If you are an inexperienced teacher, hang in there. It does get better and easier. And if you are an experienced teacher, feel free to share with me tips and suggestions. I love to know what works for other people.
Happy reading to you and yours.
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For my dear, dear friend...you know who you are!!!
Oh, the signs of spring.
Tulips blooming, birds singing
in the early morning sun...
and SNOW!!!
The bond between sisters is incredible...
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Last week Katie and I decided to go outside and play. We needed to get out of the house and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. I was pushing her on the swing when she commanded, "Higher, Mom, higher." I gave her a few more gentle pushes when she began to giggle uncontrollably. I asked her if her belly felt funny and this was her sweet reply, "Mom, I think God is rubbing my belly."
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Show off those talents. Share a story, a special moment, a piece of artwork. Any accomplishment, great or small, is fair game.
Because of our busy schedule I haven't have time to enjoy Home Education Week as much as I had hoped. So today (Friday) I am making up for lost time and I will post on Thursday's topic, Show and Tell. I am attaching some pictures that show some of our special moments and great accomplishments. And for more Show and Tell, feel free to visit Dana.
This is Justin. He is our yard maintenance man. Here is a shot of him pruning "a" tree in our apple orchard. Although our apple orchard consists of only one tree, it brings Tim great joy to call it an "orchard."
Matthew often takes time out of his schedule to read books to his little sister. Katie loves the one-on-one time.
Cayla, along with the rest of our family, took a homeschool opportunity to help some friends move. We spent the day packing box after box after box after box...and shedding many tears.
One of the highlights of homeschooling is doing school with Papa. Here Lucas and Papa are enjoying a moment of World History together.
Why we are on the kitchen floor...I don't know. But Katie is letter crazy and so do we letters just about anywhere.
Larah doesn't do too much in the area of school, but she is cute and we do have oodles and boodles of special moments with her.
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