The Hambrick Family

(sweet?) sisters

2012-02-29T13:01:00.001-05:00

Two girls.
Sharing a blanket.
Sharing a moment.
Soaking up the warm spring sunshine.
Cute, eh.

Hmm...I wonder what funny face I can get out of her...

And now its time for me to shoot you in the head with a nerf gun...

Sweet sisterhood.
Or not.

Know My Sheep

2012-02-24T17:07:00.001-05:00

I believe that three is the tipping point.
(Three kids, that is.)
Before three my kids were easily individuals and their actions were pretty much their own.
After three, not so much. It is super easy to let everything just sort of run together. Mostly in a bad way.

Some possible examples:
(None of them ever happen around my house, of course.)

One child colors on their bed...and the others bear the brunt of my frustration of my having one extra thing to do, despite the fact that they had nothing to do with it.

Another child asks for a snack for the 13th time in 12 minutes...and I say "no" too harshly to the other child who simply asks for a drink of water.

A child asks to help make lunch and I shoot him down because I know if I don't all of them will want to help and then it will be a big mess and I just swept the floors, dag gone it.

Sound familiar? Yeah, not at your house either, huh.

I finished this book a while ago.

I loved it so much I rushed through it because I couldn't get enough. I decided to re-read it, slower this time, and journal my thoughts as I make my way through it again. For me, re-writing something really helps me absorb it.

I was in chapter 10 this morning and her words were like a hammer to my head. It is like she has snuck a video camera inside my house or something:

One way to counteract the bulk effect and treat our children as individuals is simply by realizing that it is not their fault that there are so many of them.

When Scripture says to bring them up in the nuture and the admonition of the Lord, it is not talking about finding the most effective way to organize them.

The more children you have, the more you need to be pastorally minded. Look to each of their souls and their needs.

Be a pastor to your children. Study them. Seek them out. Sacrifice the thing you were doing to work through minor emotional issues.

While your children are little, cultivate and attitude of sacrifice. Sacrifice your peace for their fun, your clean kitchen floor for their help cracking eggs, your quiet moment for their long retelling of a dream. Prioritize your children far and away above your other work you need to get done. They are the only part of your work that really matters.

As their mother, I am responsible to see them individually, even when they present themselves to me en masse.

Fat souls are better than clean floors.

Most of the time children do not know that what they are doing is overwhelming. This is because they do not forget that they are individuals.

Your children are not a situation. They are individuals. Discipling an individual for a collective situation is a great way to alienate your children. It is not only unjust and unkind, but it is untrue to the gospel. Christ takes our sins; He does not load us down with someone else's.

See.
I told you it was like she has camera's set up in my house.

I'm off now to go make a mess in my kitchen. With my kids...

february photo challenge (days 22 &23) the letter b and my doorbell

2012-02-23T07:46:00.001-05:00

i love how my kids (any kid...) can't push a doorbell just one time.

there's a pile of rocks in our backyard.

that never stay in a pile.

scattered all over the backyard. then piled back up again.

february photo challenge (day 21): wide angle

2012-02-22T08:11:00.003-05:00

it might be said that this boy lives his life wide open.
requiring me to have a wide angle lens to keep him in view at all times.
especially true as he just mastered the two wheeled bike.

february photo challenge (day 20): cold

2012-02-22T08:11:00.002-05:00

the jackets that keep the cold at bay.
they haven't gotten much of a work out this winter.

february photo challenge (day 19): makes you blush

2012-02-22T08:11:00.001-05:00

It was a tie between these two photo's.
I couldn't decide.
Therefore, you get both.

Both, equally make me blush.

1.

9 years.
4 kids.
and 5 moves later.
he still has that power over me.

2.

this is proof for all of you that think my house is never messy.
or my kids out of control. (oh, wait...nobody thinks that!)
yes, that is ezra in his underwear.
somehow his clothes got eaten by the clothes eating monster that lived under the blanket that afternoon.

february photo challenge (day 18): produce

2012-02-22T08:11:00.000-05:00

some delicious peas and corn and blueberries.
made for me by my two favorite boys.

the unknown

2012-02-21T08:24:00.000-05:00

As Zoe meets milestone after new milestone...rolling, first foods, crawling...

Eli has been coming to me frequently with questions such as:

When did I crawl?
Did I have teeth then?
Did I like pears as a baby?

I don't know.
I don't know.
I don't know.

I am finding out that there are more and more questions that he is asking that I just don't have answers for.

I don't really care about the medical questionnaires I have to leave blank because I just don't know.

But I'd give my left eyeball to know when he took his first step or what was his first word was. To know if he was born with hair or sucked his thumb.

And then it is easy to let my mind wander into territory it best stay out of...the unknown of what his early life was probably like.

I look at my sweet spoiled chubby Zoe and the abundance of love and attention and milk and clean clothes and love and attention and stimulation and milk and clean clothes and love and more love and sometimes my heart just breaks for the unknowns.

Our very first picture of "Chala.".

I know a day will come when he will be asking me much harder questions than these.
And I will be just as inadequate in having answers.

I can't control these unknowns.
But I can control what he will know from here on out...

He is loved.
Fiercely.
Deeply.
Unconditionally.

By us.
By his crazy big extended family.

And by His Heavenly Father.

And I pray that is enough to equip him to deal with the unknowns.

not me monday: the end of the world

2012-02-20T08:47:00.001-05:00

I NEVER overreact to having a stomach bug introduced in my house.

Therefore I have not made all my children sleep with buckets at the ends of their beds.
I did not pull up all the miscellaneous rugs in and en route to the bathroom.
I definitely did not practice the quickest escape routes to the bathroom with them.
And my pantry is not stocked up with gatorade, ginger ale, saltine crackers, and lysol. Lots of lysol.

Nope.

I did not rearrange my school science unit and swap learning about the skeletal system for the digestive system in an attempt to capitalize on not having to leave home for the field trip.

Oh no. Not me. Not never.

february photo challenge (day 17): rest

2012-02-17T13:54:00.003-05:00

with four kids.
sometimes rest is more of a state of mind than an actual physical practice.
a favorite pair slippers.
a cup of coffee.
a deep breath.

february photo challenge (day 16): down low

2012-02-16T21:14:00.004-05:00

it was a fitting challenge title for today as the littlest has been brought down low by the nasty bug going around.

yes, i know i look tired.
that is what happens when the bug strikes at midnight. and midnight and a half. and one...

why do bugs always come in the middle of the night?

and now the rest of us wait...
eating each meal wondering if we shall see it again?

thursday thoughts

2012-02-16T10:29:00.002-05:00

Jeremiah and I had a nice little getaway night early in the week.

It almost didn't happen because of that nasty dreaded straight from the pits of h-e-double-hockey-sticks noro virus hitting our babysitters. (So glad you are feeling better Rick and Janet!) Thankfully (I said almost) and one of my Via sister-in-laws stepped in and saved the day so that we could still go. (Thanks Kelly!)

We haven't been away overnight without the kids on a trip that wasn't mission or church related in a loooong loooong time.

A loooong time.

When we checked into our hotel we just laid on the bed and soaked in the quiet. Ah, quiet. So nice.

Soooooo nice.

We almost didn't know what to do with ourselves.

Ahem.

I said almost.

Moving on...

Of course any trip we take that involves us being within a 30 mile radius of Ikea necessitates a mandatory stop. And we almost estimated the length of the box of Ella's new bed to fit into our car.

I said almost.

Good thing we had all that quality time driving to our destination.

After all who really needs to see their husband while driving home, eh?!

Good news is that her bed fits in her room and she loves it. It's a loft bed that allows plenty of room underneath for Zoe's bed and dresser. Both girls are excited. Ok, Ella is excited...and Zoe just is always excited. This weekend we will move both girls in together.

Of course I'll post some pictures later.

Happy Thursday!

february photo challenge (day 15): me on the 15th

2012-02-15T20:21:00.000-05:00

looking at this photo i realize that i don't look like a 16 year old anymore.
or even a 26 year old?
and i need another hair-cut.
but at least i got a shower today.

february photo challenge (day) 14: valentine

2012-02-14T18:02:00.002-05:00

i love i love you day.
i mean how fun is it to tell those you love i love you on an entire day devoted to love.
and so, of course i'm not going to give you just one photo for this special day.
photo overload is more like it.

for us it started with a path of hearts.
that led to a special decorated breakfast room.
full of (simple) love and surprises.

we interrupted our regularly scheduled school for some fun lessons on graphing, patterns, sorting, and estimating.
thanks to the wonderful invention of candy hearts.

and who says pepperoni has to be round.
not us.
heart shaped is the way to go on heart day.

and the evening ended with a very special date for two special people.

And as wonderful as it is to spend a day loving those placed in my life. I am most thankful for the love of my Jesus.

He loved me first.
Not based on my worth.
Not because on anything I've done.
Or anything I would do.

But because of who he is.
HE IS LOVE.

He is my hope when I don't feel lovable.
He is my example when I don't feel like loving.

And (cliched it may be) he loves you too.

We love because He first loved us.
1 John 4:19

february photo challenge (day 13): sweet

2012-02-14T15:27:00.001-05:00

a stack of pancakes.
made even sweeter eaten in the company of my favorite man on our valentine's getaway.

february photo challenge (day 12) : lips

2012-02-14T15:27:00.000-05:00

she has the sweetest set of lips. ever.
and i know i've mentioned a time or two that she makes the funniest faces. ever.

zoe elizabeth: 6 months

2012-02-11T17:11:00.000-05:00

Freeze.

Oh how I wish. I wish. I wish. I wish.

I love love love love love love love love love this stage, this girl, this time right now.

Zoe is a bundle of wonderment and wants to be into everything. She is crawling folks. Yes, crawling. As in she is now able to get into the kids toys and scare me half to death by hanging out near the top of the stairs crawling. She is not yet fast or 100% coordinated (thank goodness!) but she is moving.

She is starting to eat some big girl food. Just little bits of what we are eating and some mashed up fruits and veggies but she is really enjoying it.

I like to call this her serious banana face.

She keeps her mouth open about 50% of the time. Especially if she gets excited about anything.

I'm pretty sure she is going to have a fly in there come summer if she keeps it up.

She goes to bed around 7-8pm most nights and wakes up anywhere from 6 - 8am. She is very inconsistent with her wake up times, which makes the rest of her day vary a lot...but she generally eats upon waking, is up for 2 hours then sleeps for 2 hours, repeats that cycle again, then up for 3 hours before bedtime. Rinse and repeat. She takes her paci at nap and bedtimes but won't take it while awake for more than a second or two. She is starting to be able to find and put it back in in the middle of the night which is making mommy and daddy very happy.

She makes her brothers and sisters happy pretty much all the time. They fight over who gets to sit by her in the car. They fight over who gets the first smiles from her in the morning. They fight over who gets to go get her up when she wakes up from her nap. For a little girl to be this loved is just incredible.

I think she is thriving from it all.

She weighs right under 18lbs (75%) and is in the 95% for her height. Still no teeth yet. And her hair is really coming in thick now...still dark which makes Eli very happy. And her eyes are definitely going to be a lovely dark brown.

I know I've mentioned a time or two about how loud she can be. Nothing is changing there. We can't wait to see what that first word is. Will it be mama or dada?

After doing this a few times or two I know that I don't have the power to freeze time. Therefore I am truly truly trying to soak in and enjoy every second of this stage with her.

Happy six months our sweet and silly Zoe...

You are ridiculously loved!

february photo challenge (day 11): the view from my front door

2012-02-11T16:34:00.001-05:00

it's become a saturday tradition around here: all the neighboor kids (and our crew, of course) take over the cul-de-sac. please notice the appropriately dressed children and the t-shirt wearing daddy.

february photo challenge (day 10): sun flare

2012-02-10T20:43:00.001-05:00

thursday thoughts (on friday)

2012-02-10T12:27:00.001-05:00

Back home again.
Sigh.

So nice to be home.

We had a great visit up north with my family.

And since Greg Fishel and I are so tight, he sent a message to the weatherpeople up there and made it snow just for us.

Wasn't that nice of him?!

It was Zoe's first snow and she was quite mesmerized by the view out the front door.

I was mesmerized for other reasons: mainly the cute sqishy-ness of her cheeks.

And according to my husband: you have to play football in the snow. Mandatory snow rules.

And who says you have to celebrate I love you day on I love you day?
Rebels, we are.

Playing bingo with candy hearts!

Normal life is hard to get back to today.

Happy Friday!

february photo challenge (day 9): romance

2012-02-09T20:18:00.000-05:00

you can have your roses and chocolates.
or your you tube proposals around the fountain with 30 of your closest friends.

i'll take my man.
who empties the suitcase as soon as we get home from a trip because...
he gets me.
and is always willing to help.
and understands that i can't relax with an unpacked suitcase looming in the shadows.
and still loves me.
___________________________________________________________________________

by the way.
we are home now.
and it feels oh, so good.

february photo challenge (day 8): drink

2012-02-08T16:47:00.002-05:00

a good cuppa joe was perfect for today's snowy weather. (all my NC friends...it's ok to be jealous)
and, after all, i needed something to go with that brownie.

february photo challenge (day 7): indulge

2012-02-08T16:44:00.003-05:00

almond blondie.

oh, yes i did.

february photo challenge (day 6): street sign

2012-02-08T16:42:00.003-05:00

graffiti on the stop sign.
evidence that there are hoodlums outside of durham.

snapshot(s): this week

2012-02-08T08:12:00.000-05:00

We've been up at my moms all week.

Hence the lack of blogging.

But i've been taking plenty of pictures.

Plenty o.

Getting to hang out with cuties like these...Lilah, the spunkiest girl to walk the planet.

Throwing paper airplanes is much more fun thrown with a group.

And up on a ledge.

And apparently if you have to go to the bathroom for Ezra's sake.

Fun times.

I love my family.

Will return to regularly scheduled blogging (and february photo challenge) upon return home.

homeschool: out of this world

2012-02-06T21:33:00.000-05:00

I learned right alongside my kids the whole month of January as we studied the solar system.

Which was really needed as my knowledge base of the solar system was embarrassingly low. (Right, Addie!) I think I must have been sick that week in elementary school because I knew nothing!

And, who knew?
The whole thing is amazingly interesting!

Not to brag or anything, but our dining room is so big it can hold all of the known planets....

A planet match game. Played many many times.
This web site. Among many many others.
A felt craft.
This movie.
This book. Among many many others.
Paintings.
Rocket building.
A lesson on acronyms as a memorization tool. (I think it really sunk in: Next time you see Ella ask her to name the planets in order from the sun.)

We were able to work the theme into several other subjects as we graphed the average temperatures on all the planets, used stars and planets as manipulatives for our addition and subtraction problems, and finished up the week with a written report, painstakingly correct in grammar and punctuation.

I think this is one subject that we will delve into on another month as there was so much we didn't even get to cover (moon phases...) and so much we only scratched the surface on (gravity...), but overall I was really excited with what we were able to learn.

Ok, maybe I was really excited with what I was able to learn, ha! But the kids really enjoyed it too.

Next month: the human body...

february photo challenge (day 5): heart

2012-02-05T20:07:00.000-05:00

a paperclip long forgotten on the bench.
unfolded into a heart in an effort to avoid writing those darn spelling words.

february photo challenge (day 4): the letter a

2012-02-04T21:14:00.000-05:00

this letter a is brought to you by my ezra james.

who can't get enough of any and every letter these days.

february photo challenge (day 3): up high

2012-02-03T16:22:00.000-05:00

...and this one was my runner up as Zoe's preferred mode of transportation today is up high. or
rather it is now my preferred method of transportation for her because she can't crawl and eat her brother's lego's when she is in this...

thursday thoughts

2012-02-02T20:46:00.001-05:00

Zoe is such a snuggler.
Best part of my day today was her snuggles this morning.

My pre-coffee face for your viewing pleasure. See, I told you I don't look like a super model all the time.

And then she spit up all over me.

Oh well. It was still the best part of my day.

I think I am going to do one of those photo a day challenges for the rest of February. I saw this idea on another blog and thought I'd try it as I've been quite uninspired lately in the picture taking department. Maybe this will force me into some photo creativity and out of my slump.

Feel free to join in.

I'm still not sure how it is already February 2nd already?
Somehow I made it to and through January...the month I couldn't wait to get to for the whole second half of 2011. I wouldn't say January was boring, but it was definitely much more manageable. I actually feel as though I got to take a deep breath.

I hear tell that the groundhog saw his shadow this morning. I think we are supposed to actually have had a winter in order for us to have 6 more weeks of it? Not that I'm complaining.

And I don't usually do birthday shout outs on here for my family because I could pretty much write one every day with as big as my family is, ha! However, I have a certain brother that is worth giving a birthday shout out to as he is super special in my kids life...

Happy Birthday Uncle JoJo (or Jofus as they love to call you)!

You joined our family 6 years ago...and we (especially this little boy sitting atop your shoulders) are so glad you did! We love you.

Happy Thursday!

the elephant in the room

2012-02-01T19:15:00.002-05:00

Zoe has this little stuffed elephant that she loves.

I don't think we are talking long term love. Mostly she loves it just to try and eat his nose.

Regardless, I find it rather cute.

A video for the grandma's in her life.
And proof as to why I call her my little pterodactyl.

I might have been motivated to take this video as I was looking through all our video files and realized this week that I only had two of Zoe. We are almost at 6 months and I had two videos of her.

Two, people.

Poor, poor fourth child.

And so I'm determined to remedy that number for these next 6 months.

homeschool: the nitty gritty

2012-01-31T08:43:00.000-05:00

I have been asked by several people lately about how I homeschool, what curriculum, etc. and so I thought I'd do a post about the details of our homeschool schedule.

If this ain't your thang...pass on by. No feelings hurt.

We "do school" formally four days a week, Tuesdays thru Friday. Mondays are Jeremiahs day off and we try to protect those days as much as possible. However, we typically will do any museum visits and field trips on Mondays.

On school days we start school usually around 9:30 am (or whenever Zoe goes down for her morning nap). I start off working one on one with Ella while the boys either spend 30 minutes on starfall or watch superwhy. Once Ella is going and set up with some of the work she can do independently, I switch gears to working with the boys. Because they are on different levels, I work one on one with each of them, then try to do an activity where I can include both of them. While I am working with one of them, the other will be sitting at the table with a puzzle, maze, or some kind of manipulative (I love these and these.)

Once the boys are "done" I move back to Ella.
I usually end up the day with either an art or science project...and include all 3 for this.

It is kind of like a dance where I am constantly switching partners, ha!

My goal everyday is to be done with school by lunchtime. Then in the afternoons we try to get some energy out! Most days we do this...with the exception of Thursday when I take Ella with me to Eli's therapy appointments and we do school in the afternoon.

As far as curriculum goes I am only using one formal curriculum, and that is Horizons for math. For everything else I use a combination of internet curriculum, printouts, and library resources.

I am a firm believer that all you need to homeschool is some motivation, a good planner, creativity and a library card.

I am also a firm believer that learning should be as organic as possible and stem from everyday life experiences. A trip to the grocery store, a walk to the park, making dinner, or an afternoon of free play are wrought with lessons as long as I am intentional in bringing them up.

Ella's everyday subjects include math, reading, spelling, and writing. Weekly we cover science and art. I pick a science subject to cover each month and approach it as a unit, trying to incorporate it into the other subjects when possible. For example we studied the solar system for January and all our art projects were based on that, we used planets as math manipulatives, etc.

We also have an author, composer, and artist of the month that we study...by listening/looking/reading their work throughout that month. In addition we have a word of the week that introduces a new vocabulary word that relates to the science unit we are studying.

The boys are going through ABC school and studying a letter a week, as well as doing all our science and art lessons together. I am constantly amazed at how much they absorb just by being in the room with Ella as we cover other subjects.

Not every day goes as planned and January was filled with sick days. And having Zoe means that are days are never really predictable. However, that is the beauty of homeschooling...being able to adapt as needed.

I also have finally figured out a realistic but very necessary time to plan for all of this and I block off Sunday afternoons to do any planning/printing for the week. In addition I take 1/2 a day once a month to plan all the next months science lessons, order books, peruse pinterest for ideas, etc. I have learned that without proper preparation chaos reigns!

More to come later on our month studying the solar system...

memory monday

2012-01-30T08:35:00.001-05:00

The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
He will quiet you with his love,
He will rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

simple pleasures (of my week)

2012-01-27T07:42:00.000-05:00

Warm spring days.

Watching my baby discover the grass for the first time.

A husband who thinks I'm actually beautiful in the morning.

My house starting to really feel like home.

Eli's random declaration of "God's not dead!" from the backseat of the van.

A date (tonight!) with my favorite guy thanks to the generosity of a new friend.

Ezra's "letter" to me...random letters that spell out what he wants them to.

Finding a Kroger right by me. (Sorry Harris Teeter...I just don't like you as much.)

Ella walking around the house with a book in her face because she can't stop reading these days.

Waking up with this song in my head.

___________________________________________________________________________

What have you been enjoying this week?

thursday thoughts

2012-01-26T07:59:00.000-05:00

We've had several spring-like days in a row here and have been totally taking advantage of some area parks. Even Zoe got in on the action one day...

She loves the swing. Or at least the upright vantage point it allows her to keep an eye on the crazy happenings of her brothers and sister.

D is for donut.
It's "D" week for the boys ABC school and of course they picked out the white powdered sugar kind...

Oh. I despise white powdered sugar donuts.
But they loved them.

Speaking of school, we are almost finished with our unit for the month of January and it has gone great. I've got a post planned for next week with more details.

Jeremiah and I have been on a catch-up-on-all-the-movies-we-missed-kick (during the period when I couldn't seem to stay awake past 9pm to save my life). We have watched Warrior, Courageous, Mr Popper's Penquins (ok, that one was for the kids...), and Moneyball. I've enjoyed them all, with Warrior being my surprise favorite. Any good ones that I'm missing?

Happy Thursday!

Eli Cade: 18 months Update

2012-01-25T08:13:00.002-05:00

A year and a half.

That sounds so...established.

And that's how it feels.
Eli has established a place within our family and within our hearts.
And we have established a place within his.

Little things I take for granted now...the way he easily scales a ladder or instigates a wrestling match with Ezra...speak volumes of the mountains he has climbed these last 18 months.

Physically he gets stronger and more confident in his abilities every week. Just this week he actually attempted to go across the monkey bars. That is huge, people. Huge. We go this week for his 6 month follow-up from his surgery. I can't believe it has been 6 months...but, I am oh so glad to be on this side of it.

We still go to speech and occupational therapy weekly and I am encouraged to see small but steady progress. We had to change therapists with the move and I'll admit I was nervous because we had built up a good relationship with the others...but, I shouldn't be (once again) surprised by God's provision. Our new therapists are awesome with Eli!

Starting more formal "school" with him has had its challenges...but I am learning how he learns, how to teach him, what his strengths are, what he needs extra work on...and have considerably reevaluated my goals for him in order for them to be challenging yet attainable. I kinda like preserving the last 10% of sanity that remains in me.

As more and more time has gone it has been fun to see the "real" Eli emerge...he is a quietly spunky kid with the gentlest spirit you will ever find. If you ask him he says he wants to be a policeman when he grows up so that he can "take the bad guys to jail."

I can totally see that.
Sort of.

He loves his siblings and is my best entertainer for Zoe. He will do anything Ella asks of him (which she likes to abuse on a constant basis...) and consistently beats Ezra in their wrestling matches now. He loves riding his bike and playing in the sandbox. He loves movies. He still eats pretty much anything and everything...although he has the biggest sweet tooth and still loves spicy foods the best.

When I think back on all he has overcome in his short life I am overwhelmed by his bravery.
He is my hero.
And I'm so glad I get to be his mom.

Love you Eli Cade!

not me monday

2012-01-23T07:53:00.000-05:00

i did not do an internal happy dance at finding an oatmeal cream cookie hiding in the pantry.

i did not eat said oatmeal cream cookie and call it breakfast.

i never neglect my eyebrows. and i don't have a threatening uni-brow in progress.

i never wear the same clothes 2 (or 3?) days in a row. gross.

and, of course, i never neglect the shaving of my legs.
therefore, i don't have legs that cling to my sheets.
or that sheets cling to.

i never forget that i am in a neighborhood setting now and not on the farm and should not do things like walk out the door in my pajamas. especially when it is after lunch.

and i always wear coordinated cutesy pajamas with bunnies and flowers and angels on them.
never old rangers t-shirts with bleach stained yoga paints that fit about 5 lbs ago.

(because i am always showered, dressed, and ready for the day by 7am.)

and i never put off going to the doctor for myself.
therefore, i didn't go to the doctor for strep throat but also to get this, this, and this looked at while i was there.

my dental hygiene is always top priority in my hygiene world.
so my children would never tell me that my breath was stinky.

(to be fair to myself...it was during a 3am bad dream duty call)
(and i did not tell complaining child "too bad, that's what you get when you call me out of my bed at 3am.")

oh no.
oh gosh.
not me.
not ever.

four is less than one

2012-01-21T07:49:00.001-05:00

Ok, my math might be a titch off.

(Who's the teacher round here?)

I was, however, referring to having four kids. And the perspective I've gained since I had number one.

When I had Ella, I loved being a mom, love, love, loved it.
And yet I struggled.
Oh, how I struggled.

The introduction of mommy guilt and worry was a disaster to my system. Never again would I just worry about myself. My heart was now outside of my body. The middle of the night feedings were seemingly never going to end. Ever. I was positive I was going to walk around for the rest of my life in a sleepless coma. I would bounce between boredom and the weight of all the work.

Mothering wasn't supposed to be so hard.
What was I doing wrong?

And today, with four children...dare I say it? I almost feel I need to whisper it...

It feels easier than it felt with one.

Yes, I have more laundry and more people to cook for.
More spills that happen. And toys that need picking up.
More hearts to make sure are getting enough of my attention.
And the threat of a stomach bug is pretty much the end of the world.
(remember I said easier...not easy!)

But now...I worry, then move on.
I wake up to care for a baby in the middle of the night and I might sigh and maybe even cry from exhaustion, but I know it will pass. It really will pass.
I have helpers to throw diapers away.
I have helpers to make the baby smile.
I have helpers to put their own laundry away.
I don't care as much (ok, at all) that they have matching outfits on.
I've learned that my children are a reflection of me. But they are not me.
And a snot free nose is a bonus, not a necessity.

I'm broken in.
I'm not colliding against my former no-child self.

And I now know that mothering is hard.

And its not because I'm doing it wrong...
its because I'm (trying) to do it right.

_________________________________________________________________________________

On a side note:
I am in the middle of this book...

And I can't recommend it enough. For moms with any number of kids.

snapshot: these two

2012-01-20T21:29:00.000-05:00

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

Poor Ezra was person #3 in our strep throat raffle this week.
And I do mean, poor Ezra.
He was pitiful.

However, I would be lying if I didn't admit that I somewhat enjoyed the more subdued Ezra. He was quieter, snugglier, and just overall...well, easier.

(silly boy was playing with zoe's paci...yes, i washed it.)

And that picture reminded me of another long ago picture during our great Ear Infection period...

(my oh my. how much he has grown. and how much better my photo quality is now!)

I am happy he is back to his happy and energetic (albeit harder) self now.

I am at the Kids Exchange Consignment Sale all day today. Good stuff for way cheap prices...it's a win/win all around. My goal for today is to get the girls summer clothes. Yes, I did write girls, as in plural. It would have been nice if Zoe could have just worn all of Ella's old ones...however, Zoe weighs more now than Ella did at a year old...so that isn't working out at all.

Why did I save all those tubs and tubs of Ella's old clothes? And cart them through three moves?

Yeesh.

I was up in my room yesterday folding laundry when I noticed something.
Or rather the lack of something.
Noise.
It was quiet.
It had been quiet for way too long.
Which usually spells t.r.o.u.b.l.e. around these parts
.
Instead of a thousand toothpicks spilled all over the floor (true story)...
I found this scene...

Oh, the power of new library books.
I will never underestimate them again.

We have a great new library less than 2 miles from our new house.
I love it so much I want to marry it.
(sorry...sometimes the middle schooler in me takes over)

Happy (and hopefully healthier) Thursday!

the containment

2012-01-18T14:43:00.000-05:00

"Haha...look at me, I'm a baby..."

"Ok, I'm done..."

"Ok, I'm really done. This is my serious face..."

"Why are you just taking my picture and not helping me?..."

Oh, Ezra...sometimes I just like the thought of you, um...contained.

toppings

2012-01-17T14:03:00.000-05:00

if ella, eli, and ezra are my...

ice cream,
whipped cream,
and chocolate syrup.

then this little girl is my...
cherry on the top.

i could just eat her up, i love her so.

new life, new look

2012-01-14T21:54:00.000-05:00

i figure it was about time, eh.
(as we are miles and miles away from life on the farm these days...)

even though we are living life on less than an acre. we are living life to the full. to the brim. overflowing even.

and i am grateful.

after all, who wouldn't be...with these crazy people around me all the time...

when i leave the room for just a second

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

...i frequently come back to find scenes like this one:

She is such a typical 4th child and rarely gets anything but delighted when she is the subject of her siblings hilarity.

Thursday Thoughts

2012-01-12T13:16:00.003-05:00

I spent pretty much the entire day in bed yesterday due to a lovely visit from the strep throat fairy. Its been a long time since I've been knocked down to my bed. The sad thing about sick days are that you can't enjoy them because you feel so...well, sick. Any other day I'd LOVE to be sequestered to my bed for a whole day.

I also missed the homecoming of homecomings.

I hear it was quite the party! Just look at this beautiful complete family picture...

Oh, my heart is full of gratitude to a faithful God.

Jeremiah took the kiddo's to the airport and skyped me from his phone so I could feel somewhat a part of it all. It brought back so many memories of our homecoming with Eli a mere 18 months ago.

Geesh, 18 months ago...

Where. Has. The. Time. Gone?

It's been a rainy gloomy week round here. The kids are showing it too. Just when I start to think that Ezra is really maturing...BAM. 18 steps backwards.

School is going well. Really well. I had forgotten how much fun it is to watch the lightbulbs turn on in my kids as they learn a new concept.

I really do have the best job in the world.

Happy Thursday!

zoe elizabeth: 5 Months

2012-01-11T07:47:00.000-05:00

Oh. My. Goodness.
Let the fun begin.
I love all the stages of my children. Really I do.
But I love love love 5 months.

And I just know that Zoe is not going to disappoint.

She is so much fun right now.
And her wonder at the world around her is absolutely contagious...

She is 17lbs, as of last week, when she had a doctors appointment.
Chunky monkey with a side of thunder thighs.
Yes, please.

She is such a happy girl. And loud, oh my...the girl is loud. I call her my little teradactyl because she sounds like what I imagine a little teradactyl sounds like. Writing it out I realize how ridiculous this sounds and maybe I need to rethink this nickname for her.

Speaking of nicknames...all the kids call her zooble or zho-zho bear. And stinky booty on occasion.

It looks like her dark hair just might be sticking around as her "new" hair is coming in just as dark. How bout that?!

She is the queen of silly expressions...

She had her first cold which turned into her first ear infection last week. Poor thing is following in her siblings (and moms) footsteps and starting early on the whole ear infection thing.

The following two pictures are fuzzy. And her hands look oddly out of proportion to her body. However, they document the newest tricks of my Zoe: getting up on all fours and sitting up unassisted. And she totally freaked me out when I went to get her up from her nap yesterday and she was SITTING UP. Oh no...you had better believe I will be discouraging this activity. This momma is NOT ready for any mobility for at least a few more months.

We also have experimented some with bananas and letting her have tastes of whatever we are eating. Nothing on a consistent basis yet, as again, I am prolonging any extra steps in the whole feeding process as long as possible.

She is a drool monster and you can see two teeth on the bottom just waiting to make their appearance, but nothing popping through just yet.

After a really difficult period from Thanksgiving to Christmas...she is now sleeping great for me again. I really think it was all the change and transitions that were happening in our life that affected her. She typically goes down between 7-8pm every night and wakes up around 7am. She takes two 2 hours+ naps during the day and occasionally a catnap over dinnertime.

She loves her siblings.

And being outside.

And has finally decided that she is going to commit to her paci.

She loves "rough housing" with her Daddy.

And being right in the middle of everything.

Happy five months sweet Zoe...
Oh, how you are loved!

B says Ahh

2012-01-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

My wife has officially started our new schedule. Moving over the Holidays is not for the faint of heart and I am pretty sure it is not going to become one of the Hambrick Holiday traditions. Needless to say it has been crazy around this household for the last few months. At last the light has dawned! Its no longer at the end of the tunnel, but here! We are settled in, have plans to give Zoe a real nursery located outside of our closet, and are quickly learning the quickest routes to our favorite places in the area.

I love my new job. The best way to describe it is discovering what you were made for. I know it sounds like a line out of a pop song, or one of those fortune cookies at the closest Chinese buffet, but its the best way to describe things.

Along with the calming of our seas, is our new schedule. Jenn and I sat down at a local bookstore a few weeks ago and ran through our daily schedule. With four kids preparation is key to an orderly household and less grey hair. If I were completely honest with you, it took me about 2 days to process all our schedule entails; but I won't be honest and tell you I was right with my wife on this.

My wife is a pretty incredible person. I am living with the epitome of the Proverbs 31 woman. She hates it when I brag on her, but I am the head of the house and sometimes get to act like it.

But I digress. School is a major priority in our lives right now. Ella is eager to learn and an excellent student and the boys of course have to be involved in whatever she is doing and getting attention for. So, to include them my wife has come up with a pretty cool system. Each week we focus on a new letter for the boys. What sound it makes, how to write it, finding things around the house that start with the letter...that kind of stuff.

As I was tucking Eli into bed last night I just asked "What does A say!" He answered "Ahh!" He got it. Now you have to understand that this is quite the achievement for this little guy. By the time he was two he was living in an orphange, moved to another orphanage, and exposed to at least two different dialects in Ethiopia. Needless to say Eli did not get the building blocks to learning these things as a baby.

I was proud. I was excited because I knew how hard it had been to teach him this simply concept. A says Ahh. I moved to B. In eagerness. B says Bah. We repeated it, sang a song, said it loud, quiet, upside down, inside out, shaken, still, pretty much every way it could be said. Then I just had him repeat it. Over and over and over. We were making progress. Then I asked him. "What does B say?" The moment of truth. Had it gotten in? Had I stumbled upon the right strategy to help him learn? He said "uhmmmm...r?"

What?! He had just said it! He had repeated it, giggled it, said it on his own 10 times not 3 seconds before! Needless to say I was frustrated. I quickly went back to what he knew. "What does A say?" "Ahh" he said. "What does B say?" "Uhmmm...Ahh?"

Adoption is a beautiful thing. Having children opened up a whole new world to me on how God loves us and calls us His children. Adoption made that come alive even more. Not only does he call us His children and love us like His own, but we were NOT His children! Eli didn't smell, act, look, or feel like my kids when we first brought Him home. We had to learn to love him. Grow to love him. Ask God for grace to love him as much as our own. I am positive he had the same reaction to us!

As I was teaching Eli last night, I quickly became frustrated. Why wasn't he grasping this? What had I gotten into? Then the conviction came.

Another world was opened to me. How many times has God been trying to teach me, His adopted child, to obey, learn, and grow in Him and I just don't get it. I struggle, check out ,and ignore His simple, loving instruction. But thankfully, He takes the long view of my shortfalls! He patiently renews His grace every morning. He persistently calls out to me. He quietly teaches me. Every day. Even when I am just not getting it.

So for Eli, his education may be a long, hard road; but I know that he can do it. And I have a great example in my heavenly father of how I should be teaching him. With great patience, diligence, and confidence.

"he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will--" Ephesians 1:5

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" Philippians 1:6.

party like a rock star

2012-01-09T09:58:00.003-05:00

I have an amazing family (all three sides of it!) ...and I am a roller coaster of emotions this week with all that is going on within them:

My father in law and several members of my Via family left for Haiti today. Jeremiah's dad is like a rock star down there and we love the work that he quietly and tirelessly does. You can read all about their trip here.

Never tire of doing what is right. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

My newest niece is FINALLY coming home from Uganda this Wednesday. You had better believe we are going to get our party on at the airport. If for some reason you don't know why we will be partying so hard you can click here to get caught up.

For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

not me monday

2012-01-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

I do not have, um...issues with my new driveway. And garage.

So, of course, I have not backed into the rock wall that borders the driveway, oh, three or so times.

And I have not shut the garage door on the back of the van.

My kids don't have any issues either. And don't get their bikes wedged in between our two cars. Ever.

Of course not.

Not us.

How to Build a Swing Set in 7,842 Steps

2012-01-07T08:39:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I'm not going to really list all 7,842 steps.

But putting together the backyard monstrosity known as our new swing set made my dining room chair remodel look like cake.

Not that I did much to actually help...other than feed the helpers. A pretty important job, mind you.

Here are the workers organizing the chaos, fresh as the morning dew...

Oh, about 4 (or so) hours in...

About 8 hours in and the inaugural slide...

And, finally...about 2 days later...the completed jungle of fun...

And with this 65 degree weather this weekend...it is sure to be played on and played on and played on...

brotherly motherly love

2012-01-05T08:18:00.000-05:00

the boys were all dressed up for our christmas eve service a few weeks ago.
so, of course i had to take advantage and record their cuteness.
so many things about this picture make my heart smile.

eli put his arm around his brother on his own accord.
this is the face ezra gives me when i take a picture of him 99% of the time now.
and yes, i know they don't have shoes on and ezra is missing his socks.
my kids believe that socks are a punishment.
weirdo's.
weird but cute.

i love them.

2012: Crying Uncle

2012-01-03T08:12:00.000-05:00

This past month I realized something for the very first time...

I really and truly and honestly can NOT do it all.

I know, I'm a slow learner.

The age old lie that women like to believe is that we are capable, we can do it, we just need to work harder, work smarter...blah, blah, blah.

Nope.

If I focus on this, this, and this....then this suffers. If I then pick up the slack on this....now this is suffering.

Now, I know I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. However, I believe that means I can do all the things HE wants me to do through His strength.

My job is to make sure my priorities are His priorities. Then he will equip me with everything I need to accomplish the things He wants me to.

The other non-priorities are just that...peripheral issues that I need to not allow consume my time so much. Or that I need to just give up control of.

When I hit my brick wall of reality this month I realized it was time to cry Uncle and honestly look at my priorities. Not my "in my head" priorities...by my true ones, shown by what I am actually spending my time on every single day.

And so, as I start this new year, my number one prayer, desire, and hope for 2012 is for my priorities to line up with His priorities and for my time and effort to reflect that.

Practically, this means a lot of things for me including (but certainly not limited to) giving Jeremiah control of certain household responsibilities, blogging and social networking less, intentionally cultivating new relationships, increasing my hospitality, organizing my days better...basically prioritizing my priorities.

So, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3: 13-14

good morning, glory!

2012-01-02T15:58:00.001-05:00

Photojournal: Christmas Recap

2012-01-02T08:45:00.000-05:00

the cutest little elf you will ever see.
christmas morning at home.
cousin fun with our via family at lake gaston.
ella trying out her new roller blades.
and my crazy (cute) boys.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T10:19:00.001-05:00

I am taking a blogging break until the 1st of the year to truly enjoy my family and make some memories.

So, from me and mine to you and yours...

Merry Christmas!

p.s. And since I completely under-ordered for our Christmas card list this year...for those of you that didn't get one, this is the picture that we used.

p.p.s. I look at this picture and realize how abundantly blessed I am. I am so grateful.

snapshot: the reality of making cookies revealed

2011-12-22T20:52:00.001-05:00

Thursday Thoughts

2011-12-22T07:21:00.000-05:00

First day of winter today. Not that it feels like it here. We've been able to play outside without jackets on pretty much all of December. But the part that I really love about winter officially starting is that every day from now on the daylight is slowly extending. The early dark nights have been hard this year...

The kids Christmas present showed up yesterday. By way of 18 wheeler...

We just might still be setting it up NEXT Christmas.

Anybody who would like to come help us set it up...feel free. We will even feed you.

Speaking of new toys. Look at this happy girl who is growing up entirely too fast and totally enjoying her exersaucer a whole month ahead of when her brother and sister played in it...

Only three more days until Christmas!

I have a couple things to wrap and a quick trip to run to the grocery store then I am all ready. Woohoo!

If you live in the south Durham/Cary/Morrisville area and need an awesome Christmas Eve service to attend, please come to The Creek for their first ever Christmas Eve Service! It's gonna be incredible! You can click here for more details.

I hear the worship pastor is hot.

Not that you should come because of that.
(By the way, he is taken...and if you try then I will have to kill you. Slowly and painfully.)

On that note...

Happy Thursday!

Holiday Repost: Needs vs. Wants

2011-12-21T08:36:00.004-05:00

**I wrote this last Christmas season, but I thought it bore repeating...as I know we had to revisit this lesson with our kids this year. Oh, and it has a video of my kids from last year and I am such a sucker for looking at video's of my kids! You don't have to pretend to enjoy it as much as I do.**

In our family Ezra's birthday, Ella's birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are squeezed into 3 short months. That is a lot of celebrations, candy, and gifts showered on them in 3 short months. And even though we don't do a lot of presents and thankfully all sets of the grandparents also show restraint...it is still a lot of stuff crammed into 3 short months.

Now, we are not anti-present, anti-candy, or anti-celebration...(on the contrary...we LOVE celebrating!) but we thought it was time to have a discussion with the kiddo's on the idea of needs verses wants.

So we did.

And to help make this lesson more tangible to a young childs mind we made up two boxes labeled 1)NEEDS and 2)WANTS and then gathered up a bunch of items and talked about what should go where and put them in the appropriate box. And then let them pick some items and choose where they thought they should go.

It opened a lot of discussion about how God is our ultimate provider and always provides everything we need. Not always our wants...although, he graciously has provided SO SO SO many of them. And our need to be thankful and grateful.

A good lesson for Mom and Dad too.

And of course, since Jeremiah was involved, we had to learn a song and have a dance party.

And, for the Gramma's and Meme's and Nana's in our life...a little video:

(Yes, we went old school 90's worship song...but, hey, it fit with the theme!)

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

How To Re-Upholster Your Dining Room Chairs in 23 Easy Steps

2011-12-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

Step 1: Move into a new house and become dissatisfied with your old chairs.

Step 2: Try to talk yourself out of it because they are in perfectly good shape and you really should focus on the 10,459 other things that are more important to get done.

Step 3: Fail at step 2.

Step 4: Go to fabric store and pick out new fabric.

Step 5: In reality this is just a continuation of step 4 because it takes so long to complete step 4 because why does there have to be 713 choices?

Step 6: Finally chose 4 different fabrics because 1 is just so 2010.

Step 7: Wait for a quiet afternoon to begin project.

Step 8: Again, just a continuation of step 7.

Step 9: Gather up all old chairs, tools, and new fabrics into the garage.

Step 9: Remove old layers of upholstery.

Step 10: Curse myself for using so many staples on old layers of upholstery.

Step 11: Reminisce about how each stage of your married life was reflected in the past fabric choices. Original layer was a slightly hideous yet oddly not so hideous as it first seemed 8 years ago when we were gifted the dining room set 1960's floral pattern.

2nd layer was a light tan color with no pattern. I definitely chose this before kids came into the picture. 3rd layer was a nice indoor/outdoor fabric in a dark color with pattern. Um, definitely kid friendly.

Step 12: Run inside to feed crying baby who decided not to take a nap.

Step 13: Lay out new fabric and cut out appropriate size.

Step 14: Pull out basket of train tracks for son #1 and son #2 who also decide that naps are overrated.

Step 15: Get new fabric stapled onto 1st chair.

Step 16: Run inside to fix a snack for son #2 to prevent him from dying of hunger.

Step 17: Get new fabric stapled onto 2nd, 3rd, and 4th chairs.

Step 18: Rescue son #2 from certain death.

Step 19: Step on staple while running to carry out step 18.

Step 20: Remove staple from flip flop.

Step 21: Stop to explain to daughter #1 the reasons why we can't move all the decorative rock gravel and place it in the middle of the driveway.

Step 22: Get new fabric stapled onto 5th chair.

Step 23: Get new fabric stapled onto 6th and final chair. Oh wait. Realize for the 3,419th time that you don't have a 6th and final chair because...ahem...someone once thought we would never ever have a need for a 6th chair and threw it away. True story.

Ta da.
Done.

There you go.

Now don't you just wanna go and do it for yourself?!

the best Christmas present of the year...

2011-12-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

Was hearing the news that Alethia is finally getting to come home!

Yes, my friend Tasha got news today that their case was approved and they will be able to go get their girl.

I may or may not have blubbered like a baby in Target today upon hearing the news.

You can read more details if you'd like by clicking here. It's definitely worth a read!

Not Me Monday: adventures in gingerbreading

2011-12-19T07:00:00.000-05:00

My grandmother always did an elaborate homemade gingerbread house every Christmas. I remember as a kid always being in awe over it. It looked something along the lines of this one...

Seriously. It was at least that good.

At least I think so?

Know how you sometimes hold onto a childhood memory...like how big your childhood home backyard was...and then you go back as an adult and visit and suddenly it wasn't like you remembered.

Anyways, I am pretty sure her gingerbread houses would be awesome, even in my adult status.

We did our own gingerbread house together last week. Except ours was decidedly not home made. Nor was it elaborate. And come to find out, it really wasn't all that fun for a certain child of mine who struggles with OCD (not going to name names here...) because "Mommy didn't put the icing on straight enough and oh my goodness the world is ending the candies aren't staying in place."

And who would have thought I would have had some OCD issues myself with the dag gum thing. I think I suddenly understood why my grandmother never invited us to help her with the creation of her gingerbread house.

I finally just had to step away and take a couple deep breaths and things became clear again.

And we did have fun.
And made some memories in the process.

And I may or may not have decided (after being begged day in and day out) that I would just allow my children to pick off and eat all the candy on it.

And I may or may not have thrown away the empty icing skeleton of a gingerbread house after my swarm of locust children had their way with it because I was tired of sweeping up the icing shavings all over my house.

And I may or may not have not done a thorough enough job of hiding the evidence whenceforth there was great weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth upon discovery by aforementioned locust children.

But I did mention that we had fun, didn't I?

snapshot: planking a tebow

2011-12-16T17:10:00.006-05:00

Yes, we are dorks.
And no, we don't have too much time on our hands.

And for those of you who don't get it...google it.

snapshot: yes, that is ezra inside the tunnel rolling down the driveway into the street

2011-12-16T14:23:00.006-05:00

snapshot: morning waketime with daddy

2011-12-16T08:23:00.004-05:00

thursday thoughts

2011-12-15T13:29:00.008-05:00

I saw an interesting (to me) piece on the today show about how more americans use google to look up recipes now than actual cook books. The top 3 recipes looked up: pancakes, chili, and banana bread.

I think I have looked up both chili and banana bread recipes on the interwebs myself. What about you?

I do believe my children are part monkey these days. As soon as they are in a new environment there first order of business is to scope out if there are any things to climb on. It doesn't even matter if it is only 2 inches up from the ground...it just has to be up.

I have banished the phrase "I won" from our house. They were turning everything (and by everything I do mean everything) into a competition. Drinks were being spilled, clothes were being put on even more haphazardly than normal, pee was being flung (I wish I was kidding)...all in their haste to be the "winner".

Ella has strep throat. And thus broken our long time healthy streak. Poor thing has been a mopey mess since Monday night. We are reaching the miracle 24 hour mark of her being on an antibiotic tonight and I fully expect a quick rebound.

Unless of course one of the others (or heaven forbid the daddy) gets it. And then the vicious cycle just repeats itself.

Tis the season.

I'm so grumpy today.

I hate days when I'm grumpy.

I know I have no reason to be.

I know how blessed I am.

I know. I know. I know.

But I'm still grumpy today.

Happy (grumpy) Thursday!

ready or not...

2011-12-14T08:00:00.001-05:00

Christmas is coming.

This year, because of the move and all that craziness, has been different.

I have not stressed about gifts, cooking, cards, decorating...at all.

Yes, we did get our tree up and hang our stockings.

And yes, we are doing fun family things like a gingerbread house, watching Christmas movies, looking at lights...

But it is a very simple Christmas this year.

The kids are getting one gift this year. Yes, just one. And a few stocking stuffers.

I'm learning that like in most things, less is more when it comes to this time of year.

I'm not sacrificing memories for my children, instead I am creating ones that don't include a crazy maniacal mom trying to get everything done. I am actually able to be present and enjoy making memories. I am sticking to a budget and not stressing about spending money that isn't there. And I am able to remember what this holiday is really about.

One verse that I've been meditating on this last week is Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want."

It's just so easy to get caught up in all I want.

But I have all I need in Christ.

All because of that very first Christmas.

My hope is that my kids won't remember this as the Christmas they only got one present, but as the Christmas where we had so much fun and made Jesus big and remember how Mom got all crazy that one night and taught us how to cabbage patch and roger rabbit...

Um, did that just come out?

Let's move on.

Don't get me wrong...I am not anti-present or anti-celebration...but I am grateful for this year and the gift of perspective that I've been given that is letting me focus on less excess and more exaltation of the entire reason for this season.

backlog: one final goodbye

2011-12-13T08:14:00.008-05:00

I know I already did an "ode to the farm" but I wanted to share some photos of the kids (and the daddy) saying / playing goodbye to the farm on the day before we moved...

I'm working on a new look and tagline for the blog...as "life on the farm" doesn't really pertain anymore. And I'm open to suggestions...hint, hint.

zoe elizabeth: four months

2011-12-11T16:44:00.010-05:00

Oh. My. Goodness.

Our Zoe is four months old. Already.

I know I've established this before but it bears repeating: She's got cute covered.

As it stands:

Her eyes are a dark hazel color and her hair remains dark.

She can roll over. And over and over and over. Especially fun in the middle of the night.

She is loud. Our most vocal baby ever.

Her nighttime sleep has taken a backwards trend with all the transitions of the last month.

Still naps good. 3 a day...lasting between 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours.

Do not interrupt her while she is eating.

She is sort of a momma's girl. Never had one of those.

She has discovered four of the greatest toys ever: left hand, right hand, left foot, right foot. Multiple combination possibilities available for endless fun.

I'm guessing she is around 16lbs?

Wears size 6 months clothes and can fit into some 9 months for the length.

Loves her siblings.

Does not love strangers. Especially when tired.

And finally,

Makes the greatest expressions...

Happy four months sweet girl!

snapshot: slim picking's

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

... at least we missed the crowds.

thursday thoughts

2011-12-08T09:00:00.001-05:00

My hair has been falling out by the clump fulls. You'd think I was going through chemo. For those of you who have never had children...this is one of the things no one ever tells you about: the way your hair falls out a few months after the baby is born. Weird but true. Consider yourself told.

Speaking of hair, I got a hair cut yesterday for the first time in 5 months. Now I feel more like myself and less cousin it-ish.

Moving is highly overrated. I've decided you can bury me in this house because I never want to move again. Ever.

Christmas is coming.

Ready or not.

I'm more on the not side of things at the moment with nary a decoration up or gift bought.

But that's ok...we will soon catch up.

Maybe?

Jeremiah hung things on the wall for me yesterday. It's amazing how getting pictures hung make it feel like home. That and putting magnets on the fridge.

It's a good thing this little girl is so cute because she has been giving me a run for my money in the middle of the nights. Happy as a clam during the day. Not so clam-like at night.

Cute. Cute.

Crazy to think that she turns 4 months this weekend.

Anyone know a good and easy way to get paint out of carpet? Not that I need to get paint out of my new carpet or anything. Ahem.

Happy Thursday!

ode to the farm

2011-12-06T20:00:00.004-05:00

I remember the first time I visited the farm and we took a walk around the pond...

Ella was only 2 and Ezra was just a wee baby. And Tilly the cat frustrated the mess out of Ella because she "would not obey" her and follow her the way she wanted.

Fast forward a few months...

We had sold our house.

Moved to the farm.

And started renovations.

Oh yes, the renovations...

What would we ever do without the helping hands of our family? Cate and PawPaw back in 2008.

Fast forward a few years...

Beavers and berries.

Apples and figs.

Swings and turtle hunts.

Fishing and walks around the pond.

Flowers.

Tree climbing.

Vegetable gardens.

Bugs. Bugs. And more bugs.

A snake or two.

Skunks.

Geese.

Possums.

Deer.

Butterflies and birds.

This never gonna be a farm girl had become a farm girl.

We enjoyed making a lifetime of memories in just 3 short years.

The farm will always hold a special place in our hearts.

And live forever in the imaginations of my children...

Worth Your Time

2011-12-06T15:09:00.005-05:00

Since I am completely behind and slightly overwhelmed (still) at all I have to catch up with...I am jumping ship and bringing you two great reads that I totally found to be worth my time (and hopefully yours!)

Children Will Remember - what a great reminder to me during this busy season of life to STOP and not focus so much on the things my kids won't remember at all.

The 5 Best Toys of All Time - I couldn't agree more with this post. And have decided that is all my kids are getting for Christmas this year.

beginnings of the backlog: Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T15:53:00.008-05:00

Sometimes one has to go backwards before one can move forward...

We've crammed so much into the last few weeks that I am afraid if I don't take the time and document it...it will disappear into the black hole known as my memory right now.

I'll start with Thanksgiving.

The food. Oh, the food.

The football. Both watched and played.

The facepainting. It kept the kids happily occupied for hours. Who knew?!

The family togetherness. And a turkey induced coma nap.

And of course, the attempts at nice family pictures. Look closely and you'll notice why I said attempts.

alive

2011-11-30T22:19:00.004-05:00

yep, still alive...

but covered up in boxes and all the good stuff that comes with moving.

if only i could just move like a normal person...and, well...just move.

instead i cram a whole lotta painting, light fixture changing, furniture exchanging, and some other things that end with -ing.

it'll all be worth it. and i am loving our new place.

the older kids come home tomorrow (thanks Nana for keeping them out of my hair so we could get so much accomplished!)...so i have approximately 20 hours to put any finishing touches on any projects i don't want three extra sets of helping hands on!

it'll be a rush to the finish, for sure.

pictures to come...

snapshot: one day till moving day

2011-11-27T12:59:00.005-05:00

snapshot: thanksgiving cousin fun

2011-11-25T08:45:00.002-05:00

thank(full)

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-05:00

i am thankful that it is almost 2012.

because that means i have survived 2011.

and 2011 was something to survive.

i am thankful that i truly-really-telling-the-truth-100% think my husband just keeps getting better and better and better and better.

i am thankful that my kids are very forgiving.

i am thankful my God is in control.

even when i so desperately want to be.

i am thankful i can wear my skinny jeans again.

with only a little spillage.

i am thankful that i get to spend my days with the cutest baby in the world.

who lets me rock her to sleep every night. (my others weren't too keen on the whole rocking thing)

i am thankful to be a part of a church where Jesus is lifted high.

and lives are being changed.

but mostly i am thankful that Jesus has changed my life.

i don't ever (EVER) want to get over it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

swifty fly the years: ella mckay turns 6

2011-11-23T07:00:00.001-05:00

I've heard it said that the first five years stay with you forever...

Gulp.

I'm gulping because we have made it passed that almighty five year mark and officially have a six year old.

Ella was our planned Christmas present that surprised us on Thanksgiving way back in 2005.

A delicious 6 pound surprise of squish and sweetness.

She showed us early on that she knows exactly what she likes,

who she likes,

and when she likes it.

Period.

Filled with first born bossiness.

Tomboy and diva.

Competitive.

Creative.

Tree climber extraordinaire and protector of wee little creatures.

Determined.

Impish.

With some cheese dip on the side please.

Ella McKay,

You are my beloved first born who made me a mommy and took my breath away from the instant you were laid on my tummy. I will never get over that moment. It is a privilege to be yours. I am so proud of the little girl you are and the glimpses of the young lady I see emerging. Even at your young age it is evident that you are seeking after the Lord and it thrills and humbles me.

You are loved wildly and deeply and dearly.

to the moon and back,

Momma

p.s. You can stop growing up now.

p.p.s. I will never forget the way you fell apart at the mexican restaurant last night when all the bandito's came out to sing you happy birthday. Oh, the trauma. Trauma drama. I'm sorry I laughed at you.

Not Me Monday

2011-11-21T08:08:00.008-05:00

I did not teach my child to play UNO only to have her completely beat the pants off of me (and pretty much everyone else...) with her devilish scheming.

She is hard as a rock, people.

And shows no mercy.

Consuming innocent victims.

And laughing while she devours.

Hmm, that might be a bit much...

She is quite good though.

Consider yourself warned.

snapshot: partial reunion

2011-11-20T20:42:00.005-05:00

my heart will remain heavy until there is a TOTAL reunion for this family.

continue to pray.

and if you want to do more:

email KampalaVisa@state.gov

regarding case #KMP2011654002 and respectfully ask them to reevaluate their case.

snapshot: gramma's puppies from florida are wussies when it comes to cold weather

2011-11-19T16:25:00.003-05:00

an update and this is when the whirlwind begins

2011-11-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

**Update on prayer request** Homeland security did not step in and allow an override in obtaining Shabila's visa. Her case will now (weirdly enough) go to Kenya. Tasha is getting on a plane today to come home with only two of her kids, leaving Josh to stay with Shabila until they have further direction. I talked with Tasha yesterday, and their strength continues to amaze me. They are resting in the faithfulness of their BIG God.

Continue to pray.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Our life for the next few weeks is going to be C.r.a.Z.y.

Here and there and everywhere with company coming in, Thanksgiving travels, a trip to Green Bay Wisconsin to see the Green Bay packers play at Lambau field, and a tiny little thing called a MOVE thrown in for fun.

I am so excited to be moved and settled and finally out of this lovely transitional stage.

We had our walk-thru at our new house this week and everything looks good. Things here are about 95% packed up...leaving just enough stuff to cook with and wipe our bottoms with.

I am seriously considering not un-packing the kids toys at the new house and just letting them continue to play with the boxes. Why do I even bother with toys? The possibilities with empty cardboard boxes are endless...

My blogging over the next little bit might be a bit sporadic...but keep checking in because you never know when something awesome like a bearded man with an ax and a baby just might show up.

thursday thoughts: PRAYER REQUEST

2011-11-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

My heart is heavy as I write this out.

I have written on numerous occasions about my friends Josh and Tasha who are currently in Uganda completing the adoption of sweet little Shabila.

After 2 months spent in country they went for their exit interview at the embassy in Kampala, Uganda yesterday...with plans to get on the plane and come home THIS weekend. The supposed last step in the process. However, things did not go as planned...and the embassy has denied Shabila's visa. There are a lot of details involved in this case, of which, I don't feel is necessary (or prudent) to go into.

However, it is necessary and prudent to pray.

I am asking for you to pray.

The effective fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much. - James 5:16

Pray for a miracle.

They need a miracle.

Little Shabila needs a miracle.

We know our God is big.

And that he will sustain them.

Surely God is our help; He is the one who sustains me. - Psalm 54:4

I'll update as we get new information.

so wrong (and so right)

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Overheard unsolicited prayer between Eli and Ezra:

Ezra: Dear Jesus, help us to get lots of candy when we trick or treat again.

Eli: And help us watch Bambi.

Ezra: And help me to have a lightning mcqueen party.

Eli: And Santa Clause.

Ezra: Yes, and Santa Clause with presents.

Eli: Yes.

Ezra: Yes.

God is not a vending machine or a drive thru restaurant. I know this.

My boys are (obviously) still learning this.

However wrong this vending machine view of God that they currently posses, there are a few things that I could stand to learn from them.

I love that they felt like they could talk to Jesus without any prompting from me and not at the "traditional" times. The backseat of the van on an errand run is a great time to talk with their God.

I love that they felt like they could talk to Him about things that were important to them. Trick or treating, bambi, lightning mcqueen, and santa claus.

But mostly I loved their sense of expectation that came with the prayer. In their minds they had prayed for it...therefore, it was a done deal. They won't be surprised by God.

Yes, we have a lot of work to do on grounding their theology.

But I am reminded (yet again) of how much I stand to learn from them.

But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are like these children." (Matthew 19:14)

nothing like a bearded man with an ax

2011-11-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

and a baby?

and a pretty pink burp cloth in the back pocket.

oh yeah.

that's how i like em.

Memory Monday

2011-11-14T08:02:00.004-05:00

I waited patiently for the Lord;

he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on a rock and gave me a new place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust.

Psalm 40:1-4

8 Common Reactions to my Adoptive/Transracial Family

2011-11-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

I've gotten used to the different kinds of looks and interactions I get when I am out and about with all of my kids.

I thought I'd give voice to some of my personal favorites. And yes, the post was born out of an experience at a store yesterday where I encountered about 3 of these within the span of 30 minutes.

1. The Quizzical Look

Is she running a daycare? Did some guy(s) knock her up and leave her with all those kids? Are they all hers? I'd like to ask but instead I'll just do a double take. Then a triple take. Then just whisper to whomever I'm with.

2. The "You Must Be A Saint" Look

Self explanatory, but if smiles could gush...

3. The Disapproving Look

Again, self explanatory.

4. The "Didn't your Mother ever Teach you not to ask those Questions" Interaction

How much did he cost? Are you his real mom? Are his real parents dead? Where did you get him? Are you sure he doesn't have _______?

5. The "God Bless You/Superhero" Interaction

You are doing such a good thing. He is so lucky to have you. You must be a missionary.

6. The "Hollywood" Interaction

OH.MY.GOSH. HE. LOOKS. JUST. LIKE. ZAHARA. JOLIE-PITT. (Or some other famous brown skinned child who shares no resemblance to him other than the color of his skin.)

7. The "Hair" Interaction

Stuffing their hands into his hair and remarking "oh, i just LOVE his hair..." Is it hard to keep up with? Do you have to comb it? I just need to touch it!

8. (my personal favorite) The "Six Levels of Separation" Interaction

My cousins sisters best friends co-workers twice removed great aunt knows someone who knows someone who adopted and I need to make a beeline to you and make this connection NOW!

______________________________________________________________________________

All you other adoptive families...any others you'd like to add?!

_________________________________________________________________________________

I realize that most people are just curious and/or misinformed on so much of the adoption process, and so, for the record I am not easily offended. We made the choice to become a transracial family and therefore, I readily accept all the curiosity. In fact, I welcome the questions because I'd love to do anything I can to encourage YOU (yes, you!) to consider adoption.

However, it would be good of you to think about how that question is being perceived by the child standing right next to me BEFORE you ask it.

snapshot(s): duct tape use #14,529

2011-11-11T10:00:00.000-05:00

thursday thoughts

2011-11-10T07:23:00.010-05:00

Eating raw mushrooms (a favorite snack of mine, dipped in hummus of course...) always makes me hiccup.

We have been soaking up every last bit of sunshine and warm weather this week...

Or rather, I have been savoring every last second of being able to send the kids out the door without it taking 75 hours to put jackets and hats and socks and ________ on. Besides the inevitable sickness that is always lurking in the wintery shadows, I think I dread the added time it takes to go out the door the most.

I got the extreme privilege of taking both Ezra and Zoe to the doctors this week for their respective well check ups. Because I am an idiot I scheduled it for the same time as Eli's speech and occupational therapy appointments. Therefore, Jeremiah and I divided and conquered, but somehow I think I ended up with the short end of the stick.

I have decided that small windowless doctors office appointment rooms are a special foretelling of what h.e.double.hockey.sticks. might be like. Perhaps combined with the atmosphere of chucky-cheese on a Saturday afternoon.

And what is is about a doctors office that suddenly makes your child want to lick everything?

Nevertheless, we made it through...and compared to last year's experience Ezra actually did quite well. We could only go up from last year though, so not sure that is the most accurate statement.

However, he is healthy and thriving, so I choose to count my many abundant blessings!

Less than 3 weeks until the big move. I have kicked it into high gear this week and slowly but surely boxes are filling up the house and my closets and cupboards are emptying.

Ella made her first pie with me this week...

Turned out quite yummy too.

She will probably end up being a better baker than me.

(let's hope so...)

Happy Thursday!

zoe elizabeth: three months

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure if it is possible to be too cute?

If it is, then she has got it covered.

Three months is the beginning of a glorious age.

Smiles, laughs, coo's...and the glimpses of a personality emerging.

I love it.

And now for the particulars:

Zoe weighs 14 1/2 lbs and is over 24 in long, placing her in the 95%. Her 3 month clothes are getting quite snug and most of her 6 month clothes are fitting perfect.

She has settled into a nice little routine of eating every 3-4 hours during the day and typically goes down for the night between 7-8pm. I wake her up to feed her right before I go to bed around 10pm and then she sleeps all night until around 7am. She takes two long naps (2hrs+) during the day and 1 shorter cat nap around dinner time.

Of course this is all subject to change based on dreadful occurrances like time changes and doctors visits that include vaccinations. Evil things, I tell ya.

She loves to be held and cuddled. And she already loves to face outward and look at everything. She has typical 4th child syndrome and doesn't like being alone if we are in another room. She likes to be in the middle of it all. In not so typical 4th child syndrome she is very sensitive to noise and startles very easily.

She still can't make up her mind if she likes her pacifier or not.

She is the only one of all my children to like her swing.

She loves to listen to her daddy play guitar.

She is starting to like her car seat more.

She has a lot to say these days and seems to be incredibly vocal. Oh dear.

She does not like being swaddled anymore.

She can roll over from tummy to back.

She is very discretionary with whom she likes and doesn't like. (Sorry to those she has insulted...you know who you are.)

And she is oh so deeply adored around these parts it's not even fair.

Happy three months my sweet Zoe!

snapshot(s): cardboard wonderland

2011-11-08T07:13:00.008-05:00

I thought I'd start a new segment on this here ol' bloggy blog.

It is along the lines of my friend Tasha's "the view from here"...and the idea behind it is to feature a real time snapshot that captures the essence of our day/life/moment.

I think a lot of times a picture can capture a lot more than all my wordy words.

And so, without further ado, and more of my wordy words, our first snapshot:

not me monday: Oh, Ezra...

2011-11-07T06:48:00.013-05:00

Ezra did not have a banner weekend...

Because Ezra did not throw a rock at a friend's car and crack their windshield.

And of course Ezra did not leave his underwear in the middle school bathroom where our church meets on Sunday.

And then Ezra did not body slam an unsuspecting victim in the hallway of said middle school.

And certainly Ezra did not randomly "moon" other kids after church.

Those pastor's kids...

I tell you, they are nothing but trouble.

Not that my Ezra would do those things. Oh no. Not him.

the car seat personality test

2011-11-04T07:24:00.000-04:00

I've decided that I can deduce a lot about my kids unique personalities from how they respond to Zoe crying while in her car seat.

Eli: Either ignores it completely or tries to rub her head and give her a kiss.

Ezra: Puts his hands over his ears and tells me "Mom, Zoe's crying", "Mom, Zoe's crying", "Mom, Zoe's crying", "Mom, Zoe's crying..."

Ella: Gives me a "look" and tells me "Mom, she is just going to have to cry."

Eli is sweetness personified,

Ezra freaks out,

and Ella is full of practicality.

My favorite part is when they are all doing these reactions simultaneously to Zoe's crying. I'm sure you could tell a lot about my personality during those moments.

Ahem.

Not that this sweet little face ever cries, of course.

thursday thoughts: treasure trove

2011-11-03T07:40:00.000-04:00

On a recent walk around the pond (which I've been trying to get in as much as possible before we move) the kids picked up all kinds of treasures...

A "holy" leaf.

A turtle shell remnant.

A "bear claw" shaped piece of bark.

And a seed pod.

How I love their idea of treasure.

They love it when I make up treasure hunts for them...

Ella hit the treasure chest (yes, jackpot would work better, but it wouldn't fit as well with my treasure theme) when she got a brother who allows her to do this to him...

And I am totally stealing this idea from this months readers digest, but if I were to make a list of the top five things (my treasures, if you will) I would grab out of my house (besides my kids, duh) in the event of a fire it would look something like this:

1. Computer (with external hard drive)

2. Camera

3. Ezra's blankie's

4. My purse

5. Box of memento's I keep on my beside table (old love letters, kids hospital bracelets, etc.)

What would your list include?

Happy Thursday!

white space

2011-11-02T07:46:00.004-04:00

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

Recently at the conference Jeremiah and I attended with the other Creek staff, I was hit smack in the face with a very important spiritual discipline I have been sadly neglecting.

Resting.

Stopping.

Renewing.

Aka: observing a Sabbath.

As a ministry family Sundays are not days of rest for us. And while Jeremiah was taking Fridays as his "day off" we realized that was not really good planning for our family and our schedule. He is gearing up for the weekend ahead and finalizing little details for Sundays service. And I was using that day to catch up on running errands (without 4 little ones in tow) or grocery shopping or cleaning house or...

Our phones were always answered on these supposed days off. Nothing was set apart or sacred...time for reconnecting as husband and wife, family time, or time for renewing our intimacy with God.

There was no time in the week where people were made small and God was made big.

This lack of margin in my life makes me tend to respond with anger rather than patience. Having no white space makes me choose frustration over creating teaching moments with my kids. It trends towards co-habitating with my husband rather than an intimate relationship. Anxiousness trumps peace. Cultivating friendships and relationships are relegated to a line item on my to do list. And most sad of all, my relationship with God grows stale.

We knew that we needed to change this and for us that meant rearranging our schedules to make Mondays our new days off. To set limits on answering work calls and texts and running errands.

And for me I knew I needed to make small changes in my daily life. To carve out time where I make myself sit on the couch with a cup of tea and read a book...even if for only five minutes. To go for a walk (without my cell phone!) and breathe deep. Not to try and be productive, not work on something on my list, and not even to talk with my husband or play with my kids.

I am amazed at the difference this is making in my attitude.

(God actually knows what he is talking about...go figure!)

I love this paragraph that Craig Groeschel wrote in his book Weird, I think it describes perfectly the way I feel when I have taken the time to rest:

"My soul felt like it was thawing.

My mind became quiet.

My senses heightened and I noticed the incredible work of God.

Instead of overwhelming me, the noise of my Children brought a deep sense of joy.

I felt at peace with God. He was in control.

I felt like myself.

Fully alive.

Fully present.

Full aware of God's goodness."

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:32:00.012-04:00

First, the annual carving of the pumpkins...

Second, the preparation for trick or treating. Check out the concentration on the Daddy's face...

Third, the finished product: A lion, a Max (from Where the Wild Things Are), a cheerleader, and a duck...

Bonus: A squished duck in her car seat...

a new series: Ezra's Obsessions

2011-10-29T08:06:00.000-04:00

Ezra might be a bit obsessive compulsive.

Ok, maybe more than a bit.

We've seen these obsessions go in cycles. He will completely latch on to learning/playing a certain skill or toy and that is ALL he wants to do until he has mastered it. Conquered it. Then he moves on to the next thing.

Here's an example:

I like to call this period of his life the airplane period. I wrote about it here. We literally had dozens and dozens of airplanes made every day. Dozens and dozens.

We also had a train track period.

Then a coloring period.

And now his latest obsession (and this one is a doozy) is his drawing period. He draws all day long. I exaggerate not. All the day long. Cars, trucks, castles, spaceships, letters, letters, and more letters...

I saved all these papers over a 2 day period. Two days.

On the occasion that we have run out of paper or I forced him to take a break from drawing it is not unusual to see him tracing letters out in the air. In the air, folks. I told you this kid is obsessed!

If this obsession is still lasting around Christmastime all he is getting is markers and paper. Grandparents, take note.

girls got skills (of the two wheeled variety)

2011-10-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Check out what Ella learned to do at Nana's house last week (and has been practicing here non stop this week)...

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Jeremiah was only a little bit heartbroken that he wasn't the one to teach her. It's a good thing he has three others.

thursday thoughts

2011-10-27T08:00:00.000-04:00

Jeremiah has a new watchin' football buddy...

Zoe has found her fist...

I have a feeling it won't be long until she finds her thumb.

I feel like a new woman this morning because she slept for 9 straight hours last night. Actually, it is 7:30 and she is still sleeping...

It's time to start thinking about the packing process around here. Which, I've decided is going to involve a lot of purging. Nothing feels better than a good purge. Its a little bit overwhelming to start thinking about where to start. So, I think I'll just keep thinking about it...and not actually start yet.

We had our last hu-rah at pelican's sno balls yesterday. We will miss this place this winter...

I'm still in denial that winter is coming.

Although I've been a soup making fool lately: vegetable, chicken noodle, minestrone...all in one week. Nothing puts me in the mood to make soup like the threat of impending winter.

We've been in full fledged figuring out the kids costume mode around here this week as well. I think the boys want to go as ninja-pirate-lion-spidermen. And Ella flits between a cheerleader and a cat. I think we are moving closer to a final decision. Oh, and Zoe is a going to be a duck. I'm thankful for one child that doesn't have an opinion yet.

Sidenote: If you know Jeremiah in real life, ask him to tell you the story of the year he dressed up as a duck for halloween. It's a good laugh.

Happy Thursday!

Homeschooling: these are the days of the week

2011-10-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Ella has been obsessed with dates recently...

"How many more days until my birthday?"
"How many more days until we go to Nana's?"

"How many more days until Christmas?"

"How many more days until _____________?"

And so, in order to save my sanity, and provide her with some answers we made up our own personalized monthly calendars. She checks it off every day and counts down until the next exciting thing in her life. I love that every time she asks one of the "how many..." questions I can just tell her to go count for herself.

It was also great practice for her writing her numbers, counting, reviewing the seasons, and more.

Simple.

Easy.

And very effective at eliminating all those pesky questions. (Did I just write that out loud?)

Now onto mastering the whole clock and time thing...