Welcoming school and fall...

Homeschooling is not something I ever thought I would do. It was something other people did and that was great for them. (If you know me well enough, you would also know that I wasn't going to be at stay at home mom either!). However, God had different plans, and I am so thankful that He did! We have completed over six weeks of school, and honestly, I have enjoyed every minute of it (even wondering if she would ever be able to put two sounds together to form a word). It is a joy and blessing to watch Karis blossom and catch on to things. Listening to her read sentences, answer questions about what I am reading to her, see her "love" to do math (my mom will be so proud), listen to her quote Scripture, and see her handwriting progress into very legible writing are just some of the few things I have seen.
It is a challenge with Noah though. He enjoys the thought of school, but mostly he just wants to sit in my lap and ask me to "play cars with him." He has in the last few days been doing some school of his own though!

We converted the extra room, which in is exactly what it is (it has an extra fridge, exercise equipment, extra chairs, etc. in it). Justin and I made one corner the "school room." I think it will always be the "hot room, cold room," to my kids though. They call it that because it has a window unit because the room was added onto the house. So in the summer it is hot and in the winter it is cold.

So without further ado:

Welcome to our classroom

Yes, I realize Noah has on the same outfit in all the pictures. It is two separate days, but you can see what he likes to wear!

I love fall and all that goes along with it. I took the idea from a friend and the kids and I did a fun fall day, celebrating the One who "changes times and seasons," (Daniel 2:21).

Noah and Karis enjoyed painting a tree with it's colorful leaves falling.


The kids coloring fall pictures, and Karis doing her handwriting sheet.

HAPPY FALL YA'LL
(Yes, there the Texan in me is still very present in my speech!)

Birthday and the Drive In

I turned 32 last week. Another wonderful birthday, this one was especially wonderful because on my actual birthday, the family and I went shopping and out to eat (two of my favorite things). Of course when I have money in my pocket, I don't usually find much, which is exactly what happened, but at I now have some money for winter clothes. I was overwhelmed by the many birthday cards and calls from friends and family. I truly felt special on my birthday this year, thanks to all of you!

We always save our birthday cards for about a week and leave them up. My favorite one is the homemade one by Karis, if you look closely, it is our whole family (Calvin included).

I got a new silverware drawn organizer from the kids. Since they usually unload the dishwasher now, they were very excited about this present. Karis couldn't wait to unload the dishwasher!

Friday night we went to the drive in, it was an BIG screen outside for the kids to watch UP. We went with the Powell's, some of our dear friends. It was so fun and the weather was cool.

Tess and me

Owen, Karis, Aiden, and Noah looking at the BIG screen!

Noah sat on my lap most of the time with his Doritos lips! I must have forgotten to wipe them.

The kids enjoying the movie.

Goodwill Rocks!

Last week, I made a quick stop at our local Goodwill store. I randomly go in there when I have a few minutes of extra time and just to look around. I was rewarded with two great finds, early birthday presents my husband informed laughing! He doesn't share my joy over a great find, but I know he appreciates it, something about men not liking to shop and all that! Anyways, here they are:

an Ann Taylor Loft skirt, and

a Talbots skirt that still had the price tag on!

The grand total was: $6.50.