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.

A Belated Congradulations!

In July, our friends and church members, Josh and McCaffity got married. It has been a long time since we have been to a wedding, and it was a blast. The kids had fun, especially at the candy table and seeing Josh and McCaffity. My kids just love them both. It was a Christ honoring service, and we got to visit with some friends and church family.

Hannah, Karis, McCaffity, Madeline, and Josh

Family pic

CONGRATS JOSH AND MCCAFFITY! Sorry this is so late. You know we love you guys!

All Aboard!

Our last few days, we always try to squeeze in some family photos. It seems as though they are never when we are dressed nicely, but at least we are smiling, most of us that is. Please excuse the dog food in the back of one of the pictures, and Noah's face in the first picture. Karis was having one of her "I'm not taking a picture day" in the first photo, thus her absence.

In pictures, I realize how much I look like my mom! I hope I look as good as she does at her age, (not that she is THAT OLD!) love you Mom!

family pic (dog food in the background)

We also took the kids to ride the train in Wilson. The kids had a fun time, but I think Justin had more fun trying out the new camera!

Thanks Mom and Dad for all the fun we had. We look forward to seeing you in about five more weeks!

Bowling and dart gun wars!

While my parents were here, we took the kids bowling. It was fun, especially since it was Noah's first time and since everyone of us is very competitive (the adults I mean!). I won the first game, and Justin won the second game.

Papa John with his "rally" cap on for the second game.

Justin and his perfect form!

Going for my first strike, I only got one!

My mom's still got it!

Some spectator picks:

Papa John and Noah watching intently.

Waiting patiently for our turn.

Noah eating a snack with Papa John.

We also had a dart gun war one night:

I don't remember who won. I think Noah quit before the game was actually over. Fun times!

Wiped Out!

After a whole day of outlet shopping this is how we found the boys after unpacking:

totally WIPED OUT!

Papa John and Amma visit: part I

My parents came to visit us for a whole week at the end of July early August. We have been so busy with soccer camp, Justin going to Texas for his Aunt's funeral, and our computer was out of use for awhile. I had already uploaded the pictures awhile back but never did anything with them.
Our visit with my parents was so relaxing, fun, and we all enjoyed each other so much. We picked up my parents from the airport on Monday and headed to the Disney and Lego store at the mall in Raleigh. Karis got some new Lego's, and Noah some new cars thanks to Papa John and Amma. We spent the Tuesday and Wednesday hanging around the house, eating at Dick's, going to Wal-Mart, visiting our local farmer's market, and (not allowing Papa John out of our sight, especially Noah).
Side note: Karis is not fond of taking pictures, unless she doesn't know you are taking them, thus the reason there are more of Noah.

At the Farmer's market

Watching a movie with Amma

(If you double click on the collage, it will make it bigger)

Two of my favorite people, I love you two!

Installment 2 of pictures will be along shortly, you can look forward to:

dart gun army wars

bowling

train riding

One Can, One Can't

When I was younger playing softball, one of my favorite things to eat was Sour Power. It is not the same as sour punch straws. It was really, really sour, and I used to get 10 for $1 and eat them all in a few minutes. (I can't do that anymore, after a few I get a stomach ache now). They sell the sour power at the mall, so sometimes when we go, I buy some. Karis and Noah got to experience the taste:

Noah ate it without making a face!

Karis couldn't handle it, it was too much for her!

Hanging Around at the Beach

To wrap up our beach vacation posts, I wanted to share what we did other than going to the beach. We played putt-putt for the first time, played Hulabaloo, watched some movies, and put together 150 & 300 piece puzzles. The most exciting thing for me was seeing the BLUEBELL sign in an ice cream shop window. Justin didn't believe me at first, but after we passed it again, he did. We all enjoyed our scoops of BLUEBELL (I had two scoops, mint chocolate chip and coffee).

Everytime I see the picture of Noah and Justin on the couch, I can't help cracking up laughing. While we were watching a movie, Noah sat on the couch crossing his legs like that and it tickled me so I couldn't stop laughing. Noah looked at me and said, "Is this funny Mommy?" I laughed until I cried after he kept asking me if it was funny as he would cross and uncross his legs.

The last morning at the beach we took a few early morning pictures.

My favorite little munchins!

Sweet siblings

My three favorite people!

See you next time

Beach FUN!

We woke up earlier than usual on Monday morning since the kids were sleeping in the same room, (we changed the sleeping arrangements the next night), and decided to head to the beach. We packed all the necessary things: lunch, snacks, drinks, snacks, sunscreen, snacks, towels, snacks, etc. Before we headed out, we took a family photo courtesy of our camera's delay start.

Beach fun here we come!

The wagon's all packed,

here we go!


We spent about four hours out in the sand and waves before we headed back to take a much anticipated nap! We went for walks, built sandcastles, jumped in the waves, and enjoyed God's beautiful creation.

My kids favorite books at the library are called, "Whose skin is this?," or "Whose nose is this?," etc. So to keep to their titles,

"WHOSE FEET ARE THESE?"

Off to the Beach We Go

A few weeks ago, our family went on our summer beach vacation. We went to a new beach this year, called Holden Beach courtesy of some church members. As usual, the kids had a wonderful time. We went unplugged for three days and it was fantastic. The house we stayed in didn't have a clock anywhere in sight, so we didn't even know what time it was, no time table was so relaxing. Here are some pictures from our first night:

We got to bring Calvin with us, he loved being with the family!

My big girl!

More to come.....