A Trip to the Zoo

Summer is running out.  We start school next week.  We took today to head to a local free zoo.

My family, at the zoo

It's not fancy, but it's still fun.  We had a couple car loads.  My nephew joined us. My daughter that has been so sick came, though we pushed her around in a wheelchair to keep her from too much walking.  My baby sister came with her son. 

Megan and Kaden

We had a picnic lunch and then had such a blast at the zoo.  The petting zoo had a bunch of goats that were awesome with the children!  They were also fascinated by my daughter's wheelchair. 

Tasha being followed by some cute goats

Megan and her cousin, Kaden, are great friends.  They always have a blast together.  They hung together the entire day. 

Megan and the little goat that loved her.

We finished up the day with letting the kids run themselves silly at the attached park.  

Elijah and Laura

Days like this are special to me.  We don't get to do them often. 

Jasmine, surrounded (they wanted food)

My Little Star

My little girl acted in her first play. 

My sister was cast in the play Once Upon A Mattress for our local community theater.  She has wanted Megan to join in the play for a few years, but Megan's age and distance were factors.  Since we moved, she decided to let Megan try out.  My little girl has very little fear. She went to the audition and was extremely excited.  The dancing instructor called her a bouncing little diva.   

Megan was one of the little dancers.  It wasn't a big role.  For awhile I thought this wasn't going to work.  Megan is seven, but she is a busy little ADD child.  She wasn't getting the dance.  She would get bored while waiting endlessly for her time to do her part.  I thought that she was maybe not mature enough.  I was fine with pulling her.  She seemed to be okay with it too, since she didn't like waiting around while the others were onstage.

But... There was a man and wife on the board that stood up for her.  They didn't want a seven year old girl to have her feelings hurt because she wasn't getting a dance she only rehearsed once a week for a handful of weeks.  The dance instructor came up with a few other things for Megan, and she was back in the play.

Opening night came, and there was a fear that she wouldn't do well.  She still wasn't getting a part of the dance.  Then suddenly, in front of a crowd in the auditorium, she did amazing in her role.  She was awesome!

Some of her Precious Moments

She had a blast!  On the second night, I took her flowers.  Her sister brought her flowers.  Her Aunt brought her a cup with candy inside.  But... she was already sold.  She had gotten bitten by the acting bug.  The excitement of being in the play, performing in front of an audience, hearing applause... she was sold.  She walked to the car the second night after the performance saying, "I feel famous!"  Now, of course, I don't want her a little spoiled diva on my hands.

Center Stage (sorry it's blurry)

Megan is a child that has very little fear.  At times that is scary for me as a mom because my little girl never meets a stranger.  However, this makes her great on stage.  She isn't nervous or afraid to perform in front of people. 

Megan with Tasha on closing night

At seven, she might decide in a few years that she doesn't want to be in plays.  I don't mind.  God's plans for her are His and not mine.  However, I think that next year, she will be excited to perform again.

Make & Capture those Memories

Days go by quickly.  In the midst of busy Christmas seasons, we can be rushed and stressed.  Remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate.  And remember to take those photos.

Capture the moments that quickly go by.  It seems like only yesterday my grown daughters were little.  I have always taken many photos, even back when I had film and it took me months to afford to develop the photos!  I don't regret one photo.  They are more precious to me than riches. 

Last year was our last Christmas with my Grandma this side of heaven.  I miss her so much.  But as I looked back through all the pictures taken over the years, I see her beautiful face at all the family gatherings, and I am filled with gratitude for having had her in my life for so long.  

Take those photos of your loved ones.  Capture the love, not the things.  Capture the moments.  They will be precious later.

Second Homeschool Year

Jasmine began her second year homeschooling this week.  It was interesting to see her have her first Spanish lesson with Rosetta Stone.  She's so excited about her Physical Science class and the wonderful projects, models, and experiments that are included. To see this young lady excited for school, eager to learn, is a miracle after years of hating nearly every moment of public school.

We moved away from the workbook lessons in some of Jasmine's subjects this year. I really felt that Jasmine needed something more hands-on, with an approach that would work better for my very visual girl.   A have kept the workbook approach for a couple of subjects, but switched to Heart of Dakota, beefed up for High School, for science and social studies.  

Adding in fun electives, such as Rosetta Stone Spanish, and a digital photography class done by my sister, a professional photographer, and we are on our way to a well rounded year. 

Relaxing at the Park

Late last week we were killing time, waiting for Jasmine to finish an appointment.  We decided to take the girls to the park.  We technically have a park only a half block from our home. The kids go to the park nearly daily in warm weather.  However, this was not "our" park.

It's amazing how much fun kids will have at a park that's not the one they see all the time!  Laura and Megan had a blast. Megan, who is NOT shy at all, made friends with another little girl very quickly

.

My husband and I joined in the fun.  I played on the swings.  We both pushed the girls on the swings.  After all, every kid needs an "underdog" once in awhile.

We stayed for a couple hours.  The girls wore themselves out. (I think I did too.)  It was definitely a fun way to relax on a sunny, summer afternoon.

A Pinterest Interest

Jasmine is branching out in her interests.  She has officially been homeschooled for one year.  Her confidence in herself is growing.  She doesn't have the same peer influences she had one year ago.  Slowly I'm watching her grow and mature into who God made her to be.

She's gotten to take a couple trips.  While she still spends too much time focused on media for my comfort, she also is slowly spending more time reading and listening to music.  She's excited to begin a classical music class this year.  She's even played model for her photographer aunt.

Recently Jasmine discovered Pinterest.  Jasmine is just now learning to cook, and she is learning quite a bit.  I have her cook basic meals occasionally.  She surprised me the other day when she learned how to make a brownie in a cup.  The recipe is on Pinterest.  She found the ingredients and decided to try it.

She was successful.  A couple minutes in the microwave and she proudly showed me her new treat.  I didn't try it, but it looked and smelled yummy.  I think I may have her show me the recipe at my next chocolate craving!

Imagination Takeover

The Summer Reading Program at our local library is so much fun for Megan.  She looks forward to it every week, just as she did Story Hour this past school year.  The Summer Reading Program is always very imaginative.

With games, a story based on a theme, a craft, and a snack; the hour is full of fun.  Thus year the theme is "Digging into the Past".  The kids are learning all sorts of adventurous things.  A "pirate"-themed week was great fun.  The kids all looked for treasure, followed a treasure map, and made pirate hats.  The librarians were all decked out in pirate costumes.

Megan looked so adorable in her pirate hat that I HAD to take a couple pictures.  These are the fun moments I love capturing!  Kids learn through play.  Watching Megan with her pirate hat and treasure map, it was clear she had learned at the Summer Reading Program and was ready for adventure!

Feeling Froggy

Some learning moments can't be planned.  Laura found a frog the other morning.  She brought it into the back porch for Megan to see.  Megan, however, looked at the frog the same way she looks at worms in my garden...with disgust.

Jasmine finally convinced Megan to touch the frog by holding it herself.  Megan was surprised it wasn't slimy. She even liked the little thing... Sorta. 

Megan may have been a little brave, but she still won't go near worms in my garden.

Tea Party with the Dolls

Summer is here and we are on a break... mostly. Jasmine is finishing up a couple of subjects that we began late. Other than that, this was a week of no school. We didn't even do half days. I'll probably begin that next week.

I spent most of the week on a juice fast. It was important to me to take some time with the Lord.  I felt that the girls could use the break from academics as much as I needed it.  Laura spent the week swimming with a friend, and Megan spent the week playing.... A LOT!  It was so nice to just relax for a bit. 

I snapped the picture above while Megan was playing tea party with her baby dolls.  It was so cute to watch her play, imagination in full gear.  I sometimes forget the importance of play to learning.

Field Trip... To Florida!

A few weeks ago my sister asked if she could take Jasmine to Florida with them on a short vacation.  Her husband had never seen the ocean, and she has been wanting to show him for a long time. 

My sister and brother-in-law have had a rough year.  It was almost exactly one year ago that they lost nearly everything when the parsonage they were living in burned down.  Then, just a short time later, their the year old was diagnosed with Autism. 

Things have stabilized for them.  They bought a home of their own after the fire. Their son is attending a special school for autism. Finally, they are taking a break from ministry, car sales, a photography business, and college classes.

Jasmine is amazing with their son.  He is attached to Jasmine. Thinking she would be a great extra set of hands, as well as a babysitter if they want a nice dinner out, they asked her to go along.

Jasmine has not traveled much.  My husband and I figured it would be an incredible opportunity for her. So, we let her go.  She had a couple of Spring Break days she hadn't taken.

Homeschooling let's me adjust the schedule to allow for fun things like this when they come around.  It's rare, but so worth it.

Enjoying Spring!

It was a beautiful, warm, windy spring day.  The kids had a challenging time focusing on school when they knew outside fun was waiting!  Laura did her reading outside.  Megan was excited to go to Story Hour at the library.

Story Hour Time!

Jasmine was caught on camera playing with my little doggy, Sophie.  Luckily, Sophie is very good-natured and tolerated being made into a super-hero.

Jasmine having fun

Laura even snuck her kitty outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.

Laura and her kitty

Megan found the sidewalk chalk.  

Megan being creative

From children to pets, today was a GREAT day to be outside!

Nala and Sophie

First Hair Cut

My daughter Tasha came over for dinner last night.  After we ate and visited for a bit, I asked her to trim my hair.  She's been the only one to cut my hair for several years.  Then I asked her to cut Megan's hair.  

Megan's hair is still baby thin.  I know it won't stay that way forever because her father and I both have thick hair.  But, since she has my genetics, her hair takes a LONG time to grow.  As it grows, it curls. 

Megan spent her first couple of years nearly bald. This is why it has taken nearly six years for her to get her first haircut.  But... finally... her dead ends had to go.  They tangled so easily and were frizzy.

 

After Tasha trimmed Megan's hair, and it began to dry after we had wet it down, it was even more curly than it had been before.  It looked adorable on her.

Has Spring Arrived?

The snow is melting.

It's warm enough to hang clothes on the line.

Buds are forming on the lilac bush.  Skies are blue and gorgeous.

It's been a long winter.  I'm happy for Spring!

She's a Teen!

It's official.  Laura turned 13!  I can't believe how fast time has flown since I gave birth to a tiny, five pound miracle nearly three weeks before my due date!  She was very tiny, but she quickly grew.  She may always be a petite thing, but she is definitely getting tall.  I expect that she'll pass me in height before she is finished growing.

Laura is my quiet girl... sometimes.  She's only quiet around those she don't know well.  At home, she is not so quiet.  She loves reading, writing, and music.  She loves the Lord, and I couldn't ask for anything more than that.  She has a deep love for missions and devours anything she can about missionaries.  I usually throw in missionary stories for her whenever possible because she reads them so quickly.

She reminds me of a little, wise old lady with a quirky streak.  In fact, she reminds me of my grandmother that just recently passed away. 

I love her more each year.  I pray for all God has for her.  She loves serving Christ.  If there is one child that shows definite fruit from homeschooling, it is Laura.  Unaffected by peers at school, she is an individual through and through.  I love my girl, and love that I get to teach her at home.

Snow Fun!

It's been a busy few last couple weeks.  One daughter was on a mission's trip.  We were having a snowstorm here. School has gone on as usual, though we had a couple of days where we got a little behind.

Last week's snowstorm gave the girls some fun time outside.  Jasmine had fun throwing snow at the girls.  Yes, it was a little unfair that she used the shovel to scoop it instead of just throwing snowballs.  They didn't seem to mind, however.

 All the girls had fun playing around.  I even caught Laura eating snow.  Since we made dairy-free snow ice cream that evening, I figure the snow is fresh and pure enough.

Megan LOVED the outside.  She has been cooped up too long this winter.  She got on her snowsuit (which won't fit her next year), snow boots, and bundled up.  She didn't want to come in!

Even Sophie, my puppy, had a good time.  Jasmine bundled her up in a dog coat.  I used to think those things were silly.  After all, dogs have fur.  But, now that I actually have a puppy, I want her to be warm.  I laugh at myself for how silly yet devoted I am to my little puppy. 

We enjoyed the snow.  We haven't had much this winter.  However, we are also more than ready for Spring.  

Loving winter, but bring on SPRING!

Travel School

We traveled south today to go visit my sister.  It was a beautiful drive.  The roads were clean and clear, but the snow is incredibly gorgeous.  With rising temperatures over the next few days, I realize I may be looking at the last of winter for the year.

Jasmine finished her assignments on the way.  Megan finished work at my sister's.  Laura woke up early and finished before we left. 

I loved the chance to get out of the house.  Often, through the week, I feel house bound.  Needing a break from the routine, the impromptu trip was a perfect way to get away from it all.

Etchings

One of the wonderful things about using Heart of Dakota is that it includes a bunch of wonderful arts and crafts!  I am not very good at planning this type of thing myself.  I tend to be more focused on academics, even though I completely believe that combining as many senses as possible into learning is best.  Yesterday, Megan did a beautiful etching to go with her lesson.

Megan's history and Bible lesson was on Cain and Abel.  The etching was an awesome way to show how God can see inside our hearts.  The etching was bright and beautiful, but covered with with black crayon, it was hard to tell what was underneath.

But when we used a key to etch the black off, we could see glimpses of the beauty underneath.

The finished product was dramatically striking.  Megan, at first, didn't understand why she had to cover her beautiful colors with black.  However, when she realized how neat it looked when she could put designs on the black with colors peaking out beneath, she was then excited!

Christ at the Center

Last week Megan had an art project for history.  She was learning about the creation of the world.  She made a collage of black and gray paper, representing the world without form.  In the center, she placed a yellow cross, showing her that Christ was in the beginning with God. 

I love that Christ is in every subject, woven throughout the lessons.  Heart of Dakota is simply amazing!

Beautiful Butterflies

Megan's Butterfly Life Cycle Pictures

The last couple of weeks Megan and I have been researching and reading about butterflies.  I think we read every book in the library for kids about butterflies.  We also spent five days learning about the life cycle of a butterfly. Every day we would read about a stage in the butterfly life cycle.  Then, Megan would color and cut out a picture of that stage.  From egg thru a butterfly emerging from the chrysalis, we learned about them all.

Memories 2012