fell in love at 22

Two days old

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 21:28:00 +0000

Wednesday, January 4: I was talking to my mom on the phone and it beeped that another call was coming through. I looked down and saw the numbers 562 and immediately knew who it was and what they wanted. I quickly said goodbye and then hello. There was no small talk. Just some basic information relayed while she awaited my answer. I knew the answer was yes, but called Cale to make sure. And just like that, life shifted. A phone call bearing news of a two day old little boy who needed a place to be loved and protected and care for. And that place was with us.

Shall I back up and fill you in a little bit? It's a long God-filled story, but I'm going to give you the Cliff Note version. Last April, having already known that it was God's plan for our family to grow through adoption, He began to shift that vision to something we'd never considered: foster care. Dun, dun, duh. And that's totally how we felt about it. Not something we'd ever considered, but He had. So a few short weeks later, after some praying and crying and peace overflowing, we signed up for Foster Care classes through our county. It took til the end of September for our home study to be approved, but when it was done we were officially licensed Foster Parents. And then we waited.

And we waited some more. We were well aware that it is a good problem to not have children come into the Foster Care system, but at the same time were so ready to see who God would bring to our family, for how ever long. And a week and a half ago that waiting and wondering came to an end. He brought us the sweetest little guy, E, who has turned our family upside down in the best possible way. We have no idea how long he will be with us, but we are all resolved to love him well everyday that he's here. I don't know what the Lord is going to do in E's life or in our family, but I know it will be good. And for today I'm going to soak up some newborn love and every little squeak and wriggle!

My 2011 Book Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 19:27:00 +0000

I love to read. I can still remember the first story I read in my first grade reader. It was called "A Fish Out of Water" and I was so proud of myself to have read it through with no help. Once I could read, I never stopped. My physical location has never limited me...the library aboard the SS Anastasis kept me sane during my Discipleship Training School in Western Africa. And my husband didn't even bat an eye when I needed practically a whole suitcase for books when we moved to Namibia. He knows I need them!

I go through an ebb and flow with reading. Sometimes I'll read 2 books in a week and then go a few without reading any. Depends on how busy life is and if I have any room in my brain to add to. I've never kept track of the books I read, but decided to in 2011. I was interested to know how many I actually read in a year and I was completely surprised by the number. I read 47 books in 2011. Some were great, some were challenging and some were just an easy read to escape with. If reading more is on your list of goals for the New Year, here's a few of my favorites from last year.

Hands down, the best book I read is Somewhere More Holy by Tony Woodlief. I wrote about it here already, and I can still say it is a beautiful testament to God making beauty from ashes and filling our lives, every room of them, with His goodness. I still think of this book on a weekly basis and plan to read it again this year.

I discovered a new author that writes "Christian fiction" (FYI- I don't like that term!) that isn't brain numbingly bad. There are good ones out there and she is one of them- Sally John. She's written several and a few different series and I've really enjoyed them all. Some are better then others, but overall engaging characters and stories that ultimately honor God. I think I read 8 of her books last year if that tells you anything!

Belong to Me by Maria de los Santos was a beautiful follow-up to the author's debut novel (Love Walked In) which I read in 2010. The second book was even better then the first. Warning: this does have some explicit language which I'm usually very careful about, but didn't find it overly offensive in context. Wonderfully written with characters you will be sad to leave. I just requested her newest one from the library and can't wait to read it.

One of my top five books of all time was revisted this year, Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. It was as beautiful and gut-wrenching as I remembered it to be. I think it says a lot about a book that on my third time through, I was still moved to tears at times and laughed aloud at others. If you haven't read this book...do yourself a favor and read it this year. It contains some of the most perfect sentences you'll ever read.

And here's a few honorable mentions that I really enjoyed, in no particular order. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society..drug my heels on this one because everyone kept saying how good it was. They were not lying; especially enjoyable if you like historical fiction set in WW II. This book, Before I Go to Sleep by SJ Watson is so not my usual style, but I ended up really enjoying it. Kinda freaky, but good! One of my first books of 2011 was Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Difficult and heart-breaking to read, but also can't turn the pages fast enough.

My only goal in regards to reading in this new year is to beef up my non-fiction list. I love to collect non-fiction and slowly read them. It's time to dust off that stack and get busy. I aim to read at least 2 non-fiction each month. As for the rest, I'm open to suggestions. Read any good books lately?

Christmas 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:02:00 +0000

Christmas was quite the celebration around here! See for yourself...

click to enlarge

We had early risers, the Christmas story in bed, stockings, Christmas coffee, gifts, a yummy breakfast and then we headed to church. We've decided that going to church on Christmas morning is awesome and we should do it every year! What better way to celebrate our Savior's birth then gathering with His church to worship Him?!! We were fortunate to be able to share a Christmas dinner with a full table of family and friends. A wonderful day full of His goodness and grace that fill our lives!

December in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 03:34:00 +0000

So I don't forget it, the big and small...

my three favorites...Christmas tree hunting

the perfect Blue Spruce made its way home with us

all dressed up and heading to "The Nutcracker"

family tradition- Lebanon Christmas Parade

best seat in the house at the parade

Christmas crafting- torn paper trees

progressive dinner with our home group

good friends, sweet girls and good food

Christmas program at church

my two little cheeseballs

and again with my favorite peeps

700 toys bagged up and ready to go

what consumed much of my December- Toys for Tots

cookie helpers-Mati was so proud of "his" apron

little dough snitcher

my big helper

showing off their efforts

the artists' work!

early gifts-hooded towels that became capes that became Mary and Joseph costumes

It has been the merriest, and definitely the busiest, of Decembers!

Christmas in the making

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:52:00 +0000

Life has been full and good and busy the last week and there's no end in sight! I know this time of year is busy for everyone and we're no exception. It is the busyness that threatens to overwhelm me and make me miss what this season is all about: Our King who came, who is coming again. Ann Voskamp's words always encourage and restore me and that's never been more true then in some posts she wrote last week. Here's a few excerpts...

"Still unfolding it: the only place to be fully alive is right here.

There are dishes in the sink and balls of yarn on the floor and boots at the back door.

I profane this moment when I don’t stay in it.

Be all here: and be holy. Because the Presence of I AM always fills the present moment.

When I am mindful of this moment, the mind fills with God and the heart fills with peace, and joy-thanks fills the prayers, and isn’t the only way God can come to us is through the door of this moment?"

And this thought that I'm constantly coming back to, using it as a gauge for how I'm spending my time...

"Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it’s a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ. Any weight in Christmas has to be of this world."

There is joy in the serving and giving and reading and crafting and wrapping and choosing and when it becomes heavy to me, I need to step back. There has been lots of reevaluating and putting aside of some things that "we always do" and I"m okay with that. I want Him to be the focus, not our traditions or stuff or experiences. I want-no need- to be in the moment and allow Him to be there with me. I want it all to point to Him and He's helping clear my eyes to what that really looks like. It might not look that different on the outside, but the view from my heart has shifted.

And I love what I see.

Christmas Projects: Noel Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:29:00 +0000

Raise your hand if you love pinterest? Dumb question, right? I've been so inspired by projects I've seen on there and this is my latest creation. The original idea is from Pottery Barn and their version is made from forged metal, so this is not the same at all. But that's the beauty of it all, one idea spawns another and we create something beautiful to us with our own stamp on it.

I followed the directions found here, but found that hot glue didn't hold and Cale ended up screwing the letters together. Much sturdier! MDF letters from Michael's painted in umber and crimson and they really look like stained wood. My house does not have good lighting at all so these pictures stink, but you get the idea! I wanted to show what it looks like on the wall but since its gray and dreary my already dark living room is really dark! I love how it turned out and it cost me about $12 and an hour of time. A great, easy project with big payout- these look great in my living room. That's my kind of crafting!

Thanksgiving 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:28:00 +0000

We had a great Pennsylvania Thanksgiving with my family, despite a nasty stomach virus that hit my mom the day before. I thought we were going to have to cancel Thanksgiving if we all ended up sick. But I'm happy to report no one else did and the holiday went as planned. We just didn't let mom touch anything and she stood in the kitchen and bossed us all around to get dinner on the table. It was delicious, as always!

Kids table

and the grown-ups table

We did our annual Black Friday shopping and completely enjoyed the early opening times. We headed out around 10pm and hit Walmart, Target and Kohls and were home and in bed by 2:30am. And we all got exactly what we were looking for. Black Friday shopping gets such a bad rap, but we really love it. And we didn't meet any mean or crazy people. So fun!

Friday afternoon we enjoyed another family tradition, our sleigh ride. Except it was 60 degrees and breezy so it was a wagon ride. But fun regardless! This was our fourth year and our third without snow, but we don't care. The kids love it! They each get a turn driving the horses and halfway through we stop at a cabin for a little break. At the cabin we have snacks and the kids put on some sort of short play/program. This year's was a hit as we figured out what Christmas is all about: Christmas is Christ. Growing up we went on sleigh rides for several years with my grandpa, aunts, uncles and cousins and I love creating the same kind of memories with our kids!

Haven's turn with the horses. She loves it! Mati would have nothing to do with it!

The kids getting ready for our show! Then it's time for hot chocolate, caramel corn and humdingers!

Trying out the horses before we headed back

And of course the biggest kid couldn't be left out!

The whole gang: Thanksgiving 2011

The God Who Sees

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:33:00 +0000

You wouldn't think that a 10 minute drive could land you in another world, but it does. It happened last night. We got in the car and when we stepped out, we were there. A place where people don't know where the next meal is coming from. Where the wallet has eight crinkled dollar bills that need to last to the end of the month. Where it is hard to trust God cares because no one has ever been trustworthy. Where hope can look like a sack of potatoes or a jar of peanut butter being shared.

I went to Renee's house last night. The world would look at our encounter and say that she was the one who was blessed because of our visit. But I can tell you that is completely untrue. We stood on her porch, arms weighed down with bags of groceries and called out that we were from the church. She slowly made her way to the door, untangling her oxygen line as she went. Once she realized what was going on, she began to cry and so did I. I was overwhelmed by the goodness of our God who sees. He saw that Renee had cooked the last of the food in the fridge for her son. God saw that there wasn't enough money to get through the month. He saw her shoulders stooped low from the weight of worry. He sees her sick heart and failing body. He sees her downcast spirit. But He also sees a heart that loves Him and trusts Him and gives Him all the glory. He heard all three of us praising Him together; for His perfect care and perfect timing. That He allows me to be the tiniest piece of His puzzle in her life...reminding all of us of His care and love in everything.

As Cale and I walked back across the front of her house, her voice could be heard, raised in praise to the God who sees. Renee helped me to see Him more clearly. Sure, we gave her a few bags of food, but what we walked out of there with was far, far greater.

Don't be fooled. Hope really does look like a sack of potatoes.

Only treats at our house

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:44:00 +0000

Our little monkey and "It's raining cats and dogs!" get-up

Already wound up before they got the sugar load!

Haven carved her pumpkin herself this year (left) and Mati told Cale what he wanted

A fun time had by all!

weekends are good for...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 02:15:00 +0000

...cleaning and purging and making room
...finding ingenious inventions at every one's favorite Swedish store
...making a pot of soup that was my favorite as a child
...getting those little items checked off my list

...carving pumpkins
...making a list of Christmas presents
...pinning
...catching up on some reading
...pizza and The Cosby Show with my kids
...cheering my team to a win
...curling up with my love to watch a movie

Peanut Butter and Honey Popcorn

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:32:00 +0000

I first started making this popcorn recipe last year and my kids love it! For some reason it is a fall-ish snack to me so I haven't made it in almost a year. The kids were delighted when they saw it spread out on the table when they came in from playing outside. It's really easy, different, but delicious!

Peanut Butter and Honey Popcorn

1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup honey
1/2 sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 bags microwave popcorn ( or 16 cups popped popcorn)
brown grocery bag

Make popcorn according to package directions. Place popped kernels in bowl and then sift through popcorn to place it in grocery bag, careful to not get any seeds. (Biting on one of those is a major bummer!) In medium saucepan, combine sugar and honey and bring to a rolling boil. This will take a few minutes. Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla. Stir to combine then pour mixture into bag on popcorn. Shake vigorously to coat the popcorn. Spread out on cookie sheets or waxed paper to cool. Note- this popcorn doesn't harden like caramel corn. It's stays soft and somewhat sticky, but not stuck-in-your-teeth sticky.

It makes a great treat for school parties or fall activities. These are all packaged up and ready to go with Mati to his Harvest Party tomorrow at Tuesday School. Free printable bag labels are from here. I printed and cut them out and them folded in the edges of snack size ziploc bags and stapled on. Easy and so cute!

Nine years...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Nine years of saying yes to you.

That yes has taken me places I never could have imagined as we followed Him together.

Where will the next nine years of yes, to each other and Him, take us?

I have no choice/I'd still choose you

Source: None via Kate on Pinterest

More gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Let's end the week where we began, with a thankful heart ready to receive His gifts.

The love and joy this boy fills my heart with daily.

Fifteen years of growing in understanding of God as my Father and trusting Him accordingly.

That He can and will redeem anything from the darkest of days.

The sun rises and His mercies are new today.

Memories that bring a smile to my face.

Brilliant orange leaves, slowly making their way to the ground.

Friends who see all the junk in my heart and love me still.

Kindness being exhibited in my kids, however fleeting.

Evidence of his love for Jesus and servant heart that I still see even today.

Hayrides, pumpkins and apple cider- good stuff fall days are made of.

Knowing deep in my heart that I was (and am) loved and cherished.

Hope of heaven.

All these things and a thousand more besides. What are the gifts you're enjoying today?

Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 22:09:00 +0000

Hair blowing in my eyes as the wind whips through open windows and sunroof.

Blazing blue skies and a backdrop of beautiful changing leaves.

Apple picking and the sweet tart goodness of a freshly picked apple.

Her eyes lighting up in recognition at my arrival.

The papery thin skin as I bend to kiss her cheek and tell her I love her.

His hand that gently wipes away the tears of overwhelming that flow.

A sweet sleeping boy and a sweet reading girl in the backseat.

Plan B leading us a different way today.

Savoring every word of a favorite book being reread.

Taking the back roads toward home.

A picnic in the sunshine.

All of it a gift; grace undeserved.

Choosing today to be thankful for every moment.

To let myself be caught up in the current of grace that is my life.

The not-quite-camping Camping Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Last weekend we were fortunate enough to get away with our home group from church to some beautiful property about an hour from our house.

Unfortunately, it was only this beautiful outside for about 2 hours of the whole trip, but we didn't let that deter us from having fun.

These two earned some sort of merit badge from the weekend. Despite the cold, rainy, windy weather we decided to still attempt sleeping out in the tent Friday night. We put the kids to bed out in it (alone- no one else was stupid enough to attempt tent camping when there was a nice warm lodge to sleep in!) and they never once complained about being cold. They slept through til 3am when we carried them inside because we couldn't hack it. I'm not sure if it was the 38 degrees or the 20mph winds that really did me in! Either way, having the lodge as our back-up plan was awesome! As were our friends who didn't get mad when we woke them up banging our way inside and helped us get set up and warmed up.

The kids didn't let the cold wet weather deter them from their one true goal this weekend which was fishing. I took no pictures of it because, hello, it was cold and wet out there! But they went out 3 different times for at least an hour to fish and loved reporting back on who caught what and how many.

Love this guy even though he made me sleep out on the cold ground! He more then made up for it with the perfectly cooked pizza mountain pies he made me. He knows the way to my heart!

Late Saturday afternoon the clouds broke open and we got out there to enjoy as much sunshine as we could. The property we were on used to be gravel pits that are now a series of small lakes. There were tons of trails, but it was too wet to try any of them out.

How much do I love these two?! And this picture! Mati's actually smiling appropriately which is a rare occurrence! (See above picture for proof!) Mati loved playing with his buddies and just general running around all weekend long.

Thanks to our friend, Sandy, Haven discovered her love for checkers this weekend. She spent hours, usually in front of the huge fireplace, playing checkers with whomever would play. Hello, great gift idea for my girl!

So we didn't really camp on our camping trip, but we still had a blast! Good friends, cooking food over the fire, staying up late playing games, kids enjoying themselves and a huge fireplace to keep us warm. Who needs a tent to go camping?!

Owl Day

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:24:00 +0000

We have had fun with our owl theme today. We read some good books...

We especially loved the illustrations in this one!

And we took advantage of a new-to-us feature available through our library called Scholastic BookFlix that pairs a fiction book with a non-fiction book about some of the same things. So today we "watched" Owl Moon and then they listened to a Scholastic book about full of facts about owls. It was fun! You have to access the site through your local library and with your library card so check and see if your library is part of the system.

Haven made a torn paper collage of an owl...

Then she worked away on her first ever graphing project. I remember loving these when I was a kid and am happy to see that she enjoys it as much as I did. Can you guess what it's going to be?

This has nothing to do with owls, but we decided to make soft pretzels for lunch. Wow- they were so good! And so easy! Which could be a problem now that I know how good they are.

Now I'm all carbed up and ready for a nap! Did you do anything fun today?

notes from today...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:13:00 +0000

I'm guessing the best way to get back into a blogging groove is to just start blogging, right? So consider this my humble attempt. I really do love to write and share around here, but this has fallen to the bottom of an every-growing list of things that demand my attention. But maybe this week, I'll try a little harder. A few thoughts from my day...

-Happy mail today- my new checkbook cover I ordered off etsy. Seems like an unnecessary purchase, but for $4 it's going to bring me a lot of happy. (Amy Butler Camel Geisha)

-I wore 2 patterns together. I know this is all the rage, but not really my thang. But I tried it- stripes with a pattern. Dipping my toe in the waters. And I liked it.

-We are big fans of Compassion International and have supported kids through them for years. Sadly, we are not the best at writing to our kids even though we know it is so important. I got on there today and they have totally revamped their online letter writing process. It is awesome and such a great use of technology! You can pick cool papers, upload pictures directly to your letter and even duplicate it to send to more then one sponsor child. In 15 minutes I was able to send two letters across the world. How cool is that? So if you sponsor children through Compassion- go write them a letter today!

-It's soup night around here. I've been making this soup since we got married and it is still a favorite- Baked Potato Soup. I've lightened it up a bit and it's one of those recipes that I have memorized because I've made it so much. We love it! Tonight it will be served with salad and biscuits- a yummy fall meal.

-Anyone else out there started Christmas shopping? I've spent way too much time browsing today trying to make some decisions on a few gifts and also maybe get to a certain amount for free shipping. The person who decided that offering free shipping with a certain amount spent was a genius! I'm currently $2.27 short of the amount I need. Annoying. And I just keep buying more stuff! Ya gotta spend money to save money, right?

-It's Fall Break around here! We officially have 6 weeks under our belts and are on break with Classical Conversations so mama decided we're having a break here, too. Well, as much of a break as Haven will let me do! We still did some worksheets and reading and she really wanted spelling, but I cut her off. We're going to do some fun crafty things and maybe even throw in a field trip or two. And plan for the rest of the year! There's no break for me!

Happy October Monday!

Pierced Ears

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 13:47:00 +0000

When Haven turned 5 we debated getting her ears pierced as one of her gifts. She liked the idea of having them pierced, but wasn't ready to do it. We've talked about it occasionally a few other times and she was still on the fence. Last Friday, faced with a family day and trying to think of something fun to do, I blurted out, "Let's go get your ears pierced!" And she said, "YES!" So we did. I didn't get mine pierced until I was 9 and it was a big deal. We went back and forth with waiting and not waiting. Making it a big deal and not. We decided that if she wanted them, we'd go for it. We're still completely responsible for all her hygiene so why not add cleaning ears to the list every night?! I'm glad we did it. She loves them and is so excited about wearing earrings. It was a little expensive for a hey-let's-just-go-do-this-kind-of-thing, but it was totally worth it. Cale captured a play-by-play on his phone.

She was nervous/excited while we were getting set up and drawing the dots on...

And then she winced in pain while they did it....

Just as she was about to burst in to tears, I whipped the mirror in front of her so she could see herself...

And she liked what she saw!! So did I! I was so proud- no tears at all!

happiness on a friday...

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 20:32:00 +0000

happiness on a friday...

-sleeping 9.5 hours last night! i haven't slept that long in quite some time and it was wonderful!

-waking up with my man who has been gone all week. we're so happy to have him home!

-nights that are cold enough for footy pajamas! and the two cuties wearing them!

-the smell of pumpkin angel food cake baking in the oven. and good friends to share it with!

-a fruitful trip to goodwill finding just what i needed. and a patient husband who took me there!

-time spent working on my Bible study and with a good book.

-cool days that allow for finally wearing my new scarf. purchased with a groupon- my favorite!

-the fun of watching haven get her ears pierced. more to come on that later.

-a full weekend ahead- a festival, hanging out with friends, church, football and the kids starting Awana!

it's all grace.

Painted wallpaper

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 18:28:00 +0000

A few weeks ago Cale and I tackled a project I've had on my to-do list for several months. I wanted to do something to brighten up the wall in our front room (which serves as playroom, school room and entry way). Initially I thought about painting a chevron pattern on the wall, but then decided that was too trendy and I'd get tired of it quickly. But I couldn't find just was I was looking for until I found this over at jones deisgn company. We finally set to work and about 16 hours later, this was our finished product!

Cale did all the stenciling on of the pattern and I painted most of it myself. It took us parts of 5 different evenings and while you might think 16 hours sounds like a lot, it wasn't bad and the finished result was so totally worth it!

I realize that my pictures don't do it justice, but here's another one anyways! It adds so much personality to this space without being overbearing. We are so happy with how it turned out.

Next up around here: the stairwell collage...

Off he goes

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 18:04:00 +0000

Mati had his first day of Tuesday School yesterday. I can't believe he's old enough to go and it is a major switch to leave him there and have Haven with me while running errands. When we were walking to the car after leaving Haven and I decided it felt like she was skipping school! Here's our big boy all ready for the day...

He is in that phase of not really knowing how to smile right for the camera. So here we've got a great smile, but not looking at me. He's cute so who cares!

My boys...they are best buddies as Mati always tells Cale.

Serious as can be once we got to school! Didn't hear much of a report, but he seemed to enjoy himself. I think he'll have a great time!

I just had to slip this in...here's Haven on her first day of Tuesday School 3 years ago! Oh my word!

Farther Along

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Last week I came across a new to me artist, Josh Garrels. Right now you can download his album for free (seriously?!) here. He's unique and not for everyone, but I'm enjoying something a little different. And I love "Farther Along." Go listen to it. If you're in the midst of something you don't understand or find yourself questioning what God's doing...listen. It's a remake of this hymn (thanks to PWS for that little tidbit) and it just blows me away.

Farther along we’ll know more about it,

Farther along we’ll understand why;

Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine

We’ll understand it all by and by.

Free music and the truth of His Word... be encouraged today!

Elvis and Panera

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 01:59:00 +0000

There's a first time for everything and tonight I crossed two things off the "Never Happened Before"...I was, along with five other ladies, serenaded by an Elvis impersonator while meeting at Panera.

For reals.

I've never been serenaded at Panera before and up til tonight have had minimal contact with Elvis impersonators. Even better, he came back after singing and said, "You better take a picture or no one will believe you!" I apologize for the horrible picture, but we were all laughing too hard!

Anything crazy happen to you today?! Bet you can't beat this!

First week

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:37:00 +0000

One week of school behind us and a great one at that! Last Sunday night we had a special family night. We created a scavenger hunt for the kids with all their supplies (most of which they'd picked out but they were still thrilled to hunt for them!). We had little meetings with each of them talking about what to expect and what we expected and we gave them their t-shirts and verses. They were excited about everything!

Haven was ready to go bright and early Monday morning. I kept reminding her school didn't start til 8:30 and she needed to settle down already. Honestly, I love her enthusiasm!

Working hard on her spelling...A Reason for Spelling...one week in and I'm a big fan of the format already.

Mati wants to do whatever Haven's doing so this mama needed some activities on the ready for him. Pretty much everything I'm doing with him is from Confessions of a Homeschooler's Preschool Curriculum.

We are going to read Chicka Chicka Boom Boom every Monday to introduce our letter of the week. I really wanted to buy this Alphabet Tree (seriously- how cute is that?!), but settled for making my own magnetic one for free (and it's pretty cute, too!).

Oh, Mati. I settled him at his table with his Alphabet Books and peeked in a few minutes later to find this. Roller skates make it easier to concentrate I guess.

Wednesday we had our first meeting of Classical Conversations. Haven loved every minute of it. We will be using what we learn here as the core of our curriculum. I am being educated right along with Haven! Also can't stop singing the silly songs they have to go along with everything. We are so excited to be part of this community and think it is a great fit for our family.

Working hard on handwriting and getting some use of the t-shirt...ahem. We didn't get any pics of us working on math, but that's because it's a bit more work for mom. I think it will take some time to get familiar with everything, but Haven really likes it already. She'd tell you math is her favorite. Although, between you and me, I think everything is her favorite!

It was a great week and I feel like I've already worked out a few kinks in our system. I know it's going to be a great year!

Character Building

noreply@blogger.com (Kate) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 20:27:00 +0000

Our happy little homeschool begins next week around here and we couldn't be more excited. I've been praying for the Lord to give me a vision for our year and for what He wants to accomplish in all of us. One of the great things (and also challenging things)about homeschooling is that you have the chance, by being with your kids all day, to really work diligently on character issues. I came across an idea last week that I've kind of run with and made my own that we're going to incorporate into our year.

We have chosen a word for each of the kids that is a character trait we believe the Lord wants us to focus on for the year. We also have picked verses that go along with the trait that will be their verse for the year. I went to Hobby Lobby and got t-shirts and with the help of the handy-dandy Silhouette am making Haven and Mati shirts with their word on it. The t-shirts will always be near by and when a child has a day that they need to be constantly reminded to exemplify that trait, they'll put it on. They will literally clothe themselves with that word, which will hopefully be a great reminder for the kids of what's expected of them. I think Haven will respond really well to this and if she's excited about it, then Mati will follow. I'm hoping this is the first year of a new tradition for our family

Wonder if I should make one for myself that says Patience?!