This Life I've Found

Really Great Deal

2012-01-27T15:28:00.000-05:00

I had to pass this deal along to you. There's nothing in it for me, it's just a great deal. And I myself can not order these as I have put myself on a spending lockdown (does that even make sense? you know what I am trying to say), and I am fighting temptation big time because I want these books. It feels like I need these books.

It's good for me to resist all the self talk about what a great deal it is, etc. etc.

Anyway, on to the deal

http://moneysavingmom.com/2012/01/10-hardcover-classic-childrens-books-for-16-98-shipped.html

10 wonderful children's books for 16.98 shaped. Hardcover children's books. I am drooling over the list of books. What a great list to add to a child's library or stash away for Christmas/ birthday gifts. Hmmm...back to resisting the conversation that is happening in my head...

But, you, you order them, and I will live vicariously through you. It's a great deal!!!

Costco? Yes? No?

2012-01-24T22:44:00.000-05:00

So, after getting some feedback from ya'll (some through e-mail, some through comments), I am concluding that we are going to increase the grocery budget, but for now I am only upping it 25.00 per week. Which, of course, is 100.00 a month.

So...I am wondering if I should take that extra 100, and possibly join Costco. I have been contemplating joining Costco forever, but I have always wondered how to work that in with the regular grocery budget. With my newly increased budget, I could keep the weekly grocery store budget the same, but add a trip to Costco at the beginning of each month. And I would go in with a set budget, so it would hopefully keep me from overspending.

So, all you Costco (or Sam's Club) members, do you feel like your Costco purchases lower your weekly grocery purchases? Is it worth the membership? I got some feedback about this on facebook a while back, but I am revisiting the question. I am just wondering if that extra 100 would stretch farther at Costco than if I just add 25 to the weekly trips. Hmmm...decisions, decisions.

Thoughts, anyone?

A cell phone miracle

2012-01-23T22:13:00.000-05:00

First of all, thanks for all the cleaning and budget encouragement. It helps so much to hear that I am not alone. I hate feeling like I am the only person who does something. It makes me feel so strange, and sort of hopeless. So hearing that I am not the only one with a clutter problem is encouraging. Thank you.

Second of all, the cell phone is officially working. Woo-hoo, to say the least. It was being really strange last night, so I put it back in the bag of rice for a second 24 hours, and it is acting just fine now. Thank you, Lord!!!!!

And on that "my cell phone is working" note, here are a few pictures to go with the previous posts.

Okay, what we have above is my house around lunch time. My kitchen is clean, my beds are made, but the toys are out of control. The thing is, I am sort of okay with the toys being out of control at this point in the day. It usually means there is some serious playing going on, and that is a healthy thing for the little growing brains in this house. Much better than spotless floors and mindless cartoons. I am okay with a normal level of clutter. The toys on the floor may not be normal, but that is our normal.

And this is the master bedroom, which opens into the play room. The top picture is the scary clutter in the master. Piles of clothes--some to put up and some to be given away. And my sewing machine seems to be getting lost in the mess. The bed is made, though, and my dresser somewhat decluttered. And please notice in the middle of my mantle, a three-hole punch. This is the kind of thing you find at my house. Right in the middle of picture frames and vases, a three hole punch. And it has probably been there for weeks. I was talking to my mom one day about the mess, and she suggested that I pray that I would see the mess. And that is the perfect prayer, really. Scott and I, we don't see the three hole punch, and so it sits there for weeks on end. And if at some point I needed a three hole punch, I would think I know I've seen it somewhere, but where? These are the conversations I have in my head multiple times a day. I am the opposite of organized in all areas of my life (though my budget is currently super organized), and this causes a bit of fear when I think of homeschooling. I am the least qualified parent to do this!!

But watch this

We are doing school, in our own way. Diligent, but a bit scattered. That's the kind of student I was--and teacher, for that matter. Diligent but very scattered. (Have I mentioned that bitty baby, named Clementine, is finally the favorite doll around here. Ada sleeps with her every night, and Clementine does school with us everyday)

And this is the house a few hours later, around 3:30, right before we left for tutoring. Still a few things here and there, but much, much better, don't you think?

So, progress. Much progress.

And a few photos of the kids at bed time, reading books. John, who calls Ada "Uggle," and we have no idea why...100% believes that Ada can read any book that he hands her. And Ada doesn't skip a beat; she just makes up a story and goes with it. John loves it.

Okay, I feel better now that I am not bombarding the blog with words only. And I am off to make my little list of what "housekeeping" needs to be done tomorrow.

Good night!!

Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning

2012-01-22T22:28:00.000-05:00

First of all, my phone is dead. I don't mean it needs charging dead, I mean Ada dropped it in a cup of water dead. I left in a bag of rice overnight, after hearing this helps to dry it out, and it will turn on, but then it does crazy things, and it might as well be dead. Sad, sad, sad.

Especially since that was still my only camera, and it looks like a chunk of the camera money will now be going towards a new phone. Sad, sad, sad.

So no pictures with this blog post.

Moving on.

The cleaning is still going. I can't believe I have stuck to it this long. It's truly answered prayer. It is becoming more and more normal for Scott to walk into a rather "picked up" house in the afternoons, and it is becoming more normal for Scott and I to sit down and relax after the kids are in bed because things are already "straight." The entire family is forming new habits, and life is certainly less chaotic as a result.

As I mentioned last week, the 5:00 hour is the most chaotic, so this past week, I proactively required Ada to help me clean up toys around 4 ish, and then, when the house is relatively clean, I put a movie in for her and John to watch while I start dinner. The movie vs. cartoons seems to be key. Cartoons tend to become background noise at our house (which I hate), but the movie seems to keep their interest, and I am able to grab a little peace while I start dinner. It makes for a much more peaceful setting for Scott to walk in on. On Monday and Wednesday, I am actually out tutoring when Scott gets home from work (and the kids are at Jessica's house), so last week, I made a point to require Ada to help me clean up toys during John's nap, and I made a crockpot dinner, so we all walk in to a clean house and dinner ready to go. Again, it makes for a peaceful evening. (On that note, does anyone have any favorite crockpot recipes? I am using the crockpot twice a week every week, and I tend to make the same stuff over and over).

Ada has also stopped asking who we are cleaning up for? As she has learned that we only clean up if someone is coming over. I am slowly shifting her thinking to believe that we are cleaning up in order to maintain a more peaceful home not because visitors are coming. (though I would still clean up more if visitors were coming).

The laundry is no longer backed up. I now automatically make the beds. And the toys aren't nearly as out of control.

Don't get me wrong, there is still much to be overcome. My laundry room is a bit of a disaster area, and I haven't even begun to tackle it. It is our "catch-all" room in this house, and the thought of organizing it overwhelms me...to say the least. And as we speak, there are random piles of clothes in the master bedroom that I have been ignoring for weeks. There is much to be done.

But I am celebrating the victories!! Bad habits are being overcome. Thank you, Lord!!!

Budget Update

2012-01-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

Am I turning into a weekends only blogger? I keep thinking I will find the time during the week, but with all this newfound cleaning I am doing, there's no time during the day and I crash at night once the kids are in bed. If I stop my cleaning momentum, then it's hard to get going again, so I try (not always successfully) to stay away from the computer during the day unless it's during John's nap, when we have pre-determined "rest time."

Plus, Scott and I have a bad habit of staring at the computer screen once the kids are in bed, and we end up hardly talking to each other all night. So...this week we started watching American Idol together, because it lends itself to "active watching," you know, conversation and such. And I am loving it. We took a few years off from AI, and I am so glad to be back. (we are tv people, and, honestly, I am okay with it. We are tired at the end of the day, and I like doing something mindless).

Anyway...

I thought I would check in with a little budget update. I am still super frustrated with the grocery shopping situation. My next strategy is to declare two nights of the week, not sure which ones, "snack dinner" nights. You know, eat leftovers, pb and j, stuff from the freezer, etc. We tend to waste leftovers around here because I just don't like them, but that is wasteful of food and money, so I am going to suck it up or fix myself a peanut butter sandwich--one of the two. Sunday nights already tend to be fend for yourself nights since we eat a bigger meal for Sunday lunch, so it will probably be two more nights on top of that. I plan to be intentional about cooking at least one meal a week that is enough for two nights, so that we don't end up eating sandwiches three nights out of the week. Eggs also tend to be our fall back on eat whatever nights, and I am always glad to get a couple of eggs in the kids--health benefits and all.

If this doesn't work, we might just have to face the facts and raise our grocery budget a bit. I find myself stressed out every week because I go over budget every week. If we just rework the budget a bit, it would take away some of the stress. I am so curious to know what a typical grocery budget is for a family of four....anyone want to share? (oh my word, I just used the word budget a lot). I know people might not want to reveal that kind of information, but I would just love to know if I am being realistic with how much I want to spend each week. It used to be totally possible to spend our set amount, but the kids are growing and they eat more food. Plus, I buy lots of fruit each week because I try to make them snack on that between meals. I make our meals out of whatever is on sale, so I try to be intentional about "real food" snacks in between--usually fruit, raw carrots (for Ada), nuts, or string cheese. These things are always in the grocery cart, and I only buy the fruit that is on sale, but it adds up quickly. It's not something I am willing to compromise on, though, unless I really have to. I am hoping that declaring two nights of the week "leftover" nights will remedy the situation.

Thoughts? Advice? Words of wisdom?

We also have a new budgeting strategy that we just heard from a friend, about actually having separate accounts for each category, so that the money automatically goes in the specific category at the beginning of the month. Does that make sense? Apparently this is easy to do with Bank of America, and it would make it easier to quickly see what is actually in the account if we go ahead and "pre-spend" the money from the beginning of the pay period. We already do this on paper, obviously, (and on the computer screen), but I think it will be even more helpful for the money to actually be gone from the account. (But right there and accessible when needed for each specific category). I don't know if that explanation made sense at all, but we are excited to give it a go.

Any great budgeting tips that you want to pass along? We are all for gaining wisdom from those who are also trying to stick to budget and be wise with their money!!!

One week down

2012-01-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

Okay, it's Sunday night, and it has been one week of seeking to be obedient in my role as homemaker. It's not easy, folks. I don't like to clean ;) On Wednesday night, I jotted down a few thoughts in an effort to reflect...

thoughts on Wednesday night--

I hate making Ada clean up. It's so hard, and I have to remind myself that I have to do this. That the hard work is so worth it. If I love her, I will do this.

Keeping the house straight is hard work. I am exhausted, and I don't want to go to bed b/c I want the down time.

I am seeing that what stops me is being overwhelmed by the mess. I have to choose to obey and do the load of laundry even if it seems that one load of laundry is not even a drop in the bucket. That is where the stepping out in faith comes, that eventually, if I am diligent, I will see a difference in the state of my home.

I am trying to reflect on victories b/c Scott says I don't celebrate small victories in life. I was diligent today, and I do see a huge difference in the laundry. After many threats and tears, Ada did clean up her toys. And I see that a timer helps. She needs the motivation (as do I when I am cleaning). The house already looks less chaotic, and it's only been two days of this. I find myself feeling scared that I am going to crash and burn again and wake up in a mess of a house. Which I probably will, so I think the main thing is to keep on keeping on even when I let the house get messy again. It's part of the process.

So, that was halfway through the week. Now it's Sunday night. And here is what I am thinking at the end of this week...that it's never ending, and I hate that part. I hate that there is never a real sense of accomplishment. I guess the accomplishment comes in knowing that I sought to obey God in this role. This is part of what he has called me to do, and when I respond in laziness or indifference it's disobedience. (and when I say I sought to obey, please know that obedience comes from His working in me--it's not something I can do, except in faith that he will provide the grace to obey).

I also realize that if I have a bad morning or afternoon or even entire day, I can't just give up. I have to keep on keeping on. Yuck. It's not really that fun. Especially the laundry. Never ever ending.

A few notes--I always start with the kitchen. If the kitchen is messy, life feels impossible. If the kitchen is clean (I mean, really clean), anything else seems possible. So, I always start and end there. I also have started making the beds as soon as I wake up. I mean, still sort of sleep walking and making the beds at the same time. Before I even have time to think through much, I get the beds made, the laundry going, and the kitchen straight (assuming it was pretty much straight the night before). If I can get those daily necessities out of the way without thinking through it, I can put my energy towards other stuff that needs to be done.

I pile all clean and folded clothes on Ada's bed, and I wait until evening to put them away. That way I am not walking to the same spots over and over. It seems to be working, and the whole family participates in putting the clothes away. John usually participates by unfolding already folded clothes--so frustrating.

It is still a battle to get Ada to put her toys away, and I am struggling to enforce the rules. Help me, Lord.

Also, my worst moment is 4:00ish. I am so tired that time of day, and if I look around the house and it is a mess, I feel so discouraged. At that particular hour. So, in retrospect, I should probably do a quick house "pick up," at 3ish. I think it would help the evening hours.

Finally, two friends from church are also striving to keep their houses cleaner, so we are holding each other accountable. Each morning we email with a couple of tasks for the day, and we report back at the end of the day. That has been the most helpful of all. I am not the type to have a set chore for everyday (who knows, maybe I will get so good at this, I will become that person), but it helps to start the day by thinking through the day's most important tasks--is the bathroom overdue for a cleaning? when was the last time I vacuumed? Is the kids' room out of control? I try to make the number of tasks doable, and then I have a tangible goal (these tasks are beyond the daily kitchen, laundry, beds, clutter).

I think the biggest victory at the end of this week is that the laundry is in much better shape. For weeks now, Scott complained about never having undershirts clean, and I think I have remedied that. So, that's a start.

Let week two begin.

The Other "theme" of This Year

2012-01-13T23:29:00.000-05:00

So I am posting this photo of John because I can't do another post with no pictures. I also posted it on facebook today, so maybe you are seeing it twice?

I complain about this little guy a lot, but, I love him so much I can't stand it. He is the most cuddly thing I have ever seen. If I would let him, he would sit in my lap with his blankie all day long. All night long. Yes, he is in a bad mood A LOT. A really, really bad mood. But at this age, Ada never wanted to sit in my lap. But my John-John loves to cuddle with me.

But these pictures have nothing to do with this blog post.

As I already mentioned, I am trusting the Lord to help me get control of my home. That seems overwhelming and impossible, but I am trusting Him to form the habits in me. To redeem my mess, literally ;)

We are also trusting the Lord, this year, to get us out of debt. Which seems much more doable than the messiness thing. We are in this tiny, costs next-to-nothing rental house, and we finally have the opportunity to do this thing. So, in an effort to focus on that with "gazelle intensity," as Dave Ramsey says, I will most likely be blogging about that process. It's a way to reflect on God answering prayers that we have been praying for years.

On that note, is anyone else having trouble saving money at the grocery store? I mean, you die hard couponers, are you finding that the deals aren't what they used to be? In fact, the past two weeks I have shopped at Wal-Mart with no coupons because I didn't have enough coupons to justify going to Publix. Yikes. I don't like giving up Publix for Wal-Mart. So, I am refocusing my efforts. I am going back to square one, and I am determined to get things back on track coupon-wise. And, I am refocusing my efforts on making do with what we already have in the pantry as much as possible, even if it makes for a boring dinner. I am cutting waaaaay back on the fast food, though we are allowing ourselves to "grab lunch" on Sundays because I have not mastered the art of having Sunday dinner waiting on us when we get home from church. I hope that just comes with age, maybe? Do ya'll have a good plan for Sunday lunch? Something that is working well? Did you grow up eating a big Sunday lunch, or is it no big deal to just eat pb and j and call it a day? Anyway, for now, we are allowing that to be our time to eat outside of the house. We are not big spenders--no joke, right ;)--but I do waste a lot of money on a diet coke here, a hamburger there, and I want to get rid of those "holes" in the budget. We are sticking to the budget no matter what, and it's exciting because we can see ourselves reaching these big goals in the not so far ahead future, Lord willing (not to mention that one of those goals is a family beach trip in late summer/early fall).

So, that will be another blog "theme" in the coming months.

And, by the way, I will be back in a couple of days to discuss the successes and failures of this first week of operation get the house in order.

Trying to Figure This Out

2012-01-10T21:17:00.000-05:00

If you have been reading my blog for any amount of time at all, then it is no secret that my house tends to be a big, giant mess all of the time. All of the time. Do I like the mess? I hate it. It drives me crazy. It makes me want to crawl in the bed and not come out. I hate it. The thing is, in fourth grade, my desk was messy. A disaster. In highschool, my locker was a nightmare, and my notebook was crazy. I just put whatever was due on top, and the rest was chaos. College was the same way. My point? I am a messy person. It's something in my personality, my make up, my brain.

I don't mean that I shouldn't change this (or pray that God would change me, I should say), I just mean, this isn't a new, I have two kids kind of thing. It's a, I am a messy, chaotic person, but I want to create a peaceful environment for my family, and, even, myself. And the thing is, when I am down or depressed or in a particularly melancholy state of mind, the mess gets much, much worse. Crazy bad. I'm just being honest here. Which is a vicious cycle because the mess makes me feel more depressed.

Lately, I have been reading and thinking through and praying about the root of this issue. God created beauty out of chaos, and I think that chaos and mess doesn't reflect Him. Plus, I strongly believe, that as a woman I am called to create a home for my family, and I want it to be a peaceful home, not a chaotic one. Again, I am not talking about the natural chaos that comes from having two kids. I am talking about something that begins in the core of who I am. In my sin nature, I think.

But, I feel a bit defeated when it comes to this issue. I just can't figure it out. I don't know how to make sense of my mess. I have read blogs and books and prayed and prayed and prayed some more. Then decided it's just who I am, and thrown in the towel, and then felt convicted that God came to redeem things like this. Even silly things like mess. And chaos.

I want to begin to trust God in this. I want to begin to trust that he can change me and redeem this thing in me. I am sorting through some thoughts about how I always view my personality, my disposition as a bad thing. A negative thing, and that is contrary to what the bible says. God created me with this personality on purpose, and I have to trust that he is busy redeeming this personality. This crazy, melancholy, up and down personality that includes the tendency to live in mess and chaos.

One aspect of me is that I reflect and learn and understand best by verbalizing my thought process--particularly in writing. It's what makes me talk the ears off of my friends and family, and write way too many details on this blog. It's the only way I know how to process. So, this is how I am going to step out in faith with the cleaning thing. I don't think that tomorrow I am going to wake up and have an organized home if I use the right check list or implement the right program. I think it's going to be a ongoing redemption process. But, I do think there is an element of faith where we just step out in obedience, trusting God to provide the grace necessary to obey. I want to change. I really, really, really want a peaceful home. Especially if I am going to homeschool. I know, instinctively, that I will not be successful with homeschooling if I can't get this under control. Again, not the normal, stay-at-home mom chaos. This is a different kind.

I believe because I am begging him and trusting him for this, that God is going to free me from this this year. I just think that he is. There have been other things in my life that I couldn't figure out--food and body image stuff, control issues--that I couldn't find a way out of. And I look back now and God walked me through all of that to freedom. He did. And if someone asked me how He did it, I can honestly say, "I don't know. It was just Him doing this thing in me." I have a peace that He is doing that now with this. The mess and chaos. I think it will be a long, slow, stop and start process, but I want to reflect on it here because I want a record of it.

So...I am going to try, Lord willing;), to blog about this once a week. Maybe on a Sunday? As I reflect on what is working and on what is absolutely not working at all.

For example, today, when I was frustrated beyond frustrated with all of the toys that were covering my floor, and I wanted to throw every single one of them away, the idea came to me--if at the end of the day, Ada has toys that are still left on the floor (since I have patiently and not-so-patiently asked her multiple times to pick them up), they will be going in a box to be stored in the shed in the backyard. She will only get the toys back when she is able to prove that she can clean up after herself. Which might sound hypocritical, since I am struggling with cleaning up after my own self. But I am honest with her, and I tell her that we are praying that God would help me with this, and we are learning this together. Because one of my main convictions about my mess lately is that I am the one who has to teach Ada (and John) how to keep an orderly home. They will be roommates and spouses one day, and on this day they are roommates to me and to Scott and to each other, and we are all responsible for this mess, and Scott and I are the ones who have to hold them responsible. Anyway, my plan worked. When she and John were finally tucked in for the night, the living area of our house was straight. There weren't toys everywhere. Things were peaceful, and I was able to just sit down on the couch instead of dragging my exhausted body around to clean up Ada's toys. Even little John, with me holding his hand, had to pick up all of his "choo-choos," which he liked doing. I am not naive enough to think that I will be consistent with this every night, but I would like to be. I hope to be. And on this night, it's a success. And I am praising God for that!

So, as usual, I apologize for the wordiness. I am forever too wordy, but there it is. Some of what God is working on in me right now, and I want to step forward in faith that He is, in fact, working on me.

Back to School

2012-01-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

Since there is a "little" football game currently being played, and my husband's eyes are glued to the television (and I am choosing to ignore the fact that once again Alabama is playing for a national title--gross), I decided to do a quick blog post.

Today was the official get back to school day at the Moore house. And with that, came the official beginning of The Writing Road to Reading. I was a bit nervous about it because it's a very involved process, but the research behind her method is fascinating, and I am eager to see if it works for Ada. Basically, as Ada learns to write, she learns to read. It's all integrated into one. I'll tell you more about it as I figure it out myself. We are learning as we go.

I thought Ada did really well for her first day. The goal is for the child to learn from the beginning how to write correctly on wide-ruled notebook paper, with a normal-sized pencil. As you can see, Ada had trouble remembering to stay on the "base line," and her letters would begin to droop. But with a little reminder, she got back on track ;) I also emphasized making the letters small--only to the midpoint--and in response to that, her letters got a little small at times as well. She was really excited about writing like a "big girl," though, and after each letter, she would do a little fist pump thing while saying, "oh yeah!" Apparently she learned the phrase from the movie Despicable Me. It really cracks me up when she says it.

Ada's pink bear joined us at the table, and after I reviewed the sounds that each letter makes (ex. she is learning that the letter A says, a (at), a (lake), and ah (father). After repeating it to me, she would turn to her bear and teach the bear. I decided to go with it because I thought it would reinforce what she was learning. Ada had to help the bear write his letters ;)

Once we moved on to reviewing her memory work from last semester, Ada's baby needed a little rocking. The following picture is very blurry, but I loved it because she looks just like a new mom holding the baby for the first time. I love it. (or maybe holding a baby sister? Ada nightly prays for a baby sister. When she asks me for one, I tell her to go to God about that ;) )

As every mom knows, multi-tasking is an essential aspect of motherhood--Ada reviews her bible verse and rocks that baby. That's a great way to get bible study in with a new baby, right? ;)

So, I feel encouraged by how today went. I am glad to have last semester under our belt, with a better understanding of what needs to get done each day and what I can let go. Plus, my schedule is much more open, so I have the time to focus on school. I'm excited.

In other news, I did, in fact, join L.A. Fitness, and I am so thankful and excited to be able to do it. I love spinning. I loved it in highschool, I loved it in college, and now, in this season of life, I am loving it again. It is the best thing for my brain (not to mention my physical health). And, praise the Lord, Ada and John really like the kids club at the gym, so that makes it easy for me to leave them while I work out. Spinning is the one form of exercise that I don't, at all, have to talk myself into doing. I just love it. Makes me think I need a bicycle. I wonder if would have the same effect. Which, now that I think about it, I think the class is now called cycle. I might be aging myself when I call it spinning. Hmmm... Anyway, I am just very thankful that God allowed all of the details to fall into place for me to be able to do this. It's no small thing in my book.

So, that's us. How's is 2012 starting off for you?

And, any other "spinners" out there?

Quick Christmas Recap

2012-01-03T22:14:00.000-05:00

I know that Christmas has come and gone. Long gone. New Year's has come and gone, even, so I have to get these pictures up before too much time has passed.

It was another Christmas with just the camera phone to record the day, but that should be remedied in the next few weeks. We'll see...

It was an especially fun Christmas this year because it was Ada's first year to get overwhelmingly excited. I am thrilled to be moving into these years, and I assume we will be there for a while, since we are still a couple of years away from John really getting it, and I assume they stay in that excited stage for a few years at least. The point? It's fun. It's really fun.

We let Ada and John open two presents on Christmas Eve before leaving for the Christmas Eve service--a pair of Christmas pajamas and some foam soap (which is basically shaving cream). The foam soap was A HIT. In fact, Ada has asked multiple times if she can get more foam soap for Christmas next year. And by the way, I got zero pictures of Ada and John dressed for the Christmas Eve service. Bummer.

Like last year, I spent the Christmas Eve service in the lobby of the church because John is just not capable of sitting still and quiet for that amount of time. Unless Dora is on the television. In that case, he will sit forever. However, it was still good to see everyone and fellowship just a bit. (There was a gathering of moms of toddlers in the lobby). And we even enjoyed a nice dinner out. John rarely cooperates if we try to eat out, but I prayed that things would go well on this one night, and they did. Thank you, Lord!!! We just ate at Chili's--nothing fancy--but a treat, nonetheless.

And Christmas morning, Ada and John were thrilled with their presents--for Ada the big hit was her new princess bike, which she has been obsessed with ever since. And John's favorite is his race track. They really seemed happy with all of their gifts, which you just never know, do you?

Okay, a few pictures.

Christmas Day, riding the bike around the house. At one point she announced that she had to use the bathroom, and she proceeded to climb onto the bike and ride it into our tiny bathroom. And, by the way, I also forgot to take any pictures of the kids before church on Christmas Day. I was not on top of the picture taking this year!!

John and his two favorite gifts--the racing ramp and a huge thing of wooden blocks (found at a local children's consignment shop for 7.00!!!!). The racing ramp is a cheap version of fisher price, and it's cheaply made. I will be replacing it with the real deal for his birthday. You live, you learn.

After her bike, I think Ada's favorite gift is a disney princess porcelain tea set. She loves it and plays doll tea party constantly. Mostly on our front porch. She also panics if John even gets near it. She runs through the house screaming, "MOM!!! John is on the front porch!!!! My tea set is on the front porch!!!! He's going to break it!!!!"

And a few more from Christmas morning. Makeup is always a hit in Ada's book!!

And Ada and her bike weighted down with all of her Christmas gifts. By the way, don't you just love the paneling in my kitchen ;)

As of yesterday, all of my Christmas decor was down and packed away, and it is time to get back to the norm. Which I always welcome after the weeks of holiday hoopla. I love the Christmas season, but I also love the normalcy and routine of January.

On the horizon?

possibly joining the gym for the first time since college--a good deal combined with my tutoring money combined with my need to find ways to increase my energy and manage my anxiety=me joining the gym. I am really, really excited about this.

John's second birthday. I can't believe he will be two.

A simplified schedule so that I can focus, focus, focus on homeschooling Ada this semester. Our goals, letter sounds using a new curriculum--The Writing Road to Reading, for math--we are simply focusing on counting to 100 and other things that naturally come up throughout the day; I will do more "official" math next year, and our memory work for CC.

And now I can rest easy feeling that I have properly recorded Christmas 2011.

Reflecting

2011-12-30T14:19:00.000-05:00

2011, oh 2011, you were the year that blindsided us.

on the night that Scott lost his job, I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. That high, high master bedroom ceiling. The very room where I nursed little 4 month old Ada on the night that we knew the house would be ours. I stared at the ceiling, and then at the already sleeping Scott, and I reach over and grabbed on to his arm as he kept sleeping. And I thought, this is what the vows are for. This is where we hold on tight--to each other, to Ada, to John. We hold on for dear life, and then when all are accounted for, we face this thing head on and we walk to the other side. Right through it to the other side.

I had grabbed onto that same arm in the bathroom of the Scottish Rite ER, when we prayed like crazy for Ada to go tee-tee. Just a little bit of tee-tee so we could avoid adding a catheter to the escalating nightmare. We prayed for tee-tee and no brain tumour and held on tight in that cold, echoing hospital bathroom.

We held on through John's stay in the NICU, and breath-holding spells that involved scans of his heart and his brain--all to find out that he just has a really, really, really bad temper. Really bad. And it's only getting worse as we approach year two. I predict that there is more holding on up ahead.

And we held on through other endless things--the endless things that plague every marriage. Every life. The daily grind, we call it. The car trouble upon car trouble upon car trouble. The routine eye procedure that finally cleared up that pink eye. The messes and the potty training and the weaning and the endless plight to get my John to eat something. Anything. We hold on tight and cautiously put one foot in front of the other and we move forward into a life that looks nothing like we imagined.

And last night, I stumbled upon a cd that I lost several years ago. When Ada was still an only child and there was no little John growing inside of me. The seeds of courage cd. I found it last night in the midst of boxes and bags stored in our shed--leftovers from the past house. There is no room for those things here. I have been looking for that cd for years. And there it sat, unscratched, on top of a pile of books in a bag. I snatched it up, and I took it inside, and last night after dinner and baths and pajamas, we hit play on Ada and John's cd player, and the healing words played loud and strong.

Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.
Jeremiah 33:3. (track 1)

In 2011, Scott and I called to him, and we asked for specific things. We asked for freedom from debt and more savings and a better job. We asked Him to do things more than we could ask or imagine. And he answered us and told us hidden things. He told us of his sufficient grace and his strength made perfect in our weakness. He told us that He will never leave us or forsake us and that He will hold on to us. That He will hold on tight.

The things that we experienced in 2011 (and beginning in 2010, really, with John's birth), only scratch the surface of the heartache and pain and suffering that so many people are experiencing even now. Ada could have had a brain tumor. John could have had heart and brain trouble. Scott could still be unemployed. We could be homeless. We could be homeless!!! So many people are.

And the thing is, even if that was what God has chosen for us. If he had chosen much greater heartache and much harder things to walk through, his Grace would still be sufficient. He would still be sovereign and good. Always sovereign and good.

Last night, that cd played, and I danced and sang and laughed and even cried just a bit. And I thought, bring it on 2012. Bring it on.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. (track 2)

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken. Psalm 62: 1-2 (track 8)

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea.
Psalm 46: 1-2 (track 11)

fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (track 12)

Merry, Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T14:08:00.000-05:00

We are busy over here scurrying about getting those last minute Christmas things done. You know, cleaning and wrapping and gathering ingredients for different recipes, etc. etc.

After Church tomorrow we are headed to Crossville, AL to visit with Scott's family, so I wanted to go ahead and say Merry Christmas from our house to yours.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

The Christmas Season Continues

2011-12-19T23:06:00.000-05:00

Obviously, we are only a week away from Christmas Day, and the countdown is on at our house. Ada asks me every hour, "how many days left?" She's just so thrilled to celebrate the birth of Christ, you know ;)

But, before we talk about the week of Christmas stuff, I want to back track a bit.

A couple of weekends ago, we made the trek to Lenox Mall to ride the famous pink pig. We timed it so that John would sleep in the car on the way--a short nap, yes, but still a nap. However, John did not sleep in the car. Yikes. So...while Scott pushed him in circles in his stroller, Ada and I waited in line, and Scott and John joined us when a good bit of time had passed.

I have to say, that as an adult, it's hard to see the thrill of the pink pig (probably because I didn't grow up riding it), but Ada and John both loved it!!!! And afterwards, John was so angry that we had to get off. He kept pointing towards the train, and saying, "pig, weeee..." in a crying/whining voice. (you know, weee, like we, that's fun).

So, after the thrilling ride, we were all in need of a little snack. Well, John was in need of a nap and was letting us all know it, but the rest of us were in need of a snack (i.e. diet coke). The mall was PACKED as you can imagine, and I did not have the energy to tackle the Lenox food court, so we "made do" with soft pretzels and a spot on the floor. Ada had lots of questions about this, so I told her we were having a picnic.

see the pink pig sticker? Don't worry, the children got bathed after sitting on the floor of the mall ;)

Since the pink pig we have also baked and decorated cookies, continued with the Jesse tree, read lots and lots of Christmas books, attended Scott's office Christmas party, driven around to look at Christmas lights, had Christmas dinner with my side of the family (we are going to Scott's parents' house Christmas afternoon), and used Mary Ann's Christmas gift money (gift money for Ada and John) to buy the Little People nativity for Ada and John, which they are loving to play with, and Ada even makes airplane sounds as she makes the angel fly to Mary to tell her the good news. Every time the angel flies, there are motor sounds coming out of Ada's mouth.

And that gets us up-to-date.

On the agenda this week--attending a birthday party for Jesus, attending a dessert fellowship for the women at church, more looking at Christmas lights, more reading of the Christmas story, and finalizing what I am going to cook for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Plus lots of late night wrapping of gifts.

Merry Christmas week, everyone!

Why is it so hard to get a normal picture with my children?

2011-12-11T09:20:00.000-05:00

Spoke Too Soon

2011-12-06T12:44:00.000-05:00

yesterday I said that Scott and I had dodged a bullet with the stomach virus. Never mind that comment because Scott is currently in bed with said stomach virus. I'm the only one left standing. Yikes. I am praying that it bypasses me (which is usually how it goes--Scott tends to get whatever the kids have, and I tend to avoid getting it. Even though I am the one sleeping with them at night when they are sick, and getting thrown up on by my not-yet-two year old, hmmm...)

Anyway, I am trying to go on with my day as normal, despite the fact that Scott is lying in bed, trying to work from home in our tiny little house. The kids just can't understand why they can't climb in bed with daddy. I think after John's nap, we are loading up the car and heading to ~~Lowe's~~ Home Depot and Target to buy the finishing touches for the Christmas decorations.

Speaking of Christmas, I ordered our Christmas cards last night, and I am slightly afraid that Scott's head will partially be cut out of the card. So, if it is, be gracious to me and pretend that his whole head is in the card when you receive it in the mail ;) It was the only picture (out of lots that Jessica took of us--not Jessica's fault that John wasn't looking; I think John's age and personality are at fault here) where John was actually looking at the camera. Well, only one where he was looking at the camera and not crying. Seriously. While on the subject of Christmas cards, if the Moores are normally on your "send a Christmas card" list, please don't forget us just because our address is different. I will gladly send it to you, and I would even just post it right here on this blog if not for fear of the craziness that exists in our world (and because I already reveal way too much information about our little family).

And, on a completely unrelated note, I stumbled upon this article yesterday, and I found it tremendously helfpul in thinking through my children and their understanding of the gospel and their conversion, so I had to pass it along.

Hope you are all having a great Tuesday and soaking up the Christmas season (and staying well!!)

Recovering and Getting Back on Track with Christmas Plans

2011-12-04T23:29:00.000-05:00

A stomach virus hit our house with a vengeance this week but has luckily spared Scott and me (so far, fingers crossed). Little Ada has had it the worst. It started with John, but after 24 hours, he was fine. Ada has had a harder time "shaking it." Just when we think she is feeling fine, she gets sick again. Hopefully, hopefully, she is finally on the mend. I am exhausted, though, as all you moms know. A sick child equals an exhausted mama!!!

Anyway...that is what has been going on at our house this week. And in my typical fashion, I have been feeling slightly stressed because we are losing precious, "celebrate Christmas" days. Isn't there so much pressure as a mom to get it all in? To make the perfect decisions about what ways to celebrate each year and to make it magical but to also keep things focused on Christ. I hate that I get this way, and I am praying my little heart out that God would enable me to separate the good from the not-so-good. And to remind me of grace.

The main thing that I use to focus on the birth of Christ and what Christmas means for me, for the world, for the story of salvation and redemption is this book. I highly recommend it!!!

As for the kids, here are our plans for celebrating Christmas this year. The things that I really, really want to "get to." (Lord willing).

We are doing a Jesse tree this year, instead of advent. Why? Because I found a link that looked easy and doable and like something that Ada would enjoy. Everyday until Christmas Ada colors a little ornament, and we hang it on a small tree I got from Target several years ago (a little table top tree), and we read the scripture to go along with that ornament. So far, so good. The scripture readings get a little long for Ada, but I think it is a good thing for her to learn to sit and listen to scripture. I'll be honest, we usually read from her Jesus Storybook Bible, so Christmas and Easter seem to be the only times that she hears straight scripture (except for memory verses). I think it's important for her to learn the language of the Bible. Here's the link if anyone is interested. It would not be hard to catch up. In fact, we did 3 days worth tonight because she's been too sick the past few days for us to do it.

We have already decorated the tree, which Ada loved, and John has been better than I expected about not touching it and bothering the ornaments. I am also slowly decorating the rest of the house. I still want to buy some real garland for the front door, and I am debating putting lights on the bushes in front of our house. (Scott doesn't seem to be on board with the lights on the bushes).

Other items on the to-do list?

The pink pig at Lenox (Ada remembers it from last year, so it looks like this is going to be an annual thing for the Moores)
Baking butter cookies and decorating them
Finish watching the Polar Express (we started it tonight, but Ada got too tired to finish)
Buy Ada and John each a new Christmas book (we have a collection going that I pack away and only get out at Christmas)
Let Ada and John each pick out a new Christmas ornament
Figuring out what to do about a meal on Christmas Eve and breakfast on Christmas morning (mom, I would really like to try to make Christmas bread--I have to start some time).
Ride around to look at lights
And of course there will be the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services

Am I leaving something out? Oh, Christmas cards. I still haven't ordered ours. Yikes. I need to get on that.

And, not nearly as fun, but very necessary, I need to go through and get rid of old toys before Ada and John get new ones on Christmas morning. That definitely needs to be a yearly tradition!!

What are the Christmas favorites at your house?

And, because I hate a post without pictures, I'll end with a few...

Ada understands that even when sick, she must still pay attention to fashion--she was very serious about these sunglasses

Here is Ada when I thought she was feeling better. Things took a turn for the worse later that day. (Another Christmas must? Wearing Christmas themed items, right? At least while she's young enough that it's still cute)

have I mentioned that John loves shoes, and it is not necessary that they match. In the midst of Ada feeling so sick, John was pitching. a. fit. until I put these shoes on his feet. And then he was happy as could be. Oh, that boy.

And now, I must get to bed and prepare for another week. I am praying lots that we are through with this virus, and I can use this week to regroup a bit.

Last Call For Shoppers

2011-11-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

hey guys,

I am going to close my 31 Party on Wednesday, so take some time to browse the catalog and order some Christmas presents!!

I have used and used and used every bag that I have from 31. They are all great, and each one is so versatile. The perfect gift, right?

Here is the link. Check it out. Order some gifts. We all win.

2011-11-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

I am 100% copying Jessica with this post. Plus my friend, Mary, also suggested that I copy Jessica, so I am going with her suggestion ;)

So, because everyone talks about how John looks just like Scott, (and I realize that, it's true, he does), I thought I would do a little John/Laura Beth comparison, to see if he has anything of mine other than my melancholy disposition;)

so, there you go. I realize that I am a bit younger in my pictures, but these are the only pictures I could find to steal off my mom's blog.

By the way, I am just noticing the little potty in that last picture--looks like Ann was being potty trained. John also spent a lot of time in the bathroom when Ada was being potty trained--see, a similarity. Just kidding.

But seriously, do we look alike at all? I need pictures of baby Scott on here for a true comparison, I guess. I think that Scott was a leaner baby, so John has my chubbiness. I love that body fat is what I have passed on to my children;) I'm infamous in my family for the doctor's remark about me as a baby--"remarkable weight gain." Hmmm...seems like I remember that the doctor said the same thing to me when I was pregnant with Ada. Just kidding again.

Okay, off to do Sunday, get ready for Monday, type things.

(Will be back tomorrow to talk 31 Party again. My party closes on Wednesday, so get to shopping)

Thanksgiving in Chattanooga

2011-11-24T20:02:00.000-05:00

I am basically going to let the pictures speak for themselves.

Our family had a lovely Thanksgiving, and I especially enjoyed our walk along the river bridge after dinner.

Happy Thanksgiving!!! I am overflowing with gratitude for so much, and the people in these pictures are high on that list!!

John wasn't loving the photo session as this point. Can you guess where I was standing in relation to this picture?

Our sad attempt at a family photo.

we missed you, Sarah!! For readers who don't know me personally, this is me with my youngest sister Kate, and Ann, my 18 months older than me sister. Sarah, who is next after me in the line up was at home in New Orleans today working at Starbucks (she's an artist).

And here you have the whole family. We never take family pictures. Ever. so this is a bit monumental.

And Kate with the older cousins, headed to the walking bridge. The kids love Sarah and Kate--the "cool, fun" aunts.

perfect day for a walk!!

Don't forget the youngest of the cousins!! Precious girl.

Now, let the Christmas Season begin!!

Thanksgiving Tree

2011-11-23T22:05:00.000-05:00

so I had big plans this year to make a Thanksgiving tree at the beginning of the season, and then add a leaf with something we are thankful for each day. But, the best laid plans... you know.

However, I was determined to get that Thanksgiving tree done, so today, with one day left, we did it, by golly. The Thanksgiving tree is done.

In the midst of "crafting," Ada requested a silly picture

And what is Ada thankful for, you may be asking?

Just a few highlights...

--clouds. Because they are puffy and get us rain.

--Lucy. Because her daddy got a new job.

--paper. Because we get to draw on it.

--Mrs. Jessica, "your friend." Because Mr. John got three jobs. (can you tell that the economy has affected our prayers? And that Ada is always listening. John has recently started a new business where he waterproofs crawl spaces, so "getting three jobs," means he sold three separate jobs.)

--rain. Because it makes the plants grow.

As you can see, Ada is thankful for friends whose fathers received new jobs, but she didn't want to add Scott's new job to her leaves. Believe me, I asked, because I am certainly thankful for Scott's job this Thanksgiving!!

I am also very thankful that John seems to be turning a slight corner in his eating habits. He has eaten a greater quantity of food in the past few days, and he has a new love for fruit. He can't get enough. All kinds of fruit--blueberries, raspberries, banana, tangerines, pears, and I think that is all he has tried so far, since he decided that he does like fruit, I mean. (I am very allergic to apples, so I am hesitant to give it to my kids, though they do eat it from time to time).

Okay, I am now back, several hours later to finish this post, and I have to add another thankful--

that Scott got home today at 3:30!!! I was so surprised when he walked in, and I am always thrilled for him to arrive home early. Happy Thanksgiving to us. We celebrated by using a B1G1 coupon at Moe's, which fed the whole family, and I didn't have to cook--woo-hoo!!!

In the morning we are headed to Chattanooga to have Thanksgiving lunch with my family, minus Sarah and Kate (actually, Kate might be there, I am not sure), at the Back Inn Cafe in Chattanooga's art district. My mom actually cooked a Thanksgiving meal a few weeks ago because Sarah isn't able to be home for actual Thanksgiving day. And since Chattanooga is a reasonable drive for us, that is our plan for tomorrow. We are headed out bright and early, as we assume that traffic will be a bit insane.

So...that sums up our Thanksgiving Holiday. How about you? Big Turkey Day plans? Anyone headed out for Black Friday deals? I have become a wimp about Black Friday, and I prefer to stay cozy at home. Plus, I haven't seen any "blow me away" deals over the past two Black Fridays. Have you?

I am almost done with Ada and John's Christmas shopping though. I snuck out tonight after dinner and purchased Ada's big gift--a princess bike. Today was the last day I could use a 10.00 Target coupon, and, you know, 10.00 is 10.00, so I was sure to meet that deadline.

I am now moving into the rambling on and on zone, so I will end here.

But, I must remind you, go here, browse through the precious items that you will find there, and order something!!!!

Virtual Party

2011-11-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

Well, in honor of Black Friday and to officially kick off the Christmas shopping season (as if Christmas shopping hasn't already begun!), I am hosting another Thiry-One gifts blog party. Get excited.

If you will recall, back in the summer, I attempted to host an online party, and a few people ordered, but the party was rudely interrupted by a little thing called, "Scott losing his job." But now that life is back on track, we are going to try this again ;)

If you are not familiar with the thirty-one product line, I urge you to check out the online catalog for yourself. What you will find is a line of monogrammable bags, storage containers, lunch boxes, and various other gifts to suit any person or lifestyle. Seriously--you will be able to find a great and personal Christmas gift for anyone on your gift list!!

I personally own the organizing utility tote (works perfectly as a diaper bag if you need a gift for a mom-to-be), the large utility tote (great for traveling, trips to the beach or pool, carrying sports gear, etc. etc.), and two thermal totes (we use both as lunch boxes, one for Ada, and one for the rest of us). There are several other items that I have my eye on, and I hope to earn enough "credit" through this party to purchase a couple of new things for myself as well as for other people on my gift list.

Okay, now that we have covered the products, let me give you the details of how an online party works. Follow this link, browse the online catalog, and then be sure to click on my name to order so that I receive credit for your order. Remember that almost all of the products can be monogrammed, and there is a base price of 7.00. Whether you do one letter or an entire name, 7.00 total.

And if you spend a total of 31.00, you are eligible to buy one of five items for only 5.00.

You can choose from

the all-in-one organizer

The soft wallet

The Cinch sack

The zip-up pencil pouch

or the Flat Iron Case

So, you spend 31 dollars by going to this link, browsing the catalog, and ordering through my name, and you can order one of the above items for only 5.00!! Each item comes in several different patterns, and, of course, can be monogrammed for 7.00.

So...get to shopping!! And I will be back each day to remind you to shop ;)

p.s. My thirty-one consultant (and dear friend) is Kate Ford. Feel free to call her if you have any problems ordering or have any questions about your order. Her cell # is 410-474-0559. Or, you can e-mail me at lbrmoore@gmail.com. Thanks, guys!!!

The Day's Tasks

2011-11-16T16:20:00.000-05:00

The task at hand for each child--and this was before 8 am. (hence the terrible lighting)

Now, it is after 4, and Ada is in their room playing with her kitchen, and John is playing with his "choo-choo." We have done other things in between then and now, but those two activities do seem to be their main task each day.

On that note, as we are forced to once again guess about which toys to buy for Christmas that the kids will actually play with, Ada's play kitchen and each of her melissa and doug food sets have been everyday toys. Every single day. Her Bitty Baby, (American Girl baby doll) on the other hand, spends most of her time in the doll bed that also never gets any play time. It's such a guessing game, isn't it?

Most likely, Ada's main gift this year will be a bicycle with training wheels (a princess one of course), and John is getting a fisher price ramp/car garage thing. I looked at the train sets at Target forever (because John only has a hand-me-down set right now), but I am opting to wait until he is older to decide which train set to go with. I need to see if it is a lasting interest. Plus, his birthday is in February, and I need to save a gift for that. Other than that, I am not sure what little things the kids will be getting. I am not on top of things this year. I have bought their stocking items from the Target dollar section (I waited until closer to Christmas last year, and everything was picked over), but other than I am still trying to come up with some sure way to know that they will actually play with the things that I buy them. What will the big gifts be at your house? I might find some inspiration from you. And anyone who has children a bit older than mine, can you recommend toys that have consistently been played with at your house? I really don't want to add yet more clutter to my house, but I feel it is almost inevitable.

Okay, off to do a quick house "pick up" before I face the dreaded 5:00 "witching hour."

Reflecting on the Semester

2011-11-15T21:44:00.000-05:00

I think I will try to do a little Tuesday school update each week, every other week, something like that...

I definitely want to spend some time reflecting, processing, and recording our homeschooling experience, and where else would I do that except for right here, for all the world to read ;)

I am chilling a bit when it comes to teaching Ada to read. I am realizing that she just may not be at the reading point yet. She can tell me the sounds of every letter of the alphabet, can name words that start with each letter, and can pick out sounds of letters in the middle of words, but she can't blend. She's not catching on. So, for now, I am giving it a rest. She will be five in August, and will then officially be in Kindergarten, and we will tackle it again then.

In the mean time, we will be focusing on her memory work each week. She is absolutely capable of memorizing her "facts" each week (as is every four year old--wink, wink), and she likes doing it, for the most part, so that is our focus this year. The reading will come. The math will come (this is after much assurance from Ann), our focus this year, at four, is the memory work. It's not about the facts, by the way, it's about training her mind to memorize. It's the same concept as training your muscles to run.

We are the end of semester one of Classical Conve rsations, and I am looking at an eight week break for the holiday season (huge bonus of Homeschooling!!!) We, of course, will continue to review at home, but there isn't any new information to take in. We can just take our time, review, and get ourselves ready for next semester.

Now that we are halfway through the year, I can confidently say that I love CC. I really, really do. I love the community. I love that I have the support of like minded moms. I love that Ada can enjoy a classroom setting where she is around other kids. I love the accountability and the structure. And I love that the purpose of CC is to know God and make Him known--because that's it, right? That's why we do what we do!

When we first began the semester, I felt very overwhelmed by all of the information to learn each week, but I see now that it works. That if I have an off week, there is built in time to catch up, and that it honestly does get easier. The brain is being trained to memorize, so it becomes routine. And I am thrilled by all of the facts that I am storing in my brain. We are only eight weeks in, and already it is so much easier for me to sort history into a correct timeline, and in gaining that information, I am much more equipped to evaluate history. I am loving re-educating myself!! So I am especially thankful that Ada is learning how to store this information from the get-go. And as a family we are memorizing the scripture together, which Ada will then learn to translate into Latin next semester (which is not as crazy as it sounds, I promise!!!) Scott's doing it, I'm doing it, not John since he is still mastering the English language ;) I think the word that sums up how I feel is gratitude. I am so thankful that this is even a possibility for us. That I am able to be at home with my kids, that I have the freedom to choose how to educate my children, and that I live in a town where CC is available (Tutti, if you by chance are reading this, thank you SO MUCH for getting this started in Henry County!!!)

Before becoming a mom, I was really passionate about education, so now that I am talking about my own children, the passion goes up about a million notches. And everything that I read about the classical method (and there is much to learn!!!) absolutely makes sense. It just makes sense, and the more I learn, the more I know that I can't "go back."

So, I apologize for the boring, wordy post, but, like I said, it's helpful for me to process as we move along in the school year.

(Ada and me at CC. She is presenting her favorite bible story--the students have to do a presentation each week, and it has been so fun to see each of them grow in confidence from the first week.)

Weekend Recap and a Good Deal

2011-11-14T07:54:00.000-05:00

Look at me, blogging again ;)

I just wanted to post a few pics for the family--and anyone else who might be interested.

Saturday, which started out rather cold, ended up being mild enough to spend the afternoon at the park. We have a park about two minutes from our house that is perfect for John. One end is big enough for Ada to enjoy and the other end is small enough for John to enjoy without me having to constantly be by his side. It's a win-win-win situation ;)

I know this is such a mom thing to say, but I feel like John is turning into a little boy right before my eyes. But, of course, he still has so much baby in him. I want to some how soak it up and enjoy it in the midst of the day-to-day stress. If only someone could figure that one out, right?

Ada also loved the park. When we tell her we are going to the park, you would think we had said Disney World, and I'll keep her thinking like that for as long as I can ;) (on that note, I am starting to suspect that she thinks the Disney Store at Perimeter Mall is actually Disney World--we took her to that store one time last year, and if she ever talks about Disney World she reminds me of a "castle" that was inside the store. Hmmm...I won't be correcting that thinking anytime soon)

(Ada has learned that she is supposed to smile for pictures, so this fake smile is her go-to look when the camera is on her).

On top of a fun afternoon at the park, I was able to sneak away for not one, but TWO, girls only events. One Saturday morning with the women at church--a favorite things brunch, which I thought was such a cute idea!! Everyone had to bring a favorite item under 10.00, and we did a little gift exchange. The item could be anything from a cleaning item to make up to a favorite scent. Are you following me? I took a Bath and Body Works wall flower because, once I figured out how to correctly plug it in;) (which is not hard to figure out--only it was for me), I have loved my wallflower. The perfect amount of scent--not too overpowering. I have salted caramel plugged in right now, and it smells so good that it makes me crave caramel popcorn (not a great side effect of that scent).

Then, on Saturday night, I had a mom's night out with the other moms from my CC (Classical Conversations) group. That was a fun chance to get to know the other moms outside of the school setting, and with no children distracting us. I crave time with other adult women now that I am a stay at home mom, and this weekend's events were much needed!!!

And we ended the weekend with haircuts for both of the children yesterday afternoon. It was John's first "official" hair cut, other than my mom and Ann cutting it, so that's a milestone, right? And it was Ada's first hair cut since she experienced her strange hair cut "phobia" last year, so a big event all around. They both did GREAT, so much better than expected--probably because of the suckers they got to eat while getting it done.

Ada wasn't too thrilled about the hair dryer--she didn't say anything, but obviously I could tell by her face. She doesn't like for the hair dryer to get too hot, and I am guessing it was too hot for her. Also, notice the teddy bear sticking out from under the cape. She had her blanket with her too--anything to get the hair cut done.

So that was our weekend. It was a good one.

And, I want to pass along a great deal on Christmas cards if you haven't ordered any yet. Bloomspot is a daily deal sight, and they are offering 25.00 worth of Christmas cards for 10.00. The Christmas cards are through Vistaprint, and I looked through all of the offered designs. Be warned, there are some really tacky ones, but there also LOTS of really cute ones. And, of course, if you sign up through me and order this deal, I will earn some money...so, if you need Christmas cards, go for it ;)

Okay, off to do Monday type things...

Five Minute Friday: Unexpected

2011-11-12T17:11:00.000-05:00

So, I know it's Saturday, but I am jumping onto the five minute Friday bandwagon anyway.

Unexpected.

It's unexpected, really, how this small, south of Atlanta town, is really beginning to feel like home.

This, I moved here kicking and screaming because it was so far from my beloved midtown and Highlands place, seems to fit me to a T more and more everyday.

And, it's especially unexpected how much this tiny rental house seems to envelop my family in a way that no other house has.

Could it be, perhaps, that God's plans, though always unexpected, always make the most sense in the end?

Could it be, that it's really true, always, that he is working everything together for my good. Even when it feels so much the opposite of good. He's working it out. Always.