Hayseed in the City

Summer so far

2012-06-12T21:23:00.001-07:00

Maggie Moo turned Two!

2012-06-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Full blown birthday parties don't happen every year in the Stouffer family (4 big parties in 4 months- Yikes!). Instead we have some fun birthday traditions for the actual day.

(We are shooting for an April birthday party with one of the July parties for one year, and a June party matched with the other July party the next for an easy rotation.)

George had a party last year, so this year

we had a tiny Party for Margaret.

We had to have a cow party before she got too old for a party themed after her cute nickname.

Moooooo!

(Praise the Lord for pinterest!)

I was thrilled to find this table cloth and matching napkins from my Mom's stuff.

It made it feel like she was a part of the celebration.

She loved having her church Momma, god-Momma, and little bestie, Nathan over.

It was quiet and laid back,

just like a cow would appreciate, I'd imagine.

The morning on her birthday, we did the usual.

She came downstairs to find gifts.

(And acted like a monkey??)

If you know her infatuation with belly buttons (belly butts as she says), you will appreciate this baby doll!

It dances when you press her belly butts!

Birthday breakfast consisted of chocolate waffles with icing!

Hesitant, but then stuffed her face.

Then, she got gussied up with her princess lip gloss for a day on the town!

We started off with a lunch at Chick Fil A (the kid's choice)

and a long time at a park.

Then to cool off, we drove to Little Italy for lunch and dessert at Vacarros!

The Colosseo is family sized (actually, I think it was only a half a Colosseo!)

We finished our birthday fun day at the Boumi Carnival!

Maggie was just old enough, and certainly brave enough to ride some rides this year.

Livia was her ride partner and watched out for her the whole time.

And at the end of the night, a rainbow appeared!

What a wonderful day to turn 2!

Little Oasis

2012-06-03T20:20:00.000-07:00

Some days I love out little yard.

It is fenced in, filled with things to do, and (during the day) it is pretty quiet for a city backyard.

Maggie spent half the morning watering all the plants in pots, the veggie garden, and mostly the grass between as she ran back and forth.

I will never get tired of watching this pigtailed little girl in boots!

We have put so much time into this yard, including the deck Troy built, the swing set, finding the right (extra long, Amish made) picnic table, and recently building a raised 4x20 vegetable garden.

We have been blessed with a sweet water table (thanks Christy!), a little tykes house (thanks Kay!), and even a free trampoline (Thanks Mark and Carolyn!)!

There are many things we would love to change, such as:

1. Have a place our kids can learn to ride a bike (on our own property that is not near a busy street).

2. Have more than a chain link fence separating our yard from the alley (and the not pretty sight of backs of row homes).

3. Change the awkward placement of the shed.

4. Live far enough away from neighbors so we can't hear everything from fights, parties, and even the "ding" of their microwave. (Can you imagine how loud we must sound in their home?!?!)

But those are small things compared to the fun our children have in our backyard.

I know God gave us this house for the early years of our children's lives.

How else could we experience so much joy when it is not the "Dream Home" of this hayseed and husband?

When I'm getting frustrated with city life, I need to remember how blessed I am!

As long as they sleep

2012-06-01T08:58:00.002-07:00

My kids get to have "Slumber Parties" on weekends.

(So if you ever hear them say, "Do you want to sleep with me?" try not to laugh.

We are working on breaking that habit and saying slumber party instead.)

Sigh.

All kids in big beds get to switch beds, share beds, camp out on the floor, whatever they like,

as long as they are in a kid bedroom and quiet.

They think it is amazing.

One Friday night, Troy and I made the rounds to check on the sleeping kids and saw this.

Ginnie and Livie ended up together in the top bunk.

(We never know where they will land ahead of time.)

Before you think, "Poor Ginnie," understand that she is usually the one kicking others in their necks.

I can vouch for that personally.

All's fair in slumber party rules!

postmistress

2012-05-31T06:40:00.001-07:00

Virginia loves to write notes.

Never mind that she can't read or write yet...

She will cut and color anything.

(And you have seen evidence here and here to prove the word anything!)

When she discovered the world of envelopes, her obsession to cut and color became more directed.

She now wants to be a mail lady.

I get multiple envies a day.

Filled with cut out coloring book pages, original drawings,

and sometimes just glued magazine cut outs.

It makes me wonder what her love language is/will be- words of affirmation? gifts?

Daddy's little helpers

2012-05-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

I'd love to say the kids help Troy bake because they love culinary arts....

But I have a feeling it is mostly about the perks.

George gets the beater.

Virginia is waiting patiently for the spatula.

I love these sweet little faces!

Little Ladies

2012-05-26T19:50:00.002-07:00

Every year we learn about a life cycle of some kind of animal.

We have watched butterflies, and tadpoles.

This year is Ladybugs!

We just did the quick kit from insect lore and ordered the little buggies in pupa stage.

We were surprised to see familiar buggers that we had no idea were baby ladybugs!

I forgot to take pictures of the transformation, but it was pretty awesome.

The kids were excited to release them into the rose garden, especially after we read that ladybugs love to feed on aphids.

I might have to get these things every year!

Do your job little Ladybugs!

I want kids who love to learn with the bonus of pretty roses!

What we have been up to....

2012-05-24T12:03:00.000-07:00

A little home improvement....

A little playing around....

Maybe a lot of playing around...

Lounging in the Spring air....

Eating some serious cake....

Even more playing around....

(Yes, that is George)

Packing up for local outings galore....

Eating at our favorite farmers market...

Enjoying summer cuisine....

Livia learning culinary techniques....

Finished up school....

Holiday festivities....

Field trips with friends.....

Lots of holiday festivity repeats, just for the fun of it.....

More lounging in the yard....

More of Livia's culinary experiments.....

Pinewood Derby......

More Easter loveliness....

and more......

and more.....

and more....

family portraits......

and more family.....

Birthday celebrations.....

presents.....

Explorations in D.C.....

Astronaut Ice cream....

More presents.....

Special dinners out.....

The end

H2O

2012-05-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

I'm not a big fan of science.

It is not my favorite thing to teach.

But this project was pretty fun,

funny,

easy,

and yummy.

We discussed molecules using books and internet sites to explain better than I could alone.

We made a model of H2O with green and red grapes held together with tooth picks.

It was especially fun to offer Troy a glass of "H2O" when he got home from work.

Thirsty?

Hardy Har Har

.. / .-. --- -.-. -.-

2012-05-11T05:36:00.001-07:00

.. / .-.. --- ...- . / - .... . ... . / .... .- -. -.. ... / --- -. / .-.. . ... ... --- -. ... .-.-.-

After learning about Samuel Morse,

we took turns writing words for each other to translate.

It wasn't until writing this post that I found this translator!

Ever see Thomas Jefferson's skivvies?

2012-05-10T13:35:00.002-07:00

My Grammy found this neat, colonial paper doll book.

I love it and I hate it.

I love it for the fun way to re-introduce some key historical figures

(mostly Thomas Jefferson's family).

I hate it because it is not perferated. We have ot cut them out the old fashioned way.

It is painstakingly slow and we are not finished yet.

After a slip of the scissors, and an amputation of Dolly Madison's hand, the cutting job fell to me and the fashion director roll went to Livia.

She just had to remind me that she was better at putting together outfits in real life too.

So I gave her an F for that day's history class.

So, it has been a while.....

2012-04-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

It's not you, it's me.
Really.

Lot's of blog worthy things have happened in the last month, including a surprise trip to Disney, my Dad's wedding, and my sister's baby shower, amongst the normal every day circus we live. Oh yeah- we went to the circus, the real Barnum and Bailey kind. And if you remember, I LOVE the circus! I have had lots to document, and might get around to doing something with all those stories and pictures.

But this post isn't about all of that. It is about what I have been wrestling with for a while now. Lately it has been a bit consuming and I haven't felt like talking/typing about much else. But the thing is, I DON'T want to write about it. Waaaaaay to personal. Sorry.

I've decided that this isn't that kind of blog. I'm not a deep, thoughtful, writer. You will never shed a tear here. I want to keep these posts to the same light, craziness that is laughable about our lives.

So, I'm going to buck up. I'm going to get to posting again! I've have too many people ask where I've been and still an influx of blog hits to let everyone down. I'm sure God will work through my personal whatever this is (since He has been the one hearing about it all these months!) and all will be fine.

This is all day long.

2012-02-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

Why are they so excited?

Umm, this is just their normal selves.

You would have thought we told them they were going to Disney or something.....

(We haven't.)

They are going to FLIP more than this when they find out where this crazy energy can be spent soon.....

She gets it honest....

2012-02-23T09:15:00.001-08:00

Oh hello there, Margaret.

What is that in your hand????

And on your shirt?

And arms?

And pants?

And my meal plan?

And carpet?

And computer????

Oh, Sharpie.

Of course.

Thank the Lord for magic erasers!

And for being able to buy a pack of 30 (bobo brand) for $10 on ebay!

Little Chef

2012-02-22T10:31:00.000-08:00

Liv has always been a big help.

Lately she has learned she can cut fruit,

reach the higher shelves in the pantry and cupboards,

and allocate appropriate servings for each kid.

She can even make coffee and tea with the Keurig!

Lunch is her specialty.

Tell me you wouldn't be happy eating this lunch!

3 out of 4 isn't bad....

2012-01-30T14:39:00.000-08:00

Winter is known for wrestling.

The kids still play outside, but the amount of time is cut so short by frozen hands and noses.

And we all know they have some energy to burn!

I'm not a fan of rough housing.

(In this pic, I wouldn't think Ginnie would be either!)

Someone always ends up hurt or upset.

Today was a pretty good day.

In the end, 3 out of 4 were still smiling.

This is Maggie's first real year of rolling around with a jumble of kids,

but I'm certain she will get used to it.

But if not, 3 out of 4 isn't bad.

2012-01-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes Virginia forgets she is the sister and not the Momma.

Sometimes Maggie doesn't deal with being ~~bossed~~ lead around.

But when they both remember that they are closer than any friend,

it is pure sweetness.

Fake Summer in January!

2012-01-11T17:04:00.000-08:00

It was 60 degrees!

IN JANUARY!

We need more of a path for their wheeled things.

Well, it is teaching them to take turns, right?

Ahhh, city life. ugh.

I long for space to breathe.

George is such a good brother, or impatient, ha ha!

Oh, if winter here was like this every day....

Blessings

2012-01-07T09:00:00.001-08:00

My baby is going to be a Prophet!
Well, at least a Godly woman.
All 3 of my girls will be.
And my son, a Godly man.
How can I say that?
Well, I can't.
But I'm praying that is the case.
Praying like their life depends on it.
Why not pray and believe in the best for my babies?

Electronically connected

2012-01-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

We are a big fan of technology around here.

And we are no where near cutting edge.

Facebook for friends/deals/news (in this order)

Twitter for different deals/news/friends (in this order)

iphone/macbook for me

Itouch/pc for kids to play learning games and reading curriculum

Wii for fun and exersise

Netflix for fun and educational movies/shows

Tivo to sensor kid tv, and to record a few shows for Troy and me.

I'm sure there are more....

It helps our daily life.

The pluses are too long to list.

I know there are negatives, but they are also relative to each person/family.

I'm sure some people have unhealthy additions to technology, but I'm feeling pretty good with our balance. For a stay at home Momma who is homeschooling, and have a little one young enough for 2 naps a day, I LOVE the freedom to stay home in this season but still be connected to the outside world. My kids are not socially deprived. We function fairly well in the real world.

(Plus, it is COLD outside! I don't want to go out there!)

For those of you convicted to cut screen time in your life, please remember that it is a wonderful thing for others. I won't make fun of you for not utilizing Pinterest, or Bible Gateway's many translations, or getting amazing deals shipped to your door for free via bargain blogs. :)

See you on the net or IRL when it gets warmer!

Christmas Collage

2012-01-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

Life skills

2012-01-01T13:26:00.000-08:00

I was excited to teach Livia the basics of sewing.

There was a slight hiccup in that plan.

I didn't know how to sew!

SO..... Liv and I enrolled in Sewfabulous beginner sewing class this Fall.

We loved it so much we signed up again for the intermediate course, starting in Jan.

We both made pajama pants, and Liv made a matching shirt.

Our next class will introduce sewing on a zipper and pleats.

Liv is making a hooded poncho, and I'm making a dress for me.

It has pushed me past my fear of sewing, and I even made my first quilt in my free time!

Here is to more creativity in 2012!

God does answer us.

2011-12-23T17:03:00.000-08:00

I've heard/read so many scriptures lately about how God answers prayers.
I don't doubt that.
I can't expect any less from the God of every little detail in the universe!
It is nice to be reminded about that when the one you are supposed to be closest to,
doesn't always speak to you in an audible way.

It has reminded me to not just think about what is bothering me,
but to discuss it with my Lord.
He does hear,
and he has probably already answered me in a way I often overlook.

Scripture.

Today, as I wrestled with my Christmas issues, plus a few others I didn't mention in that post, I received this Bible verse via gotandem.com (love that site!).

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. (Jude 22-23)

So much for that resentment.
It's not like I haven't been taught this before.
I just needed it to speak to me in a real, applicable way.
Such as now when I'm having trouble with those who don't see Christmas the way I do.
God knows what I'm praying about.
He hears and answers!

Christmas break? What Christmas break?

2011-12-22T21:32:00.000-08:00

I'm mean.
There is no time off for Christmas.
Christmas is on a Sunday this year too.
We don't even have to cram in extra work to make up for holiday days off.

But them there is the fact that I'm behind in recording their work.
Like 2 weeks behind.
It is just a matter of going through their books and writing down what pages they did each day,
and checking library receipts to see what we have read... Then I have to write it all down.

I think maybe a week off is needed.
For me.

Liv is ahead in her school work.
She has no idea. I just keep handing her stuff to do as she masters each concept.

She also finished up her 1st grade math yesterday. It would be a nice break for her to start 2nd grade math after the new year, right? George is also starting 1st grade math then. (She did NOT want to be in the same grade level as George, so I gave him a couple of weeks off so she could finish up.)

George just grasps math concepts better.
I'm waiting on him to start explaining it to Liv.
Oh, I can see her getting mad already!

George has been reading up a storm.
Even though it has been a bit of a challenge
(since I never really had to teach Liv, she sort of just knew it all).
I might keep him going with this next week.

He is the child who fights me the least on school work.
Well, if we work next week or not, I'm looking fwd to some relaxing!

Chicken Birds

2011-12-20T08:39:00.000-08:00

George: "Mom, why don't birds ever stay in the bird house?"

George: "They fly in and then fly out again!"

Me: "Hmmmm, George. I wonder......"

*Note to self- Move the birdhouse before Spring.