A Cup Full

Picture Perfect Sunday Catch Up

2010-11-07T12:38:00.001-08:00

We’ve been busy. That says it all. Sir MMH Hubby has been teaching and working hard to get firewood cut before the first snow. He had the chance to get away for the weekend for a Hearts Alive bootcamp… sort of. He came home that Sunday sick, and he doesn’t ever really get sick. So when he climbed into bed at 6pm, I knew he was miserable.

The Sirs have been working hard at school and playing even harder. FUEL on Wednesday nights is blessing their spirits. Sir Wallace went away on a prayer retreat (first time away from home alone) and had a blast. Sir Lionheart, what can I say? He is always doing something…and it usually involves a bug or his frog (Yoda). He was sick too.

The Misses have been busy since the day they were born, so no change there. They talk, play, color, build things, talk, dress up, try to keep up with their big brothers, and talk some more. They picked up the same thing big brother and Dada had…and kept it for four days.

So, I’ve been busy washing bedding, clothes, more bedding, and more clothes. I’ve been working hard at school and loving it. I’ve been more relaxed with homeschool, and loving that too. I’ve been putting off an update on the blog because I feel guilty for taking time to do it, when there are so many other things to do. However, on this beautiful Sunday with my Micro in front of me, it feels good to take in a big breath of fresh air.

I thought I would share some pictures of our last trip to the park with our friends, before the bug hit our house. And take a moment to thank God for sparing me and carrying me even through an exam on three hours of sleep. Thank you Lord.

Thank you Amber for taking pictures and letting me play with your camera.

Blessed By the Sirs at Bedtime

2010-10-21T06:05:00.001-07:00

Sir MMH Hubby had a workout last night, so I flew solo during prayer time with the boys. The routine is: I open up prayer with thanks and praise for all the good in our day, especially the good things I noticed the young Sirs doing. We then go around our trio lifting up prayers for others, ourselves, and whatever else is placed on our hearts. Last night it went something like this:

Me: “Lord I thank you for these boys and for blessing our day in every moment: playtime, school time, and even our meal was wonderful (meaning no complaints about food and the average in-seat time for the kiddos was more than 10 minutes). Thank you that Sir Wallace was so diligent in his work today, completing assignments and learning new things with a happy heart. Thank you for Sir Lionheart and how his heart is changing…he was so helpful today in many ways. Boys?”

Sir Lionheart: “God please help Grandpa Jim’s knee to feel better and he knows you did it.”

Sir Wallace: “Ummm…I’m thinking…”

Sir Lionheart: “Mama, maybe we can pray for the people who live by vampire bats that they won’t bite them and suck their blood.”

Me: “Sure thing buddy. God please keep the people safe who live by bats.”

Sir Wallace: “I don’t have anything.”

Sir Lionheart: “And maybe we can pray for monkeys not be eaten by giant snakes?”

Me: “You bet buddy. God, please protect your creation.”

Sir Wallace: “Mama did you read the hippo book today? In case you didn’t, did you know that an angry hippo can run faster than a human if he’s angry at the human?”

Me: “Nope, sure didn’t. Thank you Lord for blessing me now.”

Followed by laughter and these other facts Sir Wallace picked up in a book at the library today: A hippo can snap an alligator in half with it’s jaws. It can also kill a lion with those jaws, and apparently panda bears can swim. I’m so out of my league teaching this boy at home! (Now if he wants to talk nursing theory, I may have a chance) Thank you God for a wonderful library and a seemingly endless supply of books.

AMEN.

Word-full Wednesday

2010-10-20T11:09:00.001-07:00

My confession: I have been longing for a new camera. My point and shoot is sorely disappointing and one of the Sirs recently added a few dents to it… In any case, my next camera will be a Canon 30d, but for now it is not in the budget…and since God has not seen fit to drop one in my lap (hahaha) I have decided to use what he has given me, my words. Thus, my word-full Wednesday…

Fall is here, and as if in a dream I was able to join a local group of homeschoolers with Sir Wallace last Friday at an apple orchard. I remember visiting orchards and picking apples as a kid, and it was just wonderful to share the same experience with one of my own. The orchard is located south of our town and it was the drive there that stirred again my appreciation for God’s artistry.

I drove down a two lane road lined with trees: oaks, maples, and some pines. The colors of the sunset surrounded me, so much beauty I’m sure I could cry. (Yep, all woman full of emotions here) In my mind I was capturing pictures. Some were of the ground covered in a golden blanket that moved with the wind. Some were of the leaves as they fell: Could I catch the picture of a leaf as it danced its last dance from limb to earth? Some were just palettes of color brushed across my mind, like rubbed charcoal drawings but in red and orange.

I thought, how perfect that the fall be full of the colors of dusk and sunset, as the earth is easing in to a winter’s sleep. Just like our days are so full and lively, there is something so precious about the rest that comes as daylight fades and night whispers itself in. Harvest’s last push before the farms lay in wait, even the dirt is still until spring.

I walked through the orchard that afternoon breathing in the crisp fall breeze, carrying the scent of fall and apples. I picked up wooly bears for the first time since I was a kid. I watched Sir Wallace pick his bag (and pockets!) full of Cameo apples. I was blessed by the experience and mental pictures I will carry with me for a long while.

(And I was given the chance to play with my friend’s Canon…which if she would like to send me some pics, I would love to post…hint hint!)

Just have to share…

2010-10-20T07:01:00.001-07:00

I was helping Sir MMH Hubby grade the other night, and I really did see this.

Brittany :)

(It was _written_ in pencil, and the name has been changed)

REALLY?!? Since when do we smile sideways? Unfortunately a sign of the times…

Chicken and Noodles

2010-10-12T11:39:00.001-07:00

First let me say, I am a crock pot girl. If I can throw a few ingredients into a bowl, turn the heat on, and come back to dinner hours later…well, let’s just say the benefits rock.

One dish meal = one dish to clean
Menu = planned and prepared
No menu = grab from the pantry and it will still taste good
Soccer = eat before or after, it will still be warm and ready
Mom of four kids who plans a menu but still manages to forget it? Perfect.

That said, this chicken and noodles is not a crock pot recipe, but it is sooooo easy that it rates right up there with it.

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
3 cans chicken broth
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 large package of Reame’s egg noodles (in the frozen section)
salt, seasoning, pepper

Salt chicken. Bake chicken breasts until done. (I threw them in frozen at 375 for an hour or so, thawed 350 for 25 minutes on a stone). Pour all cans into pot on stove. Stir well. Add seasoning. I usually use salt, Mrs. Dash, and onion powder or dried onions. Shred or dice chicken and add to soup. Bring soup mixture to a boil. Add noodles. Cook according to package directions, stirring enough to keep anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. It’s usually 20 minutes. Enjoy!

I Should Be…

2010-10-11T17:58:00.001-07:00

A few thoughts about what I should be doing…

I should be…

finishing up my bible study, but I’m still on Day One.

three-hole punching my coursework for school.

organizing my remaining paperwork for clinicals.

washing clothes.

gathering library books to avoid late fees.

getting schoolwork organized for the Sirs tomorrow.

balancing the checkbook and paying a few stray bills.

writing a list of curriculum needed for Sir Wallace since I’m quickly running out of lessons in some areas.

filing and shredding.

Instead, I am…

eating ice cream, listening to my night time serenade by Miss Bear, staring at the pile of should do’s, enjoying my furniture free from laundry in various stages of folding, and indulging my INFJ self with a bit of reflection and peace.

The LORD replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30

Amen.

Fall Begins

2010-10-03T20:33:00.001-07:00

It has been creeping up on us.. the cool nights giving way to fog in the morning, the afternoon storms as the pushy north winds try to overtake the warm leftovers from the ninety-plus degree days, a few leaves giving in and littering the yard, and the emergence of bees (seriously). Though the calendar may not officially say it, our home does.

It’s the first fire of the year…and it’s divine. Just the other day we enjoyed a meal of fish tacos, our last toast to summer…

And today it was chicken and noodles…

And for a snack as I prepared for another quiz tonight, Sir MMH Hubby used his culinary skills to make me a chipotle cheese quesadilla…

*smile*

What is your favorite thing about fall? I hope to get out and grab pics of all the reasons I feel abundant and blessed living in our little town during this season, and I will share soon!

A Cup of Coffee

2010-09-29T12:04:00.001-07:00

As we played with Play-Doh this morning, Sir Lionheart was a bit exuberant. At some point I ended up with a cup of coffee with blue Play-Doh floating in it, and it reminded me of a post…

This weekend Sir MMH Hubby and I experienced a first: our kids awoke by themselves and fed themselves breakfast.

Upon my advice, Sir MMH and I decided to enjoy the quiet of the morning and the moment of newfound independence…until… *sniff* “Do you smell smoke?” “Yes…something is BURNING!” Upon arriving at the kitchen, we found two boys with eyes as big as saucers stammering something like, “Forgot…you…coffee…” Let’s see if you can add it up…

So, our two loving boys wanted to make us coffee, and it was precious. AND we bid farewell to a wonderful pot that has served us many cups of coffee over the past eight years.

Midnight Musing

2010-09-26T21:05:00.001-07:00

“…so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11

1. God’s word yields a harvest.

2. God accomplishes what he desires…with or without us.

3. Our purpose comes from God.

Just a few thoughts I am currently exploring as I dig in Isaiah. I am so thankful to be a part of His harvest and for His word. I pray that my heart continues to say, “Here am I. Send me!” and that He continues to use me. Finally…if it is not from God, I labor on that which does not satisfy.

Technorati Tags: Morning Coffee,A Higher Calling

Wordless Wednesday…My Favorite Pics September

2010-09-22T09:38:00.001-07:00

To see more Wordless Wednesdays…click here.

Happy Birthday Sir Wallace

2010-09-21T18:15:00.001-07:00

Seven years, Sir W. I can clearly remember that Saturday morning that you arrived with gusto and so fast that nobody believed you were really there! That has not changed much…you are full of life and so eager to do anything and everything you can!

Over the past seven years, I have seen you grow from such a curious and talkative little boy into a well spoken and gifted big boy. God has blessed you with a sensitive heart that truly soaks up and gives love so freely. I am blessed every time I reach out and you still hold my hand. Every hug and moment of snuggle time I cherish. I know that these days are limited; you are growing up so quickly as God has planned.

You are my oldest, and you broke the mold I am sure. God knew what he was doing when he gave you to us. You have challenged me to be a better Mama. My mind and heart renew each day when I am with you. I love watching you play basketball with your Dada, teaching you at home, and listening to all the thoughts your creative mind devises. You show me true enthusiasm and zest for life, as well as how to think without so many boundaries. Thank you.

Your sisters adore you. You are such a great big brother to them. They reach for you to carry them, to hug them. They really enjoy playing with you; thank you for playing with them. You truly have taken on the role of protector for those little girls.

Sir Lionheart, oh what to say? You two battle so hard against each other, but you battle even harder for each other. Thank you for being your brother’s best friend. Some day that will be so precious to you both.

From tricycle to training wheels to two wheels, the time just flies by. Just the other day I am sure I dropped you off for your first day of preschool, and now you have moved on to first grade. Soon enough I will watch you graduate and move on to the calling you receive. Just know that we love you…and we pray to God that you continue to hold that precious gift of Jesus in your heart, that you seek Him, and that you love Him with all that you are.

Happy Birthday Big Boy!

Love,

Mama

The Tomato Show

2010-09-20T06:44:00.001-07:00

I know I keep saying how quickly time seems to be flying by, and I know how many posts I have written…in my head. I thought it would be fun to share why we lose a week of our lives every year in our little part of the world…the Tomato Show.

Yes, tomatoes. It is a week filled with parades, baking contests, vegetable judging, photo judging, pedal tractor pulls, 5 mile runs, Big Wheel races, tomato tosses, Little Miss Tomato, and even races where grown men and women ride in bathtubs full of…you guessed it, tomato juice.

Our first year here, we attended. Our second year I entered some rolls in the baking tent, and won a blue ribbon. Hubby entered the 5 mile run and won his age division. We were hooked. Last year we skipped the run, but I entered more baked goods and Sir Wallace won the Big Wheel race while taking second (to his good friend) in the pedal tractor pull.

This year we were there every night, one night until well past bedtime. And it has taken every night since then to get back into routine, seriously. Our homeschooling is turning into unschooling more than I ever thought it would, but it works for us. Of course we have also dealt with a couple of ear infections this week… In any case, here is my toast to tomatoes and the Tomato Show…and a few pics to share!

Sir MMH Hubby in Mile 1 of the 5 Mile run

The Misses and The Sirs on their float; it won Best Costumed. (The theme this year was Rockin’ and Rollin’ Through The Years.)

Sir Lionheart looking perfectly like himself! I LOVE this picture. He won first in the 3/4 year old Big Wheel race.

A hint as to why our kids have an advantage in the Big Wheel races, LOL. Here is Sir Wallace awaiting the 6 year olds, and yes he was taller by almost a head than all the others there. He took first again as well. His biggest thrill, I think, was his blue ribbon for his chocolate chip cookies. Alas, no picture…but they were tasty!

And here is what everyone looked like after it was all over. I am thankful for this week, back on schedule and no extraneous appointments or commitments. *deep breath*

God Bless…

2010-09-08T13:40:00.001-07:00

The girls tend to bless the same people over and over during our prayers…Aunt D, Gaga Doc, and Auntie Jo one night, then Aunt D (yes again), Nana, and Baby Gracie another night. It’s beautiful to hear. A few nights ago, however, some new ones started creeping in. Here is my (Somewhat) Wordless Wednesday reflecting them. *smile*

Technorati Tags: Wordless Wednesday

Twin Tots

2010-09-07T08:19:00.001-07:00

As you read in my previous post, tackling twin tots has been a challenge. I thought I would share some pictures of why…

It should not surprise you that two little people like this…

Would take this…

and this…

And turn it into this…

and this…

That’s all I have to say. *smile*

Technorati Tags: Twin Tots,TimeForTwo,Our Adventure,Homeschool

Coming Up For Air

2010-09-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

It has been nearly a week since my last post, oh my. We have been adjusting to our ever changing and challenging schedule.

School, well it has been adjusted. As much as I long for a set schedule, after the first week that hope went out the window. The boys do really well working through their lessons knowing that the day is theirs when they finish. However, with the twin tots it is just unrealistic. The new plan, which has been written down nowhere, is to complete Calendar Time, Bible, and one other group activity in the morning. When we finish with those, it’s free time for the boys and interactive play with the Misses. Preschool is completed during naptime, and Sir Wallace begins his boxes then as well. One on one time with Sir Wallace often occurs around 8pm because the rest of the troops are in bed (Sir Lionheart may be reading with Dada.) and he is our night owl.

Here are a few things that we have been doing…

Bugs…and more bugs. After the caterpillars from our bike ride, we spent the week outside enjoying the wonderful weather ushering in fall. The bugs were very literally finding us, and the kids loved it.

Our very late garden is finally bearing fruit. Along with the Aunt Ruby’s (my favorite this year), our Pac Man Broccoli has been abundant and tasty (and a bit smelly!).

Sir Lionheart had a run in with the wheel of his wagon and the concrete as Dada was pulling it. He now understands that our warnings to not drag his hand on the ground are warranted.

We have continued to enjoy popsicle time after naps, though I’m devising snack plan B as the weather cools.

Due to the Twin Tots, homeschooling has moved upstairs a few days per week. It will most likely remain this way until we can adapt the other areas in the basement more for them.

I am thankful and blessed for this season in my life, and though the best laid plans change rapidly I know God is in control.

Technorati Tags: Our Adventure,Our Home,Homeschool

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-01T04:32:00.001-07:00

Fruit of our garden, Aunt Ruby.

Technorati Tags: Wordless Wednesday,Our Garden

Wordless Wednesday

Raising Rock Stars

2010-08-31T17:10:00.001-07:00

My friend Carisa over at 1 + 1 + 1 = 1, has an awesome preschool program, Raising Rock Stars. When putting together Sir Lionheart’s studies this year, I headed straight on over and downloaded it. I have used it as the base for his preschool/kindergarten program, and it greets us every morning during Calendar and Bible Time.

I do not post this as a review of curriculum…no, it is out of pure pleasure and entertainment. You see, the kids were a bit silly and OOC (out of control) this morning and after plowing through most of school I finally threw in the towel. I think it was at the point of cleaning up after two little girls who didn’t quite make it to the potty, the second attempt at swallowing something out of tot boxes, and Sir Lionheart’s complete dumping of all of his workboxes (an accident) that I packed lunch and headed for the park.

Well, you can imagine when I saw this upon opening the front door:

And this:

I may have thought it was too late….the monkeys were running the zoo. BUT, as I opened the glass door and listened, I heard, “Let your light shine before men, so they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven!” And he was singing it too! All I can say is I smiled really big…and grabbed my camera! Thanks Carisa!

Technorati Tags: Preschool,Our Adventure

My Simple Woman’s Daybook

2010-08-31T05:20:00.001-07:00

Outside my window our dog stretches on her first morning back from vacation at the Doggy Hotel. Toys are left across the yard from the Misses driving them yesterday. Chairs sit under the tree awaiting afternoon popsicles and another night of grilling.

I am thinking how nice it is to be up early with the hubby, how long until the scattering of leaves on our lawn becomes a full onslaught, and how grateful I am for my God who meets me, comforts me, and confirms for me exactly when I need it.

I am thankful for friends and the conversations we have on night walks.

From the learning rooms, I am playing with our structure a bit. We worked on a morning schedule last week, and while it accomplished the lessons…I believe there is a better approach. I’m looking to keep structure for calendar and Bible time the same in the morning with everyone and spend the rest of it with “learning playtime.” When our twin tots go down for their nap, I will “teach” the boys, and we will finish our workboxes over the afternoon. That’s the really rough plan of it for now.

From the kitchen, I really like grilling season (which is an all-year season if you ask some). Grilled chicken, steaks, and hamburgers off the grill have been tasty and keep the kitchen so easy to clean up. We’ve been mixing fresh garden veggies in with beans and salads and found a few big keepers for recipes. I have three Aunt Ruby tomatoes almost ready to eat sitting on the window ledge, and Sir Wallace is excited. They are his favorite.

I am creating new lesson plans as we have flown through those I already made, a schedule as school and church activities launch into full force, and a quieter part to my life in which to hear God.

I am going to Nursing school as of Friday.

I am reading a random Christian fiction novel I pulled off the shelf of our wonderful library, the Teacher’s Guide to Singapore Math in an attempt to better teach it, Believing God, and many great books that go along with our studies about World Geography and Bugs.

I am hoping to find a three hole punch (smile), that I do not have to see three digits on the thermostat again until next summer, and to slow time down a bit (the girls just turned 2 and Sir Wallace will be 7 in a few weeks!).

I am hearing the first signs of life from the rest of the clan. Giggles and musical toys sing to me from under the girls’ door. Drawers are opening and closing as one of the boys (Sir Lionheart is the early riser) gets ready for the day.

Around the house Mount Washmore is washed, though I’m a bit behind on folding. My island is overwhelmed with books and more books. Three caterpillars in cocoons sit on the counter, and our art frame is almost full after the first week of school.

One of my favorite things is hot cup of coffee with Super MMH Hubby in the morning, a time to reconnect.

A few plans for the rest of the week a couple of church meetings, opening night with the Dean of the Nursing School, my own first day of class, and a birthday party for a friend of the boys.

Here is a picture for the thoughts I am sharing:

Miss Bear and her sense of fashion. Love it. That hat is the one they gave her at the hospital two years ago!

To see more Daybooks, please visit The Simple Woman's Daybook and enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Daybook,Morning Coffee

Going on a Bug Hunt

2010-08-28T18:37:00.001-07:00

We have been rolling with a few themes this week…Intro to Geography (Expedition Earth from Erica at Confessions of a Homeschooler), The Letter L (Raising Rock Stars Preschool from Carisa at 1plus1plus1), and Bugs (Well, from this Mama of four kids who LOVE bugs). Today it was barely 80 degrees and sunny, so we decided to take our Science Saturday outdoors to the bike trail.

Sir Wallace wore his helmet in the truck, so he could hop out, hop on, and go. (Very indicative of his personality).

Sir Lionheart had to step up to the plate today. He has been on two wheels for quite a while now, but he has been riding a really small bike because his feet hit the ground when he sits on it. His big boy bike was a size too big when we bought it (on purpose…if you knew how tall our kids are and how fast they grow you would understand). The last time we rode the trail Sir Lionheart grew weary quickly because he had to do two to three times the pedaling as everyone else due to the size of his wheels. So, today I told him he had to ride the big one if he wanted to go. Whaddya’ know? He hopped on that thing and was lapping the yard in minutes. There is definitely a warm Mama Moment when your little guy grows up just that little bit more and accomplishes something new.

The girls loaded up into the trailer, pulled by Sir MMH Hubby, and I followed.

We stopped and watched butterflies, bees, bugs, and beetles. Unfortunately I’m still dealing with a point and shoot with a shutter speed slower than the feet of my six year old when you tell him it’s time for bed. Thus, no good photos of anything that did not crawl.

We herded up a few caterpillars, all different colors and textures. As we study the difference between moths and butterflies we are eager to see what these caterpillars will turn into… For now, they sit in my canning jars *smile* with twigs, leaves, and holes in the lids in hopes of seeing them build cocoons. And there are two little boys even more excited about bugs.

Technorati Tags: Our Adventure,Mama Moments

Happy Birthday Miss Bear and Miss Bug!

2010-08-27T06:52:00.001-07:00

Two years ago God blessed me with two rays of sunshine and a lot less sleep!

Good Morning Girls and Happy Birthday!

You two little ladies are such a joy in my life. Your big blue eyes and heart-stopping smiles cause my heart to nearly burst. Our first year together was a bit foggy and one of survival…This year, though, has been packed full of firsts and fun. Your personalities are shining through, and I see God using you just as He promised at your dedication.

Miss Bear, my strong and adventurous quiet Bear. You take note of everything and everyone around you, so careful and so thoughtful. You see the mountains and are not scared. Instead, you watch them and measure them and find a way to climb them (and tables too). Your little “Alright!” is such a blessing when you help me and when you play. Your big brothers love to hear you giggle and would do anything to protect you. You truly work your way into people’s hearts and hold fast. I look forward to watching you learn so much more and to see God reveal His plans to you. I love you my Little Bear.

Miss Bug, oh Miss Bug. You are anything but quiet or small anymore. As predicted, you are quite the social and full throttle little girl. Your enthusiasm and eagerness to do everything (as long as you want to) is unmatched in this house. It truly is all or nothing. Your heart is the same; and you love so big. I treasure those quiet moments with you praying and singing “Jesus Loves Me,” aka “The Bible Song.” Your big belly laughs and even your big sad cries bless my days. You feel for yourself and others around you. Your big brothers love when you put on your cape and fly like a superhero around the house with them, and they love you so much. I hope our days ahead will be filled with more of your enthusiasm and love. I love you my Little Bug.

It really has been such and adventure with two…and girls at that. My daughters and daughters of the King, you really keep my cup full.

Happy Birthday!

Technorati Tags: TimeForTwo,Mama Moments

Blog Hop Friday

2010-08-27T06:11:00.001-07:00

It’s Friday…so I’m blog hopping! Welcome and have fun!

Technorati Tags: BlogHaps,Friday Blog Hop

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-25T09:20:00.001-07:00

(Somewhat.) We use our glass doors to write packing lists and reminders for the family. Here is the list that I wrote before we took the kids on vacation last weekend…with an add-on courtesy of our oldest.

And just a fun one of Miss Bug. I really need to find little girl dress up clothes!

Happy Wordless Wednesday

Technorati Tags: Mama Moments,Wordless Wednesday

everyone!

To Tot School and Beyond!

2010-08-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

So it was not quite that dramatic, but I sure felt like Buzz Lightyear trying to fly after finding out he was a toy. If you asked me what my biggest fear was about homeschooling I would say, “Miss Bear and Miss Bug.” WHAT am I going to do with them?

All of the blogs I read and websites I find with tons of ideas for tots…but they all lacked one thing: TWIN tots. Or at least MY twin tots. It’s just different than one tot. Or only twin tots. Really, we’re just one shy of a full house here. (And no, we’re not looking for one!) I have been blessed by Mama Jenn’s blog because if she can handle two sets of twins, my oh my, I can handle one! But it’s still scary…

The plan? Calendar time together, songs, and send the boys for seat work without help for a bit. Meanwhile, introduce Tot Boxes to the Misses. I was pleasantly surprised by their willingness and even excitement to join us for Calendar Time. Miss Bug clapped during Days of the Week and both Miss Bear and Miss Bug were very willing to add our day and weather to the board.

Calendar Time: Success.

Next up, Tot Boxes. I literally wandered the house this morning gathering some last minute supplies to bring my ideas together for the girls’ boxes. We had pom poms, of which Miss Bear was a big fan.

We had decorative marbles and various scoopers and pourers. It all started in the box, but soon covered the floor. However, all were happy, including Sir Lionheart.

I covered the easel with paper and just left crayons for doodling. Miss Bug kept busy coloring and saying, “M like Mama.” *smile*

The last box had Melissa and Doug magnetic letters in it with a magnetic white board. We sang the ABC’s and placed all the magnets on the board.

Tot Boxes: Success.

When the Tot Boxes lost their appeal, the girls began to wander. Plan B went into effect: a short show. In this case, Elmo saved the day. (Why do they love Elmo so much?) A baggie of Goldfish and a pillow to sit upon, and I headed in to help the boys with “Mama” boxes.

Diversion: Success.

After Elmo, the Tots wandered back in and began exploring the boxes again. It was not long, though, until they were decidedly finished. The final plan? A laundry basket with dress up shoes and purses, and finally a cereal bar. Life was good for these two tots. And school was a great success today. Here’s praying for tomorrow!

Technorati Tags: TimeForTwo,Tot School,Our Adventure

First Day of School

2010-08-24T03:50:00.001-07:00

It’s here. At least it was. The first day of school for all the boys, Sir MMH Hubby included. I was not brave enough to start Tot School on the same day. We will add it in tomorrow. As it is, I would consider today a great success, only one meltdown.

Our workboxes worked great, and the lessons flew by. I only wish there truly existed a “Handwriting Without Tears.” Unfortunately, Sir Wallace despises writing…and I’m coming up empty on ideas right now to change that. Here are a few pics of our day.

Sir MMH Hubby all dressed up for his first day with students.

Sir Lionheart ready to jump in at his desk. (He was lurking outside the door for fifteen minutes while I finished up some last minute details; so happy to see him excited.)

Sir Wallace all smiles as well. He actually made it out of bed the day after vacation with a smile on his face. This is a big accomplishment for our Sir Sleepyhead.

Our calendar board almost complete. We used it even though I ran out of velcro earlier in the morning. Thank you Mama Jenn and Carisa for the great calendar board and notebook resources!

They did such a great job working through their lessons…

even with the total meltdown over handwriting. (Sir Wallace was busy lamenting the letter “a” up in his room.) We did make it through and live to experience our first day of Tot School tomorrow. Watch out boys, two almost-two year old tots are on the way!

Technorati Tags: Our Adventure,Homeschool

Monday Mama Moments

2010-08-16T19:25:00.001-07:00

I was blessed by many wonderful Mama Moments today and thought I would share…

Misses Bear and Bug returned home with Dada today: ran in, wrapped their dirty sticky bodies around my legs, and yelled, “MAMAMAAAA!” with the biggest smiles.

Sir Lionheart, our bug man, ate his popsicle in one hand while cradling a grasshopper in the other.

Sir Wallace asked me for a band-aid, for a cut that was barely bleeding. When I looked at the cut he said he just wanted Mama to take care of it.

While the boys were out with Sir MMH Hubby starting coals, I found the box of graham sticks for the girls. Upon successfully opening the box, the little Misses clapped and yelled, “Yay Mama!”

I was asked many times by Sir Wallace if we can start homeschooling tomorrow or in three days. Either way, he is excited, and that brings me more excitement.

I took two very big almost two year old girls to the library tonight. They climbed all the way back to the “way back” and buckled themselves in.

And finally, I got the nod for bedtime tonight from Sir Lionheart. It was my turn to put him in bed.

May you all find moments, whether because you are a Mama or a divine product of our Creator, and soak them up like rays of sunshine.

Technorati Tags: Mama Moments,Morning Coffee