Hi y’all!

Just wanted to let you know that I’m guest posting today at Homeschool Learners about being called to homeschool.

Homeschooling is a Biblical choice for our family based on our understanding of scripture’s guidance and principles for families. As a result, homeschooling as a calling has allowed us to have more confidence, freedom, conviction, and flexibility.

I encourage you to head over to Homeschool Learners to read more about how our family has been called to homeschool and how that has had an effect on what we do. Also, I share some ways you can know if you are called to homeschool your children as well.

Also, a fellow homeschooler at my church made this video about homeschooling her kindergartener this year and I thought I would share it with you.

Have a great day!!

Last week was super busy with dance!

My girls had their last dance class, dress rehearsal, and recitals on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They’ve loved going to dance the last two years and were so excited about their recital, especially since their Nanny and cousin came up to watch them.

Sunday – My husband gave Will some free comic books that he picked up and this little boy was thrilled! He spent so much time last week pouring over those books…it looks like we might have another comic enthusiast in our house!

We spent lots of time playing and enjoying the beautiful weather outside on Sunday afternoon. My husband and I enjoyed a warm slice of apple pie, ice cream and coffee on the deck while the kids played with their bubble machine. They love chasing after and popping the bubbles as they blow out!

Jenny had to come inside early and she wasn’t happy about that at all. But she was comforted in my arms with a snack while I sang her some of my favorite hymns.

Thursday – Our busy dance weekend kicked off with dress rehearsal on Thursday night. The top picture is of their ballet costumes and the bottom is their tap costumes. They loved being little cowgirls!

Friday – Dress rehearsal lasted so long on Thursday night that I had two very tired girls on Friday! Fortunately, they were rested up and ready to go again by Friday night. Their daddy and little brother gave them flowers after their performance.

Saturday – Our incredible babysitter came to see her sister dance and made sure to visit with EA and MC to tell them that they did a great job! We are going to miss Hannah so much…she has been such a blessing to our family!

I took MC and EA to Dairy Queen for ice cream after their last recital on Saturday.

I put my Project Life layouts together every Monday evening/night. I have really gotten into a great work flow and the pages come together fairly quickly now!

left side:

right side:

side by side:

Products used:

For Mother’s Day yesterday MC handed me a gift bag.

After I pulled out the tissue paper, I pulled out this picture from the bottom of the bag.

This was her gift to me.

It’s a picture she found in a baby album in her room.

She told me she thought I would like to remember when she and her sister were born.

Those first days with my two babies, born early and fighting to survive, aren’t days that are easily forgotten, but, yes I need reminders to remember…to really remember.

I need to remember the blessing that my children are in my life.

They are gifts to be treasured, not burdens to bear.

I am thankful for the reminder to remember given to me by my daughter.

This is one of my most treasured gifts.

Sunday – Chicken Salad sandwiches; potato salad; fruit

Source: extremesavingswithdivadesirae.com via Anne on Pinterest

Monday – Taco Ring

Source: chef-in-training.com via Monica on Pinterest

Tuesday – Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan; Steamed Vegetable

Wednesday – Hot Dogs; Tater Tots

Thursday – Chicken Tacos; Spanish Rice

Source: emmalinaviolet.wordpress.com via Monica on Pinterest

Friday – Buffalo Chicken Garbage Bread; steamed carrots

Saturday – Spaghetti & Meatballs; Garlic Bread; Salad

What’s on your menu this week?

Visit Menu Plan Monday at OrgJunkie for lots of menu planning ideas!

Some days Jenny drives me absolutely bananas!

She has completely embraced being two and all the “terribleness” that it entails, only there’s one little problem with that…she’s not two yet!

Even though by the end of some days…okay, MOST days, I am at my wits end, I love her so much.

It only takes one sweet look from this precious girl to completely melt my heart and make me wonder what I was so upset about.

I have to admit…I am bananas about my sweet Jenny!

This page was created using the Lucky Monkey bundle by Charlize Creations…it was just perfect to express my sentiments about Jenny and this picture of her.

This week of school has been a hard one.

I have a bad case of short-timers with our move coming up very soon.

The problem is that even though we’re moving, homeschool must go on.

Because we were testing, last week was mostly a week off of school. Whenever we take a week off, it is a bit of a struggle to get back into the routine of things.

Add to all of that a little girl who is quickly embracing the “terrible two’s” even before she actually turns two.

Yesterday morning was especially hard…so hard that I put myself into time out!

When I came out of hiding, I sat down and talked to my oldest girls about some changes that we can make to work through this time.

As we talked, EA handed me her journal with a note sweetly written to me…

Her note reads, “Mother’s Day is soon. This week should be joyful, happy, and wonderful. I have a few plans.”

She is so right.

This week should be joyful, happy, and wonderful.

But not only this week.

Every week, every day, every moment is such a blessing.

And not because Mother’s Day is coming up, but because we have so much to be thankful for.

Yes, homeschool is sometimes hard, sometimes a struggle, and often a sacrifice. But I am thankful that I have this opportunity to teach my children at home, to build relationships with them, and to watch them grow and learn in the comfort and safety of our home.

I am thankful for this reminder from my daughter to enjoy life, to be thankful, and to live out each day joyful, happy, and wonderful.

God knew I needed encouragement and I am so thankful that he chose to send it by way of this precious little girl!

Are you in need of encouragement today?

Are you struggling with the end of this school year, or an upcoming change in your life?

Remember, we have to much to be thankful for.

We have been blessed beyond measure.

This week, this day, and each moment contained within should be joyful, happy, and wonderful.