Schooling and Learning at Home.

Well, it's been a year since we started homeschooling Selah again. Bryce has been home for his 1st grade year, and Charis does school right along with us. We have had a wonderful journey so far, and haven't looked back. As a whole, we all love it.
Dont get me wrong.... There are days I hear myself griping and yelling way more than I wish, there are too many times that I say "go get the phone!!! I'm calling the school and you're going back if you don't straighten UP!". (is it bad to threaten my kids with 'school'? Ha! ha! Oh well. I never claimed to be a perfect Mom!) But most days are spent learning, playing, creating, cooking, building, cleaning and sharing home responsibilities. Also participating in sports, dance, art classes, Co-op activities with Heritage, and going on various field trips. And, also playing Wii. Selah has just started blogging on her own blogspot, so that is a fun for her, and great incentive to get schoolwork done so she can write and blog. In fact, just this morning by the time I woke up at 7:55, she had already written in her journal, and finished her math and English workbook pages, and was anxious to write a new post.

Selah likes history most of all. We are studying early American Hstory. The early settlers, the Patriots vs. Loyalists, breaking away from the King, and the early life for the colonists. Much of this has been done through our Amerian Girl reading and studies. We have also learned the various freedoms the people in the US have rights to. We have studied the symbols that represent our country, coins and money, and much more.
She also really likes science and English. She finds science very interesting, and she enjoys English and is good at it. Any time I say "it's time for science!" Or "English!" Or "History!" she yells "Yayyyy!!!"
Math, however, does not evoke the same response. At all. The first half of the year she spent "hating math" (to use her exact words). It would take her an hour to do a page or two in her workbook. Last year in school she aced math and had no problems at all. Those were the days of patterns, story problems, etc. She does great at that. But this year, there has been lots of math facts - addition and subtraction. That has come harder to her. So much so that she doesn't even want to do it. I've tried a few different approaches to help her in learning the math facts, and it seems to be getting better. Since Thanksgiving it hasn't been as much of a struggle, and her confidence and ability has improved, so it has been going much better. Other than that, learning is good. She proclaims to LOVE learning at home.

Bryce is soaring through his studies too. He does the 2nd grade English, Science, History, and Reading curriculum right along with her, and doesn't miss a beat. In math, I started him with a 1st grade book. Last year at the end of kindergarten he tested at almost a 4th grade math level, but I still chose to give him a first grade curriculum since math builds on itself so much. I don't want him to miss out on fundamentals and then be lost somewhere down the road. He is almost finished with 1st grade, and I will be buying 2nd grade for him in a few weeks. Math and spelling are his thing. He's good at it and loves it. He wants to play math and spelling games in his spare time - ha!
He is also really likes science and history, just like Selah does. We do all this learning together as a family. Charis learns right along with them. Hs least favorite is English. While he does it and does fine at it, he does not enjoy it. Its the one he groans about when I say "time for some English."

Charis is my "unschooling" experiment for the time being. She has never been to school, so her experience of learning is what we do here at home. However, she is very driven to learn. Well, she is driven in anything and everything she does - it's part of who she is. Part of what she inherited from me, my mom, and my Grandmas. She wants to learn to read, and she will often bring me books and want to work on it. The other two kids were reading very well at 5 years old, but Charis is still working on it. She can spell any 3 or 4 letter word I ask her to, and she can sound out words and read 3 and 4 letter words, but she still has to sound them all out. She will get it, but I'm kind-of letting it be on her terms. While she can read and sound out words, the reading doesn't 'flow' just yet. However, next year she is kindergarten age, so I think she's doing pretty good! As for the science, history, even English, she sits and learns and answers questions and participates as much as she wants. Which is usually the whole time. She learns right along with them, and she GETS it. While the other two sometimes get antsy and wanna be done, she sits and enjoys whatever learning is going on. I'm glad she loves to learn, and loves to be with us at the table or on the couch or at the library or in the kitchen. She's So fun!

As for me, I really really do love getting to be home with the kids and getting to guide them along in their education. Of course, I spend many hours wondering if I'm doing the right thing.... Wondering if Bryce is challenged as much as he should be.... Wondering if he would end up better off down the road if he were being stretched to his level of IQ and beyond. I wonder if Selah having misspelled words is totally normal for her age and am I expecting too much... I wonder if I should let them play computer less or if its fine... Just let them enjoy it. Its like, when you're a mom, you sometimes 2nd guess and hope you've made the right decision in the ways you parent. Likewise, I also have those same thoughts and doubts with schooling. But then, after prayer, much analyzation and hours laying awake at night, I find a spot to "land" and we do life. And so far, it has been good. Very good. I'm proud of the kids and who they are turning out to be. I'm proud of their abilities, their heart, their service, and their participation in activities and in the lives of people. And I'm proud that they like being kids and having fun.

I often say that having kids this close together wasn't my plan - but there are benefits that go along with it. One benefit relating to school is that they learn together. And maybe most important - they are not bored. They love each other, they are best buddies, and they have a great time each and every day. Lucky me - I get to be a part of it and watch it all take place.

Celebrating 7 Years with Bryce

Our little buddy is 7!!!!!! Wow. I can't believe it! Yesterday was his birthday and we had a fun day of celebrating him! He woke up happy, came down the stairs, and right into my arms! I gave him a birthday hug and kiss, and we began our day. After church, we had donuts, and Grandpa Gene and Grandma Lou Lou were with us. Then it was off to party at Incredible Pizza for lunch, cake, and arcade time!!
Bryce chose to have his party there, and it really was a good time!. A little bit of craziness.... keeping up with all the kids would have been impossible had the parents not all been there, but it was fun to watch them smile as they played arcade games, mini-golf, bumped in bumper cars, raced in go-carts, bowled, played ice hockey, ski ball, and lots more. He had a BLAST and said it was his best birthday ever. We stayed all afternoon- started the party with lunch, and ended it with dinner. Then headed home. He got some cool gifts from his friends, and has been playing with them ever since. Lots of legos, Nerf stuff, books, games, $36 in cash. Oh, and he's been chewing lots of gum today from his gum ball machine Grandma and Grandpa got him. Last year they got him a plastic one, this year upgraded to a metal one. Next year maybe a life-sized big one on a stand???!!!!???? Ha! That would be cool!

This morning he woke up and said "Mommy, I don't think I'm really 7." I asked him why he was thinking that. He said "because it doesn't feel any different than when I was 6!"
Ahhhhhh. This is the reason I blog. So I won't forget those sweet little things they think and say.

He is such a fun little guy.
FUN- he has a great sense of humor. He's witty and sarcstic and we love it. He is laid back and gets along with everyone. If they know him, they like him. He is active and playful, and the epitome of a little boy having fun in life. I love most of all the way his whole face lights up when he smiles.
LITTLE- yes. He is. At least a head shorter and a whole lot lighter than the boys his age. He weighs in at I think 43 lbs maybe. But he is incredibly strong... I haven't seen him wrestle yet with a friend that he can't beat. He can run longer and faster than any other 6 year old we could find on record for 5ks (since 1998). And he is all about playing, running, exploring, climbing, etc outdoors. He is little, but he's a machine. We've been trying to feed that boy some carbs! :-)
GUY- the only one we got, which makes him extra special to us in that way. He's Daddy's little buddy, and he's Momma's baby boy! His sweet heart and warm hugs light up my life.

Happy Birthday Sugar-booger! I love to have another year with you!

"To Live As Christ" 2011

Christmas day lunch was quite memorable and touching this year. We always spend Christmas lunches at my Uncle Duane and Aunt Linda's house. With grandparents, cousins, everyone. This year after lunch we sat around the kitchen and living room and reminisced about the 2 women we are now missing, my mom, and my Great Grandma Punkin. Duane told several stories about the 2 of them and their lives, and the hertitage they have now left to us. My how they were so much alike. My how the stories made me look at my youngest daughter and see their spark and strength and joy-of-life shining now through her. Like my Charis, my mom and my Grandma Punkin could do, and did, anything they set their minds to. They were hard workers, super in love with their family, and concerned about carrying and sharing the values of family togetherness. Both had an incredible faith in God. Neither one wrapped up in "society" or concern for what other people might think of them, but rather just of doing what Jesus would've wanted them to do. Mom was born on the 4th of July, Grandma Punkin died on the 4th of July. Both of them, when their time on this earth was about up, were completely and genuinely ready to go.
Uncle Joe Bill, one of her sons, told about the day before Grandma died. She was in a nursing home the last couple months of her life, and every day she would ask why she was still here... Why she hadn't just gone on to be with Jesus. On the evening of July 3rd, my cousin Chas had gone to visit her. He was then maybe 20 years old. Joe Bill said when he walked in Grandmas room, Chas was beside Grandmas bed, on his knees, praying to God that He would take her home. Grandma asked him to pray that prayer, and he got down on his knees and granted her request and prayed that prayer for her. And the next day, God answered that prayer. Likewise, the night my Mom died, my Dad and youngest brother prayed that same prayer for my Mom. Again, He answered.
At first thought, it seems strange, unnatural, and even almost unthinkable to pray a prayer like that. But not for these women. Not for this family of such strong faith. They knew this life on earth was temporal, and both women had always, always longed for that day to be looking at the face of their Lord.
Duane told about the conversation he had with my mom once we found out the cancer was back, and with avengeance. He said what I heard her say too, that the part she was most upset about was not getting to see her grandkids grow up. But that she was 4-for-4 completely happy and proud of who her kids had turned out to be. And she found peace knowing the grandkids would grow up with us as parents. Then Duane told us the words of comfort she gave to him right then on the phone.... She said, "for ME to live is Christ. And to die is gain. I'm just gaining."
Wow. All they way to the end. And she meant it.

That is my inspiration for the rest of my life here on earth. Starting now with this new 2011 year. I want to "live as Christ." And I want to have such a love for Him, and such a deep, real, relationship with Him, that when my time comes, I will only see it as "gaining."
So in lieu if New Years Resolutions, I think as long as I'm striving for that, and as long as me and God are "like this".... then whatever comes along this year, good or bad, it'll all just kind-of....be....alright.

Christmas And New Years

Here we are all snug in our duplex, enjoying the Christmas season. We had a nice time in Springfield with the Aberles. Dedo and Tasha came to town for a couple days and it was fun hanging out with them. the Christmas Eve service has become one of my favorite things at Christmastime. I love singing the carols, being reminded of the birth and life of my Lord, and I treasure it as such a special time with my family. I always miss my Mom so much during the service, but I'm thankful I have memories of many Christmas Eve services with her.

New Years Eve and Day weekend was quiet and relaxing. We just stayed home and chilled out -- Best weekend we've had in a long time! Much needed! James, Lydia, and Brynlee came over New Years night and we grilled burgers, fried potatoes, and enjoyed a yummy baked banana dessert that Selah made for us. New Years Day I had a breakfast date with my Dad. Then the rest of the day, again, hanging out at home, just us. We watched football, and got our butts kicked by Bryson in the Just Dance Wii game. Does that kid have to be so good at EVERYTHING?!?!?!? Lol!! Actually, as embarrassing as it might be, Bryson and Alan smoke all us girls in the dance-offs. ((deep sigh)). Oh well! We also played Wii bowling (practicing for our upcoming tourney against the Lyness family - "GO ABERLES!!") and made a big pot of ham and beans. Does that count for good luck? I explained to Selah about superstitions and such, and she just looked at me and said, "well that's just weird and doesn't even make sense.". Yeah... I love my logical, don't-give-me-that-crap kind of kids. :-)

As for this last day of holiday breaks, we are watching football and once again, relaxing. Nice.

All In One Day

Wow. The last 24 hours have been a whirlwind.
My friend Cara called to tell me she had a friend who is wanting to buy a house in our neighborhood, and close quickly on it, and that she really wants her to see our house if it's still for sale. Yes, we had a for sale sign in the yard for about a month, but no lookers. So we pulled it down, deciding to finish some projects and maybe wait on the market to come back a little. I told Cara I would send pictures via e-mail to her friend. About 2 hours later I got a call from their Realtor saying they wanted to see the house at 5:30 today, and that they were ready to "move on this quick.".
People tell me all the time, and I love my home enough to believe it too, but everyone has said it will sell quick. And we were a little prepared for that, provided we could get someone in the door. Our first home sold in 2 days. Also listed "by owner.".
We cleaned and tidied it up, and even today Selah was an awesome helper, going above and beyond anything I asked her to do. She is so thoughtful.
Their Realtor stopped by this afternoon to see it first, and from that conversation seemed quite sure they would want the house. We showed the house at 5:30, and less than 2 hours later had a full priced offer, less some fees. As it works out, we will close in 23 days if everything goes through.

Now, for that part I really want to blog about. I don't deal well with change. Never have. Not as a kid, not as a college student, and not really as an adult either.. I hang onto what I have... What is comfortable and routine and known. It will take Alan and I years to decide to buy a different car. Not that I can't part from the old one, but because we like not having car payments, or things like that.
We love this house, but this is not the house I want to retire in. And I don't want to move away from the house we raise the kids in. Ha! Just imagine what what that would be like for me compared to this!!

So we got the offer, and I got a little sad right off the bat about someone else getting to live in my beautiful home. And I got sad about the kids having to move away from their good friends. And what if we can't find this dream home I keep, well, dreaming about? So we risk loosing this awesome house for who knows what yet?

We held a family prayer time with the kids, specifically about the house deal. Selah prayed first, and in her prayer she said "help Mommy and Daddy to decide on the right things for us...." That statement alone gave me peace. I prayed. Alan prayed, and after he said "amen" Bryson said "Dad, Soloman prayed for wisdom." Yes he did. Bryson said "you just prayed for wisdom too."
Charis cried when I tucked her in, saying she didn't want to move. Selah is very excited, and when I tucked her in she asked me how I was feeling. I told her that I was a little nervous, a little sad, and little excited and happy too. But that if this is all working for us, and if we keep praying that God will help lead us to the right place next, then we are gonna love it and see how it all worked together for good.

Day #4 and 5, Epcot

Epcot was our family's favorite park. All I can say about it is "wow!" Literally I don't even know where to start. The first day we spent the entire time in the front half of the park. We rode the Nemo ride, spent a couple hours exploring the aquarium, and we had lunch at the Coral Reef, enjoying our view of the marine life, the glass view being one entire wall. It was neat. The kids had fun chasing the water snakes at te fountain, rode Fast Track, played some educational interactive games, rode the AWESOME ride inside the huge geosphere, and ended the night with the fireworks show.
As we were watching the fireworks, I noticed across and around the back side if the lake there were lots if big buildings.... And it was then that we figured out that was all the "COUNTRIES" that Epcot is famous for. WOW! We hadn't even made it to that part of the park! We spent the entire day just in the front riding rides and playing games.
So Day 5 we headed straight for the countries. We explored Mexico, China, Germany, I think? I mean, there were still lots of countries we never even made it to. Amazing. We loved it!
Even the second half of day 6 we squeezed in a few more hours at Epcot, and still only made it half way around the lake. I think we could spend an entire week just at Epcot. Maybe in the future we will!
It was our family's favorite!

The Castle Princesses @ Disney World

Princess Snow White


Princess Aurora, Sleeping Beauty


Princess Ariel


Princess Belle


Princess Charis


Princess Selah


My Beautiful Castle Princesses

Day # 3 Animal Kingdom

Wow! This was a FULL day of fun! Today was Animal Kingdom day. For my little 'zoo' lovers, this park was right up their alley. We started the day out with Mickey shaped waffles and an African omelet breakfast at the Tuscar House Cafe. We got to meet Daisy, finally! And Mickey and Goofy were there too.
As soon as breakfast was over, it was first things first... A pin trade or two, and then the safari ride!! We saw giraffes, hippos, elephants, and many other birds and creatures of the savanna.

Next we set off on a trail walk through the jungle. Our favorite part of Animal Kingdom was the Bugs Life show that took place in the roots of the Tree of Life. I laughed and laughed just watching the kids. I'm pretty sure I heard Bryson scream a time or two - Ha! Ha! It was a 3D show with added splashes of water, bursts of wind, and some creepy crawly feels of bugs and worms underneath us. Bryson and Selah both reached for bugs, ducked to avoid danger, and Bryce is sure he punched the head off of one of the bad bugs. It was so fun!! They LOVED this show! Hilarious!!

After an really neat parade, we headed back to the resort at about 4pm. We decided to head to the pool to cool off and play. I even got in the water and - got my hair wet! - which is rare! After a couple hours of fun and relaxation at the pool we deicided to be wild-and-crazy-die-hards and head to Magic Kingdom for the 9pm-midnight exclusive park admission for resort guests only. We hurried and changed clothes, and made it the park in time for the fireworks show above the castle. Instead, as soon as we arrived and found a spot, the kids and I went to get Mickey ice cream cones and when we came out of the parlor, a crazy wild storm came upon us out of no where! They advised everyone to take cover. The kids and I Ran back into the the ice cream parlor, and Alan was left to find cover for him and the stroller. About 30 minutes went by and the storm passed. It was a creepy hurricane type storm. Lots of wind, thunder, and lightening. It was kinda cool though. Poor Alan was soaked.

I fell in love with my sweet wet man a little more tonight. The kids still wanted to see the parade and Alan was totally willing to stick it out. I don't think I would have been so nice. but he was. He never even complained or acted frustrated about it. The show finally started about 10:15pm. Charis fell asleep on my lap during the fireworks, so after the show, he offered to take her back to our resort. Selah and Bryce were excited though about getting to stay at the park during the late hours, so I stayed with them until midnight. It was a fun special time for the three of us!

Needless to say, it was a long day. The plan is to sleep in and start Day 4 in the late morning and go as long as we can. We are having fun, but we gotta keep up with our rest. If we can.

Day #2 Magic Kingdom

After a long day of travels and a late night, we all slept in a bit this morning. We hit the park at about 10am. It was already hot and sunny. Only 90 degrees today I think, but it seemed really really hot. I mean, My kids hardly sweat when they run races or play soccer at home, but here we all had beads of sweat on our faces. So our tactic was alternating a ride or parade in the sun, and then a ride or show in a building. This worked pretty good, and it made it so Alan and I didn't get cranky, ha!

Selah and Alan rode Space Mountain. Her first big roller coaster ride. She was scared a little when on the ride, but as soon as it was over she told Alan she would like to ride it again if she gets the chance. Bryson, Charis, and I went on the Buzz Light Year ride. The kids had fun shooting lazier guns at the Evil Emperor Zurg's Z's, and I was mesmerized by the ride so much, that we wanted to take Alan and Selah on it.

We laughed along at the Monster's Inc Interactive show, enjoyed a live character performance show outside the castle, and rode our "doom buggies" through the haunted mansion.

We had a wonderful lunch outside on the verandah of Tony's Town Square, just as the parade went marching by. That was a great tip suggested by the WDW reservation employee that helped me book my dining spots. It was neat to watch the parade from there... We were the only people that requested the verandah, I guess, since we were the only ones eating out there, so it was like we had our own private viewing area for the parade. And it was in the shade under a fan. Perfect!

Another exciting thing going on for the kids is the pin trading. We bought them each a laniard and a handful of Disney pins. Each WDW employee has a laniard of pins that he/she will freely trade with you. The kids have had a blast trading pins. The WDW employees will trade any pin you want for any pin you want to give up. Your choice. In a couple cases the kids have even traded with other kids. That can get a little trickier since you have to make a more fair and desirable trade. I love watching them trading pins around. In fact, tonight the "Disney Fairy is leaving them each a new pin under their pillows!

Charis is getting tons of attention while wearing her big "it's my birthday" pin! A special dessert and Mickey confetti at each meal, lots of birthday wishes from people everywhere, and even the bus driver today gave her a Disney bus pin. The other kids finally tonight said "I wanna come here for my birthday!!". I was waiting for that.

And speaking of attention, we are all getting plenty of it because of the adorable festive outfits the kids are wearing each day. Even several of the ladies that work here have said they are some of the cutest they've seen. Wow! Cool! The kids get compliments all the time about how cute they are or whatever, but it's kinda fun cause for the first time, when people ask me if I made their outfits, I can say "yes!!!"
And the bag Heather made me is awesome!

Disney World 2010

We are here! We are here! We are here!
After two months of waiting, hours of planning, days of sewing and creating, and a few hours of traveling, we are finally here!

We arrived at the airport and they whisked us away to our resort to check in, and then we headed straight to Magic Kingdom! We didn't even have to wait and pick up our luggage. It "magically" appeared in our room while we were at the park.

Our first day here at Disney World has been great. We enjoyed a tour of the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, which was especially exciting for the kids because we recently read the book and watched the movie.

Bryson LOVED the Pirates of the Caribbean ride, and literally has not stopped playing with his souvineer sword since then. He is really into Pirates right now, and this ride was so cool. We all really liked it, and it made him even more excited about his special 2 hour pirate excursion coming up on Tuesday.

We ended the night having dinner at Chef Mickey's. This is one of the most popular character meal dinners, and it took me several times of trying, but we managed to land a 9:05pm reservation (and that was booked 2 months ago). The timing worked good though with it being our first night and being full of excitement. We were able to see Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald Duck, and Pluto. The kids got their autographs and I got pictures of the kids with each of them.

The sweetest thing happened tonight. A moment that made this Mommy and Daddy proud. I had come prepared with small pieces of colored
card stock and Sharpies for the kids to use to get autographs from the Characters. The last to visit our table was Mickey. He took a little extra time with the kids and even wrote their names and signed it "Your Pal, Mickey." Then he was off to another nearby table. Bryson asked me for a paper and Sharpie. I handed it to him and he wrote the words "thank you" and drew a heart. He waited for Mickey to finish at the table next to us, and then Bryson handed Mickey his note. Mickey stopped, read the note, clutched it to his heart, and then drew a heart in the air with his hands. He gave Bryson a big hug, and then came back to our table and motioned for Bryson and the girls to sign the thank you card Bryson made him. Isn't that so sweet? Mickey wanted their autographs! I love that boy. My rough tough sword fighting pirate sweetheart of a kid. Who also wasn't afraid to pause quick to pee in the bushes on our walk back to the resort. Ugh. Really? At least it was dark. I looked back and saw him and said "Bryce! What are you doing?!?!?" to which he replied "That's what boys do, Mom."

So yes... we are feeling the MAGIC!