living, loving and learning in our home . . . and beyond: January 2011

Monday, January 24, 2011

Jack's birthday party

We had a fun time at a fellow church family's home celebrating their son's birthday. They organized such a splendid party. The house was beautiful and the company was very nice.

I haven't seen a more beautiful dining room.

Katie made this treasure chest cake and the professional-looking cupcakes. I was in awe.

The theme, chosen by the birthday boy, was "orange". Way to go, Katie, for coming up with all the orange foods and decorations!

Notice poor little brother--it is so hard to realize that every birthday is not yours--and when it isn't yours you don't get anything! Poor little guy!! So cute. :(

They all closed in on Katie and we wondered if she would have to come up for air soon!

Here is a little of what we have been up to.

Samuel dressed his Marine action figure in his fatigues and readied him for combat.

Sophia practiced her address and made a drawing of her home.

Philip practiced his phone number.

Before taking a meal to a couple who recently had their first baby, the kids used their McDonald cards to take me out to lunch. They were so pleasant to visit with over our special lunch.

I am so thankful that God has allowed me to be their mother.

Hello Family and Friends,

Well, we have lately been kept busy simply doing basic chores and schoolwork each weekday. The kids have been playing a lot as well. Just this afternoon, Samuel cleaned up the playroom by himself and did a great job! I was really grateful as I have been working hard this afternoon, after school work, to tidy up and dust and sweep the two bottom floors. There was no way I had the energy to tackle the playroom.

Phil and Mary are coming over some time this week to bring over a large dining room hutch they no longer need. I was hoping to have the house somewhat in order today so that any time they come this week the house would be at least comfortable, rather than stressful with dust, dog hair, and toys all over the place. I am happy with it now. It's decent anyway. I just need to clean the windows and vacuum upstairs. If I don't get that done, it's not going to bother me as much as the toys being picked up though. I am very excited about the hutch as I have wanted one for a while. I can't imagine how hard it will be to get it here but, once again, my father-in-law and mother-in-law are being incredibly generous.

I am sorry if this is really boring. I guess this is my life currently and what is on my mind. I do feel blessed that I can tend to these little things and don't have tough issues to deal with as many people do right now. Even with my blessed life, from time to time my perspective gets out of whack. This last week was one of those times. From Friday through Sunday, Jess helped me to talk my way through the little things I was needing sorted out in my mind. This left me refreshed and better prepared to school the kids today. I have really been excited about some great resources I have found on the internet that are going to help me teach some of the things I need to teach the kids the rest of the year. It is thrilling to think how much more they know than they did half a school year ago--and how much more they will know in a few more months! God is so good.

If you did read this, thank you for caring. I hope you all have a great day.

Love,
Cheryl

Monday, January 17, 2011

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!

The kids are busy writing their journals and spelling words. Sophia is asleep.

We read the children's book March On. It is written by his sister and is a rich telling of the character of Martin Luther King Jr., froth with the insight of a sibling who has seen him day after day. She has been witness to the daily life of a man who "practiced what he preached".

We then watched the "I Have a Dream" speech.

Thank you, God, for the influence of this man on all of us.

This weekend, my parents came for a visit--and a belated birthday celebration for Philip. Saturday evening, Jess and I went on a date.

Good-by Dad and Mom!

Philip was eager to decorate his cake with Grandma Lynn, especially since she brought some chocolate chips to add!

The facial expressions in this picture portray a classic interchange between Philip and Samuel.

Philip is sneaking some chocolate chips!

It looks like there will be extra sprinkles.

Samuel took this.

I said they could have cereal for dinner as the kids were excited about the fun cereals that Grandpa and Grandma bought.

On Sunday, we stopped by Meijer and bought some caps for their cap guns.

The boys found the glue they have long been searching the stores for! It is the kind you use on models of cars and trucks and is not very popular anymore I guess.

That afternoon, we headed over to Jess' parents' house so that Jess and Phil could bring in the shelf that Phil made. It is beautiful.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

Weekend Fun!

Tinkertoys!

Samuel set up an entire space station with a variety of docks or something after reading a book on the international space station.

The drawing lesson this day was "the ocean".

Grandpa Allen and Grandma Lynn are here! And with presents! Philip really enjoys his adventure set.

Leapster time with Grandma

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

LOOK WHAT WE DID IN SCHOOL TODAY :)

Getting ready for the morning table work is best done the night before.

Moon sand was a lot of fun for the kids while I made lunch--rice and beans with scrambled eggs on top--yum!

The kids played like fire fighters. Don't fret, the rifle is actually a water hose . . . whew!

I turned around and saw that these two had set up their own cubicle and were serious at work!

Kayley stopped by at the end of lunch with a present to celebrate Philip's becoming five. Very sweet.

We called and asked if she could hang out the rest of the afternoon as we were leaving for Philip's doctor checkup in a few minutes after she came over. They had fun watching the fish, as usual.