Verse for the Homeschool Week

Interesting Scripture to ponder considering our day and time.

Girls Night Out

My dear friend Tammie had a birthday. I have been dying to check out this new restaurant, Coco Sala, in D.C. So, we all got dressed up and hit the town, sans husbands and children. We had a blast and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these girls! I wish more could have joined us, but we were limited on space. We will have to do it again in rounds:) The restaurant was uber chic. Chocolate adorned everything from the mojitos to the gourmet mac & cheese tappas. The private, velvet covered booths and silk drapes made for a dramatic set as we talked the night away. It is quite refreshing to remember what it feels like to get pretty, have adult conversation, and eat a hot meal...without having to cut up your neighbors food.

Goodbye Summer

Our last rip to Carl's this Summer. Don't worry, they don't close until Thanksgiving. But, we won't be going in pool attire again this year:)

I know:)

Wordless Wednesday

Sisters

So, Annalee and Shelby have had almost 5 years together. They have both been talking and playing with each other for the past 3 years. Avery has been around for those 3 years, but only able to communicate and play with them for about 1. I fear Avery will never be able to "break in" the relationship A and S have. They exclude her often even now. Of course, she is still less mature then the older ones, but she will always be that way. I take as many opportunities as I can to remove Annalee so that Avery and Shelby can have time to develop their relationship. They are just as close in age as Shelby and Annalee. It also doesn't help that Shelby and Avery clash often due to the strong wills present on both sides. Annalee is such a peacemaker and Shelby is usually willing to follow her big sister, but the younger two fight a lot. All you siblings out there...anyone have any advice?

Homeschooling

"I could never do that!"... I hear that all the time. I always say, "It is one of those things you just do." Like people who have twins. They just do it. Another option is not even considered. I have known I would homeschool my children since before I met my husband. I did a bunch of research on it in college and decided then, it would be my path. My reasons for schooling at home have changed over the years, but I have never considered not keeping my kids at home. I have only just begun this journey, and I cannot begin to tell you the joy it brings on a daily basis. It is nothing less than a gift. Like running for a race; enduring the pain and exhaustion of the actual event, but in the end, the amazing feeling of accomplishment prevails. There are moments when I want to lock myself in a closet and wait for the day to end. There are times when I have hid in the bathroom for longer than necessary. Many days I find myself with a list longer than the page I am writing on. I have had to write up the sides just to fit it all in. But it is worth it. I love, love, love my life, and all the stickers, questions, workbooks, library trips, park days, crayons, lesson plans, memory verses, math drills, phonics dictation, nature walks, flashcards, and overwhelming moments that fill it.

Soooo...

I know, it has been too long. I am really bad at this these days. I have so much going on, blogging just gets put lower and lower on the list. I am excited to get back on a good schedule this Fall and make sure to pour out my heart, and my camera, on a more regular basis for the world to see.

Here is a quick list of what has been going on around here:

*I am in FL for my Dada's funeral. Check out this great post for the details

http://www.sincerelylizphoto.com/blog/2010/08/my-dada-personal/

*I have been swamped in homeschooling curriculum decisions, planning, moments of being overwhelmed, and tons of excitement for the upcoming school year. I will be schooling all three girls. More on that in the future...

*Lots of plans in the making for a little CSA out at our little farm...eggs, chicken meat, bread, fresh milk....yummm:)

*I was training for a 1/2 marathon to be run this Sunday, but an unexpected FL trip has caused me to change my mind. I will continue training and run a full marathon in November in Richmond.

*Shane and I have been having lots of talks about our vision, passion and mission for our lives. We have always done this (the mission statement in our profile was written our first week of marriage) and will continue to do so. Our path is becoming so clear and the ride is very exciting.

*Speaking of riding, our church is riding a wave that is nothing but supernatural. I am honored to be part of the swell. I get to produce (run the production team) on Sunday mornings making decisions about lighting, set-up, and timing. I really know nothing about anything, that is what the team is for, I just get to be bossy and let them be amazing. They really embody what it means to be both authentic and excellent in all the do. I love, love, love these people....

*My photography has been coming along and the new website will be up VERY soon.

*So there you have it...lots of life going on around here. And the best thing of all...FALL IS COMING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was Spring at our House

Easter 2010

Did I ever tell you about our fabulous Easter Egg Hunt? Oh, no...I was "Blog Fasting." That has become about as popular as a "Dating Fast" was at the Christian college I attended. I have participated in both:) Anyway.... The Easter Egg hunt was super fun and I plan to try it again next year. We had a great turnout, not too many, just right. The weather was perfect and the activities, well I will let the pics speak for themselves. If you missed it this year, come out next time!!

The cutest day old chicks that did actually survive the hands of numerous three year olds, but later suffered their demise in a single night no thanks to some ratty old racoons:(

Eli digs for icing. Check out his super cool mo-hawk.

Shleby eating her decorations

Can a cookie have too many sprinkles?

I think not.

And so began the era of Addy wearing accessories that are bigger than her head:)

Ready, Set, Go!

"Only 17 Each!"

"Share with the little kids!"

Love This Girl

Avery says things like "mudda" for "mother", or "yiito" for "little." Her northern accent sure does make those silly moments make up for any and all strong willed defiance. Not that we ignore that stuff... just forget it easily:)