Irrational

I am a pretty rational and brave person, I think.  I love to fly on airplanes, have never turned down a roller coaster, and blood doesn't even make me flinch.  I have 3 children, for goodness sake.  But there is one thing that will put fear into my heart faster than a dog comes running when you open a pack of bologna.  As soon as I see the brightly colored top, or smell the distinct smell, I am done for.  I don't care that it can be shaped into anything, or that it can entertain a child for hours.  I don't care that it is cheap and has been around for years.  I wished the person who had invented it...well, hadn't.  

I HATE PLAYDOH!!!!   I admit it.  I would rather my children had an expresso or an entire craft store of acrylic paint.  And guess what?  Some nice grandmother-type-person gave them little tubs of play-doh on Halloween.  Why, oh why, didn't they just get another dum-dum or hershey's bar?  At least I could eat those.  But no, I now have play-doh all over my house.  I swear that stuff multiplies.  Who knew a little half ounce tub of colored clay could conjure up such emotion.   I am waiting for them to go to bed so it can mysteriously disappear.   BBBWWWAAAAA!!! 

Rainforest!

We are having a blast with My Father's World curriculum this year.  Emma is using the kindergarten level, and Anna is doing Exploring Countries and Cultures (ECC).  These past 3 weeks we have studied Brazil and the rainforest.  We decided to do a rainforest box.  Here is a picture of the box.  As we looked at National Geographic magazines for pics to cut out, Anna's only requirement was "no naked people".  HaHa!!

All About Spelling

Finally!!!  A spelling program that really works!  It is possible.  

At the end of last year, I knew we needed a better spelling program.  Even before the standardized test at the end of the year, I knew Anna was weak in spelling.  She is an excellent reader and very creative, but was still misspelling words like "girl".  I have never had trouble spelling, but a lot of people in my family, and some of my very close friends, really struggle with spelling.  I do not want that for my girls.   So I asked some of the gals over at FIAR (www.fiveinarow.com) and The Well Trained Mind, and I was bombarded with recommendations for All About Spelling.  I looked at it and, to tell you the truth, I was put off by the price a little.  But I bit the bullet and ordered it.  Oh man, am I glad I did!!  It has been a blessing.  Anna has progressed by leaps and bounds already in 6 short weeks of school.  It is not just teaching her a list of words, but it really teaches how to spell.  And it doesn't matter what kind of learner your child is.  All About Spelling teaches using a fabulous multi-sensory approach.  With built in review and a pick-up-and-go teacher's manual, it is all I could have wished for.  Best of all, my daughter looks forward to spelling!!   Click here for more information.  

THE ONE

This is going to be really honest and really hard to write.  But I need to get it out there.  I have the worst feeling that I am disappointing God.  I don't talk to Him enough, read His word enough, or give Him enough glory.  I wonder how I would feel if I really want to talk to one of my children and be with them, and they kept ignoring me.  Or just calling me for a minute and then saying, "Oh, I gotta go.  Someone else is calling me."  I can't imagine the heartbreak.  And I know God loves me more than I love my daughters.  

Of course, I have all the best excuses:  I don't have time, I'm too tired, I just need to make this one phone call, I just have to email so-and-so.  Well starting today, those excuses are not good enough.  

I am making a commitment to spend time with THE ONE who gives me time.  THE ONE who blessed me with the children that make me too busy and too tired.  THE ONE who loves me so much that He sent His precious son to die an ugly, painful, beautiful death so that I can have eternal life.  THE ONE who promises me "Through His mercy, I will not be consumed, His compassion will not fail and is new every morning.  And that His faithfulness is great." (Lamentations 3:22-23)  THE ONE who is my rock and my strength.  THE ONE who always has time for me.   

I have been tagged for a meme!

This is something new to me! Sarah at www.wakingsophie.blogspot.com, one of my FIAR friends, tagged me to do a "meme".

The rules are: You have to link the tagger, list the rules, share 7 weird tidbits about yourself, and tag 7 other bloggers. So here goes:

7 weird things about myself:

1--I have never been out of my timezone (Eastern) and until this past May, I had never been on an airplane.

2--I tried very hard to learn to knit a couple of years ago, but I failed miserably. Just ask my friend Kindra who tried to teach me. LOL!

3--I have no idea how to work an ipod, a Wii, or a nintendo ds. I probably couldn't even tell them apart if I tried.

4--I have the coolest tattoo. Ok, that may not be really weird, but I had to throw that in there!

5--I have an irrational fear of spiders. If I see one in my house, and Patrick isn't home, I have to ask my 7 year old to come get it. Stop laughing!!

6--I love old buildings and history. I get a weird, spiritual feeling when I am in a historical place like a building or a battlefield.

7--I practice extended breastfeeding, love our family bed, homeschool my kids, and absolutely adore my husband. May not sound weird to some of you, but most of my family thinks I am nuts!! HeeHee!!

I am tagging:
www.luv2praisehim.blogspot.com
www.knit3purl1.blogspot.com
www.shaunarumbling.blogspot.com
www.wordygirl-itsawonderfullife.blogspot.com
www.deleise.blogspot.com
www.stephanie-thingsfallapart.blogspot.com
www.heatherpreckel.typepad.com

Letters to my daughters:

I am feeling sentimental...

Anna, 

To my independent, strong willed, no-nonsense daughter.  You amaze me every day as I watch you grow.  I am in awe of your spunk, your zest for life, and your love for all creatures great and small.  Our late night talks and early morning snuggles are some of my greatest moments.  Thank you for making me a mommy.  I love you more than the sun shines.

Emma,

To my love bug.  How can anyone be in your presence and not smile??  You always have a song in your heart and a dance in your step.  I have never met a more loving child.  Your life is a joy to watch and a treasure to my heart.  Thank you for always being quick to forgive and forget.  You have taught me so much.  I love you more than the stars twinkle.

Cora,

To my baby.  You keep me on my toes.  I watch you follow your sisters and then make your own path.  You see something you want and go for it.  I hope you never stop doing that.  You don't know it now, but when you were born, a hole in my heart was filled.  Thank you for being my cuddly baby.  I love you more than the moon glows.  

A visitor!

This little guy was on our porch this evening. The girls loved him. Actually Anna assured me it was a female because it had a light colored throat. Anyway, it was so adorable!!

Oh, rats!

For the past several weeks Anna and Emma have been begging for a pet rat.  So on Tuesday we headed over to Petsmart and adopted 2 baby girl rats.  Their names are Marly and Carly and they are AdOrAbLe!!  I am amazed at their sweet and friendly personalities.  Now we are up to 3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 rats, and a saltwater fish aquarium.  Plus 3 daughters and a husband.  Now wonder I am tired.  LOL! ;)

Here they are:

Carly

Marly

Field Trip!!

We just took another field trip to Balsam Mountain Preserve in beautiful Jackson County, NC for a wildflower walk. We saw about 13 different wildflowers.

The kids had a great time with Miss Blair as always.

Trillium

Wild geranium

I feel so blessed to live in an area where we can see sights like this everyday! You can see more about Balsam Mountain Preserve here

I stink at blogging!

I was never good at keeping a journal.  I remember I had a diary in the 7th grade.  The only thing I ever wrote about was the cute guys and then my first kiss, which completely horrified me, BTW.   I am going to be better about keeping this blog up to date.  And I promise not to write about cute guys or kisses.   Just cute little girls and my days as a chickymomma.  

I thought I would post a picture of us from Easter.  It was such a beautiful day to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord!  And I think we look pretty darn good too!  I think my sweetie was especially handsome.  I know I promised not to write about cute guys.  :)