We have been having a good time with school lately. I thought it would be fun to show you some of what we have been doing lately.

Here is Vallerie playing with one of her favorite File Folder Games, Space Rhymes. She has been very resistant to learning to read, so I use games with words so that she is forced to figure out how to read without realizing it.

Vanessa is playing Monkey Money. The math curriculum that I am using is not very challenging to Vanessa right now. It will get harder as the year goes on. I am using it to make sure that we haven't gotten any holes in her math. But I supplement with games like this that make her work a little harder so that she doesn't get bored.

Here is Vanessa playing Even/Odd Pumpkins.

Here is Vallerie playing Acorn Addition. Math is her favorite subject.

This is only a tiny bit of what we do for school, but the girls have such a good time with these games they don't realize that it is school. They just think that Mom has made some fun games.

Because she is so cute and funny, I had to add a couple of pictures of Tori. I think she was posing in this one.

Or dancing, I can't tell.

Definetly posing here.

Definetly dancing in this one.

Putting together a puzzle. Aren't two year olds fun?

Blessings,

Abby

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It has been a busy month in the Ellingsworth household. In addition to all the "regular" summer challenges, our computers crashed, all three of them, at the same time. We have gotten one laptop working, and that is good enough for now. Darin is in the process of getting the other two working, or not. We haven't figured out if they can be salvaged yet.

Anyway, I am glad to have my laptop back up and working. I am now able to update you all on my wonderful "new" school room. I have a few pictures, but am unable to post them at this time. The software for my camera is MIA right now, but as soon as I get it reloaded I will post some pictures.

About three weeks ago Darin and I were able to go to Lumber Liquidators and buy our new flooring. We had decided on Brazilian Cherry laminate flooring. That same weekend, my dad, brother, and father-in-law came and helped Darin install the floor. It looks really nice and will be great for all those messy school crafts that we will be doing this fall. And most importantly, that ugly, yellowish, nasty, old carpet is gone! I'll post some pictures as soon as I can so that you can see the difference for yourselves.

I had purchased a new bookcase (to go with the three I already had) and organized my books (somewhat) so that I can find stuff again. I am planning on starting school on Monday with the girls. I don't know if they are quite as excited as I am, but they are looking forward to it. I am one of the few people I know who actually gets super excited about back to school sales. I mean, a box of crayons for $0.25! Markers for $1.00! Wow! Bring it on! I stock up for the year.

I hope that your summer has been as wonderful as ours.

Blessings,

Abby

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Yesterday was Tori's birthday. We went out to lunch then came home to let Tori open her presents.

She got some clothes...

Some books...

Uncle Jeff and Anut Christa sent a brand new baby doll to go with all of the new baby toys.

Vallerie is reading Tori's new book to her. Tori loves her new baby doll. Grandma Ellingsworth gave Tori a tub and bag for Tori's baby dolls.

Here's the new two year old! Happy birthday Tori! She is holding her baby bag.

Here's Vanessa hanging out with her dad on Father's day.

It was a nice Father's Day/Birthday.

Blessings,

Abby

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Once again, I have been having problems with my computer and camera. So, no pictures today. Sorry... But we have been having a lot of fun that I am more than happy to tell you about.

I bought the girls a slip-n-slide, which has been a big hit. They are so timid with it though... They run up to it, then stop, sit on their knees, and then scoot down the slide. It is funny to watch them. Tori also got a small pool which she has really enjoyed.

Vallerie started swim lessons a couple weeks ago. She is really enjoying them, but still won't put her head under the water, even after seven lessons. We have a family pass at the new Ozark Community Center (or OC for short). Darin has been working out every morning, and the girls and I have gotten lots of use out of the pool. That is where Vallerie has been taking her lessons. Vanessa and Tori are also going to start swim lessons on Monday.

Vanessa and I have been reading "Heidi" while Vallerie has been having her lessons. Vanessa is working through the summer reading program at the library. I am hoping by next summer that she will be able to do the summer reading program on her own.

We have planted our garden, but I am a little nervous about it. We planted four zucchini plants, four pea plants, and five cucumber plants. I think we have too many zucchini plants. They are already starting to spread out and take over, and they are only a month old! It remains to be seen how much of the yard will get taken over.

I will keep you all updated on what else we do this summer.

Blessings,

Abby

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Vallerie recently decided she didn't want her bangs in her eyes anymore. So she took care of them.

This is a couple of days after the event. She is smiling in these pictures. She was very upset after she actually cut her hair though...

Vanessa has recently lost a tooth. She is proud of the hole in her head.

A month or so ago Vanessa performed a pre-show at the Springfield Symphony.

A couple of weeks ago Vanessa performed at theDixie Stampede.

I wish I had some more pictures of her, but my camera doesn't work well in low light. Oh well...

This is the Group Recital from sunday afternoon. The theme was Aunt Rhody's travel around the world.

Vallerie and Tori were very good during the performance too. I have such sweet babies.

Blessings,

Abby

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It has been a couple of months since I have updated my blog, so instead of overwhelming you all with a very long post, I am going to post a different post for every event that has happened since Vanessa's birthday.

Let's start with Vallerie's birthday. Vallerie turned 5 this year in April. We took her and a few of her friends to the Ted E. Bear's Toy Factory. On a sidebar, we love the Ted E. Bear's Toy Factory. Vanessa has had a few birthdays there, and it is just wonderful. Anyway, back to Vallerie's party.

Vanessa chose a Panda Bear.

I love her smile!

Here are some of the guests. From L to R: Carrie, Sarah, Hannah, Linsey, Vallerie, Joyanna (she is almost hidden), Vanessa and Davis.

Then they got to pick out the eyes for their new friend. Vallerie is getting the eyes for her giraffe.

Then the eyes go in your new animal. Here Tori is getting the eyes put into her St. Bernard.

Then you have to stuff the machine.

Everyone got to help stuff the machine.

Then everyone takes a turn stepping on the special switch that turns on the machine and your animal takes shape. This is Vallerie's turn.

This is Tori's turn. She was not heavy enough, so I helped her push the switch.

After your animal is sewed closed, you give him or her a "bath." Really it is just a vacuum to get the bits of extra fuzz off.

Vanessa again. The animal has been stuffed and is a little easier to squeeze this time.

What a happy girl!

And then comes Tori's favorite time, CAKE TIME!

Where eating is a contact sport...

Tori made herself right at home...

Too cute! Altogether, it was a great day.

Blessings,

Abby

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We had a good Easter Sunday. We had planned on having a birthday party for Vallerie with all of her Grandparents, but unfortunatley Vallerie woke up with a stomach virus. Vanessa and Tori had a great time hunting for eggs though.

Aren't they cute in their little dresses? My mother-in-law made them. Vallerie wanted so badly to wear her dress too, so I let her get dressed up too.

Blessings,

Abby

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Ok. Here are a few pictures.

I don't know if you've heard, but we had some snow about a month ago. 3 inches worth, at least...

The girls had a great time playing outside.

I was sick on Monday. So what do little girls do when Mommy can't play?

MAKEOVER! (of course).

Hopefully, we will have more pictures coming soon.

Blessings,

Abby

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I had inteded, when I sat down at my computer this afternoon, to add some pictures. Unfortunately, the cord for my camera is MIA. Hopefully it will turn up soon and I can post some pictures soon. I need to find it soon because my camera is bursting with pictures waiting to be uploaded.

Anyway, we had a just BEAUTIFUL day today. The temperature was in the 60s with clear skies. Needless to say, we were outside a lot today. We went to the library for story hour, then, because it was so beautiful, we went to McDonald's to play on the playplace.

When we got home I went outside and cleaned up our yard. We have a onery dog who likes to chew on the kid's toys. There were little bits of toys everywhere. The kids and I were able to pick up enough that Darin should be able to clean up some of the leaves the next time we get a pretty day.

I am getting a little anxious for spring, but am well aware that it is stil winter. It only gets warm long enough to tease us, then turns off cold again. I have started planning for my garden. Vanessa wants to plant some green beans. I want some tomatoes. Darin and Vallerie have yet to put in their opinions.

Well, here's hoping for more nice weather,

Abby

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Well, it's official... Vanessa has turned 7! It is hard to believe that she is already 7. I think she had a good day. We went to a bowling alley with some of her friends. They had a good time.

This is Vanessa at Olive Garden when we went with my family for Christmas dinner. She is being silly here. Watch the progression of pictures next. She loves having her picture taken...

This picture was supposed to be just Darin...

This picture was supposed to be just me...

And this picture was supposed to be just Uncle... After this I told her to sit down...

These next pictures are from the birthday dinner we had on Sunday with her Grandparents, and Uncle.

Here she is posing in the dress that Grandma E. made for Christmas.

Here is Vallerie in her Christmas Dress.

Vanessa blowing out the candles. Ignore the dirty dishes please. We had just eaten dinner. Look at my beautiful cabinet doors instead. Darin spent his Christmas vacation hanging those for me.

Not sure what this face is... I think she is worried about something... Can't imagine where she gets that...

This is what Uncle Jeff's family got her. It is perfect because she got a bunch of tools, and bakeware for Christmas. Guess what our next Unit Study is going to be for school. (yes, cooking).

That is all the pictures I have for now. I think that her party with her friends is still in the camera, a problem I hope to soon take care of.

Blessings,

Abby

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We had a wonderful Christmas. My parents hosted us all (my family and my in-laws) at their house. The girls got a ton of gifts (which they loved). Lots of clothes, and some toys too Here are some of my pictures from the day.

Here are all three girls. Aren't they beautiful?

Here is 'Ness in front of the tree. Notice the huge pile of presents behind her?

Here is Vallerie in her Christmas outfit. This out fit was technically too small for her, but it was Christmas time, so what is a momma to do?

Here is Tori with her Poppa. He is handing her a Grizzly catalog to look at while she was waiting. Do you think he is starting a little young with the power tools?

I made the girls scarves. Here is Vallerie holding hers.

Here is Tori getting some help opening a present with Poppa's help.

Here Tori is opening her favorite present. A baby! She loves babies. All the pictures after this Tori has her baby in her hand. Vanessa is wearing her scarf.

See? Baby in her hand! She is getting some clothes in this bag.

Here is my present. Darin built me a ukulele. Isn't it pretty?

Here Vallerie is opening one of the games that we got. She is very serious in this picture. It is hard to get a picture with her smiling, but she was very happy.

Here the girls and Darin are playing a new game. This is Vallerie's favorite present.

Here is another of Tori's favorite presents. This was from Aunt Christa and Uncle Jeff. She is trying to wink at me. She blinks both eyes instead of just one though. Isn't she cute?

Did I mention that we had a Turducken? I deboned the birds on Wednesday and Mom and Dad put them together on Christmas morning. It was delicious. None of us had had duck before, so it was quite an adventure. We may even try it again for Thanksgiving next year.

That was some of our holiday. As I come across more pictures I will pass them along.

Blessings,

Abby

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I thought I would take a moment and update everyone on our Thanksgiving holiday. We spent a wonderful Thanksgiving day with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Jack at Cousin James house close to Fort Leonard Wood. The girls were very well behaved and we had a good time. Grandpa even got Tori to take a nap after lunch... Or is that Tori getting Grandpa to take a nap?

The girls watched some movies and visited with their great aunts.

After we got home, Darin decided to set up the Christmas tree. Vanessa put it together (with help from her daddy).

Vallerie helped her daddy fix the Singing Christmas Tree.

Here is Darin, Vanessa, and Vallerie in front of the tree.

That was our Thanksgiving day. It was a busy, but happy day.

Blessings,

Abby

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Now first of all, I am not abandoning this blog for another blog... I am just going to start using my new blog for more school-type stuff. I will blog about what we are doing in school, the frustrations I am experiencing, and some of our triumphs... I will keep this blog for more family type stuff. Things like pictures, and updates on our lives, and stuff like that.

Anyway, you can check it out at www.homeschoolblogger.com/abby.

There should be some more updates coming soon on this blog. My camera has been MIA, so it has been hard to take pictures.

Blessings,

Abby

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I know that you all have been glued to you computer screens, anxiously waiting on some pictures to post, any picture, even a blurry picture would do... I know this and I am here to oblige.

Let me tell you though, it wasn't easy.. There were camera issues, computer issues, internet browser issue... What's that? Enough of the pity party? Show you some pictures? Oh, ok.

This is Vanessa dressed up like a Lowe's employee at the Louisville Science Center.

This is Tori playing with a baby (what else) also at the Louisville Science Center.

This is an arch that we built with Grandpa's help.

This is Vallerie standing inside of a bubble. Vanessa is trying not to get hit with bubble solution.

This is Darin and me resting. It was tough keeping up with everyone. Notice my smile? Tori hadn't gotten sick yet...

Ignore the people on the left... It is only the family on the right, the one waving to the camera, that you are interested in. We are standing in front of the worlds' largest baseball bat.

That is all the pictures I have for now. Stay glued to your computer screen for more. What's that? You ran out of glue? Well, maybe you could just check back in a couple of days.

Blessings,

Abby

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Unfortunately, on Saturday night Tori started throwing up. She was not a happy girl.

We had decided to visit the Arch in St. Louis on Sunday on the way home and had already bought the tickets. I had thought that Tori was a little better so we also stopped at The Old Spaghetti Factory. I was wrong. Tori was not any better. While we were waiting in line to go up inside the Arch Tori got sick again, and managed to hit me right in the face. It was most unpleasant. That made her feel well enough to fall asleep, at least until the big girls were done looking out all of the windows.

We finally made it home (and I got a nice hot shower.) It was so good to get home.

Like I said, it was a good trip, most of the time. I will post some pictures soon.

Blessings,

Abby

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