My daughter loves her new ballet class. Here are some highlights from her first class:
    Big brother J with baby L
Mommy and Daddy |
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Love those big blue eyes!
I left my camera at my in-laws house! So, I'll post some Christmas pictures later |
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My friend Megan (JMOT blog) asked about our routine and resouces for homeschooling. Well, I'd like to say that I've mastered homeschooling with a new baby... but I'd be lying! Things are getting better as I'm learning to lay little L down for naps. I've just reread "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." It's my favorite sleep book for all ages, but especially babies. The author says to focus on nap cycles for best sleep at night. I've noticed that when she naps, I can teach the other children best. My first priority is usually J reading to me. Right now I'm using the Hooked on Phonics 1st grade books. They are 30 pages, so we just read a few pages at a time. He loves the pictures and plot (which are better than many other early reader books). Then, I read to both kids. My kids love science books as well as fiction. Then, A and I practice the alphabet. We either use flashcards or her handwriting book. J also has a handwriting book and both kids have cutting and pasting books (for fine motor development). I am using Kumon workbooks. Both kids are also in Awanas. J memorizes two or three verses per week. A memorizes one verse. We also read the Bible before naps and bedtime. This evening I read to J out of my Bible instead of his children's Bible (the Jesus Storybook Bible) for the first time. It was actually very fun. We read about Simeon and Anna meeting Jesus in the temple after he was born. It really inspired me to try again. We talked about the Trinity because the Holy Spirit was upon Simeon. I love discussing theology with J. His childhood faith is such a blessing! My prayer is that he will continue to grow in faith and wisdom throughout his life! Lately, A and I have been discussing Jesus' birthday and why He came down to earth. Finally, J and I squeeze in some math. Right now we are working on coin values (counting and sorting) and addition facts. He really loves math when I take the handwriting out of the subject :) I'm trying to be more creative by giving him games and oral responses to promote his math development and not discourage him with too much handwriting. I get my ideas from the Abeka math workbook. So, that's my lack for routine for the moment... as L gets more predictable, we'll have a better schedule. For now, I squeeze in as much as I can throughout the day! |
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I am so thankful for my family! God has truly blessed me with an awesome husband and three wonderful children :) |
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I saw this kid quiz on Alyssa's crazybusy blog. I was curious how my kids would answer the questions. I was encouraged and amused by their answers! I asked the children separately so they would each have their own opinions. 1. What does mom always say to you? J (age 5) "I love you." A (age 3) "Not to touch dirty things." I did ask her these questions while bathing her :) 2. What makes mom happy? J "I love you... When people say, 'I love you.'" A "Not touching dirty things." 3. What makes mom sad? J "When you get a spank." I do tell him that I don't like spanking him. I'm really glad that he understands! A "When I'm not playing with toys." 4. How does mom make you laugh? J "By telling funny jokes and tickling" A "Because you do tricks" I do? 5. How old is mom? J "29" (I was surprised he knew, his memory amazes me) A "2" 6. How tall is mom? J "I don't know...45 and 89 inches" A "150 weight" I guess she's always listening! 7. What does mom like to do? J "Help other people" A "To write something on her computer" 8. What is mom's job? J "Take care of the family" A "To write on my computer" I guess I'm spending too much time online! Which computer belongs to her? 9. What is mom's favorite food? J "carrots" A "banannas" 10. How do you know your mom loves you? J "because she gives me the smiles" A "cause I just do" |
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 Happy 6 weeks L! Happy 3 years A!
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Five weeks after giving birth I'm not exactly in great shape. I decided to try some crunches and leg lifts today with all three kids! L had tummy time. A did exercises with me and practiced counting. I think tomorrow I'll try counting by 5s to get J involved! I'll take any advice on exercise with a newborn and two other children! |
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Just a quick post to say that we did some school today! We played store to practice using change! A was the store owner, while J was shopping :) He figured out how many dimes and nickels he would need for my canned goods and A's toys! Lily slept. I love having all three at home! I feel so blessed! Oh, and I am thankful for my iPhone so I can blog in the bathroom while A is taking a bath! |
Lily was born last night at 8:50! She was 7 lbs. 3oz. We feel so blessed! I'm looking forward to introducing her to the kids tomorrow!!! |
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Today is my seven year wedding anniversary! Where does the time go? I am so thankful for my amazing husband, who loves the Lord and is committed to leading our family! He's also an awesome daddy, keeping me accountable to raising our kids for God's glory. Jeff works very hard to provide for our family as well so that I can stay at home. Then, in his free time he remodels our house and plays with the kids. My sweet mother-in-law is going to watch the monkeys tonight so we can have a little alone time for dinner! |
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We love living in the mountains, so we enjoy fishing, hiking and swimming locally. My mother-in-law offered to take the kids and I to the "ocean beach." The kids had a great time! I did not have the energy to make this kind of trip alone. I appreciate my mother-in-law running around with the kids whenever I needed to sit!
Catching crabs was my son's favorite activity!
We also had a fun ferry ride! My kids love their grandma My three kids and I
My son in front of the historic lighthouse!
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How did my sweet baby boy grow up so fast!
We had a great time with his friends at the park for a soccer party!
Then we rode on Thomas to celebrate!
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My friend Leigh (Leigharev2) took this picture of my friend, Julie and I. We are both expecting our third kids in September. We've also known each other since jr. high! She has been a huge blessing to me through out the years! Leigh also took this picture of my son climbing a tree. I thought it was great, thanks Leigh! |
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My daughter caught her first fish on her Dora Fishing pole, a bass! She was so proud.
The kids also enjoyed the Lily pad flowers. We are naming our daughter Lily, so the kids thought it was funny to call them the sister pads
Daddy was happy to catch a fish too! My Lily and I by the lily pads
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I am surprised by how few pictures I have taken lately! I will try and be better about updating the blog and taking photos of my beautiful family! My baby girl and I at 29 weeks (my third trimester)!
My son and daughter on a recent visit to the watershed.
Daddy and his 3 girls (his son is too busy for a photo)!
Hope that everyone is enjoying summer! Happy 4th of July! |
I can't believe that it's been 8 weeks since I've taken a prego shot too! It's just harder to find time with the third.
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My son graduated from Awana cubbies. This was our second year. He loves the program and it's a great way for him to memorize the Bible! Next year he's on to Sparks.
He also loves soccer! Here are some pictures of his class. I signed him up for swim lessons again too. I'm glad that he loves organized sports because he has a lot of energy to use up!
My daugher wanted some pictures of her too while we were watching my son play.
Right now she is very good about watching my son play sports. It's been hard to balance his high energy with her medical condition. We are trying to come up with safe solutions for her play. We had another hospital appointment and the venous mass has not effected her vision. Praise the Lord! I appreciate all prayers for her safety and wisdom for my husband and I to raise her for God's glory! |
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Our family of 5
Our indoor pumpkin and sunflower garden, ready to go outside!
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