Sunday our Luke turned 9!!!!!!!!!

It's simply amazing to be Luke's Mom ~ I am so honored and blessed to have such a wonderful Son. I just love you Lukey!

Luke was born 5 weeks early ~ we were so blessed that the only thing we had to worry about was getting him to learn to nurse. He didn't know how to suck and so we stayed 4 extra days in the hospital to make sure he was getting enough to eat, he did great. He came home on Christmas Eve ~ the best Christmas present EVER!!!

This is Luke ~ summer of 04 ~ this is right when we got a digital camera :)

He was our smallest baby ~ being 5 weeks early he weighed a tiny 6lbs ~ he even went down to 5.12 (his older siblings weighed in at 8.7 & 9.13) but then he quickly 'turned the corner' and started growing, growing, growing! He also started growing the most adorable curly hair I've ever seen! I wish I had a scanner so I could show you ~ oh what a sweetie!!! 

Here he is before he turned 5 ~

I just LOVE this picture ~ so much Love & Joy in this picture!!!

Luke was a quiet babe - one of our good friends said he was, 'false advertisement.' and that was the truth - he was pretty much a perfect baby. He hardly ever fussed. He was just content as could be with his life ~ such a joy! To this day Luke is not a complainer ~ he still has that 'content' attitude about life. He loves to read, do puzzles and be a Detective to ALL who have lost something.

Today is a Birthday I wonder for whom?
I know it's for someone who's right in the room
So look all around for somebody who ~
Is smiling and laughing, my goodness it's YOU!

Merry Christmas,
EMichelle

We attended our Co-op's Christmas Party this year ~ like we have for the past 5 years. It's a fun gathering of the families to sing Christmas Carols together, watch and listen to children perform their talents and we always finish off with a yummy potluck. It's a fun way to say Merry Christmas to everyone before our break.

Last year Ashley sang with her choir, that was so wonderful! This year she wasn't able to because she didn't have a voice :( she was pretty sad ~ but she did a good job smiling (even though I know it was hard for her) and supporting her class. 

Even though she didn't sing ~ she was able to perform, with Noah! She really wanted to sign Silent Night and so we learned together. (I learn so much homeschooling!!!) Well one day while she was practicing Noah was moping around. When I finally got him to tell me what was wrong he said that he wanted to sign Silent Night too. So I told him to ask Sissy if she would teach him! She did teach him ~ he was so so so happy!!! They practiced over and over and over and over again ~ I didn't mind, in fact no one did we just LOVE Christmas music! At the Christmas Party they both got up there and performed. My heart was filled with absolute JOY as I watched my babies ~ sign beautifully together.

Isaiah & Luke performed together too! This was the first time either of them have performed at the annual Christmas Party ~ and to be quite honest it wouldn't have surprised me if they decided not to at the last minute. But they did it and they did a WONDERFUL job! They actually wrote a Christmas Poem together and added Scripture at the end. I'm so PROUD of my boys! I can't even describe my feelings watching them share what they created. I am truly blessed.

CANDY IS SUPER SWEET

SANTA IS A FUN TREAT.

BUT JESUS IS THE REASON

FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

ONCE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT

A RADIANT STAR SHOWN BRIGHT.

IT SHOWN SUPER BRIGHT

SHEPHERDS SAW ITS LIGHT.

MARY COULD NOT FIND A PLACE TO STAY

EXCEPT FOR A MANGER AND SOME HAY.

THERE WERE LOTS OF DONKEYS, CHICKENS AND COWS TOO

IF JOSEPH HAD ALLERGIES HE’D GO AHH….CHOO!!!

WISE MEN FOLLOWED THE STAR

IT WAS EXTREMELY FAR.

SHEPHERDS SAW THE ANGELS SING

IT WAS QUITE A GLORIOUS THING.

EVERYONE TRAVELED FROM ALL AROUND

TO SEE THE BABE BORN JUST OUTSIDE TOWN.

WHEN THEY CAME TO WHERE JESUS LAYED

THEY ALL KNELT DOWN AND SOFTLY PRAYED.

GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST,

AND ON EARTH

PEACE TO MEN

ON WHOM HIS FAVOR RESTS.

Absolute Perfect JOY is what my children bring to my life. It was truly a blessing to be able to see my children get up in front of everyone and show their love for their Lord.

Merry Christmas,
EMichelle

Yesterday was a good day ~ amid the fast pace of daily life with 5 very different children, who have 5 very different learning styles, 2 very different pups and 1 cat who I describe as 'a wanna-be italian mafia boss' ~ wink!

I am thankful for early morning walks with our newest little family member. It's nice to be breathing in the fresh air these past few mornings. Funny how fitness is so "All or Nothing"  with me. I was doing so good this summer - walking at least once a day, if not twice. (between you and me I lost 16lbs this summer and I wasn't even 'dieting' - I know!) I was even starting to run - but once the weather started changing and school started up ~ I don't know.....it quickly took a back seat. I know that some of the weight has come back - wow - it sure does come back fast! But now with a new pup ~ rain or shine I have to take him on walks so...that puts a smile on face and hustle in my step.

I was thinking this morning on my walk how exercising is a lot like my walk with Christ. I feel like there are times when my walk is strong, I mean super strong - kind of like excersing in August! and then there are times when it's not - kind of like exercising in October.....and November. I need to and want to have a strong walk in my faith; spending time with God daily in prayer and study. I also want to and need to be excersing daily; walking and stretching daily at a minimum.

Well with that said ~ I'm off to do some morning stretching.

Blessings,
EMichelle

I am so so so excited! Starting January I'm going to attend the Women's Bible Study at my church! It's been over a year since I've been in a study - I think - maybe two years......hmmmm......has it been that long??

Not only do I miss being in a Study ~ but I really believe that in order to give, with the love of Christ,  one must continually be filled. And I'm not right now ~ even though I try - I know that I'm missing something and that something is a Study. A Study that will put my in The Word each and everyday. I love studying God's Word - I love it!

It will be a Great way to start my day! I'm really excited!!!

Blessings,
EMichelle

There's nothing better then being a Wife & Mama ~ I just love my everyday life - even when somedays it seems like I just can't quite catch-up. Saturday was a day like that - it seemed like everytime I turned around something 'new' happened.

God's grace is amazing ~ He promises never to give us more then He knows we can handle. I said that a few times throughout my day. Quoting Scripture and Praying to my Wonderful Counselor is what gets me through days like the day I'm about to write about.

We did school today ~ pretty much a full day. We never school on Saturdays, unless someone has a project to finish up for co-op on Monday. But this past week was a bit unusual for us ~ we had a lot of unexpected things come up and school well it took a back seat. But that's the Joy of homeschooling. No worries * No stress ~ everything works out. School this Saturday worked out great ~ my husband was at the Base for most of the day and so it seemed pretty much like a regular weekday.

4AM
This is when I woke up and realized Roscoe hadn't woken up all night. I thought that that was wonderful! I just love my pup! Sleepin' All Night! That's Great! And then I feel back asleep.

5AM
Roscoe greeted me when I came downstairs......I did put him in the laundry room with the gate up. I was so tired - I almost started to cry as I stood on the last step, realizing what may lie ahead. Our tree, we just decorated the night before, my kitchen chairs......I'm sure there's puppy poop & tinkles everywhere. No sense standing there, I thought. I started walking into the family room, no stinky smells and our tree is up and in one piece. I put Roscoe outside and continued my search of destruction. I couldn't believe it! There was nothing. Nothing! I looked everywhere and saw nothing :) I went out with him to the side yard and I saw a candycane stuck on his neck, then I saw some on the floor - with the wrapping next to it. I put the two pieces together to see how much he ate and I'm happy to report candycanes are not his thing!!! Either I came down right when he got out or he's just a little angel pup. I want to believe the second but I'm pretty sure the first is correct.

7:30AM
MOM!!! There's no milk! What? How in the world can we go through so much milk? I ask every other day - seriously I'm tired of going to the grocery for milk - I want a cow. So needless to say breakfast was put on hold while I went to the store for......milk.

9AM
My Brother-In-Law called to ask about Christmas ideas ~ so I went upstairs to my closet (the only place I have COMPLETE solitude....and 3 shut doors :) When I was done, I came out to give the phone to Isaiah and as I was starting to take my first step down the stairs I saw Elijah out of the corner of my eye getting out 'The Bean Game'. I turned to say, No No E - that game is not for you and I missed the step and fell all the way to the landing - 7 steps. That was painful. I gave the phone to Isaiah, embarrassed that I slipped and in a little pain.

10AM
I went in to get cleaning supplies and I hear MOM!?  What is Elijah eating? Can I have a snack? What??? I didn't give him anything. I came around the corner and Elijah was putting "beans" from the bean game in his mouth. I'm pretty sure he didn't swallow any, because they are super hard and he looked a bit confused ~ like Hmmmm....why can't I taste this or chew it? Yikes! Obviously I forgot the reason I slipped down the stairs.So I got those away from him ~ he screamed CRAZY Loud and then settled for a 'treat' - because that is what he thought he was having. "My treat Momma! My treat!" is what he was saying. I did feel bad ~ he had no idea why I quickly grabbed away his 'treat'. But I'm pretty sure he liked his real treat better.

11AM
As I was doing some cleaning up Luke said, "Mom my pant leg is wet," as he was sitting on the carpet. What? Oh my goodness - the cat! That is GROSS! Peanut hasn't done that in ummmm....Years! So I'ma thinkin' ~ he's not that happy having a puppy around or he doesn't like being outside right now because it's below freezing out here. I know that a lot of you live with extremely cold winters ~ out here in the Pacific Northwest we are experiencing colder ( A LOT COLDER) temperatures then normal. Brrrrr.....Super Brrrr........

2PM
Clink/Clank.....is the sound I heard ~ then a, "Horry Momma Horry." I knew right away - the Nativity. My heart sank  but I wasn't upset - I knew when I put it out that this was a huge possibility but I didn't want to not put it out. Elijah's eyes were huge he knew that he did a boo-boo.....how could I be upset at those big blues? I just said, it's ok sweetie - and together we put it away. I should've put it up higher ~ but no worries it's only material - my little Son's heart was more precious then a thousand words - "Horry Mama." he said standing next to me patting my hair.

3:30PM
I went to get the dog dish & cat dish from the laundry room and guess what ~ I spilled "The Beans". Needless to say I'm not a fan of "The Bean Game" right now ~ it's been the cause for my chaos. When I took the beans away from E I was trying to get him to settle down and I hastily set them in the laundry room. Crash!!! Ohhhh that's when it hit me - I've been having a VERY eventful day.

BEST PART OF MY DAY
My husband unexpectedly came home 2 hours early!!!

Blessings,
EMichelle

                                      ROSCOE!!!

                                 He's SOOOO Cute!

Roscoe was born on 9/30/09 and we brought him home December 10th ~ yep! Thursday!!! We've been a busy family these past few days!!! But needless to say a busy-HAPPY family, so that's good! He is 1/2 golden retriever & 1/2 german shepherd.

       His nose looks grey in this picture but that's just sand!

He is a great not so little, little pup (wink!) We know the family that owns his parents and if I may say ~ they are gorgeous and super-mellow dogs! Love that! They came in and sniffed us when we picked up Roscoe - it was almost like they were checking us out. The Mama stayed right next to me and the Papa was interested in Isaiah. Funny!

The Mama is the German Shepherd & The Papa is the Golden....

We are just so so so happy! He great with our kids they roll around with him and play*play...play*play.... play!! with him! I'm so thankful the family who had him is a homeschool family with 3 little ones! Roscoe doesn't know life any different! We can't wait to take him on walks but he needs one more round of vaccinations ~ we bought him a harness and leash on Thursday and I went to put it on him this morning (so he can get use to the feel because we are a walkin' kind of family!!!) and it was to small! At first I thought I was putting it on wrong but I wasn't he has grown that much in 3 days! I think he's gonna be a big doggie - even though he was the cute little runt of the litter.

He has a little white on his paw as you can see here! Such a cutie!

Our other 'dog' - Sarahbelle (who is a Shih-tzu) and our cat - Peanut are doing pretty good adjusting to a new family member. Peanut is quite the cat - secure in all his manliness ~ he doesn't mind showing Roscoe who the real boss is. (wink!) And Sarahbelle well she's LOVING all the extra attention she's getting - but I'm sure she would be completely satisfied if Roscoe was just a scary dream for her (WINK!!!) All in all she's actually doing ok - she's my little dog and she always will be! I think her favorite time is when Roscoe gets put to bed downstairs and she goes upstairs to sleep in our room. It's almost like ~ sweet revenge in puppy language!

He likes being outside! And he's for the most part - potty trained.

Cheers to a PUPPY CHRISTMAS!
EMichelle

PS
The date stamp is wrong on the following pictures...they were taken 12-11-09.

Here's a super-yummy 1 Dish Dinner  (well it takes a couple pots to make but it ends up being a 1 dish meal! wink!) 

This easily feeds our family of 7 & lunch for me :) the next day!!! 

Stew:

2-3 cups cut up or shredded cooked chicken

4 cups chicken broth + 1 cup Water

1 1/2 sticks butter

1 chopped onion

3/4 cups flour

1/4 cup heavy cream

5 diced carrots (blanched for 2 minutes)

1 can peas - drained

1 can corn - drained

1 can green beans - drained

~ ~ ~ ~

Biscuits:

2 cups flour

1 tablespoon baking powder (yes tablespoon:)

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 stick butter

3/4 half n' half

1 egg mixed w/ 1 tablespoon water for egg wash

************************

Preheat oven to 375

Heat up the chicken broth & water in a small saucepan
In a large pot melt butter and saute onions over med/low heat for about 10 minutes - until translucent
This is when I blanch the carrots
Add the flour and stir constantly with a whisk for 2 minutes over low heat - don't leave it :)
Add in warm water & broth - keep whisking for another minute or until thick.
Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper w/ the heavy cream.
Whisk it all together
Then add chicken, peas, corn, green beans & carrots
Give it a good mix with a spoon & pour it into a 10x13 baking dish -- don't forget to 'PAM' the dish!

Bake for 15 minutes

While that's baking make your biscuits

Put the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer
Add butter and then add half n' half
Once all mixed it'll seem a bit sticky and that's ok ~ dump it out onto a well floured board, give it a good 'flour knead' and then roll it out to about 1/2" thick. Cut out 12, 2 1/2" circles (regular biscuit size)
Remove stew after 15 minutes and place biscuits on top ~ brush w/ egg wash 
Put back in oven for another 30 minutes.

I have made everything ahead of time - storing the biscuits and stew seperately in the fridge. When I was ready to bake it I baked it for about 25 minutes and then an additional 30 after placing the biscuits on top!

Perfect Stew on a cold day!

Hope you enjoy,
EMichelle

We had such a wonderful night last night ~ Sis is in choir at our Co-op and she had a performance at Journey To Bethlehem! Her choir sang 3 songs and in one of them she had a solo part! She was pretty nervous but she did an absolutely beautiful job ~ she just sparkled in her beautiful Christmas dress!!! I just can't believe how fast she's growing up....sigh......if only I could stop time......

After the performance we eagerly waited for our turn to go on 'the journey'! We went on it last year but this year was super special because my husband was able to be with us - last year I think he was in Montana working!

This is quite the production! It's so big that the host church had to get  building permits for the outside structures!

It's an experience hard to explain - how I wish I could've taken pictures!!! It's worth the loooong "journey" there! wink!!!

Here's the link to check it out ~ believe me ~ you won't be dissapointed!!! J2B  

Let me put it this way - WE CAN'T WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR!!!

Blessings,
EMichelle

ps
DRESS WARM!!!

What a wonderful day we had ~ my brother-in-law came down with his wife and filled our house with the joy & love of Family.

BREAKFAST:

Cinnamon Rolls & Frosting ~ All From Scratch!!!
Fresh OJ & AJ

APPETIZERS:

Lil' Smokies
Cheese & Summer Sausage
Wheat Thins / Triscuits
Veggie Tray
Whole Cranberry Sauce
Ranch Dip
Pickles & Olives Tray

MAIN MENU:

Turkey - found the secret this year to Moist & Delicious!!!
Buttery Mash Taters & Gravy - Simply said, Yum.
Super Cheesy Homemade Mac w/ extra large noodles
Peas & Corn ~ pleasin' the crowd (wink!)
Homemade Braided French Bread * We love this bread served hot brushed w/ butter!!! And it's pretty too! 2 Kinds of Stuffing ~ Brother-in-law & Wife are Vegetarians so I always make a stuffing just for them :)Potat Salad ~ my Brother-in-law always brings this on the Holidays!!! We love it, especially my Husband ~ because it's a dish from their childhood!
Whole Cranberry Sauce ~ I only like the whole - and I think that with the amount of leftovers I have I am the only one who likes it period - that's ok - I LOVE IT!!!
Pickles & Olives ~ don't mess with Tradition!

DESSERT:

Pumpkin Pie ~ made by our beautiful daughter ~ she even made the crust!!! All I have to say is She's Hired!
Apple Crisp - served hot from the oven....drizzled w/ caramel sauce and served with Vanilla Ice Cream!Yum! Yum!! Yum!!!
Chocolate Fudge Pudding Pie ~ covered w/ Cool Whip & Chocolate Sprinkles ~ a surprise for my brother-in-law!
The Moist Amazing Pumpkin Whoopie Pies EVER! If I do say so myself (wink!)

SECOND HELPINGS:

Well of course we had a Repeat of Thanksgiving the next day ~ which was yesterday!!! Today we had Turkey Sandwiches for lunch and Pasta Bake for Dinner - we all wanted a break from Turkey! Tomorrow we'll have Turkey Enchiladas & then we'll have Turkey Stew in a casserole dish with biscuits on top.....oh my it's such a yummy dish!!!

Warm Wishes To All of You!
EMichelle

SUPER YUM!

We started off the season with a YUM! Pumpkin Bread!

Then we enjoyed a moist & delicious YUM! Carrot Cake!

From there we have made 2 batches of YUM! Cinnamon Rolls
(1 batch went to our neighbors.....ok/ok 4 of the 10 went to our neighbors *lol)

I have just pulled out of the oven ~
my One & Only TOP SECRET RECIPE......drum-roll please.....(wink!)
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars with Caramel Topping!!!
SUPER YUM!!!

I just love this time of year ~ ~ ~ my house smells so YUM!

WINK,
EMichelle

Scene ~ pretty simple, I'm grading papers at the table.....honestly only 1/2 listening ~ that is until the very end......this is between me and Noah, who's 5.

"Mama?"

"Yes Son?"

"When is Elijah going to be done in his chair?" (highchair)

"I don't know ~ haven't given it much thought."

"Hmmm.......Mama?"

"Yes Son?"

"How are we going to eat dinner as a family when Elijah gets out of his chair?"

"What are you talking about Bubbs? That's silly - like we always do at the table."

"Hmmm.......Mama?"

"Yes Son?"

"There's not enough chairs for E to join us for dinner. There's only enough chairs for...1..2..3..4..5..6......and E is number 7. We don't have 7 chairs."

"Oh Sweetie ~ it'll be fine. We have some time before we have to think about that."

"Hmmmm.........Mama?"

"Yes Son?"

"Let's pray......I'll lead."

Goodnight,
EMichelle

Today we recieved a coupon ~ $15.00 towards any Turkey or Ham!!!

We'll be using it for our Christmas Ham ~ YEAH!!!

My husband and I feel so blessed.

Thank You Lord,
EMichelle

God would use today to bring our family closer. We've been having a bit of - ok - a lot of bickering lately. It seems like yip-yapping at each other always comes in waves ~ or maybe snow is a better example, a little snowball (called bickering) slowly grows and grows as it rolls down the hill called life ~ and as it's rolling down the hill (called life) it's not only picking up speed but it's growing bigger and bigger ~ rolling faster and faster......and right when I feel like I'm going to be overcome by a huge snowball of bickering God always steps in - right at the moment I need Him most and heals all frusterations (crushing the snowball) Unbeknownst to me ~ God's plan on crushing the snowball was going to happen tonight.

Little did I know ~ that each of my children (with the exception of Elijah) were presented today with a challenge. I say challenge because I don't know what else to call it ~ worldly situation?

I'm holding on tight to the fact that I know ~ and I'm so PROUD to say ~ that my children trust me enough that they each, on their own, in their own ways, when they felt the time was right, confided in me when ~ hmmm....how should I put it, "worldly situations" unexpectedly arose today at, of all places, our co-op.

Instantly I'm takin' back by each situation at hand. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed as my dear children ages 13 - 5 found their own times to talk to me. What was going on I thought? I can't believe everyone was challenged today - I mean I know it's possible but usually it's only one or maybe two....but four?

The last one was when our daughter went down to the store with me to get some coffee creamer ~ it's only a mile away but in that mile....actually within 1 minute of being in the van together, alone, she started telling me about her day and tears started flowing. Deep Breath I told myself as I could feel the Mama Bear in me swell-up. All I could say as I was driving was "I'm so sorry Sis." I just let her talk and I think that that felt good to her. Just to have me, by herself, listening to her. Isn't God good? He knew that she needed to talk to me ~ because I really wasn't planning on going to the store at 8:30 at night - but I realized I didn't have any creamer and my husband was going to be up soon to get ready for his grave-shift at the base. I just know that it's the small things like ~ having creamer, that he would never ask for but greatly appreciate. Because of that quick thought we were able to talk together and when we got out of the van to run into the store she grabbed my hand and I gave her a hug - I love you Mom ~ she said......that made me feel real good inside.

I'm thankful, not for the situations ~ per-say but for the opportunity they bring to talk to my children about what occured and how they can best deal with it. There is apart of me that just wants to be the Mama Bear protecting her cubs and in a sense I am and always will be. But I know that as they get older ~ as harsh as it might sound, and feel to me at times, some things are just part of being in the world. My husband and I both feel that we are blessed for many reasons when these situations arise - today it was just a lot....four!!!!

A few of those reasons are: because we homeschool we are proud to say our kids are sheltered for the most part from the harsh world * when a situation arises 99% of the time we are somewhere in the vicinity * are children confide in us * we are able to talk to them about what happen and at times about the "whole picture" * we are able to pray with them * use the situation as a character builder * pray for those who may have unintentionally or at times intentionally hurt them * we are able to share with them situations that we have been in that are similar to theirs when we were kids/teens and even now being adults * we are able to show our kids that they do matter and that their feelings matter - that we care about them * we want to teach them how best to deal with each situation because one day they will be grown-up dealing with situations on their own....well they can always call Mom! (wink!) We are able to HUG them ~ keep them close.

Tonight before my younger ones went to bed everyone was in the 'boys room' and so I took the opportunity to share with them that all of us seemed to have a bit of a bump in our day ~ they all looked at each other as if to say, "you too?" I didn't go into everyone's situation for I feel that they can share that among themselves if they choose ~ but I did talk to them about the importance of Family ~ especially when we are out in the world. They ALL agreed. I shared with them how our home needs to be a safe place for everyone because when there's days like today we need to know that our home is a place to find comfort and grace. Enough of the bickering I said, you all need each other - today is a reminder that there is enough battles to be fought outside our home ~ let's work together to stop the bickering and the harsh words that have been going around lately - let's focus on grace, peace, love, acceptance. And you know what? They ALL agreed.

Even though They ALL go to bed at different times ~ tonight They ALL went to bed with a peaceful heart - you could just feel it in the air and hear it in their voices as They ALL said goodnight to each other..........

Blessings,
EMichelle

Co-op went well today :) Elijah and I have been feeling under the weather this weekend and so I decided to keep him with me....hmmm.....he was real good.....but I don't know if I'd do that again. I think the next time we (or he) is not feeling well I'll just call in absent for the day. He was quite the trooper ~ but it wasn't really fun for him (or me) and by 4th hour he was, how should I say it, DONE. I would be too if I was 2 and my momma kept trying to keep me quite ~ wink!!!

But all in all it was a good day ~ Ashley did a BEAUTIFUL job singing in Opening this morning ~ I'm so proud of her!!!

Then we were all off to our classes ~ well everyone but E & me. We just hung out together because I didn't want to work in the Nursery or put him in it because of how we were feeling. I did though get a chance to talk with my Facilitator for 2nd - I needed her help 2nd hour so we were able to go over everything which was a huge blessing! She's a wonderful Facilitator and Friend! Isaiah worked on Algebra 1st hour, Ashley was in choir getting ready for an upcoming performance and trying out for a solo!!! I SUPER hope that she gets one of the solos ~ last year she didn't get any and I just know how badly she wants it......my fingers (and toes!) are crossed for her!!! Noah went happily to his art class and Luke bounded down the hall to his ABSOLUTE Favorite class - Math Games!!! He just loves his teacher!!

2nd Hour went by super-fast! My WA State class had their State Posters due today! WOW!!! I am so so so proud of ALL my students! They did an absolutely wonderful job!!! While my Facilitator and I walked around and graded their work - they went around and handed out different awards to each other! It was great to see them all going around looking at each others work! I asked, who would like to earn easy extra credit ~ they all raised their hands and I said Great! Let's take all the posters downstairs and set them up for everyone to admire during lunch! They were all good sports about that - and getting 10 extra credit points!!! They handed in their Ch. 2 Tests and I handed out Ch. 3 Review Sheets. Noah was in his Unit Study Class learning about Volcanoes, Ashley was in Scrapbooking, Luke was in Hands-On Science, Elijah was with me and Isaiah well he's in my class as a student - so that's a nice bonus!!!

We all meet up for lunch ~ not for long because everyone wants to go visit with their friends but they do sit and eat with me.....real fast!!! I needed to go - real quick - and talk with a parent about an upcoming field trip - Elijah was in my view but I did leave him at the table for ohhhh about 2 minutes and when I came back he poured out my entire bottle of water into the baggie containing our lunch crackers.....no worries I'm just SUPER Thankful that it wasn't all over everyone's lunches!!! Then it's time to go into 'Huddle Time' this is where we (as a co-op) have afternoon announcements. I was waiting for Noah to come out of the bathroom and while I was sitting at a table just a few feet away from the bathroom door I didn't see him come out and "sneak" up the stairs. So I was waiting and waiting and waiting with Elijah and waiting some more. I finally knocked on the door and called out his name - no answer - so I opened the door and called out his name - no answer - so I asked if anyone was in there - no answer. WHAT??? WHERE"S NOAH??? Well I went in (well of course I announced that I was coming in) and no one was in there! I started calling for him - I couldn't find him. Our co-op has 2 buildings and so I went to the other building where everyone was in Huddle. No Noah. I started to get worried - where could he be? I started asking and telling other moms that I couldn't find him and the wonderful search party of friends formed. Everyone was looking everywhere and then all of a sudden PRAISE JESUS I was told that Noah was with another mom and safe. OH HOW I RAN UP TO HIM AND KISSED HIM ALL OVER HIS SWEET FACE. "I didn't know where you were mom, I was just kidding by going up the stairs but then I forgot where you were." he said. After hugging him and kissing him and hugging him some more - we talked about what happened and how he should never do that again. How he should never be sneaky because that's how children get lost - hiding in places then forgetting how to find Mom. "Ok Mom", he said. "I'm really sorry. I promise." I took a super-deep breath from the depths of my soul ~ and praised God. So that was lunch.

Then it was off to 3rd Hour - Isaiah has Physical Science which is filled with lots of book work at home and lots of hands-on science projects at co-op. He likes the class ~ even though it's lots of work! Ashley has her Science class 3rd hour too! It's the same in the sense that co-op is filled with sharing and hands-on work and at home she does all the bookwork ~ and there's ALOT of that! She does great!!! Luke has a fun cooking class 3rd ~ it's called Commander in Chef! His class makes favorite meals of past presidents!!! Last week he made Apple Pie (Andrew Jackson) and had Sparkling Apple Cider (William Henry Harrison) Today he made Coconut Pudding for (John Tyler) and Corne Pone (James Knox Polk) Noah went to his FAVORITE class ~ Phonics Fun!!! And Elijah stayed with me during my Free Hour.

4th Hour ~ I teach Poetry and I am BLESSED to have Luke and Ashley in my class!!! Today we worked on their Alphabet Book written in Couplet Forms. It was so much fun! I love to see everyone's creativity come out! The only requirement was somewhere in the 1st line of the poem the needed, for example, to say, LETTER A. Like ~ The Letter A (1st line) Sits on gold hay (2nd line) and then something along the lines of The Letter B (1st line) Floats out to sea (2nd line) the letter H was done like ~ The Letter H flies (1st line) Up up to a pie (2nd line) The class homework was to finish the alphabet and also to do an Acrostic Poem for THANKSGIVING!!! Lots of work ~ but they have 2 weeks to do it! Elijah was with me during this class too :) he stayed in the backpack during 2nd hour but this hour he was pretty much done - and only lasted for 1/2 the time ~ no worries though he was a lot quieter once he was able to get out of the pack and walk around a little :) Noah's Phonics class is 2 hours so that's where he was and Isaiah's 4th hour is Brainy Games -- it's an easy fun class! A few weeks ago he brought home 36 Cube ~ he tried, I tried, his dad tried.......we all tried together - - no luck. We got all the way down to 2!!! It was a fun challenge for a that week! Boy did we try!!!

Now we are home and dinner is almost ready. My husband is sleeping - for in a few hours he's up to pull a double shift. I'll write about that later......but I'm off to finish up the yummies for tacos!

It was a good day. I'm glad to have next week off.

Blessings,
EMichelle 

Blustery Morning ~ to say the least. The wind is blowing so hard I am in complete surprise that the power is still on. Well needless to say I've been up for quite sometime, two reasons - one being our dog has been barking like crazy  because of the wind....crazy dog - that does not make for a happy owner and the other is that my husband is working graves at the base this week and when he's gone I have a hard time sleeping. Hmmmm.....to find the 'bright-side' of being up since 3am - I did forget to set my alarm clock and so now there's no chance that I'll oversleep on a co-op morning!

School's been going well for us ~ last week I taught Noah & Luke during the morning while Isaiah & Ashley did independent studies and then I spent time with I & A after lunch working one on one. It worked pretty good for all of us ~ I'm finding that Noah and Luke need my 'focused' attention in the morning and then they do a lot better the rest of the day. I also find that I'm a lot more patient with my littlest guy and I feel that he's getting the attention he needs from me too ~ it's all a learning process for me - no matter how many years we've been homeschooling every year - or should I say - every month is a new learning process for me. Deep Breath ~ I feel like I've learned this before (wink!) but here I am learning it again. I guess I need more practice.

This year we are going to be schooling Monday & Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving ~ but only 1/2 days for my older two. So it's not going to be a lot. After Thanksgiving we only have 1 Monday for co-op....well actually 2 but the 2nd is our Christmas Party. I cannot believe the holiday season is right around the corner! It's simply crazy. I feel like Summer, Summer, Summer, Christmas. It just can't be. Don't get me wrong I love this time of year it just seems like I missed something - because here it is! wink!!!

Noah has an eye appointment this week ~ which makes for a busy week. Anything added to our schedule makes for a busy week! (wink!) I wouldn't be surprised if he needs glasses - Isaiah got his glasses at 5 and Ashley got hers at 4, we'll see.

Awana has gone real well the past 2 Wednesdays. Praise! I've been praying, praying, praying about it. I have come to realize that I cannot please everyone, even if I want to. Some people are just not pleasable - is that even a word??? Well if it's not ~ for now it is (wink!) And with that said, the last 2 weeks have been good. For one ~ I take time to take Ashley, Luke & Noah to their groups and when I've done that my night starts off on the right foot. Seeing them off allows me to have the peace of mind that I'm a Mom first (at awana) and a leader second. I find that awana is a lot like homeschooling, no matter how many years I've been doing it, I'm constantly learning and growing because it's constantly changing (and so am I)  - from the kids, to the parents, to the volunteers, and even me and my family and all of our needs. I miss my friend who I use to work with in awana at another church. We had so much fun together ~ memories I cherish ~ but with the passing of time I think we've grown apart - not sure how or why but I find that I not only miss her during crazy busy awana nights but just in life. We use to get to church super early with our kids and set up for the awana night together - laughing, parenting, just being friends. Well anyways like I always tell myself, some people God puts in my life for a certain time and instead of dwelling on the time being to short one must move on and be thankful for the time given.

Well it's almost 6:30 and we need to leave by 7:45 this morning ~ Ashley's in choir at co-op and she's singing in Opening this morning!!!

Praying we don't get blown awaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyy, (wink!)
EMichelle

At the farm they have a "Game" called Sling-Shot Pumpkins or something like that (wink!) And yep it's exactly as it sounds - you buy mini pumkins, put them in a slingshot and try to hit targets in front of old cars. (last year it was an old boat)

YEP! Just like the maze ~ we've faithfully tried for years with no luck until this year!!! This year we were just about done when Isaiah said, "Oh I have money! (from his job wink!)  I'll buy a few pumpkins!"

With the mini pumpkins he bought ~ He WON!!! We all celebrated!!!! High-Fives All Around!

What was the reward ~ well they blew the air-horn...which was LOUD & EXCITING! And Isaiah got to pick out the biggest pumpkin ~ he wanted ~ how big was it? Well his weighs in at a whopping 132lbs!!!

                                   Noah with Dad!

                                   Ashley with Dad!

                                    Luke with Dad!

                             Isaiah loading up!

                            Pulling.....Pulling.....Pulling

Dad helped a little ~ Seriously those are SUPER tight sling-shots!
                      Noah's face is PRICELESS!!!

                          Lukey says it all ~ TOUCHDOWN!!!

You would've thought we won the Lottery!!! For us ~ We DID!
I think this is one of my Favorite Pictures! It just speaks volumes
about us!

                                           THIS IS THE ONE!

                        WoW Dad! You're Super-Man Strong!

                                            Here It Is!

                                   And Here It Is!!!

Not sure what to do with 132lbs of ~ Pumpkin ~
If you do please let me know! I'd hate for all this to go to waste!

Blessings,
EMichelle

                     Look Mom! 2 Blue Duckies!!!

                           I think they go here!!!

             WOW!!! Where did the water come from!?!

                Ohhh Daddy & Sis are racing duckies!!!!

          Oh! No! the duckie fell into the tub of doom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                            Now everyone's playing!!!

      Oh! No! another duckie fell into the tub of doom......wink!

                                    You must go back!

                           Noah's favorite duckie!

Fun Times!!
EMichelle

We had such a GREAT day! We finally completed the Corn Maze.....yes we've tried for quite a few year! But that's the past....(wink!) We can finally say * WE DID IT!!!

              I just Love this man ~ so much!

                      We took turns carrying Elijah!

              Seriously Muddy!!! This was a 'small puddle'

            These shoes were once pretty brown & pink!

            The Theme was: Honey I Shrunk the Farm

                   Yeah! We found our 1st mailbox

Oh Please Don't Touch the Muck! I think instead of getting 'mad'
I grabbed my camera in a, "aren't you the oldest?" moment.......
that's why it's blurry - wink/wink!

The past years they gave really yummy pumpkin suckers after the
maze (orange flavor) this year - yucky eyeball gummies were handed
out ~ oh well - I got a funny picture!

              Here's Elijah looking at baby chicks!

                                    Elijah and Sis!!

Fun Day!
EMichelle

The last few years I have been feeling like there has been WAYYYY to much focus on 'Friend Parties' ~ Where's it going to be? How much is it going to cost? Who can come? Can everyone make it? And all extras ~ extra cake * extra gifts * extra theme plates & cups * the list goes on and on and on.....it can be overwhelming! Now don't get me wrong, we are blessed beyond measure with regards to the friends our kiddos have ~ they are so sweet & cool! (wink!) Praise Jesus!!!

So this wasn't an easy decision, for we've always had 'Friend Parties' but it was a decision I think we needed to make even if it's for this year. We have friends who have 'Friend Parties' every other year ~ that's a thought. And we have friends who don't have them at all or who let their kids invite 1 or 2 friends over for an extra special day! Hmmmm.....I don't know what next year will look like - I have no idea what tomorrow will look like! But I do know that so far, we've had 3 Birthdays with us - obviously (wink!) and Uncle B & Aunt S! 2 Birthdays to Go!! None of our Birthday Kiddos have complained once! They love it no matter what! Makes me wonder.....who makes a bigger fuss over Birthday Parties ~ Parents or Kids!?

                             Ashley's Favorite Cake!

                 Daddy brought home a Rose!

                                    Silly Elijah!!!

                        Big Big BIG Smiles!!!

Blessings,
EMichelle