Life at Home

It has been quite a while since I've posted updates. I have been watching for a moment that would inspire me to write, but I think life has been flying by so fast that I haven't caught any moments lately!

The past couple of weeks I have been putting in extra hours with Tiffin, closing out one term and getting another one ready to go. I have to admit, eventhough it accentuates my nerdiness, I LOVE it! I love being able to combine my love of teaching, with my technological skills and my need to be home right now.

I have also been working with Seth, Lukah and Alayna on some simple preschool activities. I need to see if I can do this steadily for the next couple of months before I make a commitment to homeschool Seth next year. So far it is going well. Seth is doing an online reading program called Headsprout (www.headsprout.org), where he is learning how to read quickly! I also found an entire Hooked on Math curriculum set at a Once Upon a Child for $24! I initially bought it for my Sister in Law, who is homeschooling her son Noah. But Seth saw it on the table and insisted we do it. I sat down with him, Lukah and Alayna one morning and before long, all three of them were picking up math facts. (Lukah did very well because a large part is set to music, which he picks up very easily.)

So between working from home, preschooling, carting kids around the state and trying to keep the house somewhat clean, I stay pretty busy. But I have to say, this is one of the best times of my life. I'm truly enjoying my time with the kids and my ability to work my brain at the same time. God has truly blessed me!

The Phone Call

Alayna - 2 years old (February 08)--------------------- Alayna - 3 years old (February 09)

Yesterday, I was outside playing baseball with the Seth and Lukah. They just can't wait for warmer weather, and 38 with a windchill of about 25 was warm enough for them. Unfortunately, Alayna was not willing to brave the cold to be a cheerleader for her brothers, so she chose to be inside. After a few minutes, I heard "Mooooommmmmmmyyyyyy" coming from the house. Alayna opened the door and said something about the phone. I figured she had answered the phone and I needed to come and take it, but when I came in, the phone was not off the hook. She said, "Mommy, she said she will talk to me soon and then the phone said meeeee...meeeee...meeeee....meeeeee." I asked who it was and she said, "I don't know, Sierra Suzie?" (Sierra is her friend and Suzie is grandma.)

As we approach Alayna's 3rd birthday on Friday, I have been thinking of all of the changes and growth I've seen in her. I don't take time to pay attention to her daily changes, but when I look at the giant leaps she has made in the last 12 months, I am astounded. I wonder if God does the same thing, or if He is able to appreciate our small changes as we make them. Every day I wake up hoping to make a good impression on God. By the time my head hits the pillow, I count how many times I failed and disappointed Him. But as I think of Alayna's past year, I realize that I am not remembering all of the times she disappointed or frustrated me, I remember the positive growth and change. This gives me hope and reminds me to focus and pay attention to the small changes I make every day, because that is what He is smiling about.

Lukah's Latest

Last night:

Daddy- So what did you do today Lukah?

Lukah - We played at church and ate McDonald's at the Shasteen's.

Daddy - What else did you do?

Lukah - We went to the store to get cards for you.

Daddy - What kind of cards?

Lukah - I can't tell you, it's a secret!

Swimming at the YMCA

Seth has always been a very strong swimmer. I can't remember a time he was afraid of the water. In fact, when he was 1 or 2, I had to put a life jacket on him whenever we were near water, because he would just jump in without regard to safety!

Although this past summer he has learned how to float and be an independent swimmer, he was afraid to go in the deep end of the pool at the YMCA without a "floatie" on because of how dark the water is. He didn't understand that he'd float the same as if he was in the 4 feet where he can't stand!

Well, last weekend, we had a breakthrough. Zach and Dylan were swimming in the deep end, so, of course, Seth wanted to follow. He started out swimming with Zach, but soon realized that it was actually the same as the shallow end and became independent. He began imitating the older boys diving and within minutes (and a few pointers from mom), was diving with the best of them! I mean he was getting up on the starting blocks and jumping up and diving like he had been doing it his whole life! I wish I could take credit for his achievement, but he really just watches and does it himself.

I wish following Christ were this easy for me. I feel like I try and fail so many times that I'm going to go under and not come back up. I'm so glad I have people around me to watch me and pull me back to safety when I need it. I have recently realized that living in Christ is the most challenging undertaking of my life (yes, even behind parenthood). Fortunately, I believe that one day I will also receive the greatest reward for my efforts... eternity.

Pet Store Trip

We took Bailey, our 3 year old dog, to Petsmart today. Lukah was looking at the animals in the glass. He looked in one with surprise and said "Hey, Look! There is a big GIANT Pinny Gig!"

It has been quite an eventful week! We were able to spend some extra time with friends, Sierra and Micah, and cousin, Elijah. On Thursday, we got to meet our newest friend, Shiloh Hope, the Shasteen's newest addition. All five kids were able to hold her and peek at her.

Luckily, we are on a sports break right now, so we have little running around to do at the moment. I'm just working on figuring out TU's system and teaching at a different level (and through a different medium). I really enjoy it though! I have quite a variety of students, from Native American Reservations to soldiers serving in Iraq, and everything in between.

Scott has decided to coach 8th grade football at Shelby next year. He's excited to be able to connect with the kids and stay involved in the game, but at the same time taking less time from the family.

Hope everyone has a great week!

Storytime

Today I am watching my 3 year old nephew, Elijah. My friend also went into labor, so two of her kids are staying with us as well. We are having a preschool day! Luckily, Daddy gets home just after three to provide a new face and entertainment.

Quote of the Day:

Aunt Cara: What would you like for breakfast?

Elijah: Peter-Butter and Jelly

Weekend Update

YEAH! No visits to the ER this weekend. My sis took the kids Friday night so my hubby and I got to have 24 hours without kids! We spent Friday in Columbus. Scott actually sat in the waiting room while I got my hair cut/colored (yes I DO camoflague my grays!). What a wonderful husband! Then we went to dinner in Upper and helped set up for Upward Basketball. Saturday morning Scott did PR at Upward while I reffed 3 games. Wow it is hard to be a referee! I'll think twice next time I have the urge to scream at a ref :)

We watched Fireproof Saturday night with the family. It was a really good movie about marraige. I recommend it for any couple! Love and respect... two different needs, but both need to be met!

Bear's Quotes of the day:

Lukah - Hey Mom, guess what?

Mom - What Lukah? (From in the shower expecting bad news.)

Lukah - I love you!

Daddy - You're the man, Lukah.

Lukah - So are you, Daddy!

Alayna's First Picture of Daddy

Looks a little like Rollie Polie Olie

Michelangelo's Latest Creation

Letter Factory People :)