And...We're Off!

Caleb was thrilled to earn his Perfect Attendance backpack.

This is a 2nd for Lauren. I don't know what we'll do with 3 next year!

Lauren gave Mr. Rhine his teacher appreciation gift. We were so very lucky to have such a wonderful teacher this year. His enthusiasm for teaching is 2nd to none! I'm not just saying that because I taught with his wife ;)



Mrs. Hughes was a little tough to figure out at the beginning of the year, but once we got on the same page, the rest of the year was smooth sailing.



Aw, Mrs. Hawkins! We knew we would love her because Elizabeth told me we would. She is just a gem and I can't wait til Abby gets her in a few years.

On the last day of school, the kids had early dismissal so we made a few signs to kick off summer break.

Officially 4th and 2nd graders!

Abby decided on Thursday that she wanted her ears pierced right away. She obsessed about it until we took her on Saturday. She didn't even cry!

Time to put my gardening pins in Pinterest to good use. This is my starter garden. I hope Stephen has time to make some bigger flower beds soon. I planted squash, zucchini, tomoatoes, and bell pepper seeds in addition to the basil and rosemary. Wish me luck, I need it!

And we found fruit trees on sale at Lowe's for $10! So we got an apple tree. I had one when I was a kid and I hope to carry on the tradition of homemade apple pies from our own tree.



Look at this boy. I wish I could tell a story about how his sisters dressed him this way and he hated it, but I can't. He loved the attention he got. Admit it, he's cute!

Rick Trevino, Art Show, Birthday Parties, Graduations, Field Day, Awards, and more!

May is always one of the busiest months of the year, I'd even put it next to December with all the Advent and Christmas goings-on (is that a word?).

 

So here is my attempt at catching up:


We started the day at the Art Show. Lauren's self-portrait was the only one that was 3-D.

After a birthday party (and wedding for Stephen), we went to our first ever Starlight Music Series.

Waiting is so hard- especially when we're on a huge hill that is calling our name to roll!

The flash made them blink, it was dark by this time.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 





Coats in May? Really? We have had such nice weather this year, we've been so lucky.

Rick Trevino! I loved listening to his CDs while studying. This was a free event, there was no way I was going to miss!

Stephen's mom came for Spencer's birthday and the girls' recital.

My baby turned 3!

 

Abby's first recital, Lauren's 5th

I have known Hyla since KG and we've been best friends forever. Her daughter graduated on May 26th and we weren't gonna miss it!

May 28th Field Day-Tug-of-War

Sponge pass- Field Day events aren't what they used to be.

Thread the Hula-Hoop

Caleb's turn- next year I'll have 3 kids doing this.

Caleb's best bud, Joshua. We are so sad he is moving.






Awards and last day pictures coming!

Both Lauren and Caleb had perfect attendance all year at school. I think Lauren has only missed one day total, and poor Caleb was sick and missed one day in KG. 





Life's Lessons

Life is not a race. I've heard that before, but lately I've been saying it a lot. We are not to compare ourselves to others, including our friends. Comparing usually leads to envy. Envy is a sin. We all do it in some form or another.

I LOVE to cook and bake...my best friend of 36 years can't stand to do either. She has never cooked a meal and has been married for almost 21 years.
I love scrapbooking, some of my friends hardly ever take pictures.
Some people LOVE cleaning their house. Me? Not so much.
Some people are pros at gardening. I would like to be one day, but today is not my day.
Several of my friends are avid readers. I like to read, but only occasionally.
Some of my friends are into fitness, I say maybe I'll be into fitness when the kids leave home.
Some of us love having a variety of things to do when the kids are home, others say let them create their own ideas.
Some of my friends have the gift of decorating their homes. I didn't get that gift.
Some homeschool, some prefer private school, and others choose public.
Some love being out at the lake or beach for days on end while others can't stand the heat.
Some of us love entertaining and having friends over. I have an aunt who never wants others in her house.
I could go on and on. But I won't. I just think of how we all compliment each other and keep life interesting.


Wouldn't it be boring if we only had one type of flower in our yards? Friends are the flowers in life. I like having a variety in mine.

Dear Homeschooling Friends

Please note: about half of my friends homeschool. We all respect each others' decisions for educating our children, and the majority of my friends are pros at it, but there are a small handful who act as if homeschooolers rule and public schoolers drool, and I just want to set the record straight.



Dear Homeschooling Friends,
      I love you very much and I value our friendship. I have learned so much about homeschooling from you and I truly understand that you have different reasons for homeschooling, but please stop acting like you do things that public schools do not! I taught for 15 years and in 3 different districts. I can assure you that public school children are not sitting in their desks from 8 until 3. Most teachers have a plethora of songs and dances to do between lessons so that the children will get their juices flowing. Children move to Computers, Art, Music, or PE where their experienced teachers give them experiences I can not at home. They use tools and instruments I do not have at home. They learn songs I never learned and art techniques their teachers have mastered. My kids get to go to PE where they no longer to jumping jacks, push-ups, and dodge ball, no, they learn games they can play at home. My kids get to go to computers where their teacher has attended training on the latest and greatest educational games and websites. They have enough computers for every child. My home does not.

   They also get to go to recess and play with hundreds of other children. Yes, they may hear some bad words, but they can hear those same things playing at public parks! They might also make good choices about friends with the same values, or better yet, they may be the one who helps children who do not have good home experiences. They just might be Jesus to someone else. I just love hearing those types of stories from my kids' teachers.

      Also, most schools have gardens, some even have vegetable gardens. My 3rd grader has shared many stories with me about helping plant, water, prune, and grow. Some schools even have butterfly gardens with so many caterpillars crossing that you have to watch where you step when outside.

     School children get to have "water day", "field day", "snow day", etc... They have guest speakers like astronauts, Aggie sports players, book authors, and local restaurant owners. They go on field trips to zoos, museums, tree farms, Texas A&M, The George Bush Presidential Library, and more, so please don't talk about how school children are missing out.

    When you say you love homeschooling because there is no schedule and your kids can go to bed alte and get up at 10 am, please realize that children need structure. Children need routine and thrive on that. Yes, there are some children with special needs who do better in unstructured environments, but that is a small percentage. Children will need to know these procedures when they enter college. Then, they will definitely need structure when they enter the workforce, so routines, schedules, and structure are important.

     When you post on Facebook that you LOVE homeschooling because your children get to be outside when schooled children are inside, you are just upsetting those of us who know the truth. That's all for now.

Thank you,
Proud Public School Educator and Parent of Intelligent Public School Children

Religious Education/Sunday School Teacher Gifts

You shared your divinity with me... Now I share mine with you.

I wanted to make some treats for my kids' RE teachers on their last day of class. I spent way too much time looking over recipes for fudge, bark, cupcakes, etc... Then I realized I've been wanting to make divinity for a few weeks, what better treat than divinity. I mean the definition is 1) the state of quality of being divine; 2) the study of religion; theology. Perfect! Except divinity is very, very hard to make in humid climates and we live in a humid climate. I thought I'd defy the odds and give it a go. The first batch, Chocolate Butterscotch Divinity, worked rather well. The 2nd batch never even started to hold it's form, even after 30 minutes of beating. The 3rd batch didn't form perfectly, but while beating this batch, I found out a storm was blowing in. So even though they weren't all perky like my mom's, I knew I did better than most could on a rainy day.

Since I spent all day on the candy, I didn't have much time to make the cards. They said, "You shared your divinity with me....Now I share mine with you."

Another ADD Morning

Well, we almost made it out the door without an ADD meltdown. We were so close, but then Lauren found the paper measuring chart she made yesterday. Caleb bought a How-to draw Angry Birds book at the book fair yesterday (with his own money). After school, while Abby and Spencer were napping, Lauren cut several sheets of paper in half and attached them lengthwise. Then she carefully used a ruler to make inch marks. At each foot, she made a picture of a different Angry Bird. Caleb took part in it, but I'm not sure what he did.

Last night, when Lauren and Caleb were in bed, Abby drew a rainbow and a black bird. That is what set Lauren into a panic. She screamed at Abby and told her she ruined it. I tried to calm her down, but I swear she can't hear me when she is like this. Caleb stepped in and tried to help. I can't believe how good he is at trying to fix these situations whenever they arise and he is only 7! He told Lauren, "Abby did a great job! She wanted to help and I like it, thanks, Abby!" To which Lauren replied, "Look, she made a rainbow, too, ugh!" Caleb actually told Lauren that he made the rainbow, but I know that Abby did it last night. I told Lauren I didn't want the day to start out this way, I asked her if we could turn it around and start out happy.

I took the chart away from her and told her she could make another one after school if she wanted to do her own thing, but this was a family project and she wasn't going to treat Abby that way. She was definitely "hyper-focused" as she continued to cry, scream, and shout about how it was ruined and she worked so hard. Caleb continued to tell her is was wonderful just the way it was. I lost my patience COMPLETELY and told her we had to walk out the door and if she said another word about it, I'd spank her 8 spanks (because she is 8). I really didn't want to do it, but that threat didn't deter her. I hate to admit she is really the only one who pushes me so far over the edge that I spank. I just don't know how to get her to snap out of it. Even after the 8 "spanks" (they were not full force), she went on and on so I told the others to get in the van and not to talk about it anymore. We all filed out the door and she followed us saying, "I really feel like trash."

As I was debating whether or not to address her, I decided to address her self esteem. We got into the van and it continued. So before even pulling out of the garage, I cranked up the Christian song on the radio and asked God to bring peace to the situation. I sat there and prayed. When I turned the radio down and started down the street, I heard Caleb trying again to convince Lauren. "Lauren, Abby did a good job, the chart isn't ruined. We can do things together."

How can I have 2 children only 18 months apart that are 180 degrees different? I mean, I do know the answer, I know that identical twins can be complete opposites, but really?

Lord, please show me how to understand Lauren and love her more.  Help me be more patient when she is hyper-focused and guide me in my thoughts, actions and words. Help Lauren to always know how much she is loved, even when she pushes me over the edge. Let her feel Your presence and always know she was created in Your image. Amen!

Summer Bucket List Part 2

If you haven't seen part 1, click here.

#209 Modern Art found on this site. Supplies needed: black tempera paint, Elmer's glue, watercolor paper, watercolor paints.

#210Watercolor ATC found at Art Projects for Kids. Supplies needed: watercolor paper, watercolors, brush or eyedropper, lemon juice, tissue, ballpoint pen.

#211 Fluffy Stuff found at Play Create Explore. Supplies needed: bowl, 2 boxes of cornstarch and 1 can shaving cream, powdered tempera paint optional.

#212 MYO Rainbow crayons. Supplies needed: broken crayons, empty cans, empty pill bottles, pan, water.

#213 Gigantic Bubbles. Supplies needed:   6 cups water, 1 cup corn syrup, 2 cups regular strength Joy dish soap

#214 Backyard Alphabet Hunt by Play Dr. Mom- Supplies needed: letters, objects that start with each letter of the alphabet.

#215 Lego Maze found at this French blog. Supplies needed: legos, lego mat, marble.

 

#216 Sharpie and Solo cup stained glass found here. Supplies needed: Sharpies, clear plastic cups, hole punch, string/ribbon.
1) Color the cups with the Sharpies.
2) Place the cups on foil sprayed with Pam.
3) Melt the solo cup in a 350 degree oven for 3-4 minutes
4) Immediately after taking them out of the oven, pat them down to completely flatten them and make hole if desired.

 

#217 Smash Balls found on Time For Play blog. Supplies needed: some flour, water, food coloring and cotton balls! Place them on a greased cookie sheet or aluminum foil, bake for about 45 minutes at 300 degree's. Yep, that's it. Maybe a hammer too.

 

 

#218 DIY Outdoor Scrabble found at Constantly Lovestruck. Supplies needed: 12x12 paper, giant letters, fun friends

 

#219 Tissue Paper Stained Glass Windows found here at Kinder-Craze.  Supplies needed: tissue paper squares, 2 borders, clear contact paper



 

#220 Glowing Rainbow Rice found here at Growing a Jeweled Rose. Supplies needed: rice, ziplock bags, flourescent or glow-in-the-dark paint, rubbing alcohol.

 

#221 Glow in the Dark Slime found at Domestic Charm. Supplies needed: clear or blue Elmer's glue, water, glow-in-the-dark paint, neon green food coloring, Borax

 

 

 

 

#222 Target practice from Family Fun.



 

#223 Apple Pie Play-Doh found on Little Wonders. Supplies needed: I just used our regular recipe, a lot of red food coloring and apple pie spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice).

 

 

#224 Cinnamon Spice Play-Doh found on Be Organized. Supplies needed: 2 c flour, 1 c salt,  4 t cream of tartar, 5 t cinnamon, 1/2 t nutmeg,  1/2 t cloves, 2 c water,  2 T oil, food coloring

 

 

#225 Beautiful Dough Ornaments found on Pinterest. Supplies needed: 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 cup baking soda, 3/4 cup water. Bake at 175 for about an hour.

 

 

#226 Yarn embossing found at We Heart Art. Supplies needed: foil, yarn, Sharpies, and spray adhesive.

 

 

#227 Sharpie stained glass found at 2me4art. Supplies needed: Sharpies, inexpensive craft paper.

 

 

#228 Paper Plate Weaving

 

#229 Watercolor mosaic found on this blog.

 

 

Work in progress, come back tomorrow for more.

Lent 2013

 

 

I love decorating for the holidays. I have precious memories of my mom decorating and I want to do the same for my kids. I think I might have a holiday decorating obsession. Every time we go into Hobby Lobby, I quickly head to the holiday display that sweetly greets me as I enter. I don't have one Pinterest Board for all holidays, I have a separate board for each and every one and I really enjoy browsing other people's holiday boards and planning for the next year.

 

This year I finally started a Lenten display. I wanted to last year, but I just couldn't get it together. We do not have a mantle so I had to make-do atop some shelves in our living room. It is a very simple scene, inspired by my friends, but simplicity is what we are called to so I believe it is perfect. It served it's purpose of reminding my family of what was to come and to pray more than ever.

 

We also "buried" the Alleluia and it resurfaced Easter morning. I forgot to give my kids the countdown coloring sheet on Catholic Icing, but Easter morning I did start the 50 days to Pentecost countdown. They help me prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, Ascension, and Pentecost. I only wish I had learned about the beauty of Catholicism a long time ago.