I am wondering how many christmas gifts I can make this year.
I have a few ideas:
coasters made from 4x4 tiles
coffee cozies
hot chocolate stir sticks
super hero capes (for the boys)
candies and cookies in cute tins
scarves made from jersey fabric
I think the thing I am most excited to try is the coffee cozies...as soon as dinner theater is done, I am breaking out the sewing machine.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ah! Opps!
I really did mean to keep blogging...really. But, my good intentions went by the wayside as life got busy.
We are in the middle of Dinner Theater 2011 preparations and I have developed a cold. Luckily, I feel much better today than I did yesterday.
My goals for next week are small...
Get Jack to preschool on time Monday and Wednesday
Make it to MOPS on Tuesday
Make dinner every night (I really should work on that menu)
Do a little bit of school with the big 2 every day
I can do that and be in a production at my church...right?? LOL
We are in the middle of Dinner Theater 2011 preparations and I have developed a cold. Luckily, I feel much better today than I did yesterday.
My goals for next week are small...
Get Jack to preschool on time Monday and Wednesday
Make it to MOPS on Tuesday
Make dinner every night (I really should work on that menu)
Do a little bit of school with the big 2 every day
I can do that and be in a production at my church...right?? LOL
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Settling in
Well, this is our 3rd day of school. I think we are settling in and getting back into the swing of things. At least, I hope so...
Buster had his first day of preschool yesterday. He had a grand old time and already knows most of the kids in his class. Bunny and Buddy have managed to get everything they were supposed to get done that day actually done. Bear is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the fact that Bunny and Buddy can't play with him EXACTLY when he wants them too but, that is pretty normal.
I have made it my goal to have a hot breakfast on the table for the kids every morning this week. So far, I am 4 out of 4! Yeah me! Now, if I could just get creative with our lunches, we would be all set.
I am looking forward to going to a Beth Moore simulcast this Saturday with a group of ladies from church. It should be a nice relaxing time.
Have a great day all!
Buster had his first day of preschool yesterday. He had a grand old time and already knows most of the kids in his class. Bunny and Buddy have managed to get everything they were supposed to get done that day actually done. Bear is having a bit of a hard time adjusting to the fact that Bunny and Buddy can't play with him EXACTLY when he wants them too but, that is pretty normal.
I have made it my goal to have a hot breakfast on the table for the kids every morning this week. So far, I am 4 out of 4! Yeah me! Now, if I could just get creative with our lunches, we would be all set.
I am looking forward to going to a Beth Moore simulcast this Saturday with a group of ladies from church. It should be a nice relaxing time.
Have a great day all!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Homeschooling
I home-school my children. No, I am not crazy. I am doing what I believe God is calling me to do.
I do not believe that God calls everyone to home-school.
I also believe that God does not call the equipped...He equips the called. Because believe me, I did not feel equipped when I started on this journey last year.
Home-schooling has been an incredible journey. One that I look forward to continuing in the next year.
This year we are doing a few things the same and a few things different. I have a 3rd grader, 1st grader, preschooler and toddler. The 3rd and 1st grader are at home, the preschooler is going to preschool away from home. There is a woman at our church who runs a preschool out of her home. She is amazing. Buddy went to her 2 years ago and Buster starts there in September. He is a very excited little guy.
Bunny, my 3rd grader, will be using the following for her school year:
Math-U-See (Beta)
Story of the World (finishing Vol. 1 and starting Vol. 2)...we are also using the recommended reading for her reading/writing curriculum.
Apologia Science: Exploring Creation, Day 5, Flying Creatures
Rod and Staff Grammar (Grade 3)
Sequential Spelling
A Reason for Handwriting
Buddy, my 1st grader, is going to be using:
Math-U-See (Alpha)
Story of the World (finishing Vol. 1 and starting Vol. 2)
Apologia Science: Exploring Creation, Day 5, Flying Creatures
First Language Lessons
Handwriting without Tears
Explode the code (finish book B, start books C and 1)
I will also be using "The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading" to work on our reading skills.
We also have open gym twice a month at church with the other home-schooling families, Bunny has ballet and American Heritage Girls and we are looking at getting Buddy into Boy Scouts.
It is going to be a busy year!
I do not believe that God calls everyone to home-school.
I also believe that God does not call the equipped...He equips the called. Because believe me, I did not feel equipped when I started on this journey last year.
Home-schooling has been an incredible journey. One that I look forward to continuing in the next year.
This year we are doing a few things the same and a few things different. I have a 3rd grader, 1st grader, preschooler and toddler. The 3rd and 1st grader are at home, the preschooler is going to preschool away from home. There is a woman at our church who runs a preschool out of her home. She is amazing. Buddy went to her 2 years ago and Buster starts there in September. He is a very excited little guy.
Bunny, my 3rd grader, will be using the following for her school year:
Math-U-See (Beta)
Story of the World (finishing Vol. 1 and starting Vol. 2)...we are also using the recommended reading for her reading/writing curriculum.
Apologia Science: Exploring Creation, Day 5, Flying Creatures
Rod and Staff Grammar (Grade 3)
Sequential Spelling
A Reason for Handwriting
Buddy, my 1st grader, is going to be using:
Math-U-See (Alpha)
Story of the World (finishing Vol. 1 and starting Vol. 2)
Apologia Science: Exploring Creation, Day 5, Flying Creatures
First Language Lessons
Handwriting without Tears
Explode the code (finish book B, start books C and 1)
I will also be using "The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading" to work on our reading skills.
We also have open gym twice a month at church with the other home-schooling families, Bunny has ballet and American Heritage Girls and we are looking at getting Buddy into Boy Scouts.
It is going to be a busy year!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
It is not good for man (or woman) to be alone.
This weekend I have been home alone with just Buster and Bear. Honey and Buddy are off on a father/son camping/hiking trip with a group of men from church and Bunny is with my mom and sister camping.
I have realized why I always go with Honey when he travels. I HATE being home alone. Especially at night. Oh, I do ok during the day, the littles keep me plenty busy but, when night time comes, and the littles are in bed, I really don't like it.
My house makes creepy noises.
My dog barks more because she knows Honey is not here.
The dark just unnerves me.
Anyway, just one more night to go and all my little chicks will be back in the nest.
Coming soon...beginning of the homeschool year...organization and curriculum choices. Oh, and why we choose to homeschool. Stay tuned!
I have realized why I always go with Honey when he travels. I HATE being home alone. Especially at night. Oh, I do ok during the day, the littles keep me plenty busy but, when night time comes, and the littles are in bed, I really don't like it.
My house makes creepy noises.
My dog barks more because she knows Honey is not here.
The dark just unnerves me.
Anyway, just one more night to go and all my little chicks will be back in the nest.
Coming soon...beginning of the homeschool year...organization and curriculum choices. Oh, and why we choose to homeschool. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Vegas...yikes
When I visited LasVegas last week there was a song that continually ran through my head. The song is "God of this City" by Chris Tomlin.
Never in my life have I been in such a place. Every where we looked there was free porn, naked women, drugs and alcohol. There was drunkenness and homosexuality prominently on every corner.
I was so very thankful for the mountains that surrounded the city. Every time I looked at them, I was reminded that God did exist, even in this city.
I wish that we had had the opportunity to go to church on Sunday. Unfortunately, we were so busy with the conference that we were putting on that we didn't get the chance.
There were some fun things that we did. The hotels are amazing. The M&M store was awesome and the wax museum was fun. Check here for pictures.
I am going to make it my mission to spend the next year in prayer for when we go back to Vegas. I feel burdened to pray for this city. Will you join me?
Never in my life have I been in such a place. Every where we looked there was free porn, naked women, drugs and alcohol. There was drunkenness and homosexuality prominently on every corner.
I was so very thankful for the mountains that surrounded the city. Every time I looked at them, I was reminded that God did exist, even in this city.
I wish that we had had the opportunity to go to church on Sunday. Unfortunately, we were so busy with the conference that we were putting on that we didn't get the chance.
There were some fun things that we did. The hotels are amazing. The M&M store was awesome and the wax museum was fun. Check here for pictures.
I am going to make it my mission to spend the next year in prayer for when we go back to Vegas. I feel burdened to pray for this city. Will you join me?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A busy month
It has been a busy month around our house.
July kicked off with 4th of July celebrations. We had parties Saturday, Sunday and Monday this year. It was crazy fun!
Immediately following 4th of July we left to go camping up at Silver Lake for the Bruin Family Reunion. Every year on the 2nd full weekend in July, Honey's family gathers from across the country for a reunion. It is great fun but a lot of work to get ready for. We were there Tuesday thru Sunday.
When we came home, we had an extra kid with us. Honey's nephew, Ry, came home with us for the next week. The reason for this? So that he could participate, alone with Bunny and Buddy, in our church's Kids Worship Arts Camp (KWAC). This meant that every day from 8:30am-3pm we were up at church taking classes in dance, set, crafts, drama and singing and prepping for the big show the kids put on Sunday night. It was a great week but, it was exhausting.
Yesterday, I spent the day recovering. I didn't do much of anything except bake my dad's birthday cake (lemon cake with chocolate frosting) do a couple loads of laundry and having birthday dinner at my parents house.
Today, I have been a little more productive. The living room is clean, there is more laundry going and Bunny's bedroom is clean.
Thursday night the dog goes to the kennel and the kids go to the sitters because Friday morning Honey and I are leaving for Las Vegas for a week! More on that later.
Hopefully August is a little less busy...July has me exhausted.
Talk to you later.
Shannon
July kicked off with 4th of July celebrations. We had parties Saturday, Sunday and Monday this year. It was crazy fun!
Immediately following 4th of July we left to go camping up at Silver Lake for the Bruin Family Reunion. Every year on the 2nd full weekend in July, Honey's family gathers from across the country for a reunion. It is great fun but a lot of work to get ready for. We were there Tuesday thru Sunday.
When we came home, we had an extra kid with us. Honey's nephew, Ry, came home with us for the next week. The reason for this? So that he could participate, alone with Bunny and Buddy, in our church's Kids Worship Arts Camp (KWAC). This meant that every day from 8:30am-3pm we were up at church taking classes in dance, set, crafts, drama and singing and prepping for the big show the kids put on Sunday night. It was a great week but, it was exhausting.
Yesterday, I spent the day recovering. I didn't do much of anything except bake my dad's birthday cake (lemon cake with chocolate frosting) do a couple loads of laundry and having birthday dinner at my parents house.
Today, I have been a little more productive. The living room is clean, there is more laundry going and Bunny's bedroom is clean.
Thursday night the dog goes to the kennel and the kids go to the sitters because Friday morning Honey and I are leaving for Las Vegas for a week! More on that later.
Hopefully August is a little less busy...July has me exhausted.
Talk to you later.
Shannon
Monday, July 4, 2011
Anxiety
Hi...my name is Shannon...and I am a worrier.
We are prepping to leave on a camping trip to Silver Lake in the morning. We will be gone until Sunday. Prepping to take 6 people and one dog camping for 5 days is a lot of work. Luckily, we have access to a pop-up camper and towing vehicle, courtesy of my parents. But still, the food prep and the laundry and the packing is a massive undertaking.
My mom brought over the truck and the camper this afternoon. We set the camper up, switched the car seats to the truck and headed out to some friends for some 4th of July fun. While we were driving we noticed that the truck was shaking when we idled and that when we accelerated, the "service engine soon" light flashed on and off. This could not be good. We called my mom who swore that it had not been doing that before but, said she would meet us at our friends house and attempt to figure out what was going on. They ended up taking it to Auto Zone and were actually able to fix what was going on (at least we hope) and we should be good to go now.
Of course, my brain automatically goes to "maybe this is a sign that we shouldn't go". How silly of me.
I know that worrying is a sin but I can't seem to help myself.
I am afraid the truck will break down. I am afraid a kid will get sick while we are there. I am afraid that one of the adults will get sick. I am afraid we will get in a car accident on the way there or the way back. There are just so many things.
I really need to work on remembering that God is in control.
I have a long way to go.
Happy 4th of July!
We are prepping to leave on a camping trip to Silver Lake in the morning. We will be gone until Sunday. Prepping to take 6 people and one dog camping for 5 days is a lot of work. Luckily, we have access to a pop-up camper and towing vehicle, courtesy of my parents. But still, the food prep and the laundry and the packing is a massive undertaking.
My mom brought over the truck and the camper this afternoon. We set the camper up, switched the car seats to the truck and headed out to some friends for some 4th of July fun. While we were driving we noticed that the truck was shaking when we idled and that when we accelerated, the "service engine soon" light flashed on and off. This could not be good. We called my mom who swore that it had not been doing that before but, said she would meet us at our friends house and attempt to figure out what was going on. They ended up taking it to Auto Zone and were actually able to fix what was going on (at least we hope) and we should be good to go now.
Of course, my brain automatically goes to "maybe this is a sign that we shouldn't go". How silly of me.
I know that worrying is a sin but I can't seem to help myself.
I am afraid the truck will break down. I am afraid a kid will get sick while we are there. I am afraid that one of the adults will get sick. I am afraid we will get in a car accident on the way there or the way back. There are just so many things.
I really need to work on remembering that God is in control.
I have a long way to go.
Happy 4th of July!
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Holiday Weekend
Yesterday was the beginning of the 4th of July weekend. I spent it in bed.
A year and a half ago I started having episodes of Vertigo. We have no idea what causes it but when it happens I end up in bed for about 24 hours. It started happening at about 3am on Saturday morning. By 7am I had to take my medication. I slept on and off all day long.
Of course, on top of all this, Buster (age 4) started running a 101.2 degree temp. For no reason at all. He acted completely normal as long as he got his Motrin on time. The fever seems to have broken this morning.
I am thankful for a wonderful husband who took care of me and the kids yesterday. I don't know what I would have done without him.
I am feeling much better this morning and I am hoping that everyone else stays healthy for the remainder of the weekend.
See ya later.
Shannon
A year and a half ago I started having episodes of Vertigo. We have no idea what causes it but when it happens I end up in bed for about 24 hours. It started happening at about 3am on Saturday morning. By 7am I had to take my medication. I slept on and off all day long.
Of course, on top of all this, Buster (age 4) started running a 101.2 degree temp. For no reason at all. He acted completely normal as long as he got his Motrin on time. The fever seems to have broken this morning.
I am thankful for a wonderful husband who took care of me and the kids yesterday. I don't know what I would have done without him.
I am feeling much better this morning and I am hoping that everyone else stays healthy for the remainder of the weekend.
See ya later.
Shannon
Friday, July 1, 2011
Hi...my name is...
Shannon
Who am I?
I am God's princess. Beloved of Him.
I am a wife. Loved by my husband.
I am a mother. Adored by my children.
That is, in essence, everything that I am. And what higher calling could there be but to be a woman of God, a wife and a mother?
Notice, I did not say 'I am perfect'. I am far from it. I do my best and I realize that most of the time my best is not good enough.
I am Shannon...and this is my Life.
Who am I?
I am God's princess. Beloved of Him.
I am a wife. Loved by my husband.
I am a mother. Adored by my children.
That is, in essence, everything that I am. And what higher calling could there be but to be a woman of God, a wife and a mother?
Notice, I did not say 'I am perfect'. I am far from it. I do my best and I realize that most of the time my best is not good enough.
I am Shannon...and this is my Life.
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