All for a Quarter!!

I am definite that Dad's just have more fun! I found this on the camera when I was loading photos. . .too much! Not a bad deal for a quarter!

This is supposed to be a video, but I haven't figured out why it's not working yet. . .sorry.

Out of Egypt

Enjoying HIStory! I love learning alongside my kids and we have really enjoyed learning about ancient Egypt. It's even more exciting since our Gray-Gray and Papa were able to visit Egypt and Jordan last spring. As a homeschooling mom, I'm always interested in curriculum and what seems to work for other families. . .but that can be overwhelming, too! I'm still trying to figure out what works well for us, and was pointed to the The Mystery of History by another large family. Not only is it excellent in content but it is extremely functional for large families with lots of ages (without being too much prep for mom).
Looks just like Egypt, eh?
This curriculum allows for those precious preschoolers to be involved, too. Hannah and Naomi enjoy licking the frosting from, well, it looks like knives. . . not sharp ones, at least.

Baby JJ enjoys the happenings from her bouncing position. She just enjoys watching and eating.

Sarah's Splendid Supper

Sarah has an added privilege of providing the family with dinner once a month. She found her recipes, wrote out her grocery list, we shopped together and then she spent a good part of the day in the kitchen preparing her meal. She was quite surprised at how much time it took. . .
The family gathers for dinner and enjoys the "fruit" of Sarah's labor. She announced that next month we might be enjoying PB & J together! I think she has definitely gained more appreciation for what it takes to keep three meals a day coming to a family of nine! She did a terrific job and you can see her menu on the gadget bar.
Jael was actually clapping, but it looks like a cute "thumbs up." We all gave our "thumbs up" for a delicious meal. The best part - there were left-overs!

And, my favorite quote was spoken. As Bekah was in and about "testing" I commented on how she has quite a "sweet tooth." She replied with a laugh, "no Mom, all my teeth are sweet!" So true, with a cap to prove it!

Josh's Big Gun!

Josh spent the past several months saving his money and keeping a ledger. He was recently able to make his big purchase - a new BB gun! He is very proud and excited. Watch out birds!

"My pretty. . ."

Naomi poses with a very special bead. This bright yellow beauty was shoved inside her nose! A couple of Saturdays ago I heard Hannah hysterically yelling "Naomi. . .bee!" So, racing to the laundry room I find Hannah, bright red and crying. She is just beside herself and as I attempt to calm her down, she keeps saying "Naomi, bee." I look down at Naomi who is sitting quietly with her finger up her nose and realize that Hannah is not the one hurt, but rather Naomi is the one with the situation. Looking at Naomi, she says "bee. nose." I looked in her nose and there was not a "bee" but I did catch a glimpse of a beautiful, yellow bead, as it moved up and down in the nostril. As Paul was out of town, I wondered if this was warranted an Urgent Care visit, with seven children. After checking with some professionals, it is important (due to inhalation) to remove this object sooner than later. Praying that God might not choose to sanctify me in this way at this time (yes, I am that shallow) we prayed for Him to remove it. Aahhchoo! Yes, with a violent sneeze the bead shot across the room after a time. I am truly thankful for even "small" prayers even though perhaps I did miss out on some refining, I grew in my gratitude.

Well Said. . .

I am often encouraged by the words of others and this week I appreciated the written words by my friend, Kendra. You can read her thoughts at http://www.preschoolersandpeace.com/?p=494.
Hope you find encouragement, as well, if you have your children home or not.

Mondays. . .

Hannah and Naomi playing "Flower Girl" during dress-up time. Blog comments on that another time!Monday evenings have become "preschool night" around our home. As Paul departs with the "older four" to BSF (Bible Study Fellowship), I am left with three bubbling little preschool girlies. Last night was special because I enjoyed a long (over 5 minutes, uninterrupted) phone call with my sister-in-love, Linny, whose hubby (my bro) is also off to BSF with the cousins. I was struck with hope during our conversation as I realized that God is growing me! I see my loathsome sin daily and while attempting to battle sin continually, grow discouraged in the fight. . .but I said something like "I'm just home with the youngest three." What in the world!! Seven to eight years ago I would have been frustrated and overwhelmed with just my three preschoolers. Oh, I remember those years. Funny, I've never left them! God continues to add to my portion and lot and "my boundaries have fallen in pleasant places." (Psalm 16 - thanks, Anna!) He is good!

We're Back!

Ya'll are probably thinking that we just circulated the flu for the past month. . . While it did hit Bekah and Hannah after the last blog, we started having computer problems again. It was determined that our modem died and a tech just got us up and going again. I hope to get back to blogging soon!! We are well and enjoying the Great Gray Elephant (the van). And it is finally beginning to feel a bit like fall out here!