First Day of School 2009-2010

Today was the first day of school for these two, just like AISD. It is true, we usually don't start until after Labor Day weekend. But every year I get to hear about their friends being off for a teacher work day or something like that. So I decided we would give it a try. We will be off when they are off and on when they are on. But that means no more "free Friday's" and no more "no book work the whole month of December" with only crafts and reading projects to do then. We usually spend December focusing on Christ's birth and all the things that go with that special holiday, like making gifts for others, serving others and just enjoying our family time when the rest of the world seems to be so wrapped up in commercialism. We will still have two weeks off in December so we will make the best of our time. We will still finish school the first week in May, like last year. I really liked being done with school before the book fair that weekend. It made looking for next years stuff so much more fun. Instead of having to go home from the book fair and having to work so hard for the next few weeks before summer, we were able to just enjoy our time and look forward to the next year.

Of course, we had to do the traditional "first day of school" pictures! I have done them for years and years, even though we homeschool. Why should we not when that is part of the fun? We get to look at them each year and see how much they have grown. These two have grown so much this year! I now have a 3rd grader and 5th grader.

I just love her smile! She makes me smile when I see it! She was really excited when she found the purple binder. We tried to find hot pink but it was a different type of binder. These are really neat, they have two sets of rings inside! So I got those so they would have similar binders. I have some great ideas on using the binders and keeping things more organized this year.

He wanted to take the picture with his backpack even though it is the same as last year. It has stayed in such good condition we didn't need to buy new ones. He has a cool red binder. He was trying not to smile too big in this. I think he thought he was too old to take this picture. But I am glad he did! He won't be this age ever again and "mom" needs the pictures so I can look back and remember!

This year we did some things differently to help them with their organizational skills and just to make it more fun. Also, so they could grow in their writing. We have many aspects of English. I am looking forward to see inghow creative they can be with their writing. We have three composition books each; story journal, daily journal and newspaper journal. I am sure the first two are pretty self explanatory. But the third one you might not know. Each week they will have their own Sunday paper (I buy more than one each week for the coupons). Each week they need to look through it and find an article that catches their attention, cut it out, and paste it in the journal. That way they get used to reading the paper and finding articles of interest. It will also help them learn how a paper is put together. By the second half of the school year I would like for them to be able to put their own "paper" together monthly. We will send it to family and friends. And possibly "publish" some of the articles on this blog.

We will be doing Grammar together. We will be memorizing the prepositions and playing fun games to help us remember them. Plus other fun grammar games. I have a writing book, The Write Stuff, that has some neat writing assignments in it that we will do throughout the year. They will also be required to write a REAL letter once a week and mail it. Not an e-mail, but a hand written letter. It seems to be a lost art these days. We are still using our Spelling Power for Spelling. They placed very well on the test, both 7th grade spelling levels! I was impressed!

The Bible verses we will learn this year are many, instead of one large one. They will have weekly verses to help them towards their goals in GA's and RA's at church. We will learn the verses from Ephesians on the Armour of God since last year we did the Beatitudes. They still have their daily devotion books plus we have our Discovery 4 Yourself studies we will be working on through the year.

I think we will have a great year!!! So far, so good!!! I am very happy with how things went today. They worked hard! I am trying to keep things fun so they will want to keep working hard.

That is our progress report for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Jenni's Profession of Faith

Of all the things that have happened this summer, this is by far the most important thing that has happened in our family. It was something that we knew was close because we have been there for her the last 7 + years (she will be 8 in mid September) teaching her and guiding her in her closeness and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. The thing that worried her was having to walk up there in front of everyone and getting baptized. She knew and understood the other things that were important to know in your heart. She knew that Jesus came to earth, lived a perfect life, died for our sins, was raised again on the third day and was seen by many before He ascended into Heaven to one day return for us. But for a young shy girl like her, it was going to take a lot. I told her often as we would talk about it that one day Jesus would give her the strength and courage to walk that "road" to the front and to be baptized.

During our second week of VBS for the summer, the one at MRBC, it was the second night of invitation. The teachers were asked to go up front in case any of our group wanted to talk or make a decision. As soon as I stepped out to go she grabbed my arm and said "Can I come with you?" I asked her what she meant to make sure I understood. She wanted to come up front to ask Jesus into her heart. I told her "of course!". So as we stood there and the pastor led a prayer tears rolled down my face. Because I knew in my heart I didn't have to wonder if it was real or just a child wanting to do it because everyone else did. This was a huge step of faith for her and even though I would spend time before bedtime talking to her about it, I knew it was genuine.

The next night during the family night of VBS she went up to the pastor to ask him if he would baptize her. I wanted her to ask because it was another step of courage that I needed to see she could make. They set the date for the Sunday after that one, July 12! What a glorious Sunday morning that was, I have to tell you! As I stood there watching her my heart was so full of joy. She will be with us in Heaven forever! (She tried to find her daddy in the worship center as she looked out but he was in the back of the room ready to leave afterwards. We went right to the apartments to lead Bible study afterwards).

Jenni: "raised to walk in newness of life!"

Our Mission Arlington Apartment Ministry

We work with Mission Arlington and teach at a local apartment complex. We sing songs with just the kids in English but with the adults we sing in Spanish. We take the kids to off site activities throughout the year, like Fall Festival, the Christmas store to shop for their family, Easter egg hunt, summer camps, and youth gym nights.

The kids get a big kick out of the fun songs we sing.

For the Rainbow Express and on Sunday mornings we break into smaller groups with the children to give them more individual attention. It also helps them to focus better when the groups are smaller. We break into groups to do a Bible story and craft and/or booklet of coloring pages and word search puzzles.

We also do things for the kids and families on site, like deliver Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day, pass out school supplies, and do what is called Rainbow Express with volunteers from all over the US who come to work with Mission Arlington throughout the year.

If you ever want to serve at Mission Arlington for a few hours, one day a week or regularly, just go up there and they will put you to work. They are always in need of anyone willing to help. They need more Bible study teachers for apartment complexes that don't have anyone.

Until next time...blessings to you.

Home School Book Fair 2009

Every year in Arlington the weekend of Mother's Day the Home School Book Fair is that Friday and Saturday. We set aside that weekend for family time. A time to focus on the past school year and what we accomplished or didn't. And a time to focus on the coming school year and what we want to accomplish during that time for each child. It is such a joy and a privilege to have this responsibility. I wouldn't trade it for anything! 

The kids were able to finish up their school work on Thursday. That is the first time we have done that and we really like it. So that will be our goal from now on, to be finished before the book fair! We may have to work a little harder in some areas at certain times of the year but we will still not start until after Labor Day and we will still take a winter holiday from Thanksgiving week through New Years. We do so much during that time anyway, just not workbooks. 

This year, while I did get the traditional math workbooks that we enjoy, my heart was drawn to things that will prepare my preteens for the things that will be coming in the near future. It may seem early for that when my children are only 10 and almost 8 but I know that if I let this window of time slip by and do not prepare them in the way that the Lord is leading me to do then I am not doing my job correctly as a mother. The world has such different standards than the Lord does. So if I want my children to have the Lords standards for handling things then I need to get to them before the world does. 

I found this neat series for preteens and young teens and their moms called Secret Keeper Girl. It is for moms and daughters. I purchased the younger version of the 8 Great Dates for you and your daughter. I also got the Bible study called: My Best Friend Jesus. I want my daughter to know that above all, Jesus needs to be her best friend. And that I am here for her in all things. My older daughter and I went through some hard times so I am trying to learn from the mistakes I made. We are very close now but went through a lot to get here. I am hoping I can help my other little princess have an easier road.

I also got the Beautifully Made set. It teaches her about the changes that are going on in her body and how to deal with them. There is one for younger girls like her and then when she does start. There is also one for moms. It has ideas for celebrations you can do with your daughter when that time comes. It helps them celebrate the changes that God created instead of dreading them. I am very excited to do this because I didn't learn them this way. I learned most of it from kids from school. Not really the best way. 

I also found some things for the guys in my family. Most of them are to teach them what God expects them to be as a godly man. I even found one for moms called Preparing Him for the Other Woman: A Mother's Guide to Raising Her Son to Love a Wife and Lead a Family. I thought that would be really good for me to read.

I am praying that this new school year will be full of wonderful memories for our family and building blocks to a godly life for my youngsters!

That is our progress report for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Thanksgiving Thoughts

The blessings around me are many,

I'm not sure I can even count that high,

As I make my list in my mind,

It gives me wings and I feel like I can fly.

~~~~

First and always,

I am thankful to the Lord above,

Who came down to Earth,

To show us His Love.

~~~~

My husband works hard each night,

To put food on the table,

A roof over our heads,

And keep our home stable.

~~~~

He loves the Lord,

And serves Him gladly,

As we work to share Jesus,

With those who need Him so badly.

~~~~

We have been married for years,

25's the number we just hit,

We renewed our vows in April,

And then we split.

~~~~

A dream trip we took,

To a far away state,

On the other side of the country,

Where we had steak on our plate.

~~~~

Our first born is my Sunshine,

On a cloudy day,

She has grown up so quickly,

Her childhood days gone away.

~~~~

She is over 21, all grown up,

And making her way,

I love that she calls,

Or texts me most every day.

~~~~

We both like movies with songs and love stories,

Baking and shopping for clothes,

Although we have had our ups and downs,

We are so proud of her, I hope she knows.

~~~~

Our next is a son, 16 this year,

Who is quite gifted at many things,

He plays the piano, bass,

Electric guitar, drums and sings.

~~~~

He will be a star one day,

In front of a crowd,

Doing what he loves,

Singing and playing so loud.

~~~~

Another son born 9 years ago,

He is a high spirited child,

Who loves sports, music,

And loves to run wild.

~~~~

He has the ability,

To make me smile,

Even when I am sad,

Or have been mad for awhile.

~~~~

Our fourth child,

Is a sweet little girl,

Whom God sent seven years ago,

To complete our world.

~~~~

She loves all the things,

Other little girls do,

Dolls, barbies and stuffed animals,

Her bed is covered like a zoo.

~~~~

She is like my shadow,

A clone at times,

I have to try and be careful,

That only my best side shines.

~~~~

She is easy to correct,

And quick to listen,

Her smile brightens a room,

And her eyes just glisten.

~~~~

As the years go by,

I cherish the moments we share,

I try to capture things on film,

And tell them how much we care.

~~~~

Our families are spread out,

All over the place,

But the memories we've made,

Withstand time and space.

~~~~

The same holds true for our dear sweet friends,

Those here with us now or gone from our days,

In one way or another they have touched our hearts,

Made us smile and showed us love in so many ways.

~~~~

The mission and church family,

We serve along side,

Has been there for us in so many things,

Good and bad, even the bumpiest ride.

~~~~

The home we live in,

Was a gift from above,

It meets our needs,

We try to fill it with love.

~~~~

Our land in Westcliffe,

Is another such treasure,

We so long to live there,

The amount you can't measure.

~~~~

The day care we have,

Is filled to the brim,

With wonderful families,

That feel just like kin.

~~~~

My blogger friends,

Are a new joy to me,

They share a window into their world,

A glimpse of God in their lives for us to see.

~~~~

If I sat here all night,

While I think and I ponder,

About the blessings God has given me,

The list could grow longer.

~~~~

But that will have to wait,

For another new day,

For I have to get some sleep,

There just is no other way.

~~~~

Thanksgiving has dawned,

Though the sun is still down,

Soon everyone will be awake,

And running around.

~~~~

Turkey and stuffing to cook,

Pies and cookies to bake,

Smiles, laughter and hugs,

They leave in their wake.

~~~~

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving,

To YOU who stopped here,

May your day be filled with love,

And warm holiday cheer!

School Pictures 2008

I finally got their "school" pictures done for this year! Last year they went to the private school and the photographer was terrible. So I didn't buy them. I did them myself this year. Not too bad!

2nd Grade/Age 7

4th Grade/Age 9 1/2

11th Grade/Age 16

That is our progress report for today. Thanks for stopping by. 

Fall Fun Festival 2008

One of the things we love to do is make out costumes out of something or take part of a costume and create the rest of it. Sometimes we are really good at that and other times, not so much.

Nick costume this year was the Joker (the one from the original Batman, played by Jack Nicholson). We got the top of the costume (a mask came with it but we tossed it in the trash, it was terrible!), got some green hair spray, some face paint and he had black pants and white gloves at the house. It turned out pretty cool! All the kids at church loved the Joker and wanted to go to his booth and play the games.

Jenni was Sleeping Beauty. We were lucky enough to find the costume and shoes at the Disney Store way early this year. It is a size too big but it was what they had so we got it. I spent tons of time trying to curl her hair, knowing that it would only stay curled for the first pictures and then it would fall out. But she looked beautiful for the pictures!

JC was Anikin Skywalker this year. We found the costume on sale and he had the light saber already, we just put fresh batteries in it. His is a size too big, as well. But he can wear it longer! There were so many Star Wars Characters at the FFF this year you would have thought they landed on Earth! He spent most of the night in saber wars with the other jr Star Wars characters running around. There were two families that were Star Wars (the Blevins-all 5 of them and Steve and Ella Smith and sons). Jake Blevins was Yoda and he kept doing some kind of move from the animated movie that was so cute!

This pose was her idea. She loves her brother very much! They have so many pictures together in front of these bushes! One day I will have to gather them up and put them on a page together...if I ever get time to scrapbook again. I barely have time to write on here!

Sami and Tim came, with their two dogs! One of her dogs was dressed up like a lady bug! Too cute, Harley! All the kids at the FFF wanted to come see the dogs! They said next year they ought to set up a booth and call it pet the dogs and give out candy! They might should!

My two girls together! Jenni is holding on to the lady bug Harley's leash. These two have such a sweet relationship! Funny how 14 years age difference in sisters will do that.

This is one of my favorites because of the look on her face! It was as if she was thinking, "I am standing next to the Joker?! O....K......" She loved his costume!

I hope you enjoyed a small peek of what we did on October 31. We don't really do Halloween but enjoy dressing up in fun costumes and going to church for fun, food, and fellowship with our church family.

Until next time...blessings to you.