Potty Training

All three of my children are officially potty trained and my life has been changed.  No more worrying about a diaper bag or changing diapers on a nasty public restroom changing table. Brooke was BY FAR the easiest to train.  We made the switch to panties one morning, she had three little accidents where she immediately stopped herself and started fussing about being wet.  A couple of days later she had two more small accidents, but I believe that is what made her transition from me taking her to the restroom regularly and her telling us when she has to go.  She stays completely dry during nap time and over night, so no more pull-ups for us. And to think I was worried she would be my most stubborn to train. ha!

School Fun

This has been a busy, fun filled year for my two school girls.  It has been interesting balancing schedules and work loads for both, but I like a challenge.  Well, I like a challenge that I can succeed at. ha!

Macy is finally getting to do all of the fun stuff that she remembers her sister doing two years ago.

And Wednesday treats are always something she looks forward to.

And it was her turn for Pancakes with Papa.  I helped coordinate this event, so I got to be a fly on the wall.  I just love seeing all of these little heads bowed in prayer. 

Kayla had her first research paper to write.  I'm sure this is the first of many, but she had such fun researching the giant panda and making this model.  He turned out super cute if I do say so myself.  Other than using the hot glue gun she did the entire thing herself.

  

Here she is giving her report.  I love that her teacher seeks to involve parents in the class and WANTS them to come in and see what their children are doing.

We have also had field trip craziness going on.  Normally we wouldn't attend all of the field trips, but so far I have felt that each one was important. For five weeks we had a field trip every week except for one.  It was crazy, but the kids had a good time.  I am so thankful for the opportunity to do these types of things with my children on a regular basis.

Macy's class trip to the pumpkin patch - probably not necessary in the scheme of educating my child, but a necessary fall event nonetheless.

So what does this picture have to do with school? Everything! It was obviously a pajama homeschool day, and this is how I managed to get a 2 year old entertained while I taught history to Kayla. While I refuse to sit Brooke in front of a television every day while I homeschool, some days I just need a little help.  Nothing wrong with trading a little Curious George for Mama's sanity!

This has been the year of sickness.  Kayla has managed to get pink eye and strep throat so far this school year.  She might get sick twice a year, so twice since school started is strange.  Macy has been dealing with congestion and sinus infections on and off for months.  Throw an ear infection into the mix for her as well. Marc and I have been battling the sore throat stuff for a few days too, and Brooke is starting to get congested now too.  This is SO unusual for us. Thankfully since they are actually in school for only two days a week they aren't missing a lot.  Homeschool goes on unless you can't get out of bed. :)  Kayla did miss one day due to strep, so I made her work on her paddle dolls (ancient Egyptian toys) for Market Day.  She is very meticulous, and it took quite a while for her to finish, but she did get a good dent in the project done that day. 

And Brooke wanted to join in on the coloring too.  She colored for over an hour.  I was able to get so much done around the house that I wouldn't normally be able to get done with her wanting attention. She is so used to having someone in the house to play with that it is hard to accomplish anything on school days. I have to keep reminding myself that is okay. She is only little once and before I know it I will have three girls in school and I will miss this time.

Market Day finally arrived.  We were able to borrow a costume from a friend, which I am thankful for.

The kids played games, made bricks, ate food that the Egyptians would have eaten, and did other fun stuff.

Bartering.  

They had such a good time trading the goods they had made. Mrs. Foster did such a great job making Ancient Egypt into a wonderful hands-on learning experience.

And of course we can't forget Pajama Day.  I think someone was a tad bit excited to go to school in her pajamas.