Zoo Field Trip

So the day after the fair we woke up early for the zoo.  We had to be there at the gate at 10, and you just never know what Atlanta traffic will be like. This was a field trip for Kayla's class. Both girls worked extra hard to get all of their school work done in advance so that we didn't have to worry about it for Friday.  Brooke has never been to the zoo (that she would remember) and we have been wanting to take her.  The group school discount provided a great excuse for us to make a family adventure out of it.

Some of the sweet girls in Kayla's class that went on the field trip.

Of course they remembered the parakeets. 

A lot of the animals that usually lurk in the background were out and about today. This elephant kept walking out of the building, rang a bell, and returned into the building.  The girls chased him back and forth checking out the two viewing areas.

It's usually hard to see the tiger, pandas, and lions up so close. 

Kayla is researching pandas for a report so she loved watching these guys.  This is a mama and her cub snuggling.

This adorable little monkey got tired of swinging with it's mama so it decided to hang off of the hammock and swing.  It was really neat to watch the mama interact with her baby.

Another fun fall day, but this wasn't the end of our weekend.  One more adventure awaited us on Saturday.

North Georgia State Fair

We discovered the fair a few years ago, and now it has become an annual tradition.  This year we happen to go on opening night.  Since we home school I try to choose a school night to go to the fair hoping that it will be a lighter crowd.  This year it happened to be on fall break, but the girls were still able to hop on most every ride without having to wait.  I was sure to explain to them that this would more than likely NOT be the case when we go to Disney in a couple of months.

This was Brooke's first year to really have a good time.  We measured her at home and she was exactly 36" with her tennis shoes on.  The majority of the rides require the kids to be 36", so we were glad she would be tall enough.  Despite the fact that the person who measured out the heights onto the measuring stick was a good 1" off on their markings, most ride operators let her on.  The few that stopped her willingly let her on when we told them she had been riding those rides all night. She had an absolute blast.

Of course there was a stop at the petting zoo.  

I wouldn't be surprised if this child works with animals when she grows up or buys a farm.  She could have stayed here all afternoon.

The fair was the beginning of our crazy fun weekend.  We did stay out a little too late considering the next day was a field trip day to the zoo with Kayla's class.

Brooke's First Haircut

I have bee at a loss as to what to do with this child's hair.  She is the only one who got the curls, but you would think I would have some clue what to do with it. She has the most precious curls underneath the top straight/frizzy layer.  I really would have to wet it and put some sort of curling product in it every morning and after nap time for it to look good.  I'm too lazy for that.  ha! So I finally broke down and took her to see my friend who cuts my hair. 

Before

She was SO serious the entire time.

After

And voila! Jessica added some layers and evened everything up.  Her hair can still get crazy at times, but it is much more manageable.  When I do take the time to wet it and add some product to it the curls are so cute. The top layer is still just wavy and the bottom layer is very curly.  It will be interesting to see what happens over the next couple of years.

Wrapping Up Summer

Thanks to my amazing husband my sanity is back.  When he came home from work Thursday I left.  I grabbed some dinner by myself and did some window shopping.  I scored a great deal on a pair of black boots and bought a towel for Kayla's bathroom. I came home refreshed and ready to reassess.  When I walked in the door I saw that Marc and the girls had cleaned up the house.  The kitchen, living room, schoolroom, and the girls bedrooms were clean.  Yesterday Marc did ALL of the laundry in the house.  That is normally my chore on Mondays, but it is done, including the changing of sheets. I am blessed.

So what have we been up to this past month? Here is a speed catch up.

Someone is getting more independent and wanting to pick out her own clothes.  According to her these match because they both have blue and green in them.

Adjusting to being in school and falling asleep at the dinner table.

Staining our front porch (and Marc painted the railing as well).

Bowling.

One last swim.

Sliding down the hill on cardboard pieces.

Going to a Braves game.

Next up, Brooke's first haircut.  I think I'll be pretty caught up then!

What a Month!

While I would much rather be posting happy pictures of our lives over the last couple of months, I just can't seem to find the time to get the pictures off of my camera and write a post.  Since I have about 2 minutes before a child finds me hiding out at the computer I thought I'd do some writing.  Sometimes a little venting is all  I need to feel better.  We have really been enjoying our house, but a few neighbors have not.  We've fought the HOA since about the 2nd week after we moved in.  Basically it boils down to a few grumpy people who have nothing better to do with their time than find something to complain about.  I guess we should have known what we were getting into when Marc attended a HOA board meeting back before we finished the house and a couple had a list of all of the houses that did not pull their garbage cans back inside by the morning of the day after garbage pick up.  During all of this I was doing a Bible Study on the book of James.  Only God could have foreseen the need for James in our lives this summer.  Now I am studying Daniel.  Wow! God has been so good to prepare my heart in advance for all of this stuff going on.  As of now the HOA has dropped all of their crazy claims or agreed with us on our time frame of completion.  God has used this time in our lives to really teach me some things.  First of all, this is not my home. I wasn't made for this world I was made for heaven.  Everything I do and say should be a reflection of my Savior.  And for someone who sometimes struggles with acceptance, it's hard to have untrue things said about you.  There is persecution all over the world and especially for Christians.  While our neighbors might not know we are Christians, yet, Satan does and he will do whatever he can to try and tear us apart.  All of these things I have known, but God has used this summer to really implant these things in my soul. In that case it is been a good summer.  

Up until a month ago I had a great rhythm down at the house.  The house was staying pretty clean and organized, laundry was done on a regular basis, the kitchen was cleaned up every night. I was amazed at how well I was transitioning into a larger home and I was able to keep it cleaner than the smaller rental we had. So what happened, you ask. School. Home school to be more specific.  To say teaching two children, entertaining a not so independent toddler, and trying to cook and clean has been difficult would be an understatement.  Never have I considered not homeschooling the girls, but the thought of never cleaning a bathroom again has crossed my mind. Unfortunately that won't work. Transitioning from summer to school days has been a challenge.  On those days when we are at home we have worked out a pretty decent system.  We start off with Kayla playing with Brooke for 30 minutes while I work with Macy.  Kayla knows that he job is to keep Brooke entertained.  We then come together for an hour of craziness. After that Macy takes Brooke to play for 30 minutes while I work with Kayla.  I absolutely have to sit down every night and plan for the next day.  I have to decide what work to do during our individual time (reading for Macy, science or history for Kayla), what can be done during our crazy time with Brooke in the room demanding my attention, and what I can save for when Brooke is asleep.  Throw in a field trip or some other activity and I am thrown for a loop.  

The house is slowly deteriorating. The laundry room stays a mess with clothes that need to be folded or piles still to be washed.  Dirty dishes stay in the sink overnight because the dishwasher didn't get unloaded that day.  My desk is a mess, but I did manage to clean half of the bathrooms this week. Toilets and sinks are done, but showers, tubs, and floors are still on my list. 

Some days are harder than others, this being a harder day, but I am so thankful for the opportunity I have to stay home with my girls, for the beautiful home we have been blessed with, and that we are homeschooling.  I wouldn't change it.  I do have family in town that are always more than willing to help, but it's not like I plan ahead for crazy days.  They just happen. Besides, I have to figure it out.  I have to find a way to balance it all.  And I will.  I have been told by several home school families that it takes until October to finally feel like you have a grip on things.  Today is September 13, so we are almost there.  I'm expecting a light switch change on October 1. ha!

Time to flip laundry around, put a baby in bed (and yes I still call my almost 3 year old my baby), and get back to schoolwork.  The fire station field trip has extended our day a little bit, but I am actually looking forward to some quiet school time with the older two.

Covering Our Home with the Word

Before we started building our home I told Marc I wanted to write God's word on the framing of our home.  I wanted every room to have a verse, and it seemed like such a daunting task.  Finally one night when Marc was gone, I put the kids in bed and pulled out my Bible.  I prayed that the Lord would direct me to verses that spoke to our family and our home, and the Lord BLESSED that time in His Word.  It was such an amazing experience to have the entire Bible in front of me but to see God lead me to so many specific verses. I have these verses saved on my computer, but I want them here on my blog.  I print out copies of my blog each year, one for Marc and me and one for each of the girls.  I want the girls to know that the rooms of the home they grew up in were covered in scripture.  It is part of our foundation, something that will not be changed or destroyed. 

Foyer

 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.  John 3:16-17

Dining Room

 

 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your strength.  These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children.  Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, and when you lie down, and when you get up.   

Deuteronomy 6:5-7

Now therefore may it please you to bless the house of your servant, so that t may continue forever before you.  For you, O Lord God, have spoken, and with your blessing shall the house of your servant be blessed forever.  2 Samuel 7:29

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

School Room

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

Teach them His decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to love and how they are to behave.  Exodus 18:20

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.  Ephesians 4:29

Dining Room

Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.  Psalm 100:4

 Kitchen

By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.  Proverbs 24:3-4

but man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 
Deuteronomy 8:3

Breakfast Room

He took the bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all.  Acts 27:35

Office Desk

Both riches and honor come from You.  1 Chronicles 29:12

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.  1 Timothy 6:10

Laundry

And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:8

Master Bedroom

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the Church.  Ephesians 5:22-23

Husbands, love your wives just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.  Ephesians 5:25

A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.  Proverbs 15:1

Master Bathroom

Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Galatians 6:9

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes.  Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:3-4

Master Closet

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.  Acts 20:33

Kayla’s Room

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Ephesians 6:1

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word.  Psalm 119:9

Kayla’s Bathroom

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 

Proverbs 31:30

Macy’s Room

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Ephesians 6:1

How can a  young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word.  Psalm 119:9

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9

Macy/Brooke Bathroom

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.   

Proverbs 31:30

Brooke’s Room

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Ephesians 6:1

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word.  Psalm 119:9

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Romans 10:9

Girls’ Hallway

Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring are a reward from Him  Psalm 127:3

First Day of School

Today was the first day of 2nd grade for Kayla and the first day of kindergarten for Macy. Everyone (including myself) was ready to get back in the swing of things.

Brooke didn't want to miss out on pictures and asked for one to be taken with her "Papa Bear."

We love our school and I can't wait to see where this year will take us!

Babyland General Hospital

We were supposed to go to Stone Mountain yesterday, but with the threat of thunderstorms we decided to take the girls to Babyland General Hospital - the home of the Cabbage Patch dolls. 

See those dolls on display? They are some of the original ones and they are now worth $15,000! I have one from when I was maybe 10 years old (and we read that Xavier Roberts started the dolls around the time I was born). Maybe mine will be worth $15,000 one day!

One excited little girl.

Another excited little girl.

While we were there we saw 3 dolls being "born." The "nurses" had obviously memorized a script, but the girls enjoyed it.

Whenever Brooke slipped out of our sight we could bet she was playing with all the new doll toys like this one.

"Daddy, take a picture of me doing this!"

We spent more time in the car traveling to and from the hospital, but the girls really had a great time.  They each came home with a new doll and spent the rest of the evening playing with them.  While the girls have been in school today Brooke has enjoyed playing with the dolls and not having to share. :)

First Day of Timothy and Open House

This is my first year that I will not be teaching at the Timothy Ministry since I started 6 years ago. It's very bittersweet.  I know God pulled me away so that I can focus on teaching my children on Tuesdays for this season of my life.  Going to the Timothy Open House was hard.  I am used to being the teacher and not just the parent walking around.  I will SO miss teaching with Cherie.  She has become such a good friend to me and it has been such a blessing in my life to see her weekly.  I have seen her children grow up over the last five years we have taught together.  Thankfully I can still stop in and see her on Tuesdays this year since the older girls are each taking a class there and Macy is also taking dance on Tuesdays. 

Marc had to take the girls on the first day of classes because I had both of my King's Academy meetings that day.  He did a good job getting everyone where they were supposed to be.

Friday night was Open House for King's and the girls were able to see their classrooms and meet their teachers.  Macy will have Mrs. Hollenbeck just like Kayla did in kindergarten. Macy is so excited and I am excited for her.

 Kayla's 2nd grade teacher is Mrs. Foster.  I have heard so many wonderful things about her. She had quite a sense of humor, and I'm hoping that my serious Kayla learns to have fun with that.

School starts Monday and we are all very excited to get back into our routine!