Winding Down Summer, Gearing Up for Fall

Where has the summer gone! It has been a month since I sat down to blog! We have been busy! School is in full swing and I think it's safe to say that we have worked out a good rhythm for our days.  I am very intentional about "school work" for Brooke.  She is learning a lot and having fun.  The best part is that after about 45 minutes of working with us she is off playing on her own. She's happy and we can get school work done better and faster.  Win win for everyone I'd say! 

We've also been dealing with medical issues over here.  Kayla saw a GI specialists to talk about her weight gain.  The doctor was concerned that she wasn't gaining enough to be growing adequately. Upon the advice of my sister and some of her medical co-workers I made a GI appointment for her to make sure she was absorbing the nutrients the way she needed to.  While we waited for that appointment to roll around (because getting an appointment with a specialist is always a long way off) she gained over two pounds. We talked to her about the importance of eating and we watched what she was eating (cue the extra peanut butter, calorie boosting drinks, etc). We NEVER want there to be a focus on weight or the scale. There is enough of that in the world. The GI doctor was pleased, said she looked good, and to continue doing what we are doing because it is obviously working!

I have also had my own medical issues.  Earlier this year I noticed some symptoms that led me to believe my iron was getting low.  I went and had that checked and sure enough my level was down to a three. Normal levels are above 11 so basically I should have had no energy to do anything.  As a homeschooling mom and wife you just push through and do what you have to do no matter how tired you are.  Everyone was surprised I was functioning at that low of a level.  Thankfully in a month I was able to get my iron back to normal levels, but I was still on one medication to keep it from dropping again. A medication with icky side effects.  Long story short I had a procedure done that will hopefully solve this problem and threw out those nasty pills! I should know in the next few months how successful it was. 

In addition to all that, life keeps going on.  Brooke started ballet and tap classes this year.  She loves dancing, but she hates having her hair in a bun.  As soon as she walks out of class she asks me to take it out.  Funny girl!

Macy's class had Relative's Day a few weeks back. The kids had no idea that their relatives were coming to eat lunch with them.  It's so funny how the class comes into the chapel and they just stare at everyone. It takes a moment for it to click that they know these people.  Macy was so excited!

 

One day after the soccer game we loaded up the car and headed to Mercier's Orchard for some apple picking with the grandparents. A lot of the apples on the lower branches had been picked so we had to resort to other methods of picking apples. :)

We all love eating our apples right off of the tree!

And Macy had to recreate her pose from last year.  Funny girl!

My babies are growing up and at every season change I am packing away clothes that my girls will no longer wear. With Kayla and Macy I know that the clothes will still be worn by Brooke, but when I pack her things away it's for good. Sometimes that is bittersweet. This will be the last time she will wear this sweet little dress so I wanted to get a picture of her in it. She had other plans that did not include a camera.

And she let us know when she was done with the pictures, but at least I was able to get a few.

Soccer Season #5

Today was the first soccer game of our 5th season (5th for Kayla and Marc, 3rd for Macy). Our church's Upward Soccer changed from playing in the spring to playing in the fall, so we have two soccer seasons this year.  The girls are on the Lady Seminoles team with Coach Marc and Coach Sam. The game was awesome today.  Kayla did a great job kicking the ball down the field and helping her team mates score some goals.  Macy was right back to defending the goal.  She blocked several goals from the other team.  I'm excited to see what this season has in store for us!

Worn out already.

It is FINISHED!

After HOURS and HOURS of work, our new kitchen table, bench, and chairs are finally done. I don't think either of us had any idea at how much time this would require, but I think Marc would choose to do it all over again. Just not anytime soon. :) I absolutely love it and they fit perfectly into the breakfast area. They aren't perfect. There are areas that didn't take the stain as well, areas you can see some of the glue that came through, and a few other little imperfections, but I love those spots.  Our table was made by my husband.  It was completely crafted with his hands and the girls and I helped out sometimes. There is nothing that can be bought in a store to compare to something made with so much love. Our children will grow up around this table.  Quiet times with the Lord will be done at this table. Schoolwork will be worked on here.  Many discussions will take place in these chairs. I can't think of a more perfect addition to our home.

First Week of School

The girls had their first day of school on Wednesday.  Both of their teachers this year are Mrs. Johnson.  It might make for some interesting conversations. :) They both had a great day and came home and gave us a detailed play-by-play of their day.

 

First day of 3rd grade.

First day of 1st grade.

I spent Wednesday getting the schoolroom ready. I needed to find a place for all of their books and my teacher guides. I bought the shelf in the back left corner and Brooke helped me assemble it. They each have a spot for their books and the baskets are filled with thing to entertain educate Brooke.

Our verse for this year is Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, do it heartily as for the Lord and not for men.

Last year Brooke really had no interest in joining us in the schoolroom other than the fact that she always needs someone to play with.  I knew this year would be different so I pulled out my 3 year old plans I made when Kayla was three.  The girls did a great job with their work.  Since Friday was my birthday we all wanted to get through schoolwork on Thursday so we could have Friday off.  Macy's work was pretty light so we were easily able to get hers done.  Kayla's work load was a little lighter too, but it still took us a while. Brooke loved working with her sisters on her school work too.  They all did great getting their work done, but we have to get back in the swing of waiting patiently while I finish up with someone else. It was an exhausting morning, and add in tumbling class to our day, and I was absolutely worn out at the end of the day.  Marc came home and took the older two to soccer practice and Brooke and I curled up on the couch.  She watched a movie while I tried to doze off.  That never happens! I was still exhausted last night, so hopefully we will get adjusted soon.

I am so thankful that  I can spend my days with these precious girls!

The Girls' First Boat Ride

As a special surprise on the trip we took a boat ride to find some dolphins. The company we went with was great.  They actually send two boats out and when one of them spots some dolphins they get set up to create a nice wave between the boats.  The dolphins love to play in the wake.  Although we only saw three groups of dolphins, they did not disappoint, nor did the boat ride itself.

About halfway through the trip they opened up this little compartment that held some fish.  They let the kids use nets to try and catch the fish and then put them right back in.  Our girls loved this!

And what trip to the beach is complete without a round of putt-putt? We found a place that Brooke played for free and the girls played for half-price since we got there early in the day.  Can't beat a round of miniature golf for $4.25 total! This was Brooke's first time.  She tried last year, but she was just too young.  She understood the concept better this time.  Although one time she sent the ball toward the hole by throwing it.  Clearly we still have some more teaching to do. :)

 She was so proud of herself when she got the ball in the hole.

Well that wraps up our trip.  We were sad to leave, but I was glad to be back in my own bed with my own shower. Macy had a hard time leaving and quite a few tears were shed. I love making special memories with my family!

Pool Time

I love the pool here. It's basically three pools in one.  There is a zero entry pool, it's connected to a wave pool, and there is also a nice size lazy river. They also have a kiddie pool area with a little slide, a basketball area, and what I call lily pads where the kids climb from one floating circle to another. 

Brooke was getting brave and putting her entire head under water.  She was so proud of herself.

Climbing on the lily pads.

 

 Just relaxing.  We did a lot of that in the pool.