What we've been up to...

Pig ears!

Really?! I didn't know people eat these! We saw them at the commissary a few weeks ago and decided we should try them. I wasn't sure how to prepare them, so of course, I googled it and found a way, just joking! We did not put them in our cart!

A typical school day...

The kids have "responsibilities." I'm amazed at what they can do and how well they can take care of things. They are rewarded with an allowance, which is exciting to them. The older two are learning a lot about money and how to handle it. Right now they are in save mode! It's been challenging to keep up with it, teach them about giving, spending and saving, but I know it's one of my jobs :) So, folding towels is one of the things they are responsible for; the other day while they were working on school work, the little J decided he would do it for them! I love his technique and he was sooo proud of himself for doing this for his siblings!

Jamison has recently taken a liking to drawing. A week or so ago, I walked by his room and saw that he was sitting up in his bed (he was supposed to be going to sleep and it was dark in there, except for the light from the 3 nightlights). I walked over to him and asked what he was doing, he responded with, "drawing a picture, it's an angel, it's you!" I sure do love that little one!

Jordan is having a blast at his archery class. We participate through the home school co-op; there are so many things to participate in and this one is a hit for Jordy!

Me and my boys!

Can you say COOL? O-my-soul! I could eat him up! Love that he loves to wear a tie and look all sporty for church!

the Nina and the Pinta

We took a little field trip to Grafton, Illinois; it's about a 45 minute drive away. Waiting on us were replicas of the Nina and the Pinta. These ships sail around the US, making stops all over. They were docked along the Mississippi in Grafton. We were excited to see them, especially since we had studied about Columbus in our first week of school.

The kids were probably even more excited to see the dead fish that were on the river's edge...gross!!

Yep, it's dead and they were so happy that they were able to pick it up with a stick...gross, again!!

Academy of the J's

WELL...some say that's a deep subject, and I agree. But, an even deeper subject that's been on my heart for the last year is...school. For many reasons, we decided to change things up in our family this school year. Instead of the kiddos going to public school, I will be "schooling" them. I know, you all are scared, aren't you?!?! I am, too!!! We have completed our first week and at this point, we are doing just peachy. It was a good week, still many kinks to work out, but they will get worked out.

I am reminded of Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." So many times in life, we try to handle the things that come our way and we don't think we need Christ to help us or get us through it...I knew from the beginning that this wasn't one of those times. I knew I would have to fully rely on Him and His strength, patience and mercy. Thankfully, those are new everyday!

In all seriousness, I just have a peace in my heart that this is what my family needs for the time being. We are learning together and making memories...that's what it's really about. If you ever visit with an older lady, maybe a grandmother, she will tell you to enjoy the mothering days, because they go by too quickly...I plan to enjoy this year and enjoy the time I am getting with my kiddos...

Some of our curriculum, not all of it had arrived when I took this picture

Our first day of school!

Jamison-almost 4, preschool

Jannah-8, third grade

Jordan-6, first grade