Thanksgiving 2015

 Thanksgiving this year was smaller than most years but just as sweet

The morning started with cooking and the Thanksgiving day Parade.

 (Both of our big kids really enjoyed it this year.)

(Especially Jud.)

The house looked great and the food was delicious.

But the best part was having loved ones near

Happy Thanksgiving 2015.  

Bring on Christmas!  

Reflection Journals

I always order curriculum at the beginning of the school year.

But, I always adjust, modify, expand and customize learning to fit my children. 

One of my favorite "extras" this year is our reflection journal.

This journal is for the kids to document field trips, nature hikes, and other life experiences throughout the school year. 

 

 (I think these journals work for any age.  Judson illustrates and dictates to me what he wants to document about his experience.)

 

Some of our latest entries...

 

Botanical Gardens

(Lily Pad Illustration by Ava)

 

(I always prefer hand written but Ava struggles with fine motor skills and writing is also difficult for her.  It's all about making it work.) 

 

 

The Air Show

(We had such a wonderful time watching these amazing pilots.  It wasn't too loud for the kids and they were mesmerized.)

 

(Vintage Plane illustrated by Ava)

 

Nature Day

 

(Forest Illustration by Judson)  

(Forest Illustration by Ava)

 

Such a simple and fun way to teach writing!

These narrations have helped Ava tremendously.

At the years end, I will laminate and bind into a book for a beautiful keepsake.

Great way to create meaningful learning, have fun, and document memories! 

 

 

 

JOY

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

- Romans 15:13

 

Strength for this day and hope for tomorrow. 

This is my daily prayer.

Somewhere in these past months, I have lost joy in this ministry at home.

So I am reclaiming joy in Christ and S L O W I N G down.

It's so freeing! 

 

 

This life is such a gift.

May our home and hearts remain a place of joy.

Baseball Family

My heart loves baseball.

It just really really loves it.  Which makes October (playoff season) my favorite time of the year.

I love the memories of childhood that it brings back.

And I love the ones I get to make with my littles now. 

Beauty at Riley's Farm

We enjoyed a field trip up to Riley's Farm in Oak Glen.

So much beauty!

I had to force myself to put the camera away.

I just wanted to snap photos all day.

I didn't want to leave and can't wait till we can go back.

(James helping out the little pear pickers) 

(Riley's Farm)

(Little man on a mission)

(She truly appreciates open space and God's creation)

(Little pear monster couldn't get enough)

( Pumpkins too!)

Found this picture on the phone once we got home.  

(Thanks to Ava...our i-phone snatcher)

 But it sums up things well...I loved this day!

"He has made everything beautiful in it's time."

- Ecclesiastes 3:11

Hello Fall...Pumpkin Patch 2015

When it comes to my list of favorite family traditions, the pumpkin patch is near the top! 

It doesn't quite have the, "It's Fall!" feel when battling 100 degree heat, so we typically go in the evening.

(Peltzers farm)

Some very special people made the event even better.

(Train ride with Mimi and Auntie.  Papa met us later :-) 

We called the 5 minutes when the kids were on the train, our date time.  

I don't think I got any pictures with an actual pumpkin in it :-/ 

It's all about the extras for these kids anyways.

(Making hay-angels)

(Entering the corn maze) 

(Ava communicated on her talker that she would like to do the corn maze by herself because she's 10 now.)

When Judson feel asleep on the car ride home, these two got some time at home to debrief the day.

It's sweet to watch their relationship grow. 

Hello Fall!  We are happy you're here!  

One year

One year ago we made the move inland.  

It's been a beautiFUL year.

Lots of change and lots of new.

We've learned, grown, and mostly, were reminded that no matter where we go, we are richly blessed to have one another.

These four walls have become home to us now...

A place we can play

A place we can learn

A place we can grow

A place we can relax

A place we can enjoy

A place where we can be