Friday Snapshots

This week I was feeling especially thankful for the opportunity to educate our children at home.

So I took out my big girl camera for the morning...I love how it helps me remember the beauty in all the little things we get to experience together during a single day.  

Learning TOGETHER about gardening. I have 3 extra pairs of eyes with me each morning checking on our flowers and our veggies.  Teaching these boys early what flowers mean to a lady :-)  

Puzzle time is off and on throughout the day for Ava girl.  And a brother who thinks she is a the greatest and most talented sister in the world.  He just sits and stares.  

Finished up chapter book about a special dog named Tornado.  We are kind of in puppy world right now so it works.

Speaking of

I love the get out and be in the sun part of the school morning 

And I love the sit down and quietly work part of the school day. 

Today is a gift.

Happy Friday

Banjo

Life is short so, why not?

We got a puppy.

He's a cute little love and we kinda like him.

Puppy Love

The face!

Birthday Surprise!

Hey Banjo, we think you're pretty cool.

Welcome to the family.

There will certainly be no shortage of cuddles here.  

Happy Birthday Ava!

Beautiful

Strong

Joyful

Determined

We love you sweet birthday girl.

Thank you for being you!

Garden Update...Zinnias

It was in July that I was inspired to grow a cut garden.

I was a bit late for many of the plants (which need seeds to be planted in fall or early spring.)

But there were a couple that I read/heard would be fine to plant mid-summer.

I decided to try growing Zinnias and Sunflowers.

Here is an update on my Zinnias

Began seeing growth within a week of planting the seeds

Growing steadily but learned that next time I should be pinching the stem to prompt more growth.

My first flower begins to bloom about 2 months after planting the seeds

 Just about fully opened and it's just gorgeous.  

A few lessons learned...

Fish Emulsion is the worst smelling thing ever in history but my plants loved it!

Mulch really does make a huge difference in keeping the soil moist and temperatures down.

Pinching the stems prompts longer stems and more blooms!

ALSO...

We have tomatoes which was less exciting for me but more exciting for the children!  

Father God, you are amazingly creative.

Your creation is beautiful and complex beyond comprehension. 

Thank you for allowing us to enjoy it.

It turns our hearts to praise you.  

Her Story

Ava has always loved stories.

It's something we noticed since we first met her.

She likes to sit or cuddle and listen to stories being told, or read, or acted.

It's a favorite hobby of hers now as a ten year old...writing stories, copying stories, transcribing and illustrating her favorite movies.

It's so fun watching you do something you love, Ava D.  

We know that God is writing a beautiful story with your life and we are thankful as we get to watch it unfold.  

Life Documented...

I love keeping a blog for the simple purpose of documenting life as it happens.

The simpleness of everyday life...

The awe inspiring places we see...

(YAY for this right here) 

Playing and imagining with all their little hearts...

Home...

Enjoying them being little...

Life.

Strawberry Dress

We call this her strawberry dress

Sweet girl, twirling and swirling

Bright and happy just like her