Planning Frenzy

It's almost here!  The first day of school.  The first day of school is a pretty big deal around here.  Just because we homeschool doesn't mean there isn't lots to be done and lots to look forward to.  The thing that Callie looks forward to the most is her big stack of books.  I plan in my head and collect things all year round, but whatever will be used for the next grade is usually kept a secret.  So the first day is almost like Christmas!  We utilize the library quite a bit, but there are certain books that we purchase.  Ones that I know Callie will love and want to read again, and also the few workbooks that we use. 

The other exciting thing about the First Day of School is our traditional field trip with the Crump family.  Callie and Jordan were born on the same day, at the same hospital.  Don't remind Mrs. Crump, but I gave birth first, after a MUCH shorter labor.  What makes this a little more interesting is that we had also attended the same birthing classes.  We have all remained great friends and love to do field trips together.

The first year that we did this was because all of the neighborhood children, who were older than Callie, were going back to school and Callie was quite upset about it.  The children I babysat for at the time were going to school too and she was left with no one to play with and not so sure about why she couldn't go to school.  The last thing we wanted was to start our homeschooling with Callie thinking she was getting the short end of the stick!  I wanted to show her that it would be quite the opposite.  Homeschooling would give us the freedom to do all kinds of things and learn about anything that we wanted to.  So the First Day field trip tradition began.

Callie will be in 5th grade and I will be doing pre-school with Kate.  I would say, "wish us luck", but actually, you could say a little prayer for us! ;)

Indiana History

Last week, we combined a field trip with a visit with one of my favorite people.  We met in Vincennes, IN to visit a few of the historical sights and to see one of my very best friends.  Callie has always loved history and these types of field trips.  We love to read biographies about the people and times.  It is so much more interesting to learn history that way instead of with a text book filled with facts.  It was a very hot day, but we survived and had a good time.  The best part was the company and the air conditioned video about George Rogers Clark.

the bridge to Illinois

There were a few things we didn't get to do so we definitely want to go back and take Daddy with us.

Swimming Lessons, Part Two

Lessons for this summer are over.  Kate ended up really enjoying them and so did Callie.  Callie did much better with diving and learning the different types of strokes.  These pictures were actually part of an old post that I forgot to publish.  I'm posting it now for Granny and Poppy! :)

It may not look like she was having fun, but she was this time. 

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Survival Tips

Here are my tips for surviving (so far) when the Fearless Leader is gone.

1.  Invite your children's friends over for play dates so that you can get something done!
2.  Only do the bare minimum for meals.  Your kids will love boxed mac-n-cheese everyday!
3.  Work on "That Project" that you never have time to work on.  You'll have extra time because you won't   be cooking big meals or cleaning up the mess.
4.  Don't get all excited thinking that you'll get your kids to bed early and have some of the greatly coveted ALONE TIME that you NEED.  It probably won't happen. :)
4.  Most importantly (other than lots of prayer of course!), make sure that you have a few great friends who will have you over and make you feel like part of their family!! 

Thank you, great friends!!

For a more serious list that is also helpful and ideas for welcoming them home, go here.

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

FTIA Reunion Picnic

This actually occurred several weeks ago, but it's just too good not to post.

Every year the adoption agency that we went through to get Kate, FTIA, hosts a reunion picnic for all of the families who have adopted through them.  They work with several countries so it is quite a large group.  The picnic is held at a great park in a nearby town so it is easy for us to attend every year.  The park has two different play areas, a carousel, ice cream stand, miniature golf and more.

The day is usually very hot but it's so worth it.  Our first year, all but two of the families in our group of twelve were able to attend.  It was awesome.  The last two years there have only been two of us who have been able to attend.  It's still a lot of fun and I think it's so important for our girls to get together and play and see other similar families. 

Every year Callie starts going crazy when she sees various sets of twins.  I tell her the same thing every year..."take it up with God".  I'm not interested in pursuing an adoption of twins, but if He drops them in our laps, then so be it.  I prefer them one at a time. :)  This year she kept taking pictures of all the babies she saw from Ethiopia and India.  You wouldn't believe all of the pictures we have of children we don't even know!

"The Cousins Sleepover"

It finally happened.  All spring and summer Callie has been begging for a "Cousins Sleepover".  What she really meant was a GIRL cousins sleepover.  We certainly couldn't invite those pesky boys to play dolls!  My sisters and I were finally able to come up with a date that was good for all of us and we had not just a one night sleepover, but two nights.  I can describe it all in one word.  LOUD.  Four little girls can be very loud! :)  Now that I have my wits about me again, I thought I would post some pictures.

It was too hot to do anything but play in the water and eat popsicles

 

Eating Locally

I'm all for eating locally.  I think it's a great idea to support the farmers who live in our community and, even though it is small, we try to buy as much as we can at the local farmers market.  There is a great shop here that makes vintage style children's clothing.  I always go there if I have a little girl to buy for and they also do custom orders.  But I digress.  There is only one problem (well, make that three) with the whole "eat local" movement.  That is bananas and avocados and chocolate.  I have no intention of moving to California or anywhere cocoa beans are grown!