Merry Christmas 2011

Wishing you a very merry Christmas!  

From our crazy, silly, busy, and love-filled home.



Baby Steps

If you are my friend, on Facebook or in the real world, you know that I don't craft.  I would like to cook or clean rather than craft.  If I can eat the craft, I might really like it because I like to eat.  If I can't eat it or organize it, then never mind. 

But as of late I've been slightly disturbed by my lack of interest in crafting.  I can now admit that I have craft envy and it bothers me.  Pintrest is partly to blame....all of those amazing cute things that people make and blog about make me want to make cute things.  Well, at least they make me want to do something that is free and can be completed in a very short amount of time. 

We just happened to live on a creative persons paradise - surrounded by old buildings and random items left by the previous inhabitants.  Before we do any project, we scour the property looking for items that we can re-use, like the cinder blocks we used for raised garden beds, or the many feet of old wire fence that we have pieced together to protect the produce from our animals.  It may not be pretty, but it's free.  Free is always better. 

This old house on our property is full of old wood, wallpaper and raccoon poo.  I don't plan on using the animal excrement for anything, but we found an piece of wood with old rusted hooks on it and (don't pass out) I got all wild and crazy and repainted it in an antique style (thanks to Pintrest) and stuck it on the wall! 

I actually created something cool out of all things that we had.  And it only took 15 minutes plus drying time.  I even cheated and skipped the first part when it told me to prime the wood.  I don't have enough patience for that, hence my inability to do longer crafts.... 

Now I need to figure out how to make cute stockings.  Maybe next year.   

Cat Boy

Samuel loves cats. 

He can often be found out on the porch wearing his diaper and jacket with a cat in his arms.   

And just in case you were concerned for those sweet cats, they love him back. 

The Focus

There are never enough hours in a day to fit the things that want to fill each moment. 

There are not even enough hours in a week. 

It is possible that it is my own fault for having so many things that turn up on the list for me to accomplish.  Well, I suppose it is not just possible, but highly likely that it is my fault that there are so many things to do. 

As of late my priorities have been on educating the children, my own physical fitness and personal hygiene (I choose to shower instead of say, blogging - which is good for everyone).   Yet I miss the moments of doing nothing or staring at the computer and reading about other peoples ability to be crafty while simultaneously winning the Mom Of The Year Award.  I would love to read a book just for fun or take nap again this year.  I really do miss those times.  Not to mention that I have thousands upon thousands of photos to sift threw that are taking up an insane amount of memory on this laptop. 

I really want to be snuggling with my new nephew, who is beyond adorable.  But he's in Minnesota and perfectly content to be snuggling with his parents.  I miss him.  I miss them. 

So for now the focus will be to snuggle with my own little bugs and continue to shower and get sleep and exercise - so that we can all have a good day.  These are very good priorities. 

Here are those little ones- ready to go collect some loot last week. 

Number 9

Yesterday was our anniversary.  Number 9. 

We had so much to celebrate on that cold October day in 2002.  God had prepared me for him and him for me.  There we were, ready to dive into the unknown of marriage and family life.  And jump we did. 

He still looks at me in that way.  How blessed am I? 

Number 9 isn't all that significant.  We gave each other cards and laughed about our memories from our fantastic wedding weekend.  9 years of change, change that was highlighted on anniversary number 8 , has been the kind of crazy that you wouldn't change for anything.  This year seems incredibly calm compared to all the others.  Calm is good. 

As an early anniversary celebration I tagged along on a work trip with Jason to Las Vegas a couple of weeks ago.  Not only did we get to have a fantastic time with college friends who live out there, we had some new adventures as a couple. 

I figured that since we've been married for 9 years, pictures of us kissing are allowed while starting our repel off of a mountain in Red Rock Canyon and after our safe arrival at the bottom. 

We had a date night on the town - went to see the show Jersey Boys and out to dinner at an authentic Italian restaurant.  It was there that we ate a huge chocolate dessert and it was amazing.  We took pictures of ourselves because we are often too busy taking pictures of the 3 cute people that live in our house with us. 

Next year's 10 year celebration is already in the planning stages.  We're open to suggestions......

Why We Do What We Do

It isn't because we think that we are smart.  It isn't because we want to shelter our children or because we think we can "do it better".  It isn't because we want our children to be socially inept. It isn't because everyday is pure bliss. It isn't because we are patient. It isn't because we are insane (well, at least clinically insane).  Despite being asked all of these things, none of them are the reason. 

The public schools in our town of 500 people started last Thursday for the new year.  Until Wednesday evening, I was contemplating (very seriously), the idea of dropping the two big kids off and never looking back.  It is a great school system and we have been awed by all of the teachers that we have met. We know the kids would thrive there. The idea was tempting at times, but there was something deep inside me resisting that change. 

Home educating seemed to choose us.  We don't recall ever actively looking for it.  The process has become who we are.  Despite knowing in my heart that this is right for us, several friends have listened to me struggle during what I have now deemed, "my annual homeschooling freak-out". I freak-out, to put it simply.  I doubt myself and our choices. It may happen every year.  It may happen next week.  But the resolve is still the same:

God is working in me, transforming me, to be capable of enjoying each day with my children at home and creating the perfect place for all of us to learn.   

I don't believe in self torture.  I don't believe in any type of torture, for that matter.  The social media of our time has given us a window into the lives of parents who's children are home during the summer months-and those who stay home with little ones year round.  Based on status updates, it seems that parents are being tortured to endure more than we can (or want) to handle on any given day.  I frequently fall into the trap myself, often thinking or saying, "I can't do this!" or "This is too much!".  The bad days are really lousy and it takes an enormous amount of energy to see through the thick mud created during the screaming matches and the fighting over which cup they are going to use or the crying that ensues when someone throws a toy at somebody else or the complete defiance during a simple act.  
It's mud.  It's the kind of mud that is so thick that it makes your shoes get suctioned in and you can't move your feet.  Stuck and ready to scream. That is not a happy place. 

God is transforming me.  God is transforming us. 
We may not be the most patient and creative parents.  Our children may pass up my math skills by the time they're 10 years old.  No matter.  God is giving me what I need to handle the call to be here each day with them.  And God will make sure we are not on a path to social deprivation, as everyone else seems concerned could happen to these crazy home educated kids. 

It is because we can.
It is because we want to.
It is because we enjoy it. 
It is because they teach us more than we teach them. 
It is because it works for our family. 

It is because we have the privilege of watching all 3 kids playing together for hours each day.

It is because, despite the challenges, we are growing.  We are figuring out how to be a better family all the time.  My heart is growing with patience and Grace each day.  When I choose to leave my shoes behind in the mud and keep going, He's there. When I choose not to throw a plate across the room in complete frustration, He's there.  I'm so thankful.  

That is why we do it.

The Combines

The combine demolition derby is a dying breed.  It's not your average derby, people.  That is why we made the effort to get there at 7:30 p.m. on a Monday.  With 3 machine lovin' kids - it was well worth the trip.  There was a huge crowd.  Now I understand why. 

The massive destruction that takes place when you put 9 of these machines in a small area is a bit mind blowing. The tires were popped on impact and these puppies road around with one or two good tires. Not sure how they do it. Not to mention the noise of the crunching metal.   Wow.

Take it from Sam, it is best to cover your ears. 

What's not to love about machines with things like "Eat Me" painted on the cutter bar?  I mean, it's a cultural experience.  I'm just glad that doesn't make any sense to our children.  Not yet, anyway.  Or the tires that said, "Bad Year" on them.  Get it?   The "Papa Smurf " combine that was painted blue made the fave list for our kids.  "The Hammer" was the winner and made out with some cash.  Lucky guy. 



Without further adieu, the combines:

If you ever get a chance, you better go to one, even just to say that you have. 

Crazy.  Weird.  Sort of ridiculous.  But fun.  Lots of fun. 

Did I mention you could get nachos and funnel cakes for snacks?  What's not to love?  

The Derby

Demolition derby.  We had never been.  We had never lived. 

We are becoming county fair junkies, known to seek out free food events and rodeos and carnivals.  It is possible that we are slightly ill.  Regardless, we had a blast. 

Sam had some apprehension from the beginning.

The big water truck came out to make the mud. 

 That was a good sign of things to come.

Excited Ella.

Stop taking pictures of me. 

Make sure you cover your ears.

Then the cars started to crash into each other. 

What is wrong with these people? 

 And all the people cheering?

O.K....so we cheered too. 

Then the tractors came in and pulled off all the cars that

didn't work anymore. 

This was Samuel's favorite part, of course.

I'm no expert, but this car may have worked better

if it had another wheel.

 Then they went to work on those broken cars. 

Watch out for blow torches and sledge hammers....

Then it repeated.  Again and again. 

Finished things off with some fireworks and it was a

night full of fun for all. 

Next week we will attend a combine harvester demolition derby.  It may blow this experience out of the water.  Photos to come.....

Just Beat It

Have I mentioned its been hot? 

It has been hot.  Really hot.  Pretty sure I mentioned that before. 

Sam knows exactly what to do to beat this heat.   

 

Oh, how I love him. 

Seven

July 18 is the big birthday.  Seven.  The age of reason.  The age that sends your parents into a pit of despair when they realize how old that makes them.  You just keep on changing and growing.  Stop that! 

You devour chapter books like they're going out of style. 


You build Legos with your brother and save the creations until every piece is in use.  


You collect things in your room, and on your walls, that make you a pack-rat kind of kid.


You could draw pictures and do crafts all day.  


You still love to dress in costumes and dance around the living room.


You love to babysit your little brother when Mommy needs to leave the room.   


You want to be a horse trainer and a scientist "like Daddy" when you grow up.  


You know more words to praise music blasting on the radio than either of your parents.


You report that your bedtime snuggles with Mom or Dad is your favorite time.  


You could eat macaroni and cheese everyday if it were an option.  


You ask for asparagus as a before bed snack, but only after you've had a yogurt parfait.


You can be very serious, very emotional and very crazy - usually all within the same minute.



You've made it through the 1st grade and your teacher thought you were pretty great. 
You've joined 4-H, started playing the violin and participated in 2 choirs.  
You've fallen in love with goats. 
You've lost 6 teeth and #7 is pretty loose.  
You've had a big year.  

This birthday has been eventful, even before your actual birth day.  You brought four girlfriends to see Cars 2 and then out for ice cream.  You reported that it was "the best day EVER!".  It was a really fun time seeing all those cute smiles- and a perfect activity for a 108 degree day.  

Build-A-Bear has been on your radar for about a year.  You were so thrilled when we told you we could go there for the first time.  You made quick decisions about which bear and what outfit you wanted.  I love that quality about you.  "Ellen" was created and dressed in a wedding gown.  You chose her name, not knowing that you used your namesakes full name.  Perfect. 

The 45 minute drive to town wouldn't be complete without a birthday meal at your favorite place- Freddy's - home of the famous steakburger, french fries and custard. Who knew that you would meet Freddy himself?  He made sure that you were serenaded by a very talented employee while you ate your birthday ice cream cone. You asked him if you could take his picture. He even wrote you a special note. What great memories.

Your Mom and Dad love you like crazy.  You drive us crazy sometimes because you are so smart, independent and strong willed.  But that is what family is for.  And just imagine - in another 7 years, you'll be 14.  Then we will all be really crazy.  Now stop growing up so fast!  

We love you! 

P.S.  Thanks for letting these two cuties come along for the ride.  They sure do love you.  It was Owen's idea to pick out a birthday present for you at the store and he told everyone he saw that it was his sister's birthday.  He really wanted to make you happy, even though he drives you crazy sometimes too.   

Priorities

I've been too busy to blog.  I've been making ice cream.  Lots of ice cream. 

You see, it's been hot.  Really hot.  So since we can't go outside for more than .23 seconds to fill the animals water containers, I've been making ice cream.  It just happens to taste really good on a really hot day. 

The truth of the matter is that we have an excess of goat milk these days.  We sold our sweet boys that were born in the spring and now we milk almost one gallon per day.  This is slightly excessive for our family without teenagers.   I'm anxiously awaiting my cheese making supplies in the mail.  Until then, I will make ice cream. 

And did you know that it is illegal to advertise that you are selling milk other than a sign at the end of your driveway?  No one drives by our driveway.  Bummer. 

So I start with a big pot of milk....(FYI - do not fill it this full.  BAD idea.)


And then you crack some of these.....

That's alot of yolks.....so mix those....

And don't forget to add some of these nummy things and mix it all up.....



And then you get to eat this......

Just in case you are concerned, I am very busy with things other than making ice cream.  Like chasing after the kiddos and washing the dog after she swam in the septic lagoon and planning our home school year and visiting with friends and organizing the house and doing several loads of laundry per day and watering garden that is nearly completely dead in the heat and so on.