It's a boy!

Welcome to the World Colin

So sweet!

Ashlyn taking the leadrope out to walk Beatrice to some new grass.

The BIG Cook!

It's like freezer cooking....only better!  And, it's easier too :O) 

If you ever cook for large groups, this book comes in very handy.  Check out the website for recipe. samples.   It is also available at Amazon.

Beatrice Arrives

Isn't she lovely! She is due to calve around the 5th of September, so fresh milk is just around the corner :O)

And that's the way the money goes.......

New truck for Allan.........check!

Braces for Allie..........in process!

Milk cow for me........picking her up tomorrow!

(will post her actual picture soon)

Just a quick thumbs up

After trying a few different "learn to read" programs with no real winners, I finally found one that works for us!  Ashlyn LOVES it, it is easy on me, and it is fairly affordable.  Another plus is that it works well with the Happy Phonics games we already enjoy.  What is this great program you may ask? 

READING MADE EASY
By: Valerie Bendt


If you are in the market for a reading instruction program, this one is worth a look.

Some days are like that

Some days the kids (one or all) can drive me nuts.  Today, it was Ashlyn's turn at the wheel and boy can she drive.  We have been working on first time obedience, and I'm feeling like we are getting nowhere!  At the library the Alice in Wonderland DVD had to stay behind because of bad behavior.  And later, at the bookstore, several sunglasses from the turntable rack had to be picked up off of the floor because *someone* couldn't resist giving it a big spin.  ARGH!  No ice cream at Jason's Deli for that one.  What's a mom to do?  Well, first I checked out a book recommended by a friend called Creative Correction. 

I clearly need some fresh ideas!

Then, I started wondering if God ever looks at me as I fumble through life, make bad choices, and lose my temper with the kids and thinks, "There she goes spinning the sunglasses rack again!".

GRACE

Isn't it wonderful!

I need to remember to give it as often as I receive it.

God is so patient.

Back to School

Yesterday we officially started our 2010-2011 school year.  Ashlyn is joining us now full-time as a kindergartner for family work time.  This adds some new, but welcome, distractions.

I have kept most things as they are posted on the "Our Curriculum" page, but I did make a switch for Allie's science.  She will be using Apologia Physical Science this year.  I think it will be enjoyable.