A (not so) Quiet Morning at Home

It sure would be nice if the kiddos were snuggly like this picture right now! We're home on a Sunday morning (weird!). Georgia Anne had a runny nose off and on the last few days, so we decided I should stay home from church with her *just in case*. She's fine. Ask me how I know?!

{How do you know, Allie?}

Well, she has been running around the house all morning- she and Andrew are building forts and conquering ottomans and playing together. Andrew has been quite disappointed that he didn't get to go to church but is playing well with sister. Well, he just ran over her toe with an ottoman, but he's playing well other than that. :) It was an accident and she's fake crying- he's hugging her & apologizing and now tickling her saying, "that's a fake cry! Fake crying girl!" Those two crack me up.

Anyways, I'm using my time (between putting up hair, getting drinks, changing diapers, etc etc) to listen to a great sermon on reaching out. Check August 8 & 15. I heard Part 2 last Sunday at Mom & Dad's church- it was challenging & encouraging! And even though I'm only getting Part 1 in fits & spurts b/c I'm being interrupted a LOT, it's good.

Actually, I think I'll stop listening & play and then come back. :) I hope you're enjoying your Sunday and that the Lord is growing you through time in His Word!!

Why I love Florida...

Or, more appropriately, "Why I love my family..."

Run for their Lives

Why Support Run For Their Lives? from Mauricio Belgrano on Vimeo.

If you are a runner, or a walker, or just like to hear about opportunities to make a difference in people's lives... watch this trailer on an upcoming race! See you there!!

Party Shots

Last night was our "Welcome Clara" party! Georgia Anne enjoyed all 3 of her servings of the Eggplant Parmesan dinner Kim brought over. :) It was so very delish!! What a great way to start the party!

Timbo & Lauren made posters to welcome their baby sister. We measured all the kiddos on the growth chart- it was fun to see how much (or little!) each of them had grown over the past year and a bit.

Then- the PENGUIN RACE! What a BLAST! The winner (Timbo) was showered with party popper confetti and we all retired to the kitchen for some "CLARA" brownies Lauren made. What a fun evening & some great memories.

From Generation to Generation...

Clara is two weeks old today. We'll have our "Welcome Clara Allison" party tonight... we've had fun doing that with each of the kiddos. We'll record the children's height on their growth chart, play some games (the Penguin Race is a staple), eat a sweet treat and dote on the new baby. I love making family memories!

Speaking of memories... this picture is of Clara's first Sunday heading to church. I dressed her in an outfit I wore when I was a baby!! I'm *so* not a packrat, so it's impressive that I not only still have it (thanks, Mom!) but that I remembered to put it on her while if fits!

I'm more concerned with passing on our godly heritage than passing on cute clothes- and we try to accomplish that in many ways. Some fun (welcoming babies with a family party!) and some more challenging (consisitently doing family devotions).

What special memories do you have & what do you strive to pass on to your own children? How?

Sweet Baby Girl!

Check out her fuzzy little noggin! :)

Clara is sleeping well and very awake when she's awake. I'll post some pictures of her with Lauren soon. Chris says Lauren has logged more Clara time than he has! One thing is certain- the kiddos all *love* their new little sister!

Homeschool Encouragement

I'm missing the HERI homeschool convention! I am always recharged when I go, but Clara was too young to head out there this year.

Chris had a great "plan b"- listen to workshops online! I found some great ones from the Christian Home Educators of Colorado (CHEC) convention... all the audio from 2006-2009! I have already listened to 4, with many more marked for future encouragement, inspiration, and teaching. CHEC it out! (haha- pun intended!)

Also, I found this entry to Raising Olives' blog doing a review on Sonlight- the curriculum we use. We've used it for 2 years and are very happy with it. Here is a link to the review and an entry for a $50 gift card toward a Sonlight purchase!

Oh! And one more link- These messages from Mark Hamby of Lamplighter Publishing are challenging. I clicked on Vol 1 and then 1. Strong Willed Parent and highly recommend that workshop!

Happy Homeschooling!