You, Me, and Two Sweet Beebs

The Photos You Haven’t Seen

2012-01-19T14:17:00.001-08:00

In September, my sister-in-law arranged to have her friend, Brandi, take photos of all the kids together for Barry’s parents. I couldn’t ruin the Christmas surprise, so I didn’t show you all the photos! Poor Avery did not cooperate at all. Camera shy and refused to sit and pose with the group. So much for a picture of all the grandkids together! Such is life with my tender hearted girl.

Maybe one of these days Avery will enjoy group photos?

Thanks to Brandi Florek for these lovely photos!

Christmas in Angel Fire {Part One}

2012-01-13T11:50:00.001-08:00

We’ve always talked about doing Christmas in the mountains. This year we made it happen. We drove to Amarillo, spent the night and then drove another four ~~miserable~~ hours to Angel Fire. Henry was not happy about being strapped in his seat for a second day in a row, but Avery was so patient. She was such a big girl traveler. I hadn’t been in that area for years and I really can’t believe the beauty. Don’t get me wrong, I’m demanding a beach Christmas next time around, but the mountains are truly majestic. We arrived and investigated our lovely condos {Four Seasons Unit FSP-F was so cozy!}, did some sledding and got settled. Sadly, Jake had an unexpected conflict with wrestling and so did Nick’s girlfriend Natasha, so we were down by two.

Samuel sledding….and falling. Cracks me up!

A Mama-Henry crash.

Whoa.

We race.

I win.

Stay tuned for Part 2!

As always, many thanks to our family photographer Marc!

Happy New Year {A Day Late}

2012-01-02T14:05:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year

from sunny Arlington

where brothers and sister share coats.

Christmas at Home - 2011

2011-12-30T08:16:00.001-08:00

Barry was sick, so the boys stayed home while me and Avery went to church on Christmas eve.

I’ve had this precious dress for a year….couldn’t wait for her to wear it!

Had a Happy Birthday Jesus candle in the yummy breakfast rolls.

Yes, they both got a brush/dustpan in their stocking – an effort to keep them away from mine.

Both excited to open presents!

Avery decorated her gifts to Barry and Henry. Look at those H’s!

{Totally unprompted. It is working. She’s learning. Whew.}

Playing with her favorite gift, the Playmobil horse set.

Practicing with Henry’s t-ball set.

Issues with sharing and selfishness. Constant, constant, constant.

We tried to have a fun tennis match in the backyard but I only succeeded in breaking a window.

Bath, pajamas and off to Starbucks and driving around to see Christmas lights!

We had the best Christmas – home all day, resting, playing, peaceful.

We’re off to Angel Fire next week to have a rowdy and loud Christmas with our families.

Daddy’s Baptism {12-18-11}

2011-12-19T12:03:00.001-08:00

Pictured (Left to Right):

Sick Mama with a Nyquil hangover, Tired Avery, Handsome Daddy and Hungry Henry

So proud of you Barry and we love you to death.

The {Forgotten} First Haircut!

2011-12-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

Well…..the first haircut by a professional anyway. I was butchering his hair every time I tried so we went to a barber. This particular barber specialized in African American hair and we didn’t notice. Although he didn’t say it with words, his eyes and hands made me 100% certain that this man had never cut a little blonde head before. Ever. He did fine though and Henry had a cute buzz cut!

And while I’m here, check out this injury! Henry Boy is always injured…..

Christmas Tour 2011

2011-12-10T17:41:00.001-08:00

I have no photos of our Thanksgiving celebration. We had a very nice weekend with Barry’s parents and I never pulled the camera out. We ate, shopped, decorated and Barry and I went on a date! With two extra folks around to wrangle the kids, we got so much done. Very thankful for this Thanksgiving!

This was a huge project that Barry and his Dad tackled! Love the addition of wreaths!

Henry Boy helping like a sweet man!

-Before the Christmas concert at church-

And a few new additions this year!

A gift from Coco and Noog after Avery couldn’t keep her hands off this at their house last year.

Snowmen to watch over Avery’s nature table!

The kiddos have their own tiny tree with angels.

And our interactive Jesse tree with ornaments to color!

A lovely Christmas season thus far!

Sunday at the Movies - “Sibling Love”

2011-12-04T06:47:00.001-08:00

“ He’s pinching my boobs!” – Oh dear……..

A Dead Hog

2011-12-03T12:12:00.001-08:00

Hooray for Barry!

Pumpkin Predictions & Observations

2011-11-15T13:17:00.001-08:00

This post should really be called I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING

or maybe I LOVE PINTEREST

or how about I LOVE THAT MY HUSBAND WORKS HARD SO I CAN BE HOME

no….THE CUTEST KIDS ON EARTH PLAY WITH A PUMPKIN AND DO A WORKSHEET.

They all fit.

Here she is filling out her “Pumpkin Observations” sheet.

Filling her water table for the “will it float?” experiment.

The “Pumpkin Predictions” sheet – 3 seeds!

"It floats!”

She had to observe with all five senses – this was smelling the pumpkin.

She decided it smelled bad and ran around the porch in disgust.

Tasting - and her reaction.

They generously gifted the pumpkin guts to the squirrels.

Pumpkin lesson success!

I Heart Tiny Prints {A Call To Return to Christmas Cards}

2011-11-11T14:52:00.001-08:00

But you all must know that already…many of you received these in the mail last year!

Henry’s birth announcement – I adore Tiny Prints’ sibling announcement options.

And who doesn’t like to receive a Thanksgiving card inspired by a timeless preschool craft?!

Let’s talk Tiny Prints Christmas cards now.

I desperately want to fill my entire fridge with Christmas cards every December, but it.just.never.happens. I want it to happen this year. You need to send your {great} grandparents a pretty card. You need to step away from the computer and use a pen to lovingly address envelopes. You need to teach your children how the post office operates [they REALLY need our business this year folks]. You need to budget now and pick a Christmas card from Tiny Prints’ pretty 2011 collection. Do it.

I’ll even help you pick! Here are my favorites:

For families with ~~naughty~~ feisty children!

Who says Christmas cards have to be red and green?

And the most important Christmas news – classic Jesus {above} or trendy Jesus {below}

As you can see, they have Christmas cards for every taste. Oh, and I’m sure you’ll be pleased to know that if you call Tiny Prints, you’ll chat with a person quickly and they will HELP YOU. I totally screwed up on some baby shower invitations I ordered from Tiny Prints and they rescued me when I called. No problem.

So, which one are you going to order? Leave me a comment and let me know!

P.S Tiny Prints has generously offered 50 free cards to bloggers who feature their 2011 line! Of course I was happy to oblige because not only do I love Christmas cards, I really do heart Tiny Prints!

Henry the Great Backyard Explorer

2011-11-09T11:59:00.001-08:00

“Mama! Please get me a haircut!”

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs – Sensory Play

2011-11-07T12:48:00.001-08:00

First, we read this book.

The town of Chewandswallow has no grocery store.

They get their food from the sky in the form of weather.

They even experience a horrible flooding – of spaghetti noodles!

Then we made the town of Chewandswallow.

Then Daddy prepared the flood materiel.

Then, Sweet Avery got to be in charge of the weather.

Henry helped and ate a noodle or two.

My little sleepy-eyed girl loved her post-nap activity!

Thanks to I Can Teach My Child for the idea!

(Because you all know, I DON’T DO CREATIVE. I browse blogs well though!)

For more sensory box ideas, this blog is the best!

My Dancing Princess and her Knight in Shining Armor!

2011-11-02T16:45:00.001-07:00

She finally let me use a curling iron on her hair! I’m in love!

Barry rigging her dress for an adventure in the bounce house.

Giving Henry a kiss before she went.

The petting zoo – this is a big step folks, big step!

Henry thinking he can raid Avery’s pumpkin and get some candy.

Henry realizing he can’t have candy. Mean old Mama.

Sunday at the Movies on a Monday - “Crazy Henry at the Fair”

2011-10-24T12:47:00.001-07:00

Pumpkin Patch 2011

2011-10-23T10:13:00.001-07:00

We might actually get her on a horse Aunt Jules!

“WHOA horse!”

Everything starts fine and then she takes it too far.

Henry gets mad.

Then Avery gets in trouble and gives me the evil eye.

They each chose a pumpkin and we had a lovely dinner out!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

(Henry Boy had me puking, so 2009 never happened.)

Pumpkin Patch 2008

Happy Fall!

A Documentary Worth Watching - “180”

2011-10-17T12:58:00.001-07:00

“What does a dog say?”

2011-10-06T14:27:00.001-07:00

WOOF. WOOF.

Avery’s First Week – The Letter “A”

2011-10-02T19:21:00.001-07:00

Gluing scraps of paper on the letter A.

Critical thinking with Mighty Mind. Really cool activity. Highly recommended by us!

After brainstorming about her service project for awhile, she chose Annie. Aunt Julie’s dog of course. I gently encouraged her (many) times to choose a human, but she didn’t budge. She picked out a bone and we went to the post office. A couple of days later we got a cute photo of Annie with her bone in Amarillo.

She used her own money and paid herself!

Apple Prints

Her sweet Bible verse video – I want to eat her!

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you O, God. - Psalm 42:1

We had fun, but it is a bit of an adjustment for me to add structured activities. I’ve gotten used to running errands, going to the gym and doing whatever I want during the day. We decided 3-4 times a week was plenty for projects, crafts and activities so we can still walk the mall if I want! Oh, and reading, we read many books and visited the library twice like usual. The letter “A” was a success.

Avery’s First Day of School Pictures & An Interview!

2011-09-28T20:26:00.001-07:00

Just because you don’t leave the house doesn’t mean you skip “First Day of School” pictures! Yep, she even has a backpack (a Pottery Barn Goodwill find!) to stuff with random toys and items she loves. We also conducted a little Mommy & Me interview that we’ll repeat every year. Of course I don’t think of these creative things, but I do have fingers to type over at Pinterest. Thanks to all you creative women out there!

Mommy asks her child to recite her name: Avery
How old are you? 3
What is your favorite color? Red and Orange and Green
Who is your best friend? Henry
Favorite animal? Elephant
What do you want to be when you grow up? Dancing Princess
What is your favorite book? Aunt Pitty Patty’s Piggy
Who makes you happy? Henry
Who makes you sad? Henry too
What is your favorite food to eat? Spaghetti
What is you favorite song? “Holy Holy” (She means Kari Jobe’s Revelation Song)
What game do you like to play? Crafts

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Henry got a lot of love during our interview….she really does love her brother, but apparently he whacks her and pulls her hair enough to make her sad too. Love this sweet girl!

Our first week of learning went really well. Of course I documented every bit of it for you to see, so be looking for our letter “A” recap this weekend, complete with a video of her reciting her memory verse. (OH. MY. GOSH it is precious.)

Meet Esther - “Our Little Girl”

2011-09-27T12:35:00.001-07:00

That’s what Avery calls her – our little girl. A couple of months ago, in the midst of griping, complaining, whining and plotting to dominate our student loan debt, we decided to add one more bill to the list. Seems odd since we’re trying to get RID of obligations. But a funny thing happens when you study your finances, look around your house, and wave to your husband as he heads off to his second job. You realize how blessed you are. We sponsored a little girl named Esther through Compassion.

Barry makes FOUR times her average MONTHLY income in ONE DAY at his second job.

We send $38 a month. She lives in Nicaragua. That much money provides medical checkups, hygiene/health education, school supplies, clothes, shoes, tutoring, special celebrations and nutritious food. She attends Bible classes at a Compassion sponsored center because of our $38 a month. Avery likes to pray for her to be safe from jungle creatures like leopards, lions and snakes. I haven’t received a letter from Esther yet, but I did get a letter from her pastor last month, telling us about how her community is plagued by unemployment and illness. You can upload photos and email your child or send handwritten letter with actual photos. All up to you.

You should sponsor a child too. You can afford it.

Watch this family as they find out they have a sponsor through Compassion.

Read about Compassion’s financial integrity here.

Amarillo Trip & The FAIR!

2011-09-21T20:12:00.001-07:00

We hadn’t been to Amarillo since Christmas so our visit was long overdue. It was busy and hectic as usual, but we enjoyed seeing family. Poor Henry Boy got exhausted and has been fighting a bug with a fierce fever for three days. Poor Barry skipped his fishing trip so we could bring him home a day early. The boys got the short end of the stick this trip.

HA!

Henry playing at Kiki’s feet while she cooked.

My lovely piano player.

Brownie batter with Aunt Jules.

We decided to enjoy the fair of our youth this year. Small and just as I remember it.

Pig races!

So proud of her! Usually timid, but not this night.

Fried pickles!

“I want to ride the motorcycles!”

Or not….they were super fast and it scared her to death.

I promise I didn’t let her see me laughing. The nice man by Barry stopped it quickly!

Taking photos (coming soon) with her new-to-her digital camera. A gift from Pappy.

The Bengal Tiger

Henry trying to punch the goat. She tries to protect him.

Fair Family 2011

Fair Family 2010

We skipped 2009 - Just bought the house - too busy!

Fair Family 2008

Happy {Great} Grandparent’s Day!

2011-09-11T10:32:00.001-07:00

I should have planned a craft or sent a card, but I just didn’t get to it.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t say it here!

Happy Day to our great grandparents/grandparents!

Love, Barry, Whittney, Avery & Henry

Henry Boy - All Boy – A Squishy Mama’s Boy

2011-09-08T20:24:00.001-07:00

With a little help from (taller) Big Sister, Henry got into Mama’s cake decorating supplies.

Blue food coloring….real healthy.

Here we have a very mad Henry after I fished the tip of a green marker out of his mouth.

He’s feisty, but also a great helper.

I bought those scissors and Henry got his first cut!

Sweet Avery was the photographer.

Not bad if I do say so myself!

I love that he’s a Mama’s boy.

My Life in Bullets

2011-08-30T13:55:00.001-07:00

I am ashamed to say I’ve never read my entire Bible. So, I have committed to NOT reading any fiction until I complete that task. (Except for a couple of series books where I’m waiting on the third installment to be released this fall.) I’ll be using this reading plan with my fancy ESV Study Bible that Barry got me for our anniversary. I love it.
I got a new wireless printer and I have pretty lists everywhere. Hooray! Go here and here to print your own fun lists.
Henry has been night-weaned so I’m sleeping solidly through the night for the first time in a couple of years. Really, it has been years.
I joined a gym. LA Fitness. Real fancy, but I hate leaving the kids in childcare. Henry isn’t a fan and cries when I drop him off, but thankfully Avery loves to play and literally drags her brother around by the arm to protect him.
Avery has started telling Henry “Thanks for being born MacDougal.” Me too Avery, me too.
Our sod is doing excellent thanks to Barry’s faithful watering. The expensive landscaping we did in the front beds…..not so much. We’ve lost half of them to the heat. Sigh.
I’ve decided to become an expert “hair cutter.” I still refuse to pay someone $20 per child. I need to invest in some official hair cutter scissors.
We’ll start Avery’s homeschool adventure after our vacation to Amarillo. Yay!
Our church had an open baptism service two weeks ago and I got baptized.
Barry is working all the time, so he is tired. He now has two different PRN gigs on top of his full-time job. It is worth it to not be this couple!

1st Rangers Game for the Sweet Beebs!

2011-08-24T07:09:00.000-07:00

Barry was given some tickets for an office suite at a Rangers game a couple of weeks ago. I think I saw 25 seconds of the game……the rest of my time was spent chasing children and sweating. Everyone in the suite hung out on couches and watched the game on several televisions. Weird, isn’t it? To come to the game and watch it on the TV while the real deal is right behind the couch. It was a fun little outing, but I think we’ll hire a babysitter next time.

P.S. Henry Boy is hitting. Yep, my 13 month old baby is hitting, scowling and using random objects in the house as weapons! There were several other children in the suite. Henry punched a 7 year old and growled. Then the kid came to me to “tell” on him. I called him a wimp in my head.

Sweet Avery – The Photographer

2011-08-22T19:59:00.001-07:00

I gave Avery my camera last week. Here is a sampling of her work.

A Book Worth Reading - “The Flipside of Feminism”

2011-08-13T13:30:00.001-07:00

*I read a lot of great books and I want you to know about them. So every once in a while, I’ll post a tidbit out of a current favorite. You can always browse my updated library in the bookshelf along the right column. ---------------------------------> and then scroll down a bit. Happy reading!*

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive.

-C. S. Lewis

“The truth is that feminism has been the single worst thing that has happened to American women. It did not liberate women at all – it confused them. It made their lives harder. Women today are caught between man and nature. Their female nature tells them sex requires love; marriage is important; children are a blessing; and men are necessary. The culture, meanwhile, tells them to sleep around and postpone family life because that will cost them their identity. And, if their marriage doesn’t work out, it’s no big deal. They can always get divorced. Is it any wonder that modern women are unhappy?”

-excerpt from The Flipside of Feminism

The New Plan – Avery’s Pre-K Adventure!

2011-08-10T20:38:00.001-07:00

Remember this post, where I gave you my plan for Avery’s pre-K year? Well, I changed my mind. After really looking at the literature picks in Sonlight’s Little Learners package, I realized that we own or have read many of them. So I used a list by Sarah Clarkson, the author of Read from the Heart, and the Sonlight package to decide which books we would read this year. One of my biggest fears is lesson planning, which is why I think Sonlight is great. BUT, if ever there was a year for me to strike out on my own and try to create original lesson plans, this is it! She is too young for it to be a disaster if I fail miserable. I’m thinking of buying a pointer and having her call me Miss Whittney. What do you think?

-The Plan-

~Learn Your Letters, Learn to Serve – this will be our core curriculum. She has been asking me about letters when we read and knows her ABC song so that is my cue, right? This curriculum is cheap, flexible and can be used for multiple children. You can browse a sample lesson plan for the letter “B” here.

~I would love to make a letter tree based on the book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. If you haven’t read that book you’re missing out!

(Photo: Confessions of a Homeschooler)

~You can browse my picks for general literature, Bible and some fun stuff with these fancy widgets.

~ And these things are still on the list!

A cool art project once a week – I will be visiting I Can Teach My Child, The Activity Mom Confessions of a Homeschooler for ideas. I might have to track down this book and A Beka has a cute little art book that I remember from my youth.

Chores & Responsibility Chart – includes Verse of the Week and Prayers; we already use “The Blessing Chart.”

Felt Sets are too cool to skip, so I’ve been collecting a few.

Hands on cooking/helping in the kitchen during the week.

Fun Stuff – Field trip or two (Yep. I just HAVE to plan an “official field trip), we love puzzles lately, board games like Candy Land or Don’t Spill the Beans, or Hi Ho! Cherry-O.

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As you can see, I have gone overboard! There is no reason to do all of these things. I want to have a bunch of options so I’m not scrambling around every other day wondering “What do I teach a 3 year old?” We’re simply getting our feet wet. I want us to have fun, laugh and practice a “school” schedule while we learn a few things along the way. Most of all, I want to keep her heart close and show her Jesus.

Wish us luck!

P.S. This post is dedicated to Avery’s pre-K year benefactors, who paid for her supplies.

Avery & Samuel’s Curious George Birthday – 3!

2011-08-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

We went on a date to see Harry Potter (it was awesome and sad and I <3 Ron!) while the kiddos stayed with our family. I think everyone had a nice time.

Then we relaxed the day of the party. Mom cooked 20 pounds of fried chicken. It was yum.

(Avery Girl bit off a bit more than she could chew with this one.)

Oops.

Then we opened gifts!

(One of my only successful craft projects. Instructions here.)

T-Rex was always creeping into the shot.

Avery, Samuel and one for Pappy too!

Happy 3rd Birthday to Avery and Samuel! We love you both!

Avery’s Special Day! – Third Birthday

2011-07-27T19:19:00.001-07:00

The Movie Date!

My dear husband sending a text to the sitter 30 minutes after we left.

Paying for her popcorn!

A movie lover just like her parents.

On her actual birthday, I let her choose breakfast and dinner.

My sleepy kiddos at our favorite place of course!

A somewhat healthier choice of Sweet Tomatoes for dinner….eating her favorite food item.

Then we have this guy. King of quagmires.

“I love MacDougal. He’s my best friend.”

We’re off to have her big Curious George birthday bash with family!

Happy weekend.

Happy Third Birthday Sweet Avery!

2011-07-21T04:54:00.001-07:00

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Numbers 6:24-26

Student Loans, Shaping Souls and Winnie the Pooh

2011-07-15T20:32:00.001-07:00

Thinking tonight about the “if-only” and “should-have.” Thinking about why Barry is working a second job (sometimes three jobs!) and why I’m excited about a half-off sale at Goodwill. We are determined to relieve ourselves of massive student loan debt. Wondering why I thought a Big 12 university was necessary. My tuition and books were paid every semester by scholarship but living wasn’t cheap. So Barry works himself silly to pay for a 400 square foot apartment I slept in seven years ago. Amarillo College sounds like a little piece of heaven about now. Barry’s student loans seem more acceptable, but even his necessary degrees could have been paid in cash, just a bit slower than we would have liked. Of course we had good experiences, several great professors, and gained some knowledge, but I don’t think I learned anything quite so valuable as the truth in Proverbs 22:7. Where was that verse when I was signing my promissory note?! Still, these mistakes are blessings in disguise. We have much opportunity to practice the Godly character traits of diligence, self-control, thoroughness, thriftiness, patience, determination, endurance and the hardest of all, contentment. We might even teach our kids a thing or two!

We’re not the only ones pondering: “Is College Worth It?”

All this college, debt, degree talk always gets me thinking about my current job. You know, motherhood.

Job Description: Shaping Souls (Pretty intense, right?)

Encouraging words for mamas:

“Motherhood is a Calling (And Where Your Children Rank)”

“Motherhood as a Mission Field”

The great news is that we’re doing well juggling our work schedule and Barry is home this weekend! Sweet Avery turns three next week so we’re taking her to see Winnie the Pooh for her birthday tomorrow. A huge milestone in our family…the first movie theater experience! Do you think she would notice if I snuck out to see Harry Potter instead? We have a date scheduled in two weeks to see it. Can’t come fast enough.

Happy Weekend!

P.S. I only occasionally sit around wallowing in the regrets of my past. I promise.

Henry At One Year

2011-07-11T17:54:00.001-07:00

Weight – 22 pounds
Teeth – 8
Completely mobile and has even started running.
Nicknames – Dougal (pronounced DOO-GUL), Handsome 36, McDougal, Mack Dougal, Henry Boy, Fatty, Fatty McGhee, Sweet Man, Buddy, Little Buddy
He will eat anything! - He especially loves blueberries, peas and carrots. He is not so thrilled about avocado.
He nurses 1,945 times a day.
He scoots chairs around the house.
His hair has grown over his ears but I’m resisting the urge to cut it.
He wears shoes only occasionally and doesn’t really like them.
He loves to give big hugs and pat me on the back.
I rock him for his naps because he is spoiled and I love the feel of a sweaty baby. (Most days)
He has no fear and climbs furniture.
When he gets mad at Avery (usually because she takes something from him) he chases her while swinging his arms and pulls on her shirt.
Favorite Toys – all of our musical toys. He likes to dance.
He stayed in Sunday school for the first time this week. The email recap of his morning included “Henry enjoyed books.”
He scrunches his nose just like his sister and mama.
He rolls his tongue and spits through it.
He has a farmer’s tan on his arms and legs.
He will eat anything he encounters, even an earthworm. I wasn’t too thrilled about fishing that out of his mouth.
He is such a funny little guy.
He still has those dimples.
He absolutely adores his sister.
We love him.

Henry’s First Birthday!

2011-07-05T20:26:00.001-07:00

We love you Henry Boy! - I can’t believe you’re such a big man already.

I’m so glad God decided to surprise us with you!

~The Gifts~

~The Cupcake~

~The Waterpark~

~The Fireworks~

This is pretty much how Avery looked during the entire show. A mix of crying, laughing and saying “I want to go home!” My little sensitive one. The men stayed home to make Henry’s early bedtime so it was just us girls. We had a great weekend.

~The Firecracker Craft~

My Squishy, Rowdy Boy

2011-06-28T20:41:00.001-07:00

Sneak Peek!

2011-06-24T05:22:00.001-07:00

Our family shoot went great (except for our photographer breaking her knee cap!) and Michelle sent us a few photos as a “Sneak Peek.” We love them! Check out Michelle Monk Photography to see more of her work.

P.S. We met at Arlington Baptist College and it was so pretty. I had no idea it even existed. It is a Historic Landmark because it was once a casino and brothel, complete with underground tunnels! You can read more about Top ‘O Hill Terrace and the history here. And if you really want to learn more, you can take a guided tour.

Happy Daddy’s Day!

2011-06-19T10:06:00.001-07:00

This photo is why this cartoon made me laugh out loud. We love you!

Of course I didn’t forget my Dad (or Pappy if you’re the kiddos). We love you too!

Sunday at the Movies - “The Lion and the Mouse”

2011-06-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

A dramatic retelling of The Lion and the Mouse; one of most beloved Aesop’s fables.

“The Lion and the Mouse is a fable about a mouse who, surprisingly, is set free by a lion. Later, the lion is captured in a net set by humans. The tiny mouse cleverly sets the lion free, thereby repaying the lion for his kindness and showing that sometimes the strong depend upon the weak.”

My favorite part is when she says, “The mouse keeps biting, keeps biting…..”

Love this girl!

*Edited to add: I just realized my son is sitting in the background eating crayons. Oops. I wonder if they're more tasty than the earthworm he ate last week?

Happy 6 Years Lover!

2011-06-16T18:36:00.001-07:00

Can you tell I just watched this SNL skit?! Cracks me up!

What a blessed six years it has been!

(Silly young lovuuuusss at the beach. Aweeeeee.)

We Love Summer!

2011-06-15T19:58:00.001-07:00

Sunday at the Movies - “Henry Drives”

2011-06-05T07:57:00.001-07:00

Book Fair Review and a Plan

2011-06-03T06:25:00.001-07:00

When I started making notes about homeschooling, it was a pros and cons list. One side was “Homeschooling” and the other “Private School.” For many reasons, Barry said that at this point in time, our local public school was not an option. Fine with me. So I read. Researched. Read more. Researched a whole lot more. I quickly realized that I didn’t need to do any more lists because educating our beebs in our own home is the right thing for our family at this time. I tried to figure out why The Flint Academy is worth the $17,000 annual tuition for each child. I wondered where I might like to work to pay for classes and uniforms at Pantego Christian Academy. Would I actually have to wear mascara five days a week to an office?! NOOOOOOOO! You get my point. We can’t afford private school for our children and I do not believe that they would be receiving an education really worth the cost.

So here we go.

Our Home School Book Fair experience was wonderful. Barry attended two morning workshops with me. The first was about popular teaching methodologies (textbook, unit studies, classical, living books, unschooling) and the second was about getting started when you’re new to homeschooling (legal issues, curriculum requirements, grades/keeping records.) When Barry asked for a pen and started taking notes, I knew he was going to be hooked. When he started talking about the importance of geography, well, I was all smiles. My mom accompanied me to the actual fair to browse the convention center full of exhibitors.

After exploring, I’ve decided on a very relaxed plan for Avery’s 3-year-old year. Here it is:

Sonlight’s Little Learners package is right up our alley. Book, books and more books!
A cool art project once a week – I will be visiting I Can Teach My Child, The Activity Mom Confessions of a Homeschooler for ideas. I might have to track down this book and A Beka has a cute little art book that I remember from my youth.
Chores & Responsibility Chart – includes Verse of the Week and Prayers; we already use “The Blessing Chart.”
Felt Sets are too cool to skip, so I’ve been collecting a few.
Hands on cooking/helping in the kitchen during the week. ( Dear Lord, please give me patience. Amen.)
Other Basic Stuff - letters, numbers, shapes, colors, manners, character development, serving others, being kind to her brother even when he tackles her and takes her puzzle pieces – This is the every day life category that we’ve been working on since birth.
Fun Stuff – Field trip or two (Yep. I just HAVE to plan an “official field trip), we love puzzles lately, board games like Candy Land or Don’t Spill the Beans, or Hi Ho! Cherry-O. I’m counting down the days until I can force my kiddos to play Rummikub with me!

There it is – What do you think? Our goal is to have fun with a little bit of structure to help all of us get used to the very foreign idea of homeschooling. Any other ideas? Please leave me a comment!

I have discovered MANY great resources, so here’s a list for you to browse.

Doorposts – awesome character training books and items, including our “Blessing Chart.”
Confessions of a Homeschooler – Letter of the Week downloadable curriculum
Learn your Letters…..Learn to Serve
My Father’s World – unit studies using Charlotte Mason/classical/Biblical approach
Teaching Textbooks – really cool math program for 3rd grade and up
Hank the Cowdog books – I read these when I was a kid!
Pumpkin Seed Press – resources for your girl (purity, tea sets and Beautiful Girlhood series)
Smoothing the Way – course for new homeschool parents during your first year of teaching
Texas Homeschool Coalition – great legal information, handbook, legislative news
Homeschool Creations – resources of all kinds, specifically the Preschool Corner
KONOS – unit studies based on character traits
Five in a Row – early learner curriculum
Currclick – lapbook, curriculum resources
Simply Charlotte Mason – resources for Charlotte Mason style teaching
Zeezok – awesome study guides to teach from movies – Memom, you will be interested to know that they have a study guide for Father Goose!

Must Read Articles:

"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."- Deut 6:5-7

My Life in Photos

2011-05-26T18:40:00.001-07:00

Cloud watching in the backyard. It was so sweet!

Planting some sunflowers. Always serious these days.

Climbing stairs and eating rocks.

He eats chalk too.

Oh, and sand!

Henry is such a mess.

I forgot yellow flowers. Eats those as well.

We visited the Fort Worth Botanic Garden for the first time.

Who knows.

Grandma Robb won’t approve.

Our big girl sleeping until 9AM!

Destruction of the baby bed.

“I’m feeding my baby.”

Hope you have a happy Memorial Day weekend!

Sunday at the Movies - “Henry Walks”

2011-05-22T19:27:00.001-07:00

Yep, on May 14, 2011, Sweet Henry Boy took his first steps.

No stopping him now!

Mother’s Day – Henry’s First Zoo Visit!

2011-05-13T10:41:00.001-07:00

We spent Mother’s Day weekend researching homeschooling (much more on this in a coming post), going to the zoo and eating at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop for the first time! Barry and the kids got me a sweet necklace from The Vintage Pearl (I’ll show you a photo soon!) and another massage. My husband knows that you can never have too many massages. We were exhausted from a busy weekend and all have been battling congestion and sore throat, but we’re on the mend. Must get healed in time to get exhausted again at Sea World in about a week. We’re taking the kids on their first trip to meet Shamu and we’re going to tell them all about the weekend we got engaged. We stayed on the Riverwalk, ate at a fancy restaurant, I got a pretty ring, we visited Sea World and Daddy even rode a GIGANTIC rollercoaster! So happy I said yes.

-The Highlights-

She was not into the dinosaurs hanging out around the zoo.

Feeding the birds! – Click here to compare to last year’s zoo adventure.

Yep. My Avery is touching a SNAKE!

You were expecting this next part, right? I do it every time.

Pregnant with Avery – 2008

Sweet Avery - 2009

Pregnant with Henry – 2010

Two Sweet Beebs! - 2011

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Big H – Educating my Two Sweet Beebs

2011-05-06T05:48:00.001-07:00

I never thought I would consider homeschooling my kiddos. They would attend a private, Christian school where I hoped they would learn about Jesus and wear uniforms (SO MUCH EASIER). Shortly after their third birthday, we would enroll them in a preschool program two days a week and Mama would head back to work.

Then I HAD the kiddos and I feel like the Lord is leading us down the homeschool path. I think. For the first two years of Avery’s life I ignored it and hoped it would go away. But now I’m researching and everything I thought I knew about educating my children is being challenged. It is exciting! I’m on a research mission and I’m going to document it.

Education Mission – Rough Draft

Christ-centered - Biblically based – Build Godly character – Encourage service and missions – Academic excellence in Literature, History, Science, Math, Critical Thinking/Logic, Writing, Public Speaking, Money Management & Dating – Exposure to Art, Music, Foreign Language & World Cultures – Freedom to pursue special interests.

Research and Reading

Here are some of the ways I have bee exploring homeschooling.

100 Top Picks for Homeschool Curriculum by Cathy Duffy – A+ – Great book with her review of her top curriculum choices. Also an informative section on learning styles.
The Homeschooling Option: How to Decide when It’s Right for Your Family by Lisa Rivero – A – Overview of homeschool truths, a typical day, special issues (teens, special needs), laws and questions to ask yourself to make the decision.
Homeschooling: Take a Deep Breath-You Can Do This! – B – She guides you through staring your homeschool days. Everything from convincing your reluctant family members to record keeping to physically organizing your school space.
Current Controversies – Homeschooling – C - A weird little book with short articles by advocates and critics of homeschooling.
Sonlight – A curriculum that has caught my eye and so did their very thorough catalog. I especially enjoyed their “27 Reasons Not to Buy Sonlight.” Sonlight was recommended to me by a friend who homeschools four girls.
The Old Schoolhouse magazine
I listened to a presentation from Classical Conversations and have their catalog.
Browsed catalogs from A Beka Book and A.C.E – both recommended to me by homeschooling mothers. I was taught with A Beka Book until I left private school in 7th grade.
I’ve read about homeschooling at Mommypotamus and learned about different styles of homeschooling. My #1 book on this list does a fabulous job of explaining this too.
Browsed blogs like Confessions of a Homeschooler to see what they do all day.
Read through legal information at Home School Legal Defense Association and learned that New York State requires parents to send notification or achievement test scores and/or professional evaluation, plus other requirements (e.g. curriculum approval by the state, teacher qualification of parents, or home visits by state officials). See map.

On My List to Read

Educating the WholeHearted Child by Clay & Sally Clarkson
The Well-Trained Mind by Susan Wise Bauer
Home Education by Charlotte Mason
A couple of John Gatto’s books - maybe Dumbing us Down: The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsory Schooling.

This weekend we are attending the Home School Book Fair right here in Arlington. Grandma Robb, Marc and Samuel have been recruited to watch the kids so Barry and I can attend workshops. Yay!

Any other suggested reading?

Much more on this topic in the future!

Sunday at the Movies on a Monday - “Avery & Samuel Hunt Eggs”

2011-05-02T07:14:00.001-07:00

He Is Risen Weekend – Henry’s First Easter!

2011-04-26T19:50:00.001-07:00

It started with a little playing around the house.

Then we got spiffed up for church.

I dressed Henry Boy in a vest & navy shorts just like I always imagined I would.

From here on out, you will only see Avery scowling at the camera.

I just adore them. Look at his dimples and her beautiful hair!

Watch my sweet Avery’s rapid mood swing.

She morphs into a weasel at the end.

Off to the egg hunt at church.

Easter basket fun!

Many thanks to our family who shipped gobs of goodies to us!

Sweaty, dirty kids with mosquito bites and stained clothes.

A perfect day of celebrating Christ’s resurrection!

Pants Optional

2011-04-23T10:52:00.001-07:00

She created a little treat for the birds.

Cheap peanut butter, bird food and a pinecone.

The perfect post-nap activity.

Pants optional.

Sunday at the Movies - “Avery Sings ABC Song”

2011-04-17T15:36:00.001-07:00

Bluebonnet Beebs 2011

2011-04-09T16:36:00.001-07:00

We had our annual bluebonnet shoot last week and it was perfect! Sadly, the bluebonnets this year are not as abundant or brilliant in color. The experts say it is due to little rain and hot conditions. Nonetheless, we found a tiny field very near our house off a busy street next to an icky gas station. Some homeless folks live under a tree in this field just to the left of the photos. So sad. As you’ll see, my beebs are just the cutest children alive. Avery is an old pro and Henry’s first year was a huge success! I plan to drag my children to a field every spring until they leave my home….maybe even longer. Click here to see Avery’s first year and here for her second year!

~My Favorites~

~Outtakes~

Happy 9 Months!

2011-04-03T14:21:00.001-07:00

To my Sweet Henry!

Escape to the Ranch

2011-03-29T17:03:00.001-07:00

Where have I been? Well, let’s just say that if I wrote a “My Life in Bullets” tonight, it would include sickness, frustration and more sickness. I’ll skip all that for now though and show you some photos of our trip to my Aunt’s ranch. It was a nice day of seeing my Dad, Peg, Tres and extended family. We played on 4-wheelers and Avery experiences many animals, including a baby calf that was being bottle-fed. It was a nice day of breathing fresh air.

-Feeding Catfish-

-Inspecting a cow patty-

-I promise to be a better blogger now that everyone is back to normal-

Henry’s First Mall Trip

2011-03-10T08:36:00.001-08:00

My photography isn’t great, but I thought you might like to see them anyway. Avery and I cruised the mall every week from the moment she was born, but with two nap and feeding schedules, we hadn’t been with Henry ever. We had our first date last week. My sweet beebs loved it.

Sunday at the Movies - “Avery Roars”

2011-03-06T16:48:00.001-08:00

Our favorite neighbor started chatting me up in the middle of my vid shoot. Sigh.

Sunday at the Movies – Triple Feature

2011-02-27T07:27:00.001-08:00

Dumping Photos

2011-02-22T11:54:00.001-08:00

I’ve had a busy couple of weeks. So I’m dumping the contents of my camera right here in one post. Enjoy.

For Memom!

A house in our neighborhood excited about the Super Bowl and the icy stadium.

He is a crazy little man.

Crawling, sitting and now standing to try to escape from his crib.

His sister has a new nose scrunch face that cracks us up.

I surprised Barry for Valentine’s day and left him home alone for the weekend.

Me and the kids visited this Little Buddy aka My Littlest Bro (and his parents) in Austin.

Thanks for letting us take over your house Robb and Marc!

“Look at me! I sit like a big man in the cart now!”

“Mama finally got a photo of my teeth!”

I spent last weekend at the Mom Heart conference and it was lovely and encouraging.

Barry recruited his peeps to help him with the kids while I was gone.

Thanks Coco and Noog!

Oh, about those teeth! You saw his sweet bottom two teeth, but he has more. Henry Boy has his top eye teeth/canine teeth (or vampire fangs) and it is so funny. I think it is a bit odd actually because everything I read says those normally come in during the second year around 16-22 months. Still no top two teeth either. I suppose it is normal for Henry though. Any dental folks out there with an opinion?

The blurry proof:

Hope you enjoyed my photo dump!

I promise not to be busy again for awhile,

I know some of my family members in Amarillo were having Two Sweet Beebs withdrawal! Sorry peeps.

Emotional Dinners

2011-02-07T09:38:00.001-08:00

Sad Dinner – Apple & Blueberry Puree

Happy Dinner – Avocado & Butternut Squash

Sweet Avery - An Update

2011-02-01T19:12:00.001-08:00

On January 21st, Avery was 2.5 years old. I cannot believe my firstborn is such a big girl. I was pondering what updates to write about and I realized there isn’t a thing she can’t chat with me about. Her language has developed so much since Henry’s birth. She still talks about herself in the third person. "Avery wants to do this and Avery wants to do that.” She weighed 25 pounds today at the planetarium at UTA, but she is still petite with skinny little legs. Here are some tidbits:

-Taking her photo is tricky. She rarely poses because she wants to operate the camera.

-Our local library has a new program for toddlers to get their own special library card. We’re there once or twice a week so we decided she needed one. She was pretty excited.

-We go round and round about drawing “eggs” on her hand. EVERY.TIME.WE.PLAY.MARKERS

-I used the word “craft” one day when I gave Avery some stickers, paper and marker and now we’re “crafting” all the time. “Mama, Avery wanna do some crafts!” We started hearts of all sorts last week. Note to self: Sort through the ~~adult-themed~~ conversation hearts before Avery starts reading. We saw Text Me, Friend Me, Tweet Me, Play Now, Baby Doll, U Can Do It and Go Go Go.

-My crazy haired, sick girl getting some sun and playing with some rice.

-Speaking of crazy hair…..welcome to Whittney’s Barber Shop. I wanted to cut her hair a bit to get rid of the scraggly ends. I certainly wasn’t going to pay someone $20 and watch her scream the whole time, so I cut it myself. I cut three inches (way too much!) and it isn’t even close to even, but she thinks it is “amazing” and “awesome.” That is all that matters, right?

-We love cozy bubble baths.

-She is such a great big sister. I’m not just saying it because she is my child. She really is wonderful with Henry. She wants me to meet his needs immediately, even telling me “Mama, boy is crying! He needs his dinger snacks!” Translation – He wants his dinner snacks so hurry up and feed him. I am also amazed at how both the kiddos are in tune with each other. He looks for her when he wakes and she cries if I load her in the car first saying, “Mama, don’t forget the boy!”

She doesn’t like to share her Daddy, but she will.

As long as he keeps a hand on her.

Love my Sweet Avery.