Fall is Falling

Well, actually....Fall has fallen and 

winter is moving in!

But, since this is the last day in November, I still consider it officially fall, so I thought I'd share a few fall pics with you....  Tuesday is my favorite week day because my kids don't go to the local elementary school at all that day.  So, that means that we have time to complete our homeschooling and do something extra fun as well.  So, one Tuesday a few weeks ago, the kids and I went on a leaf-hunt!  After drawing our bare tree, we walked down to our favorite park and collected leaves of various sizes, shapes, and colors.  Then, we came home an made this tree!  We taped the leaves down under the paper and rubbed crayons on top of the paper to pick up the leaf imprint.  It's simple, but I think it turned out pretty well!  

Can you believe how old my boys look?  What's happened to my babies?!?  And, look at this pic Brad snapped of Savannah just this morning as she sat at the kitchen table doing some school work....  She too is growing up!  

Amazing Grace!

by Amy


Can I just say I'm once again overwhelmed by grace!  As most of you know, my husband has been traveling this week. His trip has gone well; we'll tell you more about that later. What's amazing to me is not that he did well while he was away, but that I had a great week with the kids!  My kids are awesome!  I LOVE being with them, homeschooling, etc., but being a single parent for a week could be challenging, even when parenting the best kids in the world!  ;)  


So, I went into this week praying that I would not want to drop everything and run out the door when Brad walks in.  Thankfully, with him scheduled to walk through the door in about three hours, I feel great!  Other than bathing this week in prayer, I did a few things that contributed to a peaceful, fun week, enjoyed by all!  


First of all, I decided not to school while Brad was gone.  My kids still went to school each day (and I studied while they were gone, as usual), but in the afternoons we were free to play -- and play we did!  I had several special things planned like going on a photo scavenger hunt, doing a 300 piece puzzle together, and going to Dairy Queen and a play area.  I also let each kid plan a dinner.  Peter chose pigs in a blanket; Savannah wanted meatballs and mac'n cheese; and Alex wanted cinnamon rolls and eggs.  Two out of those three dinners were eaten on trays while watching a new movie. (G-Force and Toy Story 3.)  


Another thing I did was plan to have time away.  I have a house helper, so two afternoons this week, I asked her to watch the kids for a few hours while I went out.  On my first afternoon out, I went to a market I enjoy walking around.  I didn't buy anything, but it was nice to be able to take my time looking around.  The second afternoon out I went to the grand opening of STARBUCKS with Rachel!  Yes, our city now has a Starbucks!  Ahhh......  We waited in line for almost 2 hours to get in, but it was wonderful!  After purchasing our drinks - Toffee Nut Latte for me and Caramel Macchiato for her - we sat in big, cushy seats and chatted for almost another 2 hours!  Lovely....


The time away was helpful in giving me a break from being "on call" for 9+ hours straight, for days on end.  When Brad's home for dinner, he's quick to answer questions, handle discipline, and solve whatever problems that may arise!  Therefore, I don't feel as drained by the time bedtime comes around.  But, with two afternoons out, I got the break I needed and evening times seemed to go smoothly.   


So, all that to say, if you were praying for me and the kids while Brad was gone, thanks....  Your prayers were heard and answered!  We made sweet memories together, didn't have any discipline issues, and I'm not dreading the next trip he has planned in early January!