It's hard to believe Christmas is just days away, but the anticipation is building and we are finally having colder weather making it seem a lot more festive.
Because we are back and forth every week and our house is on the market, decorating has been interesting this year, but we have enjoyed it in the time we have been at home.







 

 

  



 



Exterior

 

Merry Christmas!

The Return of our Elf

Our elf, Frosty, had a delayed appearance since the big kids spent the weekend with their cousins, but Monday morning all 4 littles were tickled that he had visited during the night and he even managed to track us down at Nana and Papa's.  To celebrate we had a special breakfast complete with hot chocolate and doughnuts- a perfect way to start a Monday.

This morning we woke up to find Frosty had helped himself to a little snack of toasted marshmallows.  (Of course, everyone had to taste his marshmallow to see if it had a different taste.  It didn't for the record!)  The kids could not believe it and have talked about it all day. 
It's hard to say who enjoys this tradition the most- the parents or the kids!

Thanksgiving 2012

A few pictures for my memory book....

 

 

I am so grateful to have spent the day on the farm with those I love the most, eating delicious food, and making precious memories...we have so much to be thankful for!

Halloween 2012

We had a great time last night, despite a few swt backs early in the day.  I shrank MC's caterpillar costume and we had to make a quick run for a replacement and came up with a ninja costume (pickings were slim), but that worked out great because B was also a ninja!

 

Red carpet movie star

 

 

Sorry these next pictures are so tiny, but blogger isn't letting me enlarge them.

 

A great time and lots of candy!

Fall Fun

Yesterday we started a very busy day off with AC's soccer game.  She has had the best time playing this fall and we will miss her team as she has been with most of them and her coach since she was 5, but she has learned so much, most of all that she plain LOVES playing soccer!

 

 

Meanwhile, the little girls had the best time ever playing with sweet friend, S.

What's that you have, S?
 

Maybe if I scoot a little closer she'll get the hint.... I love watching these girls- they are so funny at this age!

Later in the afternoon, we headed to Sam's of My Barefoot Farm for a Halloween party.  I am so disappointed we didn't get more pictures because for the first time in a long time, even Todd and I dressed up! 
So, for memory's sake, Todd went as Peter Parker/ Spiderman.
 I just so happen to have an adult size Spider Man costume in the dress-up chest from a mixed up birthday order from Celebrate Express.  Instead of sending my order, they sent a ton of spiderman goods.  I don't really remember the details, but I'm fairly certain I called them in a panic and they rushed our order and just told us to keep the spiderman goods, thus the Spiderman costume on hand.  He wore a button down and jeans over the costume with glasses.  I went as a pirate, B a ninja, AC cleopatra, LJ dragon, MC caterpillar.
We had the best time on their beautiful farm and the kids loved the Haunted Woods set up by the creek, trunk or treating, the cotton candy and apple cider, and playing with all of the farm animals.  It was a perfect welcome to fall!

Are y'all ready for a fun week filled with Halloween?

A Snapshot of the Day

 

With 2 year olds, rare is the moment that both are happy (or at least not crying!)

 at the same time.

 



 After a super productive morning of learning, these two were happy to spend some time playing at the park.

A Very Happy Birthday, Nanna!

Brian was so excited to pick out a bouquet for Nana and gave it to her first thing in the morning!

 

 

LJ  enjoying some of the birthday cake!



 

Happy birthday, Nanna (Nanny to the little girls)!  You are so special to us and we are so glad we got to celebrate with you!

On my nightstand....

I've been reading several books lately that are too great not to share.

  To Heaven and Back: A Doctor's ExtraordinaryAccount of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again- A True Story
Seriously, if you haven't read this, it needs to go to the top of your list.  My mom gave it to me after she read it in one day and it really is hard to put down once you start reading this incredible story. 

Educating the WholeHearted Child- Third Edition  Clay and Sally Clarkson have been favorites of mine for a while, but this book has been such a blessing as a new homeschooling family. 

What about you....read anything you've loved lately? 
Have a great Tuesday!

Hello???

Is any one still here?  So, it's been a while since I've written and I could list a million reasons why, but I'll sum it up by saying blogging has had to take a back seat while we have adjusted to homeschooling, still trying to sell our house, technical difficuties with the blog itself, etc.  But, my little unplanned break made me realise how much I enjoy blogging and keeping a written journal of our days, so hopefully I'll be more consistent now!
The silence around here is certainly in contrast to life under this roof and can I just say for the millionth time since August.....
Why haven't we homeschooled from the beginning??? 
 Don't get me wrong, some days are very (very, very) difficult and my patience has been pushed beyond any limit imaginable, but I love our days and feel so blessed to watch them learn.  I was saying to a friend the other day that I feel like I have my kids back....I've just seen such a change as far as their attitudes and personalities.
The pictures below are from our nature study a few weeks ago (by far our favorite part of school!) and a few randoms because they are too cute!

 LJ chasing her shadow

 

T-W-O

It has been a weekend jam-packed with celebrations for LJ and MC's 2nd birthday!
How in the world has it been 2 years since our family was blessed with these girls?

 MC, this picture is such an accurate portrayal of you at two years....a whirlwind of activity and your baby (Ne-Ne) is always with you.  You have a very nurturing and loving personality and always make sure LJ has her lovies, cup, blanket, or whatever she wants.  It's so sweet to watch!  Not to say you all don't have your moments of butting heads, y'all certainly do!  You are talking a ton (just tonight when we were putting you all to bed, you pointed to the cd player and said, "Momma, turn it on, please."  Your favorite thing to do right now is gymnastics with B and AC.

Ready to blow out the candles on her cake! 

I made them this year and what it lacked in appearance, was made up for by the taste....I will have to say it was delicious!  I'll share the recipe tomorrow.

 LJ, if I were to describe you in one word it would be joyful.  You are always laughing, giggling, singing....you are just a happy girl!  Well, most of the time.  We have seen a few glimpses of a temper, but you are making great progress in controlling yourself....it's been at least 1 week since you bit someone!
You too are chatty all the time....My favorite is when I ask where someone or something is and you shrug your shoulders and say, "I no know."  You want to be outside all the time and you love reading books...you will sit with a huge stack reading away for the longest time.

We love you both so much and can't wait to see the plans God has for each of you!