happy birthday matthew

sweet thing

giggles

I guess it doesn't matter what age you are... boys just make girls get the giggles.

it all started with the mini van...

Never not ever did I think I would drive a mini van.
NEVER...

But upon the arrival of baby #3 the van was the most economical and practical.
It was also the only way we would all be able to get home from the hospital.
So there I was… Mommy in a Mini Van.

Now I have entered a new season which comes with a new title…
Soccer Mom!
I can’t believe it came so fast!

We spend evenings at soccer practice and weekends at the fields.
Our arms full of soccer paraphernalia…there’s the camera, the chairs, water bottles, snacks, cleats, shin guards, uniform and the list goes on.

This is Ethan’s first year playing soccer. He threatened he wouldn’t play. Told me he’d run the other way. He scuffed and scowled. Pulled all the tricks in the book.
But much to his surprise, he loves it!
Doesn’t hurt that his buddies are on his team. Thank goodness for the buddies

So excited for this new season and title...yay!

What do you call your self these days?

I have been so consumed with all things "teaching or homeschooling" that my brain is soo fried. Writing a short post these days seems like torture. However, I will try my best to give you a brief run down of our journey into homeschooling. ( yikes!)
Let me start by saying... I do not own a denim jumper, or those button up shirts with appliques of pumpkins or Christmas trees or a prairie skirt. My hair is not long and uncolored and I don't wear it in buns. Not to say that there is anything wrong with any of the mentioned... its just not me. I'd like to believe we "school in style" (kidding)
I have found that for the most part there are 3 camps on homeschooling. First, there's the "That's great, it's just not for me... " Second, there's the " What about socialization... " along with a look that is something similar to a person who just smelled vinegar for the first time. And third, there is the "Awesome!" and proceed to tell a story about their homeschooling experience or someone they know who home schools. It has been very interesting to say the least, as I interact with each of these groups.
So why do I home school you ask. Long story short- I totally felt called to do it. Yup, I heard that small voice in my head say "Hey Amber, I want you to do something BIG...are you ready.... I want you to home school you kids!" Yikes- that is BIG! I held tight to the truth that God doesn't call the equipped, he equips the called.
At the time, Ethan was still in kindergarten, and Joseph had given me a big 'ol "NO... not now...possibly not ever" So with persistent prayer... the kind that softens hearts and changes minds, Joseph not only agreed to it, he totally jumped on board and became my biggest cheerleader.
After that, things just kind of fell into place. Over the summer I met some amazing Mom's who have been homeschooling forever. They really helped to mentor and encourage me. I have been to seminars, looked through tons of curriculum and been on my knees praying for wisdom and guidance.
So now here we are 2 weeks into school and we are LOVING it! Here are a few pictures of our first few days. Wish I had more but it's kind of a difficult task playing photog/teacher/mom! So I got out the camera during some of our quieter moments... if there was ever such a thing.

Will it sink or float on the Yangtze River?

I put food coloring in the water to make it yellow... however, I didn't think about the water table being blue and our water being yellow and that together it makes a green Yangtze River..oh well!

A little reading time

I asked the kids to draw a picture of a solemn face. Ethan busted out the mirror and got to work. He didn't miss a freckle in his solemn self portrait.

I let the girls paint..
unsupervised!

So there you have it... short and sweet!

Easy Peasy Dinner

You will need these:and

1lb. chicken tenders as well as some jack cheese.

Add chicken, chili seasoning, 1 cup water and 2 cans of beans to crock pot.

Cook on high for 2 hours.

Once done, it should look like this:

ladle into bowl, add cheese, avocado, a squeeze of lime and garnish with chips.

Dee- lish!

In my opinion, the lime flavored chips "make" the meal... get 'em you'll be hooked!