Update on Beans Health Issues......

So first off...........PRAISE THE LORD!!!!!

Okay second, The Bean is perfectly healthy, no allergies, no diseases, NOTHING....again? I think so, PRAISE GOD!!!

The last 15 months of sleepless nights, and screaming, and crying (both mommy and baby) were all due to, wait for it....constipation. Why didn't anyone find this sooner? It's a relief and super frustrating all at once. I was prepared for the worst because of ALL the problems we were having, but THANK GOD, nothing except constipation. So, what's next? Well Beanie has to be on Lactulose for about 4 months to ensure that everything keeps on moving, and a high fiber diet for probably the rest of her life....I know what your thinking...Super EASY....I couldn't agree more and I am elated. Thanks so much for all your prayers and all the support that everyone has given us. LOVE YOU ALL!

And this little smiling face makes it all worthwhile.

Peanut steps up.

Our homeschool lessons include the basics, Math, Reading, Writing, Grammar, Science, Social Studies, History Geography....but we also study the bible, and learn about missionaries and what they are doing in other countries. This is where our discussions have started to get real.

Yesterday I was teaching about Haiti, and about the many missionaries that have been there throughout the years. I also told the kids about the recent events in Haiti and how the Haitians need our help more than ever. In our book there is a picture of a typical Haitian child's bedroom. There isn't much, a small bed, that usually sleeps 2-3 children, and just a few small personal belongings. Peanut looked concerned and I could tell she was thinking about everything I was saying, when she said, "Mom, I have too much stuff. I could give them some of my stuff." She started to get up at that moment to pack some of her things up. I didn't want to, but I stopped her. We talked more about the children there, who needed OUR help. And both kids, Peanut especially were eager to start. At the end of "bible time" as I call it, Booger is usually the one to pray, but yesterday Peanut jumped in and said, "Mom, I would really like to pray for those people." and PRAY she did. We are still talking about how we are going to help, and trying to figure out a plan that will really involve the kids in the process.

Peanut is really my "quiet" one. It takes quite a bit for her to "feel" something for another person, or to talk to another person. She isn't as easily touched as Booger is. Don't get me wrong she is sensitive, and does care but she doesn't give her heart to every passer by. She also doesn't want to pray every night like Booger does. However, when something is on her heart or mind. Look out, because it's going to take a train to stop her. I always say she is my free spirit. I do not know what is going to excite her today, or tomorrow. I couldn't even begin to tell you what she will be like as an adult, but I do know one thing, when she discovers her passion she will make a difference. I love my little girl, watching her grow everyday is such a joy. Thank you Lord, for giving my children a desire to help.

Fall Favs Swap.....The Goodies!

Terri and I were swap partners, and I honestly couldn't wait to get my basket of Fall Goodies. This wonderful basket was waiting for me on my doorstep Friday Evening and I hurried inside to see what I got.

Terri made homemade strawberry jam, and made my life easier with pre-measured chocolate chip cookie mix. The lovely tea cup with tea in it has already been used and I am getting ready to make another cup in a few minutes.

I love the fingertip towels and cute Halloween decorations, but my Fall favorite by far is the blanket! It's so soft and perfect to curl up in with a good book. I even took it on the Ladies Retreat with me, and received a couple compliments on the beautiful chocolate brown color. Thanks Terri for the note, it was so sweet, and thanks so much for swapping Fall Favs with me. I hope you enjoyed your basket as much as I enjoyed mine!

Apple Picking and the Pumpkin Patch

Have you ever had a simple, yet perfect day with your family? With no temper tantrums and no whining? (this doesn't happen very often when you have 3 children) A day with family and friends where you enjoyed yourself to the fullest? Yesterday my family went to a Farm in Westminister, we picked Apples and Pumpkins and simply enjoyed being together.

The day started a little later than anticipated but with the beautiful weather none of us could complain. Our group of 11 consisted of my parents, my mother in law, my hubby and our 3 children, and my friend Rachel her husband and their children, K and B. We headed out to the Farm and when we got there the kids were jumping with joy to get on the wagon which would take us to the Apple Orchard

When we arrived at the orchard, the kids could hardly contain themselves, they had their bags filled it minutes it seemed!

On our way out of the orchard the kids were just so sweet!! I caught this picture, and it's one of my favorites from the day!

After the orchard we enjoyed some time walking through the market and letting the kids climb on a nearby playground. Then after some snacks and refreshments we headed to the pumpkin patch.

.

Notice the LARGE pumpkin Adam is attached to? He wanted this one, my rule however is if you can't pick it up you can't get it. After this picture was taken he attempted to roll "his" pumpkin down the hill. 

After picking some of the prettiest pumpkins I have ever seen, my hubby to a picture of me that I think captures my overall feeling of the day. 

There are days when I truly want to throw in the towel, days when my children know exactly which of mommy's buttons to push to get me upset. Most of my days are overall great days, days when I am content with life and happy to be me. Then God gives me a day like yesterday. A day that reminds that I am truly blessed, and that I wouldn't change a single thing in my life, because even if the smallest thing were different I might not be able to have a simply perfect day with my family.

Rainy Day fun

So I ordered a cardboard playhouse for the kids about 2 weeks ago. And guess what?! It showed up today. What a perfect day for it too, it's rainy outside and this will be something new to kick the boredom, when all we really want to do is get outside and play.

Booger peaking out the window to say Hello!

 Peanut and Beanie coloring and playing together.

 Everyone decorating the house together.

What a super fun rainy day! Now we are going to bake some cupcakes from a good friends blog!! Have a great rainy day!!!

GGGGGGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

4 GGGGGGGOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! to be exact.

I have to admit it's more fun to watch her play because she actually cares about the sport, and plays the game. Don't get me wrong those kids who run around and pick daisies are super cute, but I am a competitive person when I play sports so I love that my daughter is too.

Today Peanut scored 4 goals, and she also displayed great teamwork. I talked to her on the way to the game about making sure that she only playing defensively towards the other team, and not her own teammates. Usually Peanut takes the ball no matter who has it, but today she did a great job at allowing her teammates to take turns as well. 

After the game something SOOOOO SWEET  happened. Peanut's coach decided to buy the team snowballs for doing such a great job, and Peanut wanted to eat her snowball under the trees instead of at the picnic tables, like everyone else. A little boy, who seems to like her a lot decided to go sit with her. He then turned to her and said "Hey Peanut if you come sit with me at the picnic tables I will give you a surprise." She, of course being intrigued followed him over to the picnic tables. He then turned to myself and his own mother and told us we have to close our eyes so that he could give Peanut her surprise. We started cracking up....and his mother asked him what he wanted to give Peanut. He said "Mom, I was just gonna give her a kiss on the cheek, but I can't do it while everyone's watching!" It really was the cutest little thing. His mother and I laughed for about 5 minutes, which of course embarrassed them even more, so they went a sat back under the tree and talked and ate their snowballs together. 

Make Me Smile

My day is really filled with joy. Bean loves to give Hugs and Kisses, all the time. Booger comes up to me randomly during the day and says "Mom, I love you soooo much." Peanut, is quite simply "my girl". She prefers me over everyone else, and she is always by my side reminding me of how lucky I am to be a mom. Now, don't think that my day is filled with children who listen all the time, and do as they are told every second of the day.....because that is most definitely NOT the case. But, they Make Me Smile, every time I think of them.

Fall Favs Swap!!

Super excited about this....Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the smells and the colors and crispness in the air. So it only make sense to participate in this event. If you would like to be a part of a Fall Favs swap please take a look at this link to find out what it's all about.

Conversations between kids.....

The other day as we were driving, I was enjoying listening to a conversation between Booger and Peanut. The convo went a little something like this......

Booger - " Peanut, I really like this girl at church."

Peanut - "Well, Booger you know that Mom says we can't have a relationship (yes, she used the word relationship) til we are at least 16."

Booger - " I know, I don't think I am ready anyway."

While I was listening, I was praying that this same conversation would happen again in about 8 years. I know that some people think this is a bit much, but we know what dating before you are ready can do. And we want to make sure that our children know who they are before they bring someone else into the mix.

Right now, Peanut has her heart set on marrying her daddy and I would rather fight that battle any day.

Science Center Trip

Enjoyed a wonderful day with my sweet babies at the science center today!! September is Homeschooling month and I was able to get the entire family admission to the Science Center for only 6$. Plus as a homeschooler I get 10% off at the Store. So we got a couple tools for school while we were there.

Anyway, for those of you who haven't been to the science center I highly encourage you to go. Everything is so hands on. You don't have to worry about the kids touching things, because everything is there for them to touch, explore, and climb on. Booger hasn't stopped retelling the entire day since we got back, and Peanut has been talking about the bed of nails (which was pretty awesome). Little Bean slept for a bit, but had a blast in the "Kid's Room". So, basically, if you have nothing else to do and don't want to drive to far the Science Center is a great choice!

Oh yeah and if you park at the Harbor Garage under the Intercontinental Hotel, the science center will validate your parking pass and you could get up to 5$ off parking!

September 15, Week 3

So the year has officially begun. We've actually had a pretty rough start to the year. I have been sick, Booger has been sick, we had to take the little Bean to the hospital. So yeah, blogging hasn't really been on mind. But hopefully I can pick this back up again.

We took a family trip to DC recently, and the kids had a lot of fun. I think that Peanut was just a little young for some things, but Bogger was very curious about the different things that he was seeing. And he hasn't stopped talking about the Washington Monument. Peanut enjoyed running through the mall the most. She loves to be outside, looking at birds and different animals, it's always a lot of fun to watch her. Little Bean, just liked exploring whatever she could get her little hands on. And of course being 1 everything is new and exciting to her.

So, to give a little update on each kid. Booger has been flying through his lessons. These first few weeks have been mostly review and he remembers almost everything that we learned last year, which is great for me.

Peanut is reading!! And doing a great job. She started reading last year, but she really seems to have found a groove these last 2 1/2 weeks. I am so proud.

We have combined Science, Art, History and Geography so that both of them can work together, and I don't have to teach two different lessons each day and it seems to be going very well. Some things are hard for Peanut to grasp, but for the most part she does a fantastic job, it is 2nd and 3rd grade level work after all. She really likes that she is a "big girl" now and gets to complete the same assignments as her brother.  Booger is loving the lessons especially Science and Geography. He is very interested in Maps and how to use them, so we have been focusing a bit more on that than on the other things. The little Bean is talking so much, and running all over the house. I can't believe that she is one and doing all these things already. Some days I am sad to think that she is our last child, but I everyday I enjoy watching my 3 amazing children grow and learn.

Please keep little Bean in your prayers, we are having some issues with her stomach and her sleeping and we have to to take her to a specialist to try to figure out what has been going on with her. The past week or so, her sleep habits have GREATLY improved and I couldn't be happier with the amount of sleep I have been getting, but I still want to be sure that she doesn't have any underlying issues that we should be aware of. I hope that everyone has an amazing week!

A new school year is dawning

We leave for vacation on Saturday, and I can't believe, I have been waiting ALL summer for this! We are heading down to Florida and we will be visiting the HARRY POTTER theme park! I know I know, I am a total loser, but I love it, and I am super excited.

It seems like the very moment we return however, we will be starting the school year! I can't believe it, I will have a 2nd grader, a kindergartner and a toddler. Sheesh, I am tired all ready. How long til thanksgiving break?!

I am truly excited about this new school year, with every new year comes new challenges but I welcome them and love learning from them. With the new school year dawning, I have been thinking harder and harder about the reasons that I homeschool my children. I started because I feel that this is something God has called me to do. This was the first thing that I really feel God spoke to me about, and I reluctantly said yes. 3 years later I am screaming at the top of my lungs YYYEEEEESSSSS!!!!!! I absolutely feel that this is one of the best decision God has ever asked me to make.

To go completely off topic for a second, Dan has been studying the book called Crazy Love, and it is truly life changing, at least it has been for Dan, and I am really starting to catch on. This book basically calls you out and challenges you to fall madly in love with God. It asks you to go out on a limb and to trust God. I think that for the most part I trust God, until he ask me to do something outside my comfort zone then I back down. Lately I have been thinking, what if I just said "yes" every time God asked me to do something. How amazing would my life be, how fulfilling to know that my life is in line with God's will.

Homeschooling was my first "real" yes. It's a new season and new school year, and I really and truly think that this year, things are going to start changing. I don't really know how, and I don't really know when, but I am excited to see what's in store!!

My Homeschool Area

I have not liked our set up for the past year, I felt like our books and classroom were completely overtaking our dining room, so I found a desk/bookshelf combo at Ikea and couldn't resist. What do you think?

Never a dull moment

"You're everything I hopeful, you're everything I weed, you are so beautiful to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee", as sung by Peanut. 

We went to Wendy's for lunch yesterday, and the toy prize just happened to be a microphone...fantastic! Needless to say everything, and I mean everything must be spoke into the microphone. It's one of those echo Microphones, so when Peanut isn't singing, Booger is doing his best Darth Vader impression. 

To add a little bit more humor to the situation, Peanut dressed herself today. Which most of you know is always hilarious. She has on teal leggins, a lime green skirt and a purple shirt. To accessorize the outfit, she has about 10 bracelets and some necklaces. 

Listening to them "pretend" is the highlight of my day!

All the fun stuff we did.....instead of cleaning house!

We played hide and go seek. I found Adam!!!

We climbed up the Rock Wall!

Catherine helped Jackson get around the park

We made each other smile.

We hung around a little bit

Then we went to the bookstore, and read some new books

Adam wanted about 30 new books, but we finally settled on the original Cat in the Hat.

Okay, now we have had our fun, I really do need to get some things done around this house. Have a great day everyone!!!

A little bit about me.

I am not a good houswife.....I am pretty sure I am a good mom, but NOT a good housewife. I should be cleaning the house right now..... I should be doing laundry and folding it and putting away...... I should go empty the dishwasher..... I should be getting stuff ready for Catherine's birthday party..... but instead I am blogging, and contemplating what fun thing the kids and I can get in to today instead of cleaning. Seriously its gorgeous outside, and I don't want to be inside. I hardly ever want to be inside. I always want to Go Go Go.

So if you stop by my house, sorry for the mess, I am out doing fun stuff, and for just a little while longer the house stuff will wait. I will do it tomorrow....maybe;)

 

Dancing in the rain!

Yesterday during the storm Paige walked outside and started exploring and stepping in puddles. Then Adam went out to join her. I sat on the porch swing as I watched my children dance and splash and even sing in the rain. It was such a peaceful moment, with the rain falling all around.....when is the last time you danced in the rain?

Crafty things for the kids....

So I have been wanting to paint a chalkboard area for the kids for a while now, but I didn't want to put it in the kitchen or the living room. Finally I decided to put it in the hallway where the kids bedrooms are. I also made a small area in the kitchen where I could keep in a running grocery list...what do you think?

This is the one that I put in the hallway, I want to use it to put the kids daily chore list, and then when they have finished and crossed everything off they can use it to draw on.

This is my pantry door, the brown panels are the chalk board areas, I figured I could use the top, and the kids could use the bottom.

I found this idea in another blog that I was reading and I love it. Paige and I made this together tonight. It cost a total of 13$!!!!

It's a lazy susan that I purchased at Target for 7$, and then we found the little buckets in the dollar section and hot glued them in place. It's a perfect center piece for my table. I love it!!!!

Paige and Adam spent about an hour coloring tonight after we put it together, everything was within reach and a super easy clean up!

Catherine

A year's gone by,
how time has flown,
I can't believe
how much she's grown!
   She's such a joy
And so much fun,
OH MY, Look Whoo’s

Turning one!

I can't believe that my little one will soon be one, today she is 11 months! 11 months! She is talking, walking, and getting so big I can't stand it. If someone would have told me 10 years ago when I was 16 that I would be married with 3 kids before I turned 26, I would have laughed at them, and yet here I stand.

Catherine has been a joy since the day she was born. I couldn't ask for a happier baby. Even with her sleep habits and now her allergies, she is almost always happy. I wish I could be more like that.  So, let's recap a little.....August 1st 2009, 11pm, my water breaks, (10 days early) we rush to the hospital thinking that the baby is coming as quickly as Paige, only to get to the hospital and stay up all night and have not arrive until 1pm!!!! She does things in her own good time. At 1:42pm, Catherine Leiran Criswell came into this world, weighing 6lbs 15oz and just as beautiful as she could be. In that moment all was right in the world

 It's crazy how quickly your babies grow, they are so little and so helpless in those first few moments, then you blink and they are taking their first steps, blink again they are walking across a stage. In exactly one month Catherine will be a toddler, and the world will be hers to explore. I can't wait to see what God has in store for her but at the same time I wish she would stay little forever!! Happy 11 months birthday Cassie baby! 

Learning everyday.

Every child is homeschooled when you really think about it. All parents are teachers in some way. Recently, two of my younger siblings have said that they wish they were homeschooled, I was touched really, but then I thought, you are homeschooled!! Maybe you aren't homeschooled in Math or History, but all parents are doing their best to teach their children how to be contributing adults in this crazy world.

Every day my children are learning, whether I am formally teaching them or not, they are learning. I have tried lately to be even more cautious of how and what I say to them. The Duggars are one of my favorite families to watch and learn from. Say what you want, but their children respect them and love them. What more could a parent want? Raising a loving and respectful child is more important to me than what college they go to.

So to all the parents who officially homeschool and those who unofficially homeschool, I commend you, for teaching your children and for being amazing parents!!!

End of the school year....

I really can't believe that it's almost the end of the school year! I have reviews for Adam this Saturday!

So let's see, first of all, I was just thinking that at the beginning of next school year I will have a 1 year old, a kindergartner and a second grader! I am overwhelmed just thinking about it. I know that God has some amazing things in store for us in the coming school year and even over the summer. I entered Adam in a Bible Bee, and we as a family will be studying for the next 12 weeks, helping him to learn and memorize 250 scripture verses. Should be tons of fun. Paige is really excited to be learning the verses as well, although she won't be competing like Adam. I am so excited to start school next year.The kids are learning so fast and doing so well. I really feel like the new curriculum that we will be using together as a family will be beneficial to all of us.

Now for some updates on the kiddies....

Catherine is really the sweetest baby. Always happy, always smiling, she lights up my day and really knows how to melt my heart. She is crawling everywhere, and I am positive she will be taking her first steps any day now. She says Momma and Dadda and means it. She waves and claps and dances, and keeps us all laughing. She already has a heart of gold, I know that I will continue to be just as proud of her as she grows.

Paige, my little Peanut. My strong-willed baby. She is her own person, she is independent and sassy. I know that no matter what she does in life she will be the leader. She makes me laugh and want to pull my hair out at the same time, she is Me. I don't know what I would do without that little girl in my life. I really can't wait to see the person she will become. She will definitely keep us on our toes for years to come. Right now, she is learning to read and doing pretty well, and picking up basic Math concepts. She has a yearning to be good, that is the best way I can explain it. Even though there are days where I swear her only purpose is to push boundaries, she wants so badly to be a good person, and that warms my heart.

Adam, Booger. Boys, will be boys. He is rambunctious and inquisitive (about everything), happy and hyper, everything a boy should be. And he is SMART. He blows my mind sometimes. Especially with Math. I was teaching him subtraction and he said, "mom, this is easy. I got it.". He picks up new things so quickly and wants to know more all the time. I find myself researching things just to help him all the time. Right now he wants to be a spy when he gets older, so we have been learning different things about spies and what they do....which it's kind of hard to explain sometimes. He also has a heart for the Lord, recently I have had people comment on what a spiritual person he is. And he really is, he prays all the time, he reads his bible by himself, and everyday he has a questions about God. God has great things in store for all my children, but I am most curious to see what Adam does.

Life always has firsts and lasts, and as the last day of the school year approaches, I am a little sad to longer have a first grader, preschooler and infant. I wish I knew a head of time the last time my baby was going to say "momma" instead of "mommy", or the last time that they would crawl instead of walk, or when they wouldn't ask anymore how to spell their name. Life is full of lasts and firsts, so here is to the quickly approaching last day of the 2009-2010 school year!

Giving

So, I decided to take a trip to Home Goods today, they usually have a good variety of Doug and Melissa which I adore. Anyway, as we were checking out, I was asked if I would like to donate a 1$ to the Cancer Foundation. I almost always say yes, and so the lady gave us a paper to sign saying we gave. Adam then proceeded to ask me why I gave an extra dollar. I told him that there are people who are very sick, with a disease called cancer. And that we gave our dollar so that doctors could do research to help those people.

As we were walking out there was a jar for donations in the entrance way for the cancer fund as well. Adam said "Mom, I have a dollar in my pocket, and my Nonnie is sick in the hospital. I am going to give my dollar to help other sick people, because everyone deserves to be healthy." I had to wipe my eyes. He had been saving that dollar to buy a candy bar, and he didn't even flinch or think twice in giving that dollar away to help someone in need.

My son, has a such a giving spirit. He never flinches or thinks twice when asked to help with something important. And he never hesitates to pray for someone in need. He believes and has faith beyond what I feel that a 6 year old is capable of. My children teach me daily about life, these simple reminders and lessons have such a profound affect on me. I really feel that God has given me these amazing children not only for me to teach them but to learn from them as well. Thank you Lord, for these amazing gifts you have given to Daniel and I.

Adam's progress

So, Adam has now been on his new food plan for almost 3 weeks. And I have to say it has been fantastic. The biggest change has been the fact that he is able to wind down at the end of the day. He falls asleep between 830-900, where before he would be up some nights til 1100 or midnight. We have stuck to almost everything giving in here and there and allowing them certain things. The main thing that we have been trying to regulate is his sugar intake especially after 3pm. And I have cut all dyes from both of their diets for good.

We did allow them some cake at a birthday party and I noticed almost immediately that they were hyper and not listening as well. Their listening skills have improved quite a bit with the new plan, they still act like kids and do things that they want at times, but that's how almost all kids are. I have been very impressed with Paige's ability to retain all the information that I give her, Adam as well. When told to do something they follow direction's much better than before.

To all parents, I would just say that simple snacks like fruit snacks, or chocolate milk (our kids LOVE chocolate milk), are the snacks that they definitely should not be having. Atleast not everyday. They are easy, and they are full of sugar and dye. I used to say that I had a very healthy household, but I realize now, that I wasn't doing all I could to keep my children healthy both in body and mind. Now in doing all this, I know that there will be times when our children will "overdose" on candy or treats. But again they are children, and I can't deny them little pleasures here and there, because I don't deny myself. 

If anyone feels that their children may be just a bit to hyper, or not listening when they should. Then I highly suggest this new food plan for you, just google ADHD diet and you will have the "plan". This is such an easy thing to do and a healthier way to live.

Adam.....

I have been noticing some changes in Adam recently, he just isn't listening like he used to. I have to repeat myself about 5-10 times before he responds or does what I asked, he is forgetful, and he also had been really wound up. I know a lot of people say, "oh he is just a boy". That I get, I have 3 brothers, but I just felt this was something more. So I started to research ADD and from what I can see, he has it. Not sure that its ADHD but definitely ADD. I have spoke with the doctor and  for right now we are not going to test him, but I am changing his diet. After reading and researching for about 2 weeks I came across different articles that support the idea that a child's diet can affect their moods. I agree, I mean chocolate gives me high, and other foods make me feel awful, so I thought it was worth a try. Today is the first real day of the diet.

For the next 3 weeks, Adam can't have dairy, sugar, food dyes, chocolate, and a couple other things. Then week by week we will slowly introduce certain things back in to his diet to see if his mood is affected by those things. Please pray that this is the answer and that I can help him and Paige stick to this new diet. It will be quite a change and if nothing else, he will be a healthier child. Thanks.

Choosing a new curriculum....or staying with the old one.....

So, I went to the Homeschool Fair in Frederick, MD on Friday. And now I am stumped. I have been using a curriculum called My Father's World, which I do enjoy quite a bit, however it is a bit expensive, and I have to purchase a lot of text books. On one hand having the text books on hand is great but finding a place to store them while not in use is not. My Father's World also includes everything that I need except a phonics program and a Math program. The other curriculum I am looking at is very appealing because my children will actually attend classes one day a week, where they will participate with other students and do science activities, etc. It is also an all inclusive program, however instead of using textbooks that you purchase the children and I will get to choose what we would like to delve deeper into outside of the class. We can get books from the library or purchase smaller curriculum over the course of the year if we choose. I can also use the same curriculum for Adam and Paige, so the overall cost will be much cheaper and much easier on me.

I am pretty sure that I have made up my mind, but I just need to take some time in prayer to make sure that is what I want. Any thoughts?

A new start for blogging....

Starting out.....again,


So, I have tried this before, but I really really really want to do this. So let's do an update of sorts....

It's April! Where has the time gone!?! Catherine is already 8 months old. I can't believe it. She is crawling and pulling herself up to stand and walking around the furniture. She already has a mind of her own, and she makes us laugh like crazy. She is such a happy baby, I really hope that her disposition stays the same throughout her life. Paige, my peanut, is so smart. We have started a book called Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons, and she is picking everything up so quickly. I love how much she loves to learn. She asks me how to spell words all the time, and loves doing her "school work". She is such a blessing and joy to me. Adam, where do I begin, he is doing wonderful. He has been a bit upset with me these past few weeks because I attempted to go back to work, and, long story short, we are behind in his school work. We will definitely catch up, but we will also be doing school until July. So, we might start a bit later next year.

Now a bit on me, as I said before, I "tried" and failed at heading back to work. I just can't do it, I miss my babies, and I know that the Lord has called me homeschool. My first responsibility is to my children and I honestly felt like I was failing them. Everyday I was overwhelmed and upset. I couldn't do it. Please pray for us though, we really need to stick tightly to our budget, for this to work. I know that we can do it as a family!!

So, my hope is to update this atleast weekly, but I can't promise.....keep your eyes out for my next blog!