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.

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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.