A new day dawns bright and beautiful. I have been so busy this week preparing for Hannah's little birthday party that was supposed to be today. Alas, her two younger siblings decided to be ill yesterday. Though it passed quickly, we still chose to postpone the party until Friday because we just didn't want to spread any germs.
Turns out that it was a good decision all around. Chad has 10 hours of Quasar to complete by tonight, I was struggling trying to get the last errands run (probably because I was dealing with getting-sick kiddos and struggling-with-the-same-illness mommy), and we had two family members hospitalized mid-week.
So the ladybug party will now be on Good Friday from 11-1. And the bonus is that our trampoline is in the front yard in the initial stages of being assembled. Woohoo! Sadly, some family members and friends have to work or are going out of town. But others who could not attend before will be able to be here. It's so hard to gather everyone at the same time so Hannah will probably celebrate her birthday all the way up to the actual birthdate on the 5th. But that's just the way it goes! I have a feeling she won't mind. Wink, wink. :)
News from the Smith family
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Bath Time Imagination
At bath time, Hannah has decided that the wash cloths are sting rays. She makes them "swim" under the water and sometimes they leap into the air like dolphins. This has been ongoing since she learned about sting rays in one of Chad's educational books from childhood. Daddy was leaning over the tub tonight washing Hannah's hair and he asked her, "What are their names?" Hannah proclaimed, "Stinger and Wongo. " I tried not to laugh as Daddy said, "Oh, okay." Stinger I get. Wongo? Who knows.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Girls Only . . . Maybe Not
Since Friday morning it has been girls only around this house. Chad and Zach took a weekend trip to Mississippi to catch up with Papaw. I thought it would be so much fun to just have my girls. Hmm . . . maybe in a few more years.
We started off shopping Friday morning. Not so good. Rebecca made it clear that she was missing her morning nap. Plus the stores did not have what we were looking for. Plus there was an accident somewhere south of McKinney and I-75 was backed up for miles. Nice.
We went to visit my mom Saturday and that went fairly well. Rebecca has to be monitored closely in most homes - she's just at that age. Plus they napped on the way home. So no break for Mommy on Saturday.
Sunday arrived. Spring forward. YUCK!!!! Don't ever ask me what I think about Daylight Saving. DUMBEST TRADITION STILL IN USE!!! Anyone who promotes it obviously doesn't have young children who have to be adapted to a new time zone twice per year. On top of that, I served in the nursery during worship and preschool choir was still on (up until this week I thought I was going to get a break this Sunday). I tried to take a nap while Rebecca slept, but Hannah had ants in her pants and created so many distractions that she finally earned a spanking and was sent to her room. So another day without a break from the girls.
So here I sit at 11:21 PM Sunday night writing this to share with whomever reads this that I miss my boys terribly. They are coming home tomorrow and it just can't get here soon enough. The girls and I are taking Memaw to lunch tomorrow. I know it will mean the world to her. I think that is the only thing that will drag my weary body out the door tomorrow.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me . . .
We started off shopping Friday morning. Not so good. Rebecca made it clear that she was missing her morning nap. Plus the stores did not have what we were looking for. Plus there was an accident somewhere south of McKinney and I-75 was backed up for miles. Nice.
We went to visit my mom Saturday and that went fairly well. Rebecca has to be monitored closely in most homes - she's just at that age. Plus they napped on the way home. So no break for Mommy on Saturday.
Sunday arrived. Spring forward. YUCK!!!! Don't ever ask me what I think about Daylight Saving. DUMBEST TRADITION STILL IN USE!!! Anyone who promotes it obviously doesn't have young children who have to be adapted to a new time zone twice per year. On top of that, I served in the nursery during worship and preschool choir was still on (up until this week I thought I was going to get a break this Sunday). I tried to take a nap while Rebecca slept, but Hannah had ants in her pants and created so many distractions that she finally earned a spanking and was sent to her room. So another day without a break from the girls.
So here I sit at 11:21 PM Sunday night writing this to share with whomever reads this that I miss my boys terribly. They are coming home tomorrow and it just can't get here soon enough. The girls and I are taking Memaw to lunch tomorrow. I know it will mean the world to her. I think that is the only thing that will drag my weary body out the door tomorrow.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me . . .
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The Spider Lesson
And this is precisely why I enjoy homeschooling so much:
We have been learning all about the sun in our latest lessons. Today's lesson was about how sunshine can make as feel happy and warm. We were up on the playroom floor and looked up at the sky light to locate the sun. In the middle sky light was a large black spider with a marking on it's rear which at first horrified me.
All three of the kids, though, were absolutely mesmerized. We sat on the floor for about 30 minutes talking about the spider and how she was soaking up the sun's rays just like we were. She moved back and forth checking her new web and the kids talked about every move she made. Even Rebecca laid back in my lap so she could gaze up at the tiny creature. Hannah and Zach tickled me as they ran to their rooms to get their binoculars so they could get a better look.
When Hannah was a baby, I asked a mom at our old church when you start homeschooling with your child. She had 7 kids and I respected her opinions, but I was dumbfounded by her response. She said that homeschooling was more a way of life than something you started and stopped at certain times. I puzzled over this for about 2 years, then I began to understand what she meant. It's called teachable moments. You might have a lesson planned, but you get the wonderful opportunity to adapt it in ways you hadn't thought about before.
I got to teach my kids about the sun's rays in a unique way today because a large and somewhat scary spider took up temporary residence in our sky light. If I had waited any longer, the lesson would be gone. Clouds moved in about an hour later and she moved on to look for some place that had bugs to eat.
Thank you God for the spider you made that helped us learn more about the amazing sun you created on day 4!
We have been learning all about the sun in our latest lessons. Today's lesson was about how sunshine can make as feel happy and warm. We were up on the playroom floor and looked up at the sky light to locate the sun. In the middle sky light was a large black spider with a marking on it's rear which at first horrified me.
All three of the kids, though, were absolutely mesmerized. We sat on the floor for about 30 minutes talking about the spider and how she was soaking up the sun's rays just like we were. She moved back and forth checking her new web and the kids talked about every move she made. Even Rebecca laid back in my lap so she could gaze up at the tiny creature. Hannah and Zach tickled me as they ran to their rooms to get their binoculars so they could get a better look.
When Hannah was a baby, I asked a mom at our old church when you start homeschooling with your child. She had 7 kids and I respected her opinions, but I was dumbfounded by her response. She said that homeschooling was more a way of life than something you started and stopped at certain times. I puzzled over this for about 2 years, then I began to understand what she meant. It's called teachable moments. You might have a lesson planned, but you get the wonderful opportunity to adapt it in ways you hadn't thought about before.
I got to teach my kids about the sun's rays in a unique way today because a large and somewhat scary spider took up temporary residence in our sky light. If I had waited any longer, the lesson would be gone. Clouds moved in about an hour later and she moved on to look for some place that had bugs to eat.
Thank you God for the spider you made that helped us learn more about the amazing sun you created on day 4!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Bragging on my Babe
I just want to take a few moments to brag on my totally awesome husband. He has been doing fantastic in Biology and he is having an absolute blast! I am so proud of his determination and his desire to be obedient to God who very obviously told him to take the class. We don't know where this will take him, but we are just planning on staying the course until God gives a new command.
In the midst of taking this class, he continues to work, work, work. Plus he has been clearing briars and making a beautiful path through the woods so we can walk around the pond on the west side. We can't wait to see what it will look like once all the foliage is out.
And if that isn't enough, he takes time to play with the kids and reinforce our school lessons whenever possible. All this while dealing with a wife who randomly has minor meltdowns or who suddenly decides she is completely tired of cooking supper. :)
What can I say? I dreamed up the perfect husband and then God gave me a man who was better than any of my dreams. Blessed, blessed, blessed. I love you my darling Chad!
In the midst of taking this class, he continues to work, work, work. Plus he has been clearing briars and making a beautiful path through the woods so we can walk around the pond on the west side. We can't wait to see what it will look like once all the foliage is out.
And if that isn't enough, he takes time to play with the kids and reinforce our school lessons whenever possible. All this while dealing with a wife who randomly has minor meltdowns or who suddenly decides she is completely tired of cooking supper. :)
What can I say? I dreamed up the perfect husband and then God gave me a man who was better than any of my dreams. Blessed, blessed, blessed. I love you my darling Chad!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day Out With Thomas (52 photos), by Julie Smith
Click here to view photos
Here are the pictures from Day Out With Thomas in Grapevine last Saturday. The kids had so much fun. Zach was simply beside himself being around all the Thomas stuff. They had trains to play with, a Thomas bounce house, puppets, music shows, a picture with Sir Topham Hat (Zach was a little nervous about being that close to him), a petting zoo, a huge gift shop (Zach went absolutely nuts in there) and of course the train ride.
Hannah keeps asking when we are going back to see Thomas and Zach chattered about it all morning at church, so I guess this event was hit. Yippee!
Monday, March 8, 2010
Fly a Kite (27 photos), by Julie Smith
Click here to view photos
We had a blast last Friday flying kites in the yard. The kids absolutely loved it and got pretty good at it. Just wish the wind had stayed steady.
The only calamity came when Rebecca took a face-dive into the concrete steps on the front porch. She was trying to go down the steps like a big girl and Mommy & Daddy didn't notice fast enough. She was scratched up and bumped up pretty good, but is recovering nicely now.
Can't wait for another windy day sans the rain so we can enjoy the Spider-Man and Ariel kites again!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Cousin Play Day
We had a Mommy & Me play day yesterday. Due to illnesses, various family obligations and such most of the mommies were unable to make it. It ended up just being me and Amy so we had a fantastic cousin play day instead. :)
I can't believe how big Finian is. He sits up all by himself now and is even getting two teeth!
Rebecca tried desperately to climb into the pack-n-play with Fin. I think she wanted the toys he had way more than she wanted to interact with him!
I caught the four older cousins in - you guessed it - Hannah's closet. They put all the pillows and blankets in there and stayed in there for probably an hour.
For a little while, Rebecca even joined in on the fun. But you may notice that it was to try to confiscate the Leapster games. Who wants toddler toys when you can snatch your older siblings' cool toys!
I can't believe how big Finian is. He sits up all by himself now and is even getting two teeth!
Rebecca tried desperately to climb into the pack-n-play with Fin. I think she wanted the toys he had way more than she wanted to interact with him!
I caught the four older cousins in - you guessed it - Hannah's closet. They put all the pillows and blankets in there and stayed in there for probably an hour.
For a little while, Rebecca even joined in on the fun. But you may notice that it was to try to confiscate the Leapster games. Who wants toddler toys when you can snatch your older siblings' cool toys!
Hurry Up Spring
Wednesday was just a beautiful day and we went outside after lunch to soak up some Vitamin D. Daddy grabbed the camera and caught these adorable pictures. Hurry up and get here spring!
New Hobby
Here is Hannah's new hobby. It gets a lot of energy out of her plus her little sister adores the free ride!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
Children's Museum (34 photos), by Julie Smith
Here is a link to view the pictures from our trip to the Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas on Feb 15. The kids had a blast!
Click here to view photos
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