Something Amazing

I came across an amazing website a few days ago, homeschoolshare.com. Ami created this website all the way back in 2004. How did I never see this?! According to Ami, this site is an "online hub where homeschool moms could have a place to share literature-based unit studies they had written". Genius. I spent hours on Saturday and today (Monday) downloading a ton of files to my computer. You really need to check it out for yourself. There are unit studies, lapbooks, and printables. Some are literature based, some are not, and they cover all of the main subjects. This is the first time I have ever been excited to do lapbooks. I do love unit studies, but I usually come up with my own so they're not so complicated. These ones, however, look so easy to do and fun. Love, love, love! I can't  wait to use these for this upcoming school year. Seriously, check it out.

Back Again

I can't  believe it's been almost 11 years since I've posted on this blog. Instead of starting all over again, I'm  going to just continue using this one. Why? Because home is where we want to be. I started homeschooling way back in 2008. We just completed our 12th year. Given everything that is going on in our world today, I'm so grateful we already had a routine that didn't fall to pieces because of Covid-19. I felt so, I don't  know how to say it, sad and angry for everything the teachers and kids went through. The constant ups and downs, ins and outs, to put it lightly. I get it. I was so thankful though that we didn't have to add that onto our plate. I'm also so grateful that my kids haven't had to deal with everything else that's come about these last few years in the schools. Do I shelter my kids? Nope. I probably say more than I should. I sometimes wonder if I'm causing anxiety that I don't see. But then I remind myself that these issues are their life and they need to know about them. Anyway, I want my children to be proud of their country and of who they are.  I want them to have the confidence to reach for their dreams even if everyone tells them they can't. Most important of all, I want them to know that they are sons and daughters of God. They are in a fight for their lives, for their souls, and they need God at all times. Not just on Sunday, but every day, all day. Home can provide that place for them. It's a place of learning, intellectual, spiritual, social, physical, and emotional growth. I'm  continuing this blog so I can share with you what our life is like, so you can see that you don't need to be picture perfect, and neither does your house or your homeschool. There won't be any Pinterest perfect pictures, no professionally written blog posts, no perfect homemaking anything. This post probably comes across as harsh, not trying to, but I just wanted to lay it all out there. Hopefully I have something to share that can be of help. 

My family

Wow, it's been a long time since I've posted anything. So here's a quick run down. The newest addition to our family, Katy, is 9 1/2 months now. She is very determined to have and do what she wants. She has been my most attached child yet my most independent. It's a complete oxymoron, but apparently that's just the way is works. A few weeks after crawling around on her belly she decided she could move faster crawling on all fours but even that wasn't good enough. So in a three day time span she started crawling on all fours, pulling herself up to stand, and then stepping a few steps along the furniture. She is one determined girl. This was about three weeks ago and now for the first time today when she was standing she let go and stood for a few seconds on her own. I was so proud of her. She also waved for the first time today. She has kept me mighty busy these last nine months. So that's where I disappeared to. Rebeka was baptized in August and she makes Seth and I proud with her desire to feel the spirit. It really touches our hearts when she says to us, "Do you feel the Spirit, I do." Jacob loves his family so much and still at six years of age loves to be cuddled. He has a huge, soft heart it that little body of his. Jayson loves playing with his little sister and takes good care of her. He too is a big teddy bear and loves his hugs and kisses. James has stolen the spotlight from Jacob and is the new class clown. He loves to make people laugh and be so silly. He loves to play with his little sister and enjoys giving hugs and kisses. My sweetheart Seth enjoys doing all he can to serve me and loves to see me smile. He loves playing with the kids esp. when he gets to tickle them (which he does to all of us often :) ) He is my best friend and I love him so much. As for me I'm enjoying home school. I'm in my third year now and I truly enjoy watching my children grow. Our bond has been stronger and continues to grow. I enjoy my children and love them so much. They bring so much joy to my life. I am so grateful for my family and for their unconditional love. They truly are beautiful.

Almost There

Well, we are officially two and a half weeks away from getting the keys to our house. I can hardly contain my excitement anymore. All that's left to be done is the front landscaping, countertops, carpet, and tile. We are in the midst of packing up our belongings and I'm trying to get it done quickly as Seth will not be here the week of the move. Yep, you heard me right. He will be out of town at a convention in Vegas with his boss. They are leaving on Monday and will be back around midnight Thursday night. He'll be working Friday, signing closing papers later in the day, then getting the keys either Friday night or I'll get them Saturday morning. Then later Saturday afternoon we will be moving in and then of course trick-or-treating that night. Busy, busy, busy! Ya, so that last week I'll be by myself with four kids and 31 weeks pregnant. What a ride! Speaking of which. My OB decided to keep my original due date of Dec 24 since the baby was measuring within two weeks. Oh, and it's a girl!

News

Wow, I didn't realize it's been four months since my last post. Well, to update everyone we just bought a new house in Queen Creek at Skyline. It will be finished the end of October/beginning November. We're super excited to have our own home and not have to move anymore. Just so you know, we've moved six times in the almost eight years we've been married (which will be next month). That is way to many times and we are quite known for that. The other news we have to share is that we are going to have A GIRL!!! We are so excited since we currently have one girl and three boys. It's time for another girl. I'm due Dec 31st so maybe we'll have another Christmas baby.

Vinegar

In my quest for going back to basics in my family's life I have stumbled upon vinegar. To some of you this isn't anything new, but for me it is so I'm going to share what I've found. There are so many uses for vinegar. I have been using this in our home for the last two weeks and let me tell you, I am absolutely amazed! Our clothes are cleaner and smell fresh. My dishes no longer have water spots on them and they're actually smooth to the touch. I add the vinegar to my water saver cycle before the main detergent cup opens. I haven't tried the first rinse cycle since I did not know I had more than one, but I like my result so I'm keeping it where it's at. I even mopped my floors (linoleum) with it today using 1/4 cup per gallon and my floor is smooth and shiny. It actually reflects the furniture on the floor. Crazy, I know! If you have tile or wood floors make sure it's safe to use. Research on-line or test an inconspicuous spot. Anyway, the list goes on and on. I love using it because it's natural and contains no chemicals and it's much cheaper. A gallon bottle is $2. Here are some web sites for you to check out.

http://www.vinegartips.com/
http://www.versatilevinegar.org/usesandtips.html#1

MIA

For those who don't know we moved a few weeks ago back to ASU East. We're glad to be back and feel like we're home again. We do miss our friends from Gilbert and are grateful for facebook that allows us to stay in touch. It's been crazy, but we're finally settled in.