Katie's 10th Birthday!

Katie turned TEN!  I can't believe it.  Still in shock. ha!

She had a "rainbow" and "Moshi Monsters" themed birthday party.

She made invitations, handed them out, went to spend the night with her Meme, and we SURPRISED her with her party a week early!

 The rainbow tablecloth swag, thanks Aunt Jenn!

 The Moshi Monsters Cake, from Heaven Scent Cakes, in Cartersville.

The rainbow cupcakes, thanks Aunt Hannah!

 The moment of SURPRISE! She came right before the guests and got to see everything and gear up for the party!

 Arts and Crafts: bottle cap bracelets and scratch off masks/door hangers.

Some of the food sitting out, with the "moshi monster" themed names, like sludge dip, and slugs in rugs.

Thanks Meme and Nanna for working so hard getting the food out!

 Nail Art. 

Ruby got a fingernail painted.

 Blowing out TEN candles was hard work!

Noah and a friend, spent most of the party outside, but came in for a cupcake.

 Enjoying time with her friends.

All the gals at the party.

Beautiful nails! by Aunt Jenn! THANKS!

A wall of pictures of Katie, and the shoe donation table. 

We ended up with 19 pairs of shoes for Simone's Kids.

Aunt Jenn finishing up Katie's nail art.

 end of party pics with the grandparents.

 Katie reading her "things we love about katie" book, put together by her friends and family.

She has probably read it 50 times, and I am probably underestimating that!

One of my favorite pics ever.  I got the biggest hug ever!

It was a really fun day!

I measured her just a few minutes ago and she is now 4'9". Only 7" shorter than me!

And now, Katie is going to tell you about her party, with pics she picked out to post. :)

Hey everybody this is the main character Katie and I have sevral pics to share.

below: a hug from Ru (Rare)

                                                            Below: A boy I invited to keep Noah occupied.
                               
                                                          Below 3 times: YUMMYS

Below: the cutest thing in the galaxy.                                      

 Below: CRAZY CREW!!!!!

 Below: La di da I am a cute 10 yr old!!!!

 Now Impressions

 um what?

 OH its a.......

 IS THIS A........

 TICKET TO A.........

 JUSTIN..........BIEBER............

CONCERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok thats it for the show thanks for watching STYD tv (scream till you die)

A New Season

Where did summer fly away to so quickly? Tomorrow is the first day of fall, but around here it will still look that picture for a while.  Green and colorful as well.  I had never seen this quote about fall before, but it seems quite appropriate for us right now......

As summer turns to fall, we will be experiencing some big life changes.  Changes that will be almost like a spring of sorts.  A new start.  A new schedule, a new job, a new everything really.

Corey and I have always claimed fall as our favorite season, so maybe this one will come through as a time we can look back on as a favorite in our lives.  It's hard to think that way now,  but the following verse came up twice to me today and I am reminded of what we were given back in the summer about holding on and being confident of our choices.  God is with us and isn't going to step out before we get to wherever it is we are headed. Philippians 1:6

In the meantime......

I will hold on to my Strength.  

Continue to be refined and not allow doubt and worry to make my days fruitless. 

 School is going very well.  Ruby has adjusted somewhat and has found a friend in Elmo to get her through the times I can't allow her to sit in my lap while I teach Katie or Noah, ha ha.

She has NOT however, stopped her climbing adventures.  Yesterday I found her sitting in the very middle of the kitchen table.  Pro: we keep the kitchen table cleared off now. Con: All our stuff is going to be on top of the cabinets before she hits two!

Corey, in the midst of everything, remains a straight A student, it's a good thing he doesn't require much sleep!

I started up my Bible study again at church and am loving it! We are working through the book and dvd series "Unglued" about getting in control of your emotions/outbursts.  Very useful stuff!

My phone died Sunday, so I can't share any new pictures. :(

Hopefully they aren't lost forever. And hopefully I will get a new phone going soon.

What a day! What a week! What a summer!

Memorable for sure.

This Baby......

She's going to be the end of my sanity.

Don't even ask where all I found poop tonight! Just think about this...a child who likes to take off her diaper and can be in all of these pictured positions in less than 15 seconds total.

Back to School!

 It's Back to School Time!  I have been planning and replanning like crazy over the past week, getting everything ready to start school.  We usually start in July, but we were NOT ready this summer! So, we are starting on Monday.  Here's what we are using this year.....

For our Bible time we will continue to use this book that was part of our curriculum last year.  We didn't finish the book so we will still work on it this year.  I have also found some character education activities and we will focus on a different trait each week.

Brand new this year: First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind.

We needed something different for Language and I've heard great things about this curriculum.  I like what I've seen so far.  Katie will be diagramming sentences *extensively* which I hope will give her a really solid understanding of parts of speech and every part of a sentence.

We are continuing with Math-U-See.  They will actually both be in Gamma for the first nine weeks, then Katie will move on to Delta and all things division.

We got the most supplies from Sonlight this year.  We are continuing with Introduction to World History with part 2 (Rome-present I believe).  I also chose Sonlight for their Reading curriculum.  They will be reading a lot of novels.  I also plan to have them do some bigger projects with their reading this year.

For writing, I printed off the Common Core Standards for 3rd and 4th grades.  I am creating my own lesson plans to go along with teaching the different writing styles and will just work with them on learning what is listed in the Common Core.  I am also using this website to get ideas for lessons and for rubrics to use in evaluating their writing.

Also, they will be taking Science classes at Education PlayStation as they have the past few years.  It is a wonderful place and I am very thankful that we have access to such a loving environment for them to learn and enjoy science with their friends.

New: above and below.  Spelling will be "Sequential Spelling" and vocabulary will be "Wordly Wise."  Both get great reviews and with my planning I've done so far I think Sequential Spelling will be a good change, just mix things up from our usual spelling we've done before.  My books from Wordly Wise are on order and I should get them soon.

Handwriting.  We are only going to do two days of actual handwriting per week this year, but they love cursive and I don't want to abandon it completely.  Copywork is good for the brain. It will be part of a first of the day routine where they will rotate out between brain teasers/logic puzzles, handwriting, and test practice.

I am excited for school to start! We need something predictable around here. :)

I am thankful and blessed to be homeschooling.  We are definitely in for an adventure with a toddler in the mix.  One thing I have left to do is to set up desk work areas in two of the bedrooms so that they have somewhere to go work privately when Ruby is awake.  I think that would be very helpful!

I will post pictures of their first day on Monday.

By Faith

Hebrews 11:17

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring^b will be reckoned.”^c 19Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.

God is working on us! And in us! And all around us!

The job search for me has ended.  And it has not ended with a teaching position!

After seven, SEVEN interviews last week, I was not offered one single teaching position! Now, for someone who has never interviewed for a job I didn't get, this was quite a blow to my ego! Also, as someone who had felt very strongly that God was leading us to that path, it was frustrating, confusing, and honestly, quite anger inducing.

I cried over it.  I prayed over it.  And God sent me some comfort in those verses above.

Now I am very well aware that no one has asked me to sacrifice my child.  

But, in this world that I live in, I was being asked to give up just about everything that I loved.  Staying home, homeschooling my children, raising the baby through her toddlerhood, being the stay at home mom and wife, and just fulfilling that role to the fullest in the way that we, as a family, had come to appreciate and enjoy.

And it wasn't enough for us to just *say* that we would be willing to give all that up.  It wasn't enough for us to just say that we would be willing to leave our family and friends, to uproot the children, to switch the family roles, and to sacrifice all the lifestyle choices we love.

No.  We had to act upon it. 

We had to almost get there, almost to the point of DOING it.  We spent money on the venture, trusting God that He would provide if it was the right thing, we spent time and tiresome travel with a toddler, I spent hours on the computer, contacted old references, paid to apply for a Florida teaching certificate, etc.  We were on board 100% with this path because we wanted to be obedient and we felt God was calling us to this path at this point in our lives. We weren't just saying we would be willing, we were willing and able and active.

And so was God.

He actively, loudly, and purposefully shut seven doors.

And this isn't meant to sound like a pat on the back or an ego boost, but I did not blow seven interviews.  There is no reason why, out of seven possible jobs, one in particular at a school that was in high need of anyone to fill the classroom, that I wouldn't get one single job offer.  Except that God has a better plan. And He wanted to know that we *would have* sacrificed in order to be obedient.

If I was in any doubt that He was out there somewhere paying attention or even listening, I had no doubt of that after hearing this loud and affirmative "not that way" answer.

He is acting in this situation and has a great plan in store.  

I feel released from this plan.  It was a good one, and one we will never forget, how He turned the tables in our situation, who knows that we won't look back on this time as a Purim of sorts, God turning the tables in our situation, completely reversing our situation from one of confusion and uncertainty to one of joy and celebration!

God is working! Even in His "no."

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

I look forward to seeing the finished product in our lives. I am thankful that God has a plan.  I am trying to be content with not knowing what that plan is at this time.  But, I've decided in the meantime, I'm going to start school! :)

When God Says Move....(update)

See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess. Deut. 30:15-16 NIV

I was given this verse on the way down to Florida to interview for a teaching job.  I took it as a sign that this job would be the right one, and it WAS offered to me, but after a few hours we felt very strongly that it was not the right place for us.  

Let me back up....  

In January Corey and I fasted and prayed over direction for our lives.  We had a few specific things we were praying about but at the end the only one of us who felt something was me.  I told Corey that I really felt we needed to get our house ready, to start packing things up, and to get ready to move.  

Well, we didn't.

Then, in May we had a time of prayer and fasting again.  This time the biggie on the list was whether or not to add to the family again.  I was feeling conflicted over the timing of having another baby.  Again, a few other constant things went on the list as well, but at the end I had two specific outcomes. One was that the feelings and desires to have another baby were neutral.  I did not feel one way or the other, which is HUGE to me because I always felt that pang when someone announced a pregnancy. The other was that I STILL felt very strongly that we needed to prepare to move.  

Throughout those months I felt myself feeling less and less connected to our home, to our town, and everything about it.  I even told my best friend on the phone that I "felt our ties being loosed from here."

About a month ago I woke up in the middle of the night.  I was concerned about finances and about how to help out in the midst of this down economy. The thought was brought to my mind that I could get a job teaching.  That I *should* get a job teaching.  The thought wouldn't go away, it just kept me awake for several hours.  I thought about looking on Teach Georgia right there in the middle of the night, but I had all these reasons it wouldn't work.  Our top priority is to raise our children the way we feel is right for them and us, and that includes homeschooling and no day care.  This entire scenario just wouldn't work out, I mean I could possibly work out homeschooling them and work, many moms do it, but what about Ruby?  It is so important to me that she stay out of day care.  The puzzle pieces just wouldn't fit together.  Even though the entire idea of teaching in public school, previously detestable to me, was sounding more and more appealing and exciting.

The last piece of this puzzle fell into place about a week after that night.  Thanks to this wonderful day and economy that we are so lucky to be part of (ha!), we have been given the opportunity for Corey to be home (if you know what I mean).  When this was first presented to us, my very first thought was.... well, I need to get a job teaching.  It is the logical thing to do since Corey hasn't finished his schooling yet and I would be able to get a predictable income, predictable schedule, and benefits.  He could stay home, homeschool the kids, take care of Ruby, and do his college work as he had been doing while working already.

Thus, the job search began.  It hasn't been terribly encouraging since the teaching jobs available have not been anywhere near where we live.  That's where the moving part of the puzzle fits in. 

I guess it sounds risky to turn down a teaching position in the midst of our current situation, but we are trusting that what we felt was from the Lord, and that a better scenario is coming our way.  The right job, at the right school, in the right location, at the right TIME.  That's the most difficult part of all.  School is preparing to get started everywhere...... and I have a feeling we just need to be ready to move.  So, this time, we are actually listening to that and getting ready! ha!

We are trusting.  We are *trying* to stay optimistic.  We are refusing to let doubt cloud our judgment.  As a matter of fact, yesterday I got an email from an apartment complex that I had contacted in the city with the first job opportunity and a teeny bit of panic and doubt set in.  

And just a few hours after that in the sermon, a passage stood up and talked to me....from The Message:

So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion. 

   It won't be long now, he's on the way; 

      he'll show up most any minute. 

   But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; 

      if he cuts and runs, I won't be very happy.

But we're not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We'll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.

We have been so constantly encouraged over the past few weeks.  God is taking care of us, and better than just taking care of us, He has a very specific plan.  I want to be part of that plan and I want to be there for the promised completion! 

It's just that waiting is so hard!!!!

I needed to get all this out there, so thanks for sticking with me.  It's a high honor to be able to pray, so when I ask for prayers, it's not a last ditch effort, it's a go-to plan and the only one we have.


Update: 
About 4 hours after I posted this blog post, I was catching up on my book for my church book club.  You wouldn't believe what verse was in the last section! It was the one from Deuteronomy...the one I posted at the top there.  I couldn't believe it!  The book is called: The Resolution for Women, by Pricilla Shirrer.  This particular section of the book was about "Leaving a Godly Legacy."  Here's what she says about it in reference to the verse, about "making today's decisions with tomorrow in mind."

(from The Resolution for Women)


This can be your legacy, It's not too late.  Today-truly, within the next 24 hours--an eye opening choice is set before you.  It's disguised as your next opportunity, your next option, your next decision, your next offer.  Now's your chance to see these through the lens of Moses' biblical description.  See them as small yet significant choices between death and life.  Is there really a choice to make? Choose life.  Choose wisely.  The legacy you are leaving depends on it.


Needless to say I was greatly encouraged.  I was looking for something to come my way today and it kind of did.  I was made aware of a particular detail about *many* of my applications that would make them pretty much useless. So I took care of it.  And I am truly waiting and expecting something to come our way soon.  I am excited to see what kind of legacy we will build through these amazing changes coming our way in the next few weeks.