Another year goes by...

When I was cooking dinner this evening my mind wandered on things I used to hate that I like now. Isn't it amazing how this happens to everybody. Here's a short list:

I used to de-vein shrimp, now I'll eat it anyway.

I used to only drink skim milk, now I prefer raw milk. It's SO good!

I used to never eat bacon and was disgusted by how people saved fat from it, now i think this is awesome- two good things from one thing!

I used to think I would never let my kids eat in the car, that was before I had kids. Lots of things change : )

I'm sure there's many more but this was just a fun list I thought up as my birthday approached.

AWANA

Since the kids are not in preschool this year, I felt like I needed to do a "First Day of School" photo, so here's one from AWANA. We just joined the program at a nearby church. Josh is in Cubbies, ages 3-4, and Rachel is in Puggles, age 2. In case you don't know what this is, the goal and purpose of AWANA is "to reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and to train them to serve Him." In other words, hide God's word in their hearts by scripture memorization, activities, and more. The program has a lot to offer (though I don't agree with everything in it), but I'm thankful they are getting a school feel from it as well as all the other good stuff.

Jason and I have really enjoyed the conversations we've had with Josh such as:

Who made you? -God.
What else did God make? -God made all things.
Why did God make you and all things? -for His own glory.

We've reviewed the first few catechisms with him and he knows them and understands them. AWANA has provided us with a handbook for Josh that includes stories, scriptures, and leading questions for him to understand more. Rachel receives a brochure each week about what she's studying too. Right now it is God's creation and knowing that God created all things. It is such a JOY to see that they recognize this simple fact in everyday life.

The only downfall is that I teach a guitar class on Wednesdays afternoons and then have to book it to AWANA. So, we eat dinner in the car. Not best scenario, but if we can survive by only doing this once a week, then I think we'll be all right : )

Playdates!

For the past few weeks, we have been meeting with some other stay at home moms every Thursday. We all congregate at our house in the den, then begin our music class. I've been using songs and chants from "Music Play" curriculum. I studied this in college and have been excited teaching it as a class for my kids and friends. We've had a great time with lots of music babble and development! After the class we all have lunch and play outside. I just LOVE seeing all the kids get along and play together. God is so good!


Next month, one of the girls has offered to teach three PE classes for us. We can't wait!

Amicalola Falls

Two weekends ago, we ventured out for a hike at Amicalola Falls. It was our first time seeing the falls and the first big hike we;ve done with the kids. The weather was great and the kids did pretty well. Rachel hiked half-way up the trail and was carried the rest of the time. Josh made it up 175 stairs and then wanted to be carried for the next 425 stairs. I can't blame him. Both were carried on the way down and they highly enjoyed that. We got a great workout and enjoyed being in God's wonderful creation.





On our way home I twisted Jason's arm so we could stop at Burt's Pumkin Patch. We had just seen it from the road and I had him turn around. Had I been driving the car would have immediately gone to the left : ) The pumkins were HUGE! I'm not sure what type these are but they definietly stand out with their size and brightness. We made it home with two and some squash for eating.

Kitchen remodeling

Before we bought the house...

(PS. This is me and our realtor)

After we painted and moved in...

and after we got a new range and countertops ...

and soon, more updates as we get them done. First, a tile backsplash-still deciding on what we want; possibly white rectangles, stone, or glass.

Let me know what you think?

One Sunday Morning...

I caught some shots of the kids before heading off to church. Their sweet personalities shine through these and make me smile. I hope they do for you too!

Pizza and Potty

So you might be wondering, what type of title or blog post this is? Well, it's about our precious daughter Rachel who decided to start using the potty on a regular basis Labor Day weekend. This picture was taken Sunday night while we were eating outside. She said she had to go potty and wanted to go like her brother off the deck but she realized that didn't work. So we brought the potty to her. She needed some encouragement to stay seated so I we gave her some pizza. Hence, pizza and potty.

On another note, not only did she amaze me with her potty training skills. She would tell me when she had to go! But, she also ate a whole piece of Green Pizza! This stuff had spinach, broccoli, pesto, and cheese on it. Way to go Rachie! We are so proud of you!