Butterfly Study

My dad ordered us some caterpillars. We has so much fun learning about them and watching them carefully.















To learn more about Painted Lady Butterflies visit: http://www.earthsbirthday.org/butterflies/butterfly-lifecycle
http://earthsbirthday.org/butterflies/butterfly-facts-links/

Links I'm Loving

Don't forget, I add more fun links and inspiring things in the sidebar, that change often.  --------->

A sunrise in a bubble? These pictures are stunning.

A fun way for kids to learn Proverbs. We started the other day (more on that soon)

I used to always dream I'd grow up and throw party like this one.

Prayer Book...love this idea

Free Children's Book Recordings

No Rushin' I love this post about living slowly, taking it all in. I make it a point in our lives not to have too much going on. I like to be home. with my family. serving. No need to "be rushin" * I also love what she says about unplugging. I REALLY don't want a tv in our house...soon maybe.

I've been using this schedule as a guideline to clean our home everyday. I love it...and the blog!





I love this post about good "old fashioned" housewives. A way to create an atmosphere of serving your husband.

World Autism Awareness Day

April was Autism Awareness Month. We had an autism walk on World Autism Awareness Day. Some of you may recall a few years back when my husband and I started an Autism Day to support the local public schools' Autism Units. We did two of those before we started home school and private school. The people who helped us get that one started are still doing them to this day! 

This year was our new programs' first event. Dan and I had discussed this with the directors last year, but then we home schooled for the year. Well, this year they got together and started organizing the event. Dan and I came in near the end of all the planning and looked over everything. They really did a wonderful job, and everything went well!

Here are some of the photos of the day. It was windy. I mean 25 mph winds are nothing around these parts. A few weeks ago I went on a road trip with the women's ministry. The 4 hr trip took 6 hrs, and on the way we saw 12...yes 12!! Semi trucks and rvs turned over by the wind...the 60mph wind.  Okay...so on to the "windy" pictures!

My hubby on the news.

Getting ready to say the Pledge:

I don't really like clowns, but I like this picture:

I always look like such a giddy school girl haha...he's not even paying attention to me ha!

My wonderful friend:

Cousins =]

My dad with Jaiden, checking out his sign:

The green team:

Goofy guys:

My boys:

Showing off his medal:

His old teacher...he adores her!

Him with my cousin...he absolutely adores him too!

What a wonderful way to honor those we love!

An Easter Party

I have had so many issues with photos lately....hints why my posts lately haven't had any. I think it's working again, so I finally get to share our Easter photos!

We had an early morning brunch, all set up outside. It was so lovely!



This is what the table was set up like:



Aren't the glasses precious?!



That's it, that's all we did as far as bunnies/candy etc. We spent the rest of the weekend as a family and remembering the sacrifice our Savior made. It was such a nice weekend.

After our party, we headed to the park and gardens. We had never been, and thought it was really beautiful.





I have a ton of pictures on my camera, because Tibby thought it was just beautiful and he HAD to get all the pictures he could. I love that he appreciated the beauty. I think we all did.





After that, we went to the opening of African Cats. We happened to drive up at the same time as our cousins and man did that make the boys' day!! And, just so you know the littlest one (1 yr old) calls me Aunt Nina!! Melts my heart...I just may change my name for that kid.

All in all it was a wonderful, wonderful weekend!

Blessings

357. a beautiful weekend spent with family
358. character building
359. morning coffee...it's a new thing for me =]
360. a hair cut
361. browsing my absolute favorite antique store
362. one of the best days of my life
363. having my best friend by my side, raising our children together. i love that man!
364. kids riding bikes and playing in water
365. teaching 2 year olds about God
366. uplifting words from friends
367. serving my family with clean clothes and good food
367. finding wonderful curriculum!
368. a cool house after being out in 90 degree weather
369. being showered with breakfast and homemade cards...and songs on Mother's Day/Birthday

Mother's Day

I have been so spoiled over the past few days...because today is my Birthday! Yay!
The boys picked out gifts for me. They piled them all in the car as we headed to meet my in laws at Chili's. J got me a balloon, Brighton got me a water squirter and a CARS puzzle, and Tibby, my sweet little guy got me candles and a green (my favorite color) lei. He looked at me with those big brown eyes as I cheerfully put it around my neck, and said, "mom, it's for your wedding". He was SO proud, and I melted. I don't think I will ever throw that thing away.

My husband spoiled me with a date (he wanted to teach me to shoot...I think I knocked his socks off with my skills ;)) Then we headed to 6th street to do some antique shopping and ate at a place called Cowboy Gelato...man was it gooood!

I am so very thankful for my life. . God graciously reminds me of how rich I truly am!

To my boys who made me a mother: You are more than enough. You are beautiful. You are my joy, my life, my gifts. You are precious. You are so loved.

To my sweet husband who is my partner. I could not be the mother I am today without you by my side. Your love amazes me. You bless. You gave me our gifts, I will forever be thankful.

To my momma: You are my most wonderful friend. Your strength inspires me. Your thoughtful and giving heart blesses. You encourage me to give the shirt off my back if needed. Your love for God encourages me. You are more than wonderful.

To my mother in law: You raised the most wonderful boy in to a man that a woman could ever ask for. You taught him hard work. You placed a desire in his heart for a family, and he loves us fiercely. Thank you for loving us.

To my grand mamas. One in heaven, and one still here with us: You are the definition of love. You inspire me to work hard and serve my family. Your example lives in me. Your time and patience grace us. Thank you.

To my beautiful godly friends: I am so encouraged by your friendship. I am blessed to be here by your sides, training and watching over our children. I love how you each passionately love Jesus. I love how he placed each of you in my life.

Happy Mother's Day!

Well, Hello

May is here! One of my favorite months of the year because of my birthday, Mother's Day, and we'll be celebrating our 9th Anniversary! I guess you could sum it up to a whole lot of spoiling for me *grin* but don't worry....I don't mind. haha

I'm not sure what exactly happened last month?! I wrote a post at the beginning of the month stating my 30 day plan with Jillian Michaels, and turned around and it's May 1. All that embarrassing stuff I didn't want to say, well, I pretty much have to now...
No, I did about 1/2 of the month. For some reason, my body senses exercise and decides to get sick. I'm NOT kidding. Every year I stay well through the winter (getting nice and plump while I'm at it). Then, when I finally get the motivation to workout, I get sick. This year was no different, except that right when I felt better and jumped back into my workouts, I got sick again. I have now had the worst cough I've ever had, along with no voice for over a week now. I sound like a frog.

I have decided though, I will not use that as an excuse. I will tell you, the days I did 30 day shred, I felt wonderful all day long! I lost 3 lbs, but still have a ways to go. So, I will continue to push through this month because,  well I just have to. I refuse to enter the pool, lake, vacation without haven't worked my bottom...and tummy off! Or at least, made a habit of working out.

 *********************************************************************************
I have spent so much time with God. I am at a place in my life I've always dreamed of. God has faithfully brought me here. I remember doing a Beth Moore study years ago, and she said she had gone through her spiritual life like a yoyo. Never consistently with God. She longed for a consistent walk with Him. Then, she had the worst year of her life.

When I heard her say that, I wanted to pretend I had never heard her say that, because I just knew I was in the same boat. You see, she had some things in her life that needed dealt with, and God wanted her and Him to deal with them together. It took about a year for her to get out of the pit she was in, and start living a life of joy and freedom. A consistant life with God. Now, her life isn't perfect, but she has a relationship with her Creator that the had longed for. 

As, I stated before, I wanted to pretend I never heard her say that. And I did for a while. I avoided "dealing" with anything as long as I could, but I still prayed for and longed for a closer relationship with God.

Well, guess what? Our God is such a faithful gentleman and honored my request for a closer relationship with Him, but just like any daddy, He helped me deal with and put away my past bit by bit. I have found why this is totally necessary. The inconsistency in my life WAS my past. My past thoughts, guilt, shame. I couldn't have such a divine romance with my King with my past still linguring over my head. After all, this was all about Him. Not me. Not my sins. Not my shame. And when those things brought me down and filled my mind, they pushed Him away.

I hate to say this, but all that dealing took me over a year. The worst time in my life. But worth it. Absolutely worth it. And He makes things turn out beautiful for those who love Him.

I know you maybe wondering what this has to do with exercising? Nothing really. I just wanted to update you on that, but as I sit here typing, I realize that it kinda has a lot to do with that. You see, I struggle with that. I'm not a really active girl. I'd rather read than go to the gym. I'd rather watch a movie or cook than workout. I pretty much rather do anything than run for any length of time...*grin*

But, I'm not opposed to swimming, walking, biking, or hiking. It's just actually getting me to just do it is the problem.

I think God cares about that. He cares that I have a desire in my heart to be healthy and active, and I think He wants me to know that just because I've never been successful in the past with these things doesn't mean I still can't do it. Remember? He is showing me how to LIVE. Every step we will take together. So, no,  I didn't finish my 30 days, but they aren't over....I just have to do what He's shown me when it gets hard. Let Him lead me right through and we will finish together!