{kids swimming trip}

In July while Jeremy was gone to Africa this time we went to see Emily and her family and stayed in a hotel and went swimming.  The kids had so much fun!  It was nice to break up some of the two weeks of Jeremy being gone.  As a child my parents would take us to a hotel somewhere to swim and eat during the summer.  I loved it, and it always brings me back happy memories.  But I have to say that I now appreciate my parents VERY much.  It was tons of work!  We had a great time, but now it is me doing all the work, not just the enjoying!!  I love summer.  I can hardly believe it is almost over. 

 I love my family!

Sisters Weekend 2011

school has begun once again

and we are loving every minute of it!  The kids enjoyed meeting their teachers Tuesday night and Wednesday was their first day back.  Jeremy and I have had a lot of discussion and prayer about school this year for the kids and what was the best option for our sweet children.  We both feel there are some issues with the school programs, but we feel very impressed that our children need to be there, and learn to be "in the World, but not OF the World".  We are disappointed with programs that were taken away and other things going on, but then it occurred to us that it is OUR responsibility to teach our children all that we want them to learn!  Instead of complaining about what the school isn't, we can provide what is important to us as a family.  So we are creating a home of learning and happiness where they can feel a love of learning for life!   We are having tons of fun doing it too!  Right now we are working on learning all 50 states and their capitals, Jeremy is teaching them Spanish, multiplication to 12's, handwriting, history and geography, science fun, typing,  music composers, and art appreciation, and LOTS of nature study.  The girls each have a book they are working on and Hunter is doing great with his reading skills.  Every Wednesday we work on a "Life Skill" our family wants to learn or we feel in important.  I love it cause learning together in our home makes learning seem a natural way in our daily lives.  It is fun and exciting!  I love the{Charlotte Mason} learning methods.  We believe that kids learn best from the world around them, we just have to help them see those things.  I love to read how other families are learning  and get fun ideas from them.  

This was Wednesday morning and everyone was beaming with excitement!

Loralie has our beloved Mrs. McDougal this year.  She has been excited about it since the last day of school in May.  Mrs. McDougal is our neighbor and we love her so much!

4th Grade

Miss Savanna has Mrs. Peterson.  Her classroom is awesome!  She is such a sweet lady and I have heard such great things about her.  We were so happy Savanna got her!

Kindergarten

Our Mr. Hunter has Mrs. Bryce this year for 1st grade.  Loralie had her and we absolutely loved her!  She is fun and enthusiastic!  Learning is fun in her classroom.  We are excited for another great year with her!

1st Grade

Fisher had to be included in all this craziness.  He will have Mommy as his teacher for the next 3 years!  And boy does she love him!

Carlee has Mrs. Williams this year.  She is new to the 5th grade.  We have heard really great things about her and Carlee is loving her class so far.  When we met her Tuesday Jeremy and I really liked her.  Carlee is super excited about the 5th grade.

5th Grade

This face makes me smile!

at the creek

We were all longing for some peace and tranquility Saturday. It has been a LONG and HOT summer! We drove up the mountain to a small creek and enjoyed the quiet beauty that surrounded us.  Jeremy and I both enjoyed the sand between our toes and the cool creek water.  The kids enjoyed splashing and chasing tadpoles, collecting colorful rocks and building a dam with their daddy.  Graham tasted all the rocks within reach and loved to immerse his hands in the warm course sand time after time.   I love to watch his face as he is exploring his surroundings in each new place we visit.  Children truly enjoy the world around them.  I am so looking forward to the upcoming adventures we have planned with our children. 

Our Very Own Rapunzel

Carlee has always been very creative. 

As a small child she would make doll clothes out of things all over the house to fit whatever she was playing.  The other day she came out of her bedroom with this long "Rapunzel" hair and her little friend "Pascal".  All the girls have wore this "Hair" everyday now.  The only problem is, the boys like to step on it and tie it to things to hear the girls scream! 

Gotta love brothers!

I Just HAVE to Brag

I am so proud of my SWEET Husband for doing such a wonderful job with his
"LIFESTYLE DIET CHANGE" He is doing so well and is feeling great!  He just got back from 2 weeks in the Congo of Africa for work and we are sooo happy to have him home.  He has some great pictures I am going to post.  Seeing the people there really makes you grateful for all we have in USA.

Each time he brings us back little African gifts.  This time he brought me this little Jewelry box.  It is made out of Malachite.  Last time he brought me a beautiful beaded necklace  made out of Malachite.  It is handmade and just beautiful.  I love to see what he will suprise us with.

Utah Part 2

Now the purpose of our trip was mostly so I could attend a Power of Moms Retreat in Park City at the home of Richard and Linda Eyre.  These two are some of my MOST favorite authors!  I love their books so very much!  The retreat was wonderful and meeting them and listening to them speak was such a treat!  Park City was gorgeous and the weather was wonderful!  Not to mention the company was just splendid!

Loralie Turned 9!!

This year Loralie had a very fun party with all her girlfriends!  These girls know how to have fun.  They are the cutest sweetest you ladies!

Birthdays seems so magical when you are a child!  I love how creative kids  are and how they can have fun doing just about anything!