Joy {Alaina's Persuasive Essay on Adoption}

During Alaina's 3rd grade English, she was learning how to write a 'persuasive essay.'  My sensitive, out-going girl decided to write her paper on adoption. 

The minute Alaina entered our arms, we noticed this charm about her. Since she came home, we have witnessed over 30 babies find homes. Her charm has always encouraged others to buy plane tickets to... China. So, when she told me she was going to convince Daddy to adopt a sister, I wasn't surprised. I think her essay is well thought out and her facts are very true. Oh my heart. :)

I love how BJU Press takes them step by step through the process.  First, she came up with an 'opinion statement.'  Then, she needed two reasons why she believes in her opinion statement.  With each reason, she needed facts to back up her opinion. 

She put lots of thought into each reason and each fact is true, sadly. 

(Be sure to click on the picture so you can read it better.)

After posting her proud picture on facebook, many fun comments were received.  One comment, got me thinking.  It took me several days to think through it.  

  "When you put it like that, how do you ever stop adopting?"

Wow, this is such a tough question for me.  I’m always open to adopting, if God calls us. Joel and I might be 'done' adding more, but our family...from generation to generation will not forget, I pray.

I think of the verse "Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12

So,...I can't forget the ones left behind. It's with me daily. Until I die, God has called me to educate, share the truth, and advocate for these little people left behind.  It's always in my heart and mind.

Not everybody is called to adopt but we are all called to do our part...widows and orphans...all over the world.  By sharing my heart, boldly, it helps me feel like I'm making a difference...one by one.  As each baby/child comes home to their forever family, I experience pure joy. 
 
So, yes, I would adopt more if God wants us to. In the mean time, I will continue sharing my heart and praying more Christians step up…adopting, foster care, sponsoring, visiting. 

Alaina deciding to write a paper to convince others to adopt, including our family, brings me great joy. 

The Vintage Ball

Months before December 30, Alexis and Zachary have been dreaming about the Vintage Ball. Finally, the day arrived. Fancy ball gowns. Formal tie and even a belt.

Alexis's friend accompanied the teens for the splendid evening.

"...those dancing should wear a smile, and accompany it with a polite inclination of the head, in the manner of a salutation. At the end of the dance, the gentleman reconducts the lady to her place, bows and thanks her for the honor which she has conferred. She also bows in silence, smiling with a gracious air."

Colonial dancing in the Grande Ballroom with close friends and new friends just met.

Beautiful, festive costumes....if you wish.

And even a live vintage band from the Colonial period.

Awww...where has the time gone? They have grown up so fast, it seems. I miss the little ones they once were but I'm embracing the young man and young lady they have become.

In the beginning...{school}

"Oh wow, new Crayons. Cool." :)

Our second week of school has been just as wonderful as the first.
Did you count? 10 boxes of books and DVDs. And lots of sorting to do. Oh how I love new books. So exciting. And how I love school supplies.

Every year, I promise myself I'm going to start earlier. Our books arrived just on time...to start school mid-August. Ready or not. :) I truly love our curriculum. We've been using BJ books for many years and every year, I love them even more.

The hardest part with any school year, I think, is getting ready for the first day. Joel jumped in this year as I was rushing around two days before. He made a trip to St*ples and did something we should have done a long time ago. He handed over the disks and they printed out the materials we needed...10 cents per copy...and so worth it. He came home and immediately, like an assembly line, we punched holes and placed them in binders. One happy mom, I tell ya. :)

Ms. Alaina sporting her new 'skinny jeans.' Nothing cuter.

Loving her new books.
And the little guys navigate from room to room, always finding something interesting.

This time, cars...all red, lined in a row. Go figure. Counting. Colors. Yep, school. :)

Speaking of school...the little guys will officially start homeschool- preschool in September. I needed to get the older ones going and get the little ones curriculum organized.



Hudson is not waiting on me. Nope. He grabbed a pencil and paper one day, and just started writing letters that he really hasn't officially learned. It's so very cute. He sends me letters and reads them to me, making it up as he reads. Such a story teller. Love him.

Four of our kiddos out of six are left handed. Hudson, I thought he was. I think he is. He does the switch-a-roo...back and forth...changing hands. And what's so amazing about that is that his writing is the same on either side. He cuts with scissors with his left hand and switches back and forth while writing and eating. I noticed he kicks with his left foot...and his right. A good thing. So, my guess, he is a lefty...like the majority in our house.

Sometimes we do school in the basement...
Sometimes in our bedrooms...
And sometimes in the treehouse...

A few changes have been made this year. Daddy has taken on a bigger role with the older two and oh my, what a change. I'm not sure exactly what he promised them or if he threatened them... but it's working. :)

As I've mentioned many times, Joel B is a homeschool mom's dream child. He's up early, stays on task, and gets his work done. Does his chores. Helps me with lunch. And actually a pretty smart little guy.

The kid could ask for anything, as far as homeschool 'wants' and I would probably get it for him.


Oh yeah, he did ask for the world and well, he's happy. He got a brand new flat screen tv, a new dvd player...and wanted to do school in his room. He's collected his own 'toys'...ipod touch...and docking station...with chore money. Did I mention he is normally completely done with his work before NOON?!!

So he stays outside a lot, enjoying the weather... and doing his favorite thing....and now wearing neon soccer shoes.

Zachary also celebrating 'cause we finished the day early! {Can you believe this? Pretty good,huh. Both of them have been wanting to learn gymnastics so they can do flips when they score....or entertain their mom.}


Every day is an adventure. People ask me all. the. time, "How do you do it?"


I respond, "One day at a time. One minute at a time."


One hug at a time. :)

Homeschool {2nd half highlights}

We officially started homeschool yesterday for the next school year! All is well so far...the first day. :)

Before we move into the new year, I must share the highlights from the past few homeschool months. I feel like I'm always behind in posting and striving to catch up. Know what I mean? Time has gone so fast this year and we have learned so much. "We" including me. :)

I couldn't teach 6 kids without my handy, dandy Bob Jones DVD Distance Learning program. All the amazing ideas and colorful DVDs...using different media helps make school fun. I couldn't come up with so many creative ideas on my own.
One of Alaina's favorite days was Cowgirl Day! Pink boots and all.
I think her favorite part is the food surrounding all the special 'days.' She enjoyed "trail mix and buffalo meat (hotdog)" on Cowgirl Day.

And I know you remember the "Circus" theme. Well, this theme continued for days...and everywhere we looked, clowns were dancing around. The highlight for Alexis and Zachary was dissecting in Biology.

And you know how I feel about dissecting. That's why I always had lab partners in highschool and college biology. They did all the work.

I was surprised at Ms. Alexis. Normally, she is so much like me in these gross areas of life but this time, she was right in there...touching the critters. Yuck. Thankfully, the critters don't stink like they did 20 years ago in my classes.

There are so many more things I could share...

Like Alexis and Zachary just finishing Pre-calculus at the age of 16 and 14. Totally amazing.

And how thankful I am to have a child like Joel B who finished school in the middle of May. Such a blessing. The rest were dragging into June...and July.

And the many field trips, parties, and P.E. classes {aka: dance, soccer, baseball,basketball...not all in the same week...just in case you are wondering} Maybe the "P.E. classes" could be a post in itself.

And now, our beloved homeschool books from the past are now flying over the U.S., boxed up with love and ready to bless other families. I adventured out into Eb*y land and have sold about $1000 of books. Talk about time consuming. But worth it. Oh how I wish that one family or even two would buy them all. No. I've mailed {about 27 so far} boxes all over the U.S...all media mail. It's been fun. Really. :) The best part is how creative I can be finding boxes that fit each book.

If you want to feel better about yourself, sell on eb*y, mail your packages as fast as possible...and then go read all the comments written about you. Awww...I feel so important...teehee. Really, though,...my buyers wrote such nice things about me. I've recently decided that 'words of affirmation' is my "love language" so make sure you all leave nice comments every once in a while. Makes my day when I get a comment or two. :) I "feel" loved.

And now the new year begins. Am I ready? Normally, not. But if I waited until I was ready, it would never happen. :)

Corinthians 12:9
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.

So...today is day #2 of our new school year and can't wait to share the details.

Oh yeah, summer pictures and updates might be posted before Thanksgiving..LOL. I'll try. :)

The Famous Shriners Circus...

In honor of Alaina's two week homeschool theme, I thought it would be a great time to share pictures from our adventures at the circus.
We were so excited to find in our mailbox, FREE tickets to the famous Shriners Circus for our whole family!

We will forever be in the "Shriners Family." Almost one year ago, Benjamin was loved on at Shriners Hospital. We will always be grateful for the love and care he received that day and how they have offered a prosthesis, if he wants one, until he is 18 years old...free of charge.

And they give us free tickets to this amazing Shriners Circus. Can't beat that.
I mean, it's not often that a family of 8 gets to do anything free.

Even though we didn't pay a penny, it was worth a gazillion bucks. We were fascinated all four hours.

It was very easy to see from where we were sitting...up,up,up high...five rows down from the top.

That's why you don't see any pictures of Alexis. She was saving our seats...way up there as we were taking pictures with the clowns. And it wasn't easy going up and down.

But I have to say, they were the best seats in the house.


My favorite was the most flexible girl on earth shooting a bow and arrow with her feet.


When we thought that it couldn't get any better, here comes a motorcycle, riding on a rope...and acrobats...hanging...


As you can imagine, the animals were the little peoples' favorite...

Who says you can't be large and graceful?


Hudson and Benjamin's favorite...the tigers!

All four hours were totally amazing. After four hours though...my favorite part was the ending.

Looking forward to going again next year...free. :)

Bring on the Clowns...homeschool style

The beauty of homeshool: Doing your school work in a clown costume...
I love all of Alaina's subjects...but my favorite is the 1st grade phonics, reading, writing, and english program, an award winning program...as it is combined into one. Since we are using the Distance learning DVD program, Alaina shares the week's theme with Mrs. Walker.

This week's theme....the circus!! BJU uses different media which is very entertaining for this mom. Love it! And she/we are learning. :)

Isn't she just the cutest clown ever?