We stopped by Marcy's house (my sister) on the way home from my in-law's on Monday. I like to get those healthy yard eggs whenever I can! My kids like to see their cousins, as well as the animals. Clayton got to hold a tiny frog. He was really excited. He's such a nature lover!
We went to Warren's parent's house for Memorial Day weekend. We always enjoy visiting with them and haven't been in a while. They work in their yard a lot and it is so pretty! I'm very blessed to have wonderful in-laws. I think it's very important for kids to be around their grandparents if at all possible. Our parents' generation has a lot of wisdom and history to share with us. I love to hear stories from them about their childhood and their parents. I want to be able to pass along stories to my kids about their ancestors. It's very interesting to think about what hard workers they were, and how honest and ethical people were in previous generations. I just love history, especially American history!
Kellie and her family came up to stay with us last weekend. Her girls danced in the Spring recital at the ballet studio they attended here. The kids had a blast together. Kellie's baby is due in July. Right now she is breech but we are praying that she will turn. I think I need some photography classes! Some of my pictures leave a lot to be desired, but I have fun taking them anyway!
Carrington had her Spring recital on Sunday afternoon. She and her teacher, Miss Marge, played a duet. They played "Battle Hymn of the Republic". They did a great job!
The other night my kids decided to paint their faces with toothpaste. It wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't 10:00 at night. I had let them stay up to watch the Duggars. I made them wash their faces and go straight to bed. I probably should have taken a picture first. :o)
I am reading a book right now called, "A Pocketful of Pinecones", by Karen Andreola. I have heard really good things about it. It's about a Mom who homeschools and teaches her children how to study nature. They find things and draw pictures of them and put it in a "Nature Notebook". It's in a story form so it's really fun to read. The family lives during the Great Depression. To teach my children about nature, I will be learning right along with them. I wish I had shown more interest in nature as a child, because my Dad knows a good bit. ie The names of birds, etc. Clayton loves to be outside and we have a lot to learn about just in our backyard. We have quite a few trees in the back half of our backyard which my kids call "The woods". I wish I wasn't so terrified of snakes. It really puts a damper on things.
We just returned from a homeschool convention. It is always very helpful to attend seminars and conventions to be inspired and to learn better ways of doing things. I can always use some inspiration and I have learned so much from the speakers every year! :o) It's a huge responsibility, but I LOVE being able to teach my kids at home. Yes, there are days when we are all getting on each other's nerves, but that really pales in comparison to getting to snuggle up on the couch to read a really interesting history book while it's raining outside, or watching one of them master a concept. Clayton has asked me a lot of questions that I haven't had an answer for. I have had to look up words in the dictionary as well as search for answers on the internet. I've learned as much as they have!
