Category Archives: Boys

Can You Start Again?

Can you? Can you hit the reset button in life? What about in homeschooling? This is where I am in life. When I started this blog my boys were eight and five.

In my last post, FIVE YEARS AGO!!, they were twelve and nine.

They are now fifteen and twelve!

I would love to say that we have been having quite the adventure and were flourishing in our home school journey. But sadly, we haven’t. Nothing traumatic or life altering has happened to us. We are all fine and healthy. And for that I am extremely grateful. No, it has just been life. Instead of thriving we have just been merely surviving. What do I mean by that? When I started homeschooling, I had all these grand ideas of what it would look like and how perfect it would all be. But it wasn’t and it isn’t. Life is hard! Homeschooling is hard! It’s not for the faint of heart. When the math isn’t clicking and the tears are falling, I want to give up. When the house is a mess and we’re behind on EVERYTHING, I want to throw in the towel. You get the picture. It seems like we have been so focused on the academics of it all that we have left out the fun. That seems to happen more when the kids are older. I’m not happy about that but that’s the reality. So now, here I am wondering, with less than four years left with my oldest and seven with my youngest, can I begin anew? Can I hit refresh? Can I bring back in the fun? I really want to try. My boys are worth it. So what does “starting over” look like? More field trips? More projects? More fun family time? I know one of the major areas I need to work on is organization. That is where I am going to start. I hope you follow along with me as I endeavor to hit the “reset” button.

Fall is my favorite season!

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I just love the change in the air during fall. It is my absolute favorite time of the year. Not too hot, not too cold, just perfect! We recently had a “fall party” with our homeschool group. It was a grand day. We had beautiful weather and lots of yummy food. We met at a park and had a wonderful time of fellowship and games. We started out by eating (my favorite part). I made a pumpkin cheese ball (recipe below.)

T-Rev and CB helped carve the pumpkin I used in the story I read to the kids (more on that to follow.)

Once everyone had their belly full, I read the kids the story of The Parable of the Pumpkin. If you’ve never read it, you should. It’s a wonderful book for the young and old. It tells of how we “shine” when we have the light of Christ in our hearts. Here is a link if you’re interested in checking it out.

After the story, we had the kids design “Fall Fairies” with items found in nature. It was cool to see all the different creations!

After the craft, we played “Fall Fun Games.” The first one (that I don’t have any pictures of) was Ring the Pumpkin. We used sewing rings to ring the pumpkin stem. Next was Scarecrow Relay. The kids were separated into three teams. Each team was given the supplies to make a scarecrow. The first team to build the scarecrow won. This was a great hit! After the game was over, the kids had a grand time playing in the hay.

It was a really fun day! We’ve had lots more fall fun that I’ll post about later. In the meantime,

Happy Fall Y’all!

Recipe for Pumpkin Cheese Ball (Taken from Taste of Home Recipes)

Ingredients:

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 celery rib or broccoli stalk
Sliced apples and assorted crackers

Directions

In a small bowl, beat cream cheeses until smooth. Stir in the cheddar cheese, paprika and cayenne. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.
With a knife, add vertical lines to the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin; insert a celery rib or broccoli stalk for the stem. Serve with apples and crackers. Yield: 2-1/2 cups.

Refuge

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: He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. Psalm 94:1

I love this picture…it speaks to me on many levels. When I look at it, I think of my boys and how I want to protect them from the world. I want to shield them from everything that could bring them harm. However, that is impossible. But there is One who can. He not only shields them but me as well. He’s my protector and deliverer. This world can be so heavy sometimes…I’m glad to know that I don’t have to lift it’s burden all by myself. He is always there covering me.

C.B.’s Baptism

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There are times in a parent’s life that bring sheer JOY. A child’s baptism is one that is right at the top of the list. Recently, my little C.B. was baptised. I was one proud Mama! My baby will one day spend eternity in heaven with Brian, his big brother, and myself. Words cannot describe how happy I am. I feel truly blessed to have my little family. We’re not perfect but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. Thank you God for giving me a wonderful husband and the two best kids ever!

Long Christmas Post!

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Wow what a busy, sometimes crazy, but overall wonderful year 2010 has been! I wanted to send out Christmas cards this year with a letter describing our year. However, life got too busy and before I knew it Christmas was already here. So in lieu of sending out letters, I’m going to do a blog post.

The boys are growing like weeds. T-Rev is in 4th grade and CB is in first. They have both been taking music lessons and are becoming quite the musicians! T-Rev plays the guitar and CB plays the piano. They also started karate this fall and have just tested for their yellow belt.

Brian has switched roles in the agency he works for. He is now dubbed their “IT/Sales Manager/Do It All” man. This means he has a great deal more responsibility but he doesn’t have to travel nearly as much. So that makes me a happy camper. He is also very involved in our church and small group. He also volunteers with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief when he is able.

As for me, I’m still home schooling the boys and working as a nurse on the weekends. I’ve become the secretary of our homeschool group which has been a lot of fun.

God has blessed us this year with good health, stable jobs, and a close knit family. I thank Him everyday for His mercy and grace.

Christmas was a lot of fun! We’ve had decorating, baking, parties, church programs and family. What more could one ask for?

We started out the season the week of Thanksgiving by decorating the tree and house.

The first of our parties was our Homeschool party. Our group, CLHE (Christ Led Home Educators), has a Happy Birthday Jesus party every year. We pick a mission to bring gifts for Jesus to. This year we picked a local shelter for battered women and children and brought different items to donate. We started off the party with lots of great food. We then decorated cupcakes and made ornaments. We then played lots of games and ended with singing “Happy Birthday to Jesus.”

We also had several other parties during the month of December but unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures.

Next was our trip to Dublin. We were able to go to Dublin for the weekend before Christmas and spend some time with all sides of our family. We don’t get to go home often, so when we do we really pack in a lot. We started out at my dads on Saturday, Sunday morning church with Brian’s parents, and Christmas with my Mom on Sunday night. It was great to be able to see our family. Just wish we could spend longer visiting and catching up with everyone.

The Fantastic Five

I love these guys!

This was too cute! My Dad and Laura (SIL) were standing side-by-side and eating at the same time.

Jeff! Need I say more!

Uncle Luke and Aunt Laura gave all the grandkids these really cool fort-building kits.

Mama, Chess, and A.

Me and two of my “little” brothers

After returning home, the boys and I made mini gingerbread houses.

The finished project!

On Christmas Eve, we loaded up the van with our hot chocolate and drove around looking at Christmas lights. Just the thing to get us in the Christmas spirit.

Every December 1st we start our Advent calendar. Each night we open a box and pull out a piece of a nativity scene and read a portion of the Christmas story from Luke. On Christmas Eve, we place baby Jesus in the manger and read the entire story.

Cookies and milk for Santa

Mama and Uncle Chess came to spend Christmas with us. The boys woke up at 5:30! When they went to wake Uncle Chess they scared him half to death. It was hysterical but I guess you had to be there.

The boys with their train that Santa fills with candy every year. This year it was filled with Skittles, Jelly Beans, and mini Twizzlers.

“Merry Christmas everybody!”

“Oh what can it be?”

“Bond, James Bond”

Do you know the show “Punkin Chunkin” on Discovery channel? Well Brian saw the commercial for it and the big burly, biker guy was wearing this shirt. Brian thought it was hilarious and wanted one. Now wonder if he will wear it?

My beautiful Mother and Me

One of the most wonderful things about this year is that we actually had a White Christmas. My first ever!

So that was our Christmas! I hope each and everyone of you had a wonderful Christmas and here’s wishing you a happy New Year from our house to yours!

C.B.

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Today is a very special day! Today my little boy asked Jesus to live in his heart!

I can imagine the angels singing with praise. My own heart soars. It truly amazes me how my God is so faithful to answer a mother’s prayer!

Dear C.B.,

Your Dad and I are so proud of you! We love you very, very much. But always remember, as much as we love you (to the moon and back), your Father in heaven loves you more. Today you have made Him and us extremely happy! Thank you for being a wonderful son!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Peek into 2010

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I only have a little time but I wanted to show you a glimpse into our little life in 2010.

We started off the year with beautiful snow. The boys and Brian had a wonderful time building a snowman and having a snowball fight.

The boys won top awards for each of their age group in Awana this year.

T-Rev had the opportunity to be on our church’s Awana Bible Quiz team. They came in second place out of 16 teams.

Easter Pics

My mom came to recuperate after her neck surgery. It was wonderful to have her here only she didn’t stay long enough.

CLHE (Christ Led Home Educators) Award Ceremony

CB’s 7th Birthday

Bee Farm Field Trip (The boys really are holding on the bees with their bare hands!)

CLHE Field Day

Annual Zoo Trip 2010

CB’s First Piano Recital: He looks like a little man sitting up there.

Memorial Day Parade: I thought this was neat.

Lots to post

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I have been going through the recent pictures I’ve taken during the fall and have realized that I haven’t posted a single picture from our spring and summer. We had a lot going on. We’ve had four birthdays, a beach wedding, and many more summer fun days. Here is a smidgen of our spring and summer.

CB’s (formerly known as Bubby) 6th birthday. Every year we take the boys to Toys R Us to pick out a present. They love to wear the crown and get the balloon. TRU usually announces his name over the intercom.

Toys, toys, everywhere…..Oh what to get?

“I JUST CANNOT DECIDE”

Birthday bowling

His favorite dessert, brownies! The boy doesn’t like cake. What is wrong with him?!?

Oh what could it be?

Brian’s sister Pam got married this June at the beach. It was a beautiful wedding…hot but beautiful!

This is a picture of Brian and CB at the marina where the rehearsal dinner was held. I just love this picture!

T-Rev is growing too fast!

Another of my favorites! That’s the beauty of this blog. I get to pick my favorites!

Cousins. E is really hamming it up!

Thumb wrestling at the rehearsal dinner. Classic!

Ummm…..not really sure what this was about.

More cousins. Beautiful girls!

My ever lovely MIL being escorted by her son Greg.

My FIL walking his daughter down the aisle.

My wonderful in-laws (other parents).

Pam and Bo

Brian and Pam. Another of my absolute favs!

CB “the dancing man”

During the summer, we went to G’Pa’s and G’Ma’s to swim. The boys love it and always ask when can we go back.

Anxiously waiting on back porch to go swimming.

Gotta love the goggles!

Chess got to come over one day with A and D. That was a fun day.

Trying to see who could make the most waves.

I think Chess won!

We have a fountain at the mall here. We like to go during the very hottest days because the water is frigid!

Summer around our house involves popsicles, pavement chalk, bicycles and friends.

The neighborhood gang deciding whose sides they are on and where home base is going to be.

The hide out

“You want a piece of me?!”

“Yeah I know I’m bad”

Just me and my boy!

and my other boy!

Umm…..should I be worried……little young don’t you think?

We have a state park with a “beach” a few miles from our home. During the week, we pack a lunch and spend all day there. The boys “snorkle”, build sand castles, and swim just like at the real beach.

T-Rev turned 9 this summer. He wanted to go to I-Hop for a birthday breakfast. He got a smiley face pancake. Still cannot believe how big he is getting.

Ice-cream cake…Yuuuuummmmy!

His loot

One day, I had to run a quick errand. The boys were inside with Brian doing schoolwork. When I left, guess what was in our yard……

….A HUGE TURTLE…..

Look at how big he is! We have no idea where he came from or even where he went. He moves pretty fast for a turtle. Whatch out hare!

So that was a glimpse into our summer. Next I’ll post our fall pics. It’s already turning out to be very busy and eventful!

Love to all,

Kim

Sweet Moments

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I just wanted to tell everyone (all 3 of you) about a sweet moment I had yesterday at church. First let me start by saying that I almost didn’t make it to church because I overslept. Then when I did wake up, I really struggled with whether or not to go. Brian was leaving to go out of town, I hadn’t had much sleep during the night, blah, blah , blah. Excuses, Excuses! Anyway, I did drag myself out of bed (at the last minute) and made it to church on time. I am so thankful I did.

Our sunday school class let out early, so I decided to peek in on our kids while they were in worship. I first went to see T-rev. When I arrived, he was standing and singing worship songs. Now to get the full picture, you must know that not all the children were standing. Some were, most weren’t. As I watched him sing, I noticed him swiping his forehead. This is something he does when he’s trying not to cry. At first I was concerned that something was wrong but as I looked closer, I began to realize that he was feeling the Spirit. The more he sang, the harder it was for him to conceal his emotion. When they finished singing, the leader went directly into a beautiful prayer. After the prayer, as T-rev looked up, I saw the tears on his face. Beautiful, silent, heart-felt tears. Noone else noticed or saw this but me and his heavenly Father. I cannot begin to tell you how my heart soared to see this. Seeing my son with his hands in the air and praising God was almost more than I could bear. I felt as if my heart would explode! I am so thankful to God for allowing me to share in this moment between He and my son. And what a beautiful, sweet moment it was!

And to think I almost missed it because I didn’t want to get out of bed……

LOTS of Pictures

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Yes we are still alive! I know, I know it’s been since October since I last posted. Brian pointed that out to me the other day. I get on my computer every night but I always spend too much time reading my favorite blogs then I never post on my own. So since it’s a long time in coming, the following post is chop full of pics and updates.

We’ve been very busy the last few months. During the fall we went to Savannah with Daddy for work (one of the perks of homeschooling). We also had lots of Fall fun on hay rides, corn mazes, and church fall festivals.

At Thanksgiving, we had Brian’s brother and his family over. While I was so astute to get pictures of all the food and tables, I didn’t get a single one of the family;). Oh well I had been up all night and day so at least I didn’t burn the turkey.

Christmas was amazing! We went home the weekend before Christmas and spent time with all our family. I got to see aunts and uncles on my mother’s side that I haven’t seen in a long time. Brian’s grandmother is living with his Mom and Dad and I was able to get pics of the boys with their Great Grandmother Huskey. Not many children have that priviledge. My camera batteries went dead at my Dad’s house and I didn’t get any good Christmas pics. Daddy, will you send me some of yours?

We spent Christmas at home this year. We usually spend it with our family but I had to work Christmas night. It was a nice, relaxed, fun-filled day.

After the new year, we have jumped right back into our school work. T-Rev is playing basketball. Bubby is anxious to start soccor in the Spring. I hope to post more on what our school days are like in the future.

Well, I know I’ve been rambling so I’ll just leave the rest to the pics.

Love you all,

Kim

This was in Savannah. I love how Bubby is smiling at his Big Brother.