First Day of School 2012 (sort of)

I do believe we have become a homeschooling cliche. Smile. First, we don't really have an official first day of school this year. We started handwriting and math in July. Jeremiah started his Science class 2 weeks ago. Today we started our Core C from Sonlight. Second, the grade levels are just estimates. The Core C is technically 2nd grade, but Jeremiah is doing 3rd grade Science and 3rd grade Language Arts. Nathaniel is doing Kindergarten Handwriting and Math, and learning to read. Is that pre-K? I have no idea. Third, we got up and took these pictures without even combing our hair or putting on cute "back to school" clothes.

Anyway. Now that our crazy month of August is over this week is the week we try to get back in to a more normal routine. So we got up this morning, ate breakfast, did our chores, and started on our Core work. But first we did something fun. Last night I searched for a fun interview on Pinterest and decided on this one from All for the Boys. We will do one every year, add their picture, and put it in the front of the binder I keep for them with their school work from the year. I think it will be a fun way to chronicle their changes over the years.

 

 

We are looking forward to this year. It will be different to be doing more intentional work with Nathaniel. But he has been so excited to be doing his own school work!
So we are jumping in (officially) and hoping to have another fun year of learning!

Another visit.

On Wednesday we all packed up in the van and went up Lookout Mountain. It was a gorgeous late summer day with the slightest promise of fall in the air. We bought peaches at a road side stand. We played on a playground. We explored Point Park. We ate a packed picnic lunch in the shade. We topped off the day with ice cream at Mr. T's.  I am always so grateful to live in these mountains.

This morning I woke the boys early and we said our goodbye's to oma and opa. It is always so nice to have them here for a visit. Now that they live on the same continent as us it is especially nice to know that we can easily visit them again soon. The visits are more relaxed. The goodbye aren't quite so poignant.

Soccer "try outs" 2012

Another late summer evening, another soccer "try out."
This is our 4th year so we excitedly load up the van while Aaron is still on the phone with the Rec Center coordinator trying to figure out if there are enough coaches. The evening light on the field is warm, but golden-ing, the first sign that summer is waning and fall is on its way. Kids run wild. The boys head straight for the field without a backward glance at me. They immediately fall in with old friends, many whom we have not seen since last year. I greet other parents. We make small talk and catch up.
Aaron eventually helps line kids up. He is a quiet leader this man of mine. He sees what needs to be done and does it without fanfare or showing off. He has a knack for making kids feel important and special. He is having to coach 2 teams this year - Nathaniel's (4&5 year olds) and Jeremiah's (6&7 year olds). He watches kids run and shoot.
Parents mill around. Talking. Watching their kids. Wondering what teams they will end up on.
Oma and Opa are here this year, watching their grandsons. It is fun to have them here for this part of our life. 
We are excited for another year of soccer!

Nathaniel's Pool Party

The cake.

Super easy thanks to a friend letting me borrow the soccer figures. 

 Annual birthday picture!

Late night target practice with the new marshmallow shooters.

We had a great evening at the pool last night celebrating Nathaniel. We prayerfully watched the weather reports all day and came up with a back-up plan that thankfully we didn't need. It was a gorgeous evening and the community recreation center pool was full of happy, playing kids. Nathaniel felt loved and special, which is always my goal for my kids birthday parties.

the monkey turns 5

This boy...words fall short of describing who he is and what he means to us. He radiates joy, enthusiasm, energy, and passion. He believes he is a super hero. He gives the best hugs and continues to insist on his morning snuggle time. He has a compassionate heart and the gift of encouragement. He easily memorizes chapters of scripture and repeats them as he plays with his Transformers.

This year Nathaniel learned to swim. He made a good start on reading and writing. He played his first season of soccer. He is right now on his first multi-day, overnight trip away from us.

Happy 5th birthday, monkey! We love you!

VBS 2012 - Run the Race

The week of vacation Bible school (VBS) is always crazy. Our VBS runs in the evenings so we are up late, and the boys still don't sleep in, so we kind of struggle through our days. But it is all worth it! Both boys are eager participants. They love learning the songs and the memory verses. They thrive under the extra attention of adults and "big kids" who help. I always love watching all the kids having a good time. This year though I am feeling my own faith grow as I watch this church body in action. All the volunteers have stepped up, are serving enthusiastically and are pouring love into the kids. It's a beautiful thing to see.