Baby

Waving hello.

Little foot.

She was stubborn, but we did find out we are having a girl!  Who do you think she looks like?

Ah-chee-he-he

When Shiloh had her bath tonight she was splashing - A LOT! - and got some water in her nose.  She sneezed a couple times, and both times she laughed.  So, what I heard was "ah-chee-he-he".  It was quite adorable :)

Having a great time at Steph's yesterday :)

Sweet Prayer

Victory prayed for supper tonight...

"Thank you for the food... thank you for the food... and I love you, Jesus.  Amen."

Makes me smile :)  And so does this picture!

Back-to-School

It's getting to be that time of year...  I've ordered most of our homeschool materials for the coming year and I'm working on getting everything in order.  I'd love to start as soon as possible!  But, before I do, I want to make sure I've got my ducks in a row - so to speak.

This year we are using a curriculum called Tapestry of Grace.  I'm excited to use something that is completely integrated with Biblical knowledge!  While the AOP LifePacs we used last year were certainly Christian based, TOG uses the Bible as the background for all studies (linking history and geography to the Bible being of utmost importance).

One of the great benefits for me, as "teacher", is that this curriculum can be used across the board.  That means, even when Victory starts full time next year, I won't have to buy separate teachers manuals for each student.  I teach them all from one book and simply make their assignments suitable to their age/learning level.  I'm starting out easy this year by doing pretty much the same thing with Alex and Chase.  Next year, when I'm more comfortable with the curriculum, I'll add Victory... and in succeeding years, the other kids.

I reviewed some of the information we'll be covering in the first weeks with Alex, and he is VERY excited to get to work!  I hope and pray that excitement carries through the entire year.

Even Victory gets in on the action this year.  Although she won't turn 5 until December, she is very excited to "do school".  Almost every day last year she insisted that she needed to do her "homework".  It was great :)  This year I'm starting her in the same Math curriculum the boys are using.  They have a pre-K/4 yr old program that will be a great stepping stone to getting fully involved in hs next year.

So, while "back-to-school" looks a bit different in our home than in many others, it's still an exciting time!  And, I don't have to worry about new clothes for the kids, or backpacks, or figuring out the bus schedules.  Yippee!  :)

Intended...

I already know who will be the future spouses of at least 3 of my kids. What!?  You think I'm kidding?? LOL  Well, I thought I knew... but I guess these things don't always turn out exactly like we plan.

Case in point -- I overheard a conversation between Caleb and Eden today at Steph's. (I didn't hear the entire thing, but it went something like this...)

C: "How old do you think [Shiloh] will be when I'm grown up?"

E: explains that S is 6 years younger and will still be that much younger when C is older

C: "Well, I think I want to marry her when I grow up."

E: "You can't, she's going to marry Malachi!"

Hehe :D It's true! Victory will marry Zeke, Malachi will marry Shi, and one of the boys will marry Eden...

Okay, so I realize that is probably NOT going to happen that way, but it's a fun thought. I can't think of anyone else I'd want more for a M.I.L. for my kids than Steph :) Of course, that means that Mitch would be their F.I.L. ... yikes!! =S (Just kidding, Mitch. You're not THAT bad! LOL)

In all seriousness, Mitch and Steph have a wonderful family, and I know their kids are being raised to love the Lord.  That's most important... and someday, their kids will make wonderful, Godly spouses.  Whether or not they are my kids spouses is something only God knows. :)

Malachi & Shiloh

Eden

Zeke & Victory Joy

(Okay, seriously... I'd have the cutest, blondest, most curly-headed grandkids ever!  LOL)