Whatever is Lovely

Finally Brothers,
Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Phil 4:8

I am so Thankful this week that I was able to remember to focus on the beauty in my children this week. I can not say there active, crazy, sometimes sweet, sometimes crazy, sometimes violent behavior has changed. I can say my heart towards it is changing. Whatever is lovely Lord that is what I want to see and think about.

I am Thankful for a little bit more order in my schedule

I am Thankful for a now 10 year old who is growing more independent yet still needs me.

I am Thankful for new insights into the mind of my 7 year old (whom I may never completely understand) :)


Thankful for the new to us cabinet my Dad and Mom gave us. :) Haven thinks it is the perfect place for a nap. The beauty of childhood and joy in the simplicity.

It's about time for the Tots :)

So My sis and I occasionally think alike! Seems we both started Tot time up again this January. A dedicated somewhat organized time just for the littles. I do find it necessary to make this time happen, it is so much easier to just pop them in front of the T.V. or let them rip there room apart and argue with each other. :) (Well it actually isn't but it somehow seems that way when I am distracted by the big kids school)

So here are a few things we did last week during tot time and I hope to continue this until next school year when I will start the boys on a Dedicated Pre-K/ Kindy Curriculum together (To be assembled still hehehe).

This little space is there's for Tot Time and I hope to sew a few floor pillows today so we have something to lounge on while I read them a story. (Here they are using lacing beads and cards)

 Here they are putting tooth pics through straws. (They loved this and did it for longer than I thought that they would)

 A Wedgit train. We added to our Wedgit set as Haven got some of the mini Wedgits for his Birthday and they work wonderfully with the normal Wedgits. I will say my boys do not put things into there mouths unless it is food. :) The mini Wedgits would be too tiny if your little ones like to eat toys.

 I have been specifically making the boys clean up after themselves. I had found myself in a bad habit of asking and when they did not do it putting them in bed or time out and doing it for them. Problem is they didn't mind and were getting much worse about cleaning up after themselves. So now we make sure to put away what we get out after tot time. Small step but so far it is helping.

Plus look how cute they are helping each other. :)

For more Tot School Posts or to join in go to

Thankful Thursday

I have been meaning to pick up on a few more weekly posts. 2011 is as good a time as any to start I would think.

I have been reminded this week of just how fast children grow. My youngest turned 3 and suddenly has turned into a little man. My oldest will be 10 this week. Yes I said it! 10! Double digits and far to mature while still being innocent somehow. What a burden I am feeling, Oh Lord guide my words and my heart and let me lead these children toward you in every way.

I am Thankful for these precious children God has given me.
I am Thankful that no matter how many times I repeat the same mistake I am always able to seek God and begin again.
I am Thankful to be blessed to have a husband who Loves and adores us, who I enjoy spending time with.
I am Thankful for Coffee
I am Thankful for the ability to teach my children at home, and learn a million new things about myself in the process.
I am Thankful for stepping out of my comfort zone, well I usually am once I do it. :)

Happy Birthday to my Haven

 Playing drums! (Thanks Papa Keith for the batteries) These are fun all the kids had to get a turn.

 Even J had to get a tattoo. :)

 Haven-Woody with his new Woody from Grandma Ardel

 The new movie we watched last night, yes he still loves Toy Story even after all the party fun. :)

 Can you tell this card plays music?

 The phone Caleb had to get his brother. He likes it if you can't tell.

 Haven is so blessed with an amazing group of cousins.

 Pinata action

 I love to see Layla smile

 Blow out the burning candles

 Posing with his cake, Well Buzz seems to be at least.

 3d glasses action

Some of Our Decor. :)

Christmas Joy 18-25

So Christmas has come and gone and here I am ready to finally post a few more pics. Next year I will have to remember to charge the camera battery the day before Christmas, thus we don't have so many morning with Dad and Mom pics.


Caleb did so good at the Christmas program at Church Sunday. After turning into a goof ball during practice I was happy to see him go up and do it for real.

 Timmy Loves to sing but he gets pretty shy when he is up front

 Evangeline got to sing with the big girls this year. :(

 It was great to have Layla here this year for Christmas. Here she is giving sissy a ride. :)

 Haven and his new Buzz Lightyear!

 Evangeline trying out her Drawn 2 Life game

 The coffee my hubby made me Christmas morning. Yes I needed it. :)

 Merry Christmas Oso, one year that we have owned him now.

 My nephew and me!

 Caleb was attempting to attack Anna here I think

 Justin and the kids went Christmas Caroling with the Church

Christmas Joy Day 7 - 17

Okay so I was on a good roll and then poof life got in the way. So much for my pic a day.

Here is a few pics from the last 10 days.

My Haven and I

A Playdough Christmas

 Ryan and Shae came for a too short visit. :)

 The kids put on a "play" in the loosest sense of the term. I am pretty sure it involved a baby Jesus.

 Grandma Sherry came to the build and grow clinic with us last Saturday

 Thank you Shae for the twirly ribbons and Evangelines pretty new hat. :)

 I sewed up a bunch of Java Jackets for my sister to give away to her coworkers and then a few for Christmas presents.

Christmas Joy - Day 6

I really need to put this ladder away but it makes such a nice dinosaur mountain.