“Insta”-replay: signs of spring

The calendar says it is spring but the weather seems unsure.

We do have some ducks in the stream by our house. So that’s one point for spring.

But then it was cold enough for snow, so that was a point against it.  But the cold weather did inspire my kids to help with dinner so I guess spring or not I can’t complain.

That was are week, hope your spring is equally enjoyable.

“Insta”-replay, remembering to use my camera

It seems like sometimes moments go by so quickly that if you don’t stop to take a picture you won’t even remember it happened.  That’s how this week went, quick, very quick!

Charry learned about volcanoes in geography and the book recommended opening a shaken can of soda to learn about the pressure build up.  She was not very eager to try it, unlike me, I thought it was a great idea.

My science class is much more tame.  I learned about ph levels with boiled cabbage water.  Although I must admit it was pretty cool to watch the liquid go from purple to blue or pink.

Besides school we have been busy with many other activities, like seeing a movie with Aunt Katie.

And going to lunch with Grandma Kelly, she had the day off so we decided to skip school for the day so we could hangout.


We also had family fun celebrating pi day (3.14). Any excuse for pi is a good excuse!

And we are customizing our own sets of dice for tenzies! The girls are much more creative than I was, they are even using metallic sharpies to color in the pips.

So those were some of the fun memories I managed to capture this week! I hope your week is memorable as well!

“Insta”-replay: March in like a lion?

February ended with snow! A bit unusual in our neighborhood.

We had some flowers that had thought spring would be early, but no such luck.

I’m always delighted went my kids do art projects with their aunts, mostly because I don’t have to clean up afterwards.  This particular project also helped Aunt Katie since she was able to try it out before using it with 30+ preteen girls.  Since my girls had fun I think it is safe to say it will be a huge success.

We spent some time with Aunt Coral lady week!  We don’t see her often enough!  And both girls were happy to “trade ladybugs” on their phone game.

March 2nd was Seuss’s birthday so to celebrate the girls dressed their dolls in Suess inspired outfits and has a Suess themed photo shoot. My personal favorite was Thing 1 and Thing 2 with kites in the house.

And we continue to dig out old/unused games for family game night.  This particular one we played at a friend’s house a few months ago and I didn’t even realize we owned it.

Well despite February’s late snow, March has been relatively nice. So I’m not sure if “in like a lion and out like a lamb” will be accurate this year.  Hopefully at least the out like a lamb will be.

“Insta”-replay; Birthday Parties and Out of Town Guests

“Oh look at you, you managed to survive another trip around the sun.” Birthdays are kinda a funny thing to celebrate if you think of them like that.  So it is a good thing I think of them more as a time to stop and look at how much you have changed from one year to the next.

Merry’s birthday was last week and she is growing up even as she is still very much a child.

In dance her maturity shows up most, her class is preparing for pointe shoes. And her flexibility and focus during class have both improved.

But she still shows her fun spirit when she dresses up for holidays, like being all pink for Valentines.

Merry’s birthday theme was fairies, and her Aunts went all out, since 12 is the last year as a pre-teen.

They managed not to set the house on fire with the fireworks candles, although from the sounds coming from the kitchen, I think it might have been close.

Besides celebrating Merry we also got a visit from Cousin Toby and Aunt Kim! They were in town for a dance competition and spent a few extra days visiting.

Then I got to take them back to the airport, on the one day we had snow.  And the snow was only right by the airport.  So I got my fill of winter weather.

Here’s to another lap around the sun and to seeing how much we can accomplish while we go!

“Insta”-replay, taking time to slow down

Taking time to slow down sometimes just means making an effort to notice what is going on around you.

This year I started a “creative journal” besides keeping track of daily goals, like Bible reading and stretching, I’m also keeping track of long term goals like books I’ve read this year and things I’m grateful for.

Merry has found a few buyers willing to support her art. I have to say I am very impressed with her consistency drawing the same picture multiple times.

Technology can detract from family time, but it can also add to it. Such was the case with Aunt Katie’s hair and makeup app, it added many laughs to family time.

Libraries are wonderful places, filled with books.  Those books can turn time spent waiting into time spent exploring and learning.  I’m trying to learn from my kids and read more also.

Kids are always happy to put another dentist visit behind them, it helps that they are once again cavity free! 

For a few more days, well one more day, she is 11. I’m not sure I’m ready for 12, but she sure seems to be! Either way a birthday is coming soon! I guess somethings you can’t slowdown.

“Insta”-replay, family fun and learning fun

January is more than half over! The new year is going quickly for us!

Family game night was expanded to include legos. Sharing our creativity and laughing together were the highlight of the night!

We are also digging out games that we haven’t played yet, despite owning them for years. One such game was “water works” a game of leaky pipes where quiet Merry beat us all!

Besides playing games the girls also spent time playing piano.  They showed of their skills with a mini performance for my inlaws.

Charry is back to volunteering, now at the library which we can see from or house.  She was very excited to be able to walk there by herself, without Mom. Less excited to have Mom show up later and take pictures of her working.

Merry had real life complimenting her school. As we learn about roots and a fallen leaf from her cactus starts growing its own roots. As a mom I love when they can see what they are learning outside of the books and assignments.

So that is what we’ve been up to.

Good Mornings

I thought I would share a new part of our daily routine.  This year as a family we are committing to putting God first in our lives.

For starters this is meaning getting up a little early and reading our Bible before anything else each morning.

We’re not always pretty, since it’s before brushing hair.  We are usually bundled, since we still miss bed. But we are gathering, somewhat together (depending on how long it takes for sister to get down stairs).

We each are committed to different reading plans. I’m using a “One Year Bible” on my Bible app.  Merry is reading one chapter of the  New Testament each morning, starting in Matthew. And Charry is starting with Psalms and Proverbs, also following a plan from the Bible app. Jon is participating too, he’s listening to the Bible while he gets ready for work, he did the math and 4 chapters a day should get him all the way from Genesis to Revelation.

Consistency can be hard for me but having accountability helps.  Now not only is my family keeping each other accountable but, by posting a blog, I have the entire internet helping.