Why is this baby so excited?

Because Mama made waffles! I am pretty excited, too. I like the idea of making up a bunch of chocolate-chip waffles and putting them into the freezer for easy breakfasts. (Measuring, pouring, and cooking are not my strong suits in the morning. Must have coffee...)

the unbearable cuteness of corduroy

I have been a happy busy bee lately, sewing fall outfits for Eliana out of scrumptious patterned courduroy. I love to imagine how sweet they will be walking around (when it is no longer as hot as the surface of the SUN here).

ready, set...

GO!!!

This boy means business. He is the powerhouse of Team Dinosaurs. I love watching him run!

Knocked Out

Oh, to sleep like a baby!
One of Eliana's good traits is her ability to catch a nap when she needs one. At 16 months old, she is in the process of dropping the morning nap. Some days, she still needs a little rest before noon. This morning, I heard the children playing upstairs with the kitchen set. The older kids came downstairs, one by one, and it was very quiet in the loft above. I found Eliana sleeping peacefully on the floor next to her toys.
Sweet dreams, little bit. I'll wake you for lunch.

practicing

This is what Eliana does for many hours each day - hones her newfound skill of walking. I had forgotten how all-absorbing the task is to a newly mobile baby. She staggers through her laps downstairs, a goofy grin on her face, stopping only to lean against my leg, suck her thumb, and recharge for the next round.

Swords and Bunnies

Josiah is a precious mixture of baby and big boy right now. I found his favorite weapon, the long sword with the blue handle, on his bed next to his favorite "mimi rabbits." I have seen him wielding his water gun with one hand and sucking his thumb on the other. (It is advantageous to be a lefty and a right-thumb sucker.) His favorite stories right now are great battles in the Bible and his handbook on how to be a knight.

Top Ten Reasons to Homeschool Your Children

In keeping with my last post, here is another list! It is not my own, but I wholeheartedly agree with the philosophy and am motivated by the same desires for our family.

The Top Ten Reasons to Homeschool Your Children

1. To instill your values and beliefs in your children.
2.To encourage academic excellence in your children.
3.To meet your child's unique, individual needs.
4. To help your children through the difficult times in their lives.
5.To help your children understand the hard questions we face in life.
6.To build intimate and meaningful relationships with your children in order to show them how much you love them.
7.To share with your children the common, everyday joys of life and be there when they need you most.
8. To be your children's mentor, spiritual leader, role model, friend and teacher.
9.To protect your children from the negative influence they may encounter outside the home.
10.To instill in your children a lifelong love of learning and to show them that learning is not boring, but exciting.