Pioneer Days

A few days ago, we travelled to Parker Pioneer Homestead in Whitehall to see how the settlers lived. We are currently studying early American History in My Father's World so the timing was perfect.

The first activity of the day was cross cut sawing.

There were several school groups there and some of the things said by the other children confirmed my decision to homeschool my own. I couldn't believe how disrespectful they were to the volunteers who donated time and skills to give them a glimpse into the past. It really made me very sad. *stepping off soap box*

Griffin needed a little help, but he and Madisyn made a great team.

I think the clothes washing was the highlight of the day. The kids went on and on about how much fun it was! LOL I might hang the clothes on the line to dry but I'm NOT up for handwashing. They would all have to get used to wearing much less in a week if that happened.

In addition to the demonstrations, they also had several furnished cabins the kids could look at. It was really neat to go in different ones and imagine how the families were different based on their homes.

We purchased some homemade suckers and they were very good. They could have been a bit smaller though - Ben made a horrible mess.


In the one-room school house.

The kids were looking for the queen in the bee hive. We had a great time and didn't even get stuck in the mud ;) . The tractor and Kawasaki Mule served as the "Homestead Tow Truck" - two days before we came through, 2 school buses got stuck!

Henry - 4 Months

Walter Henry, you are FOUR Months Old!

You weigh 14 lbs. 13 oz - what a big boy!

You wear mostly size 3-6 months clothes (still a few 0-3).

You are wearing infant sized prefolds and size small diaper covers.

You have recently really discovered your thumb and thinks it's the greatest thing ever!

You get tons of loving daily from your sister and brothers, no one can go to bed without giving "Wawa Henwe" bedtime lovin.

You can roll over.

You are trying to sit up.

You love to laugh.

You are such an easily entertained baby.

You hang out in your bouncy while the big kids do school and you love to watch.

You laugh at our "jokes".

You are such a joy to our family and we can't imagine life without you.

You are proof that there is no such thing as too many children. :)

You are growing faster than Momma can believe.

Of Schedules and Chores

A couple of years ago, I found out about Managers of Their Homes. It's a book put out by the Maxwell family. They are a homeschooling, large family that has developed several resources for Christian Homeschoolers. I guess it was after I had Ben that I realized I needed a plan. The author, Terri Maxwell, said she was overwhelmed one day and knew she needed to do the next thing. The only problem was she didn't know what the next thing was, there were so many things that needed to be done.

We had outgrown our old schedule and I never took the time to update it. After attending a conference this weekend, I was reminded of all the reasons that the schedule worked so well.. Terri also says that the schedule is NOT a slave driver, it is a mom's slave and I couldn't agree more. Since it is so new, I'm really trying to keep the kids close to the times but after we get used to what comes next it will relax and become a guide for knowing what the next thing is.

The Maxwells have also written a book on chores. Griffin has been helping with chores but didn't have a chore pack. I even made Ben one with chores such as: Make Bed, Gather Laundry, Clean Bedroom Floor (toy pickup), Get Dressed, Brush Teeth. For him putting his blanket is making the bed.

I used the basic premise of their book but "Witcher-fied" it. I have mostly pre/early readers so I use pictures on all of the card. I make business card designs in publisher with clip art and print them on business card paper. Then I laminate each one and punch a hole in it. They are then threaded on a split ring and attached to an ID badge holder.

The laminated cards hold up well and the ring keeps them from ending up in the floor. Right now, we just use chorepacks for morning chores. Each child has an assigned after lunch chore but other "chores" vary from day to day.

Family Bible Study

This week we are studying John chapter one. Madisyn reads it herself daily and I read it to the boys. When Kent gets home at night he leads us in a discussion about a few verses.

When I'm reading to the boys during the day we are also working on praying for others. The current prayer request for Aunt Robin is that "her baby will come out softly". LOL

Showering Kristen

Little Izzy is coming soon.

Madisyn and I met mom and Robin in Bald Knob for a shower. One of Kristen's friends hosted the shower in her gorgeous home.

This is only a small sampling of the number of people there.

One of Kristen's friends painted this by hand. Didn't she do a great job!

The Richardson girls. Henry is in there to - behind the red material I'm wearing. If you haven't tried a wrap (and have the need for one), RUN don't walk and purchase one. I have tried multiple baby carriers and a wrap is by far the easiest, simplest, and most comfortable of them all.

Gifts for Izzy

Madisyn and I set to the sewing machines to make some gifts for Izzy.

I made a "pillowcase" dress.

Of course, the onesie couldn't be plain. :)

I helped Madisyn with her blankie for Izzy but she chose the material. Pink patchwork for the front and brown minky for the back. She pinned them together and I assisted her sewing because she had to use my machine. Hers won't quite handle the minky.

Money DOES grow on trees

if you know the right people.

A few weeks ago the folks at Lakeview were able to have a reception for Scott and Hannah. For most of the church it was the first opportunity to meet Hannah and we always enjoy having Scott around.

We moved our regularly scheduled potluck so we could share it with the happy couple.

Since they had already had other showers, we opted to give a money tree. What newlywed doesn't need some extra cash (what married couple period couldn't use some! LOL )

It was really nice to spend the day with Scott and Hannah and we look forward to many more opportunities. :)

Oh Happy Day!

When Jesus washed my sins away.

We were at a conference this past weekend and Madisyn had been writing in her Bible notebook. I looked over and noticed she had written " I do, I do, I do, I do, I do believe on our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes I do, Yes I do, Yes I do, Yes I do."

On the way home I mentioned to Kent that we might want to ask her what that meant.

After a through interrogation by Daddy, we determined that she knew exactly what that meant! We don't know how long she has been saved but she made a profession of faith on Saturday afternoon. That evening she began calling grandparents and aunts/uncles. She called Aunt Robin and said "I have something to tell you, I called to tell you I'm saved." To which Aunt Robin replied "Oh, You got saved?" Madisyn quickly said "No Aunt Rah, I AM saved!"

Praise the Lord!!!!

Madisyn will be baptized by pastor Daddy next Sunday morning. :D

And the hits just keep coming

such is life with boys. Ben had a run in with the fireplace. It actually looks much worse than it is. It's really just a scratch.

Take me out to the Ballgame!

Mimi works for a company that decided to host all of it's agents at an Arkansas Traveller's Game.

Not only did they invite us to the game but they fed us as well. Aunt Robin, Uncle Billy and Raegen were also there.

The baseball game was held the night before a University of Arkansas Football game so we were treated to the music of the marching band.

We watched the game from an area with picnic tables. There is no other way to take 5 boys 6 and under to a ball game. We had room to move around, stand up, move closer to the band, get more drinks, etc. It was wonderful.

Henry in his first jeans outing. He was great. He slept, ate, and dirtied diapers just like he was at home.

This is the best whole family shot we got. Griffin wasn't happy to be leaving.

Donuts

Last week I thought I would mix things up a little. We're more of a late to bed, late to rise kind of family so I thought I would try doing errands/chores in the morning and then school.

You can't head to town in the morning and NOT stop at the Whistle Stop Cafe for homemade donuts. Apparently everyone else had the same idea so they only blueberry left. We ate them anyway.

The promise of donuts always improves moods. (You would think I limit their sugar or something. )

Oh so good!

Then we went to WalMart. We always attract a lot of attention. Henry is in the wrap and I'm surprised by how many people are shocked to see a baby in there. What else would I carry in it?The kids always unload the cart for me. We've only had a couple of eggs broken ever (of course, we rarely buy eggs or bread so they aren't there to get damaged LOL ).

I'm not really sure why Ben wouldn't be more cooperative but I thought he was cute nonetheless. When we got home, Madisyn and Ty were finishing up school and Griffin begged me to take his picture. I'm sure this counts as Engineering or Ag 101 ;) .