tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75543902012-01-27T07:07:51.045-08:00Notes from the crunchy Christian mom of three homeschooled boysAmandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.comBlogger6311100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-80245325999493313512012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:002012-01-26T08:05:59.038-08:00

So, I'm taking Darcy's year-long photo challenge -- just one shot per week based on her themes. Better late than never, right? (I see a theme of my own forming.) This week's theme was self-portrait. I didn't think too hard about this one. Or prep myself for it. I was also inspired by this post by photographer Erika Ray, who wrote, "People remind us all the time that our kids grow up so

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-3943235208962490452012-01-25T21:49:00.000-08:002012-01-25T21:50:30.863-08:00

Sometimes, it's just worth winging it. First, make sure your stew meat is thawed. Or, at least, mostly thawed. Pull your bacon, carrots and onions out of the fridge. Realize you can't find your mom's copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Hope you'll remember the recipe well enough. Heat up your pot and slice your bacon. While the bacon is sizzling, send a kid next door to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-33663382596330929942012-01-21T18:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:36.406-08:00

I've been keeping a little secret from you, dear reader, perhaps for too long. It distracted me a bit from blogging through the month of December, so I really owe you the explanation. It will only get more and more difficult to hide, even in this blogging world where secrets can more easily be kept. (If you know me in person, or on Facebook, or if we've emailed recently, then you already know.)

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-40160686590627093212012-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:04.353-08:00

The last few weeks have seen much accomplished in the new kitchen. Scott spent what seemed like every waking minute of his Christmas "break" working in there. Trimming the new walls with woodwork, installing the butcher block countertops, sanding, oiling, sanding, oiling, sanding... with a little help from his boys. Last weekend a back-ordered part for the range hood arrived, and our dear

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-14997060145036143902012-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:33:14.955-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. To join in, visit Soulemama.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-22226005312501341382012-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:002012-01-04T10:10:56.607-08:00

My resolutions for 2012: To use and do what I've learned and know. To make the most of what I've been given. To live every day with a grateful heart.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-70774904709682148312011-12-28T19:52:00.000-08:002012-01-25T08:34:16.414-08:00

Okay, I titled this "Highlights," and then I went a little nuts uploading photos, so forgive me... Christmas Eve day, while the nana, mama and auntie did some last minute shopping and wrapping, Papa engaged the boys in a nice long game of Risk -- over hot chocolate, to keep up their strategizing energy, of course. (UberDad was busy with his measuring tape and table saw, and still is.) As it

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-68003556978034520632011-12-27T20:16:00.001-08:002012-01-25T08:35:44.829-08:00

I hope your Christmas has been merry and bright! I am so grateful for the full 12 days in which to celebrate and rest (and catch up on a little blogging!) As odd as it was for our local schools to be in session all the way up to Christmas Eve, it sure is nice that Scott doesn't have to go back to work until after Epiphany. I've been pretty sick this month, but expecting to be back to health by

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-23755265934216018452011-11-30T17:19:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:19:29.973-08:00

Lord, help me remember that I WILL NOT DIE if my kitchen isn't finished before Christmas. Dad, if you even hint at the words "I told you so," you won't be getting a Christmas present. :P How in the world am I going to host Christmas Eve for Scott's family without even a kitchen sink?! Lord, help me remember that Christmas will still be Christmas even if I don't have a kitchen yet... Such have

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-55597536549510462302011-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:002011-11-28T19:58:19.568-08:00

As the season of Advent begins, and we await the joyous celebration of our Lord's birth, I am happy to share with you this guest post by blogger and new mom Heather at ThenComesMercy.com. Waiting on God's Timing I was five days past my due date. The idea of leaving the house—even just to pick up a gallon of milk—felt overwhelming. We live in a small town and everyone from our neighbors

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-63888111260157624772011-11-08T07:18:00.000-08:002011-11-08T07:18:28.902-08:00

crunchy Christian mom            homeschooling     major DIY remodel +                  Pinterest    very little blogging

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-22731432422863329662011-10-28T11:27:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:27:54.555-07:00

I want to thank you for your understanding words and comforting prayers after my last post. They have helped so much. "I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!" - Psalm 27:13-14 I found this verse in my inbox after leaving the lab for my final hCG blood test yesterday. He

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-2760557056999663112011-10-14T14:24:00.000-07:002011-10-16T11:06:47.389-07:00

My middle son has been waiting since the beginning of our journey into the Middle Ages to read the story of William the Conqueror. He adopted the name "Guillaume," the French version of William, for his French and history studies this year, because he thought William sounded like an admirably tough warrior. Serendipitously, we arrived at that chapter of "Famous Men" today -- on the 945th

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-59682743414410014672011-09-27T23:00:00.000-07:002011-09-27T23:04:48.563-07:00

      Around here, the last week of September never brings chilly weather or hints of autumn color. (Unless you count our outfits and that it was under 95 degrees today.) The first week of fall is the week of The Fair. The county fair, that is -- the carnival rides, the 4-H animals, the hobby competitions, the food. As much greasy, fried, sugary,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-46902031659664258512011-09-20T18:08:00.000-07:002011-09-20T18:12:06.851-07:00

Nature study -- Redhumped caterpillars love redbud trees (and liquid amber, plum, apple, and walnut trees). We hoped we might see some cocoons and moths before we realized they're considered pests, but we suspect the neighborhood wasps got them first. Most of our interest-led science studies have centered on pets the last few weeks. Minnie is our new dwarf hamster. She's very friendly,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-36666337709898463462011-08-28T22:26:00.000-07:002011-08-28T22:26:36.444-07:00

Last week we dove headfirst into the fifth century A.D., joining the barbarians and leaving the Roman Empire in the dust and rubble. We are very excited about this year's plans to study the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Reformation -- and British literature! We're using Famous Men of the Middle Ages to guide us along for history, and supplementing with lots of lit. Literature and Historical

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-10207986959191642282011-08-27T13:43:00.000-07:002011-08-27T13:53:01.615-07:00

My mom wanted to spend her 60th birthday at the coast with her girls, and that's just what she did. We stopped for pedicures on our way, and then spent Saturday eating, shopping, sipping wine, eating, chatting and relaxing by the pool. On Sunday, my dad brought the boys over, and the activity level rose a bit...  

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-16921906239177970562011-08-26T18:09:00.000-07:002011-08-27T12:42:03.622-07:00

It's been more than a week since the last major progress on the remodel. Scott finished the floors, installed most of the quarter-round molding, and I repainted the baseboards. The electrician installed the new kitchen fixtures. Our friend Brad and his kiddos came over and helped Scott move the furniture back into the house. I still haven't unpacked all the boxes. Last week I was busy

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-18941465973600566122011-08-09T08:52:00.000-07:002011-08-09T08:52:46.998-07:00

I really like calling our school/play room the Room of Requirement -- it's the kind of room that transforms as we need it to! (And right now, it's pretty much that messy.) We're living with my parents this week while my hubby refinishes our wood floors, and the school room is crammed full of living and dining room furniture. So, I have no new pictures to show you for School Room Week at the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-88913811813497152212011-08-07T11:42:00.000-07:002011-08-07T12:07:53.008-07:00

I mentioned a few days ago that I was "finished" choosing books and ordering curriculum... and then I spent the next three days re-evaluating my list, and ordering a bunch of things I'd forgotten! What can I say? This job is never done! In case you're stopping by for the first time... I have three boys, ages 10, 8, and 5. They'll be in 5th, 4th/3rd, and Kindergarten. Our homeschooling style has

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-45191704203730057542011-08-03T08:56:00.000-07:002011-08-03T08:56:15.727-07:00

(Our schoolroom at the beginning of last fall. It hasn't been that tidy since!) Can I tell you how grateful I am that I spent a chunk of time in the spring choosing books and ordering curriculum for this year? So, that aspect of my planning is finished (through about February, when I'll want to dive in and mix things up a bit). However, because we have so much left to do with the remodel,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-25927780660943601232011-07-31T08:24:00.000-07:002011-07-31T08:26:29.871-07:00

What a busy, busy month! I may be too tired to think in complete sentences... but somehow I can still count. 1 red-white-and-blue Independence Day parade 4 forts in Nana's living room 1 inspiring local homeschooling conference 6 fun afternoons at the park with friends 5 long-anticipated tickets to “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2.” (We took my dad and left

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-90795133107337491742011-07-30T21:43:00.000-07:002011-07-30T21:43:16.047-07:00

This week we spent a day with friends who moved to Orange County in April. We met them at a darling children's museum in the city of La Habra. It's not a huge museum, but every room was thoughtfully designed and organized, and geared for touch and interaction.   The science and art exhibits were full of great things to explore, but the highlight was definitely the theater room.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-40375105449072796362011-07-29T18:54:00.000-07:002011-07-29T18:54:34.693-07:00

{this moment} A Friday ritual. A photo (or two?) - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama to leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-72955197081905163952011-07-16T10:32:00.000-07:002011-07-16T10:32:52.694-07:00

I don't suppose you don't want to hear all about the details of our first building inspection and how Scott had to climb into the attic again to reinforce ceiling joists...? Let's just say it's been a lot of hurry-up-and-wait this week. BUT, we finally passed initial inspection, the drywaller is hard at work finishing the new walls, and my part in the job effort is about to get much bigger.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-87173867712798422822011-07-07T10:34:00.000-07:002011-07-07T10:37:10.441-07:00

It's hard to believe it's been a full month since we started remodeling our kitchen. It has been an arduous, tedious process. And since the chimney removal, it's also been mostly a one-man show -- definitely a labor of love by my Love, who has graciously refrained from reminding me repeatedly that this was not his idea. In the last three weeks, Scott took out all the soffits... He tore out

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-82645674046312112832011-07-04T21:48:00.000-07:002011-07-04T21:48:23.695-07:00

...is a cherished American freedom. I think it's that bit about pursuing happiness...

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-21925551587430965482011-07-04T14:34:00.000-07:002011-07-04T15:03:17.089-07:00

This morning we joined old friends and new ones to celebrate Independence Day with a little old-fashioned Americana.   I grew up in a classic bungalow cottage in a friendly neighborhood full of old houses and people who value tradition and community. When I was about 10, a few families on our street started the "20th street Fourth of July Parade." Every summer we expressed our patriotism

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-84215900637609921122011-07-03T18:28:00.000-07:002011-07-03T18:28:45.047-07:00

I have to be honest, I'm really not the most spontaneous mama. I'm good at hemming and haw-ing at requests until I have a chance to think out the details. But there's something about Sunday afternoons. I was still feeling the Love from church when we got home and Littlest immediately asked to make a volcano. Being the youngest, I sometimes forget that he hasn't done everything his

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-77273849813755662492011-07-01T20:58:00.000-07:002011-07-01T20:58:43.941-07:00

...I forgot to use my camera! I guess I was too busy doing other things, like... Showing the boys how to make stone fruit crisp (and letting them do the hard part!)... Making breakfast, lunch and dinner at my parents' house (so grateful for an alternative kitchen during the remodel!) Taking the boys to the pool... Listening to Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows (only 14 days until Part II

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-40940275971131912602011-06-28T15:32:00.000-07:002011-06-28T15:35:31.163-07:00

A few of us took a break from the remodeling chaos to go play at the coast last weekend. Scott decided to stay home and get s'more work done instead. Our campsite had a lovely view of the ocean through perfect pines for climbing.   The boys made friends with our neighbors, as they always do, and discovered that they were also homeschoolers, and from our same city! Our

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-25341161032802349862011-06-24T07:58:00.000-07:002011-06-24T07:58:10.166-07:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-49288428831282193502011-06-19T22:20:00.000-07:002011-06-19T22:20:54.766-07:00

Oh, my sweet Littlest boy. The one whom I wanted so badly, and who turned our lives upside down (and right-side-up again!) just as your Papa said you would. "Three is twice as many as two!" he warned. You charm us with your puppy poses, dino roars and silly smiles. You give out more hugs and "I love yous" than anyone else in the world. Your expectations are high, and you keep us on our toes,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-19838599763577325132011-06-15T22:23:00.000-07:002011-06-15T22:23:15.537-07:00

There's nothing like a good game of catch-the-brick to test the quality and strength of Trust in your marriage. This afternoon, the boys went off to see Soul Surfer with friends, and then UberDad and I got intimate with an old chimney to work. I held the flashlight while he chinked out a rough curve in the bottom of the chimney, which ends just above the space in those studs in the picture,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-11639443558593643752011-06-13T22:23:00.000-07:002011-06-13T22:23:23.650-07:00

Last week was... somethin'. Crazy busy, exhausting, amazing. Vacation Bible School wore me out every single day, and I fought a bad attitude for much of the week (and eventually realized I was PMSing). But I knew it would be worth it in the end, and it was. I got to be a blessing to some sweet, rowdy, special little kids, and they blessed me right back. I was so glad to see most of them at

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-54179385719448871562011-06-05T16:50:00.000-07:002011-06-05T16:50:09.833-07:00

On your mark, get set... Let the demolition begin! This is the moment I've been anticipating for two years! Plans are drawn and permitted. Dumpster is ordered. Cabinets are emptied. Habitat for Humanity is scheduled to pick up the old cabinets and stove. Electricians are coming Tuesday. We've got less than two days to get everything OUT. BEFORE -- This is what

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-56973751829971770362011-06-04T22:47:00.000-07:002011-06-04T22:47:56.052-07:00

It's time for the biannual Mom's Brag-a-thon! Music recitals come only twice a year, so you'll have to bear with me. (And feel free to share your braggable moments with me, too!) These two boys have worked SO hard the last two months. Their music teacher wanted them to learn a piece they could play together for the recital. Eldest has only studied cello for nine months; Middlest has studied

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-33420262723405270562011-06-03T22:40:00.000-07:002011-06-03T22:40:22.755-07:00

No matter how well you plan, something out of your control will always mess it up. It's good to plan anyway. Seize precious opportunities when they arise. But weigh your options and know when enough is enough. Environment, environment, environment. Environment is both your attitude and your surroundings. Even a homeschool mom can wonder, "Where the heck did they learn that?" But it's often

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-39554932254804208112011-05-31T22:43:00.000-07:002011-05-31T22:43:15.044-07:00

Can May really be over? The weather's been teasing me; if it's almost June, shouldn't it be hot already?? (Not that I'm complaining!) We began the month with our last Homeschool Skate Day of the year. They'll do one more, but we'll be at Vacation Bible School next week. It's been so nice to see this event grow in our community! We're really grateful for supportive local business owners!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-4664789991921342032011-05-23T19:44:00.000-07:002011-05-23T19:44:14.114-07:00

Last weekend we had a lovely spring rain, followed by the kind of cool, cloudy weather we usually see in February. It made me feel like our spring had been extended -- and I was being given a second chance at planting seedlings! So I pulled down my basket of seed packets, and the starter kit that had been patiently waiting on top of the fridge. The boys were very excited! We planted corn,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-50029817458314981072011-05-20T21:55:00.000-07:002011-05-20T21:57:34.861-07:00

I am constantly reorganizing our homeschooling stuff. (And by "homeschooling stuff," I mean books, toys, games, curriculum, etc.) My hubby's always saying, "You're moving stuff around AGAIN?" "YES!" I answer. There's no one perfect way to organize when your needs keep changing; it takes regular effort! Part of our spring cleaning in April was to sift through the things in the boys' bedroom.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-73844757302496465352011-05-16T22:36:00.000-07:002011-05-16T22:36:53.703-07:00

I'm afraid I'm a very bad juggler. I really only like to throw one ball in the air at a time. My blogging ball has been feeling a bit ignored. I've been too busy alternating between spring cleaning and making plans for summer and fall. Homeschooling plans, yes, but also plans for our new kitchen. Thirteen years ago, when we moved into our century-old Sears bungalow, the kitchen had just been

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-13673966680207088902011-04-30T23:55:00.000-07:002011-05-01T12:46:55.770-07:00

On Thursday we joined our homeschooling group for a walk along the Kern River to explore our local plant life. Our guide was a longtime local resident who grew up learning how to live off this land, and who now knows the names and uses of more than 3,000 native plants. Lonewolf is a Native himself, and he is passionate about passing on everything he knows to Native Americans and non-Native

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-89846359743884700422011-04-27T15:29:00.000-07:002011-04-27T15:29:31.993-07:00

I love that I get to participate in all of the Holy Week services at our church as a member of the choir. Maundy Thursday, or the Last Supper; Good Friday, with its many hymns and homilies on the meaning of Christ's sacrifice; the change from darkness to light during the Easter Vigil, when the evening light glows through the stained glass, the candles are lit, and we can finally rejoice aloud,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-91545770244639825962011-04-27T15:10:00.000-07:002011-04-27T15:10:31.526-07:00

My first baby turned 10 years old on Saturday. TEN. I felt like I should have been marking that milestone in some big, important way, but Eldest was content with our usual birthday traditions -- presents from his family over breakfast, a party with friends at the park, dinner at home afterwards. Since it fell the day before Easter, that was about all I could manage anyway. I do plan to make

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-26695747789331518632011-04-27T14:47:00.000-07:002011-10-16T11:08:53.085-07:00

It wouldn't be spring without at least one egg-dyeing session and a candy-filled egg hunt with friends!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-84307457782617416542011-04-27T14:41:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:41:51.741-07:00

I'm hosting a playdate this afternoon... which means I get to catch up on a little blogging! April has been one busy, beautiful month. I had a birthday, Eldest had a birthday, and then, of course, we celebrated Easter. There's nothing more beautiful than that. On my birthday, we drove out to the river with my mom, my friend Catherine, and her boys.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-77653973965361700402011-04-05T17:15:00.000-07:002011-04-05T17:15:38.281-07:00

"...Is the spring coming?" he said. "What is it like? You don't see it in rooms if you are ill." "It is the sun shining on the rain, and the rain falling on the sunshine, and things pushing up and working under the earth," said Mary... ...She unchained and unbolted and unlocked, and when the door was open she sprang across the step with one bound, and there she was standing on the grass,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-12220840236682796462011-03-30T23:08:00.000-07:002011-03-30T23:08:38.724-07:00

Four and a half years ago, our church hired a new youth pastor to come up from Los Angeles. Greg and his wife, Claudia, had two little boys, and another baby on the way. Littlest was a newborn, and somehow I knew that we were going to be fast friends even before we met. We spent three years working together in the church nursery, sharing our thoughts and feelings about mothering and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-61195807448867193192011-03-18T12:45:00.000-07:002011-03-18T12:45:06.964-07:00

Yesterday the boys were up at dawn, looking for clues that a leprechaun may have visited in the night. Mama stayed buried in the covers until each boy had found his pot of gold... Only after they'd had a fair bit of chocolate did I manage to serve up green smoothies and the bread pudding Eldest made the day before... Then the Irish music and dancing began... Have I mentioned

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-53075882724598466902011-03-16T13:40:00.000-07:002011-03-17T08:54:26.037-07:00

 We have always been a wee bit in love with St. Patrick's Day around here, since long before we actually knew much about the Christian saint himself. Who knew he wasn't even Irish?! Last year we finally learned the true story of the fifth century Bishop to Ireland, but we still kept up with some of our favorite traditions -- like the Leprechaun hunt. The year before we'd celebrated twice --

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-25207386937846559052011-03-14T23:34:00.000-07:002011-03-14T23:34:33.900-07:00

Sometimes a good field trip is just what we need to wake us up to the glorious days of spring. This morning we boarded the San Joaquin passenger train with our homeschooling group for a 90-minute ride to a small town two stops to the north. The carousel was closed for renovation, and the local history museum was closed because it was Monday, but no matter... We had sunshine, friends,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-64554784313759764222011-02-21T09:35:00.000-08:002011-02-21T10:27:50.414-08:00

"I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble."   --Helen Keller I'm borrowing this quote from Suzanne at Privet & Holly.  It pretty much sums up why I felt so... antsy, stuck, unmotivated in January. And guilty. I felt guilty for having such a good life and not doing more to affect the larger world. *Sigh*

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-48411909814105339982011-01-28T23:46:00.000-08:002011-01-28T23:46:09.162-08:00

When I was 16, my grandmother took me to Europe. We boarded train after train so she could introduce me to her family and friends all over Germany. At one point during the trip, she wanted to surprise me with our next stop. We got on a train, but she wouldn't tell me where we were going. I couldn't handle it. I couldn't relax into my seat and enjoy the view, not knowing whether we'd be

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-11171518312274025482011-01-28T08:25:00.000-08:002011-01-28T08:25:24.024-08:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit Soulemama.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-41157960462013487562011-01-27T20:41:00.000-08:002011-01-27T20:46:27.838-08:00

Ack! So, I'm uploading photos for another post tonight (yes, twice in one week, can you believe it? I'm getting my groove back!) -- when I'm suddenly informed by Google that I cannot upload even one more picture; my photo storage is full. Shoot. Or, don't bother, since I can't upload the pics anyway. Actually, I'm kind of surprised my free storage has lasted this long, considering I've been

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-43156109166785290692011-01-24T15:34:00.000-08:002011-05-23T19:52:00.535-07:00

Sometimes it's nice to do the fun things when Dad's home. On Saturday, Scott and the boys got out the baking soda and vinegar "Meteor Rocket" kit my grandmother gave them for Christmas. He helped them cut out the balsa wood aft fins and attach them to the liter bottle in the kit, which also included a nose cone, a fuel tube, and a screw-in plug. Yesterday, even Papa was around to join

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-52978565461064259692011-01-16T20:28:00.000-08:002011-01-16T20:28:36.504-08:00

Oh my goodness, I swear I did not give up blogging as a New Year's Resolution! How did it get to be the 16th of January with no new posts for 2011?! Is anyone even still here? Apparently, we've been keeping busy. After a full month away from anything that smelled like schoolwork, we Mommy needed a few days a week to transition back into our usual routine. I was also trying to figure out what

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-49533418114472241972010-12-31T11:47:00.000-08:002010-12-31T11:49:23.770-08:00

I know a lot of people have already ripped down their decorations, but technically it's only the seventh day of Christmas, with five more to go... so I'm not actually late in wishing you a merry one! ;) We've been cozying up at home all week, enjoying new toys and games and books and each other, after a lovely Christmas Eve and Day... I caught the boys' cough and sniffles the day after

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-47349737393528611382010-12-22T23:19:00.000-08:002010-12-22T23:19:27.188-08:00

  ...a lot like Christmas. The pageant... The baking... The gaming...   A tiny bit of last minute crafting...  The cold, rainy weather (with one afternoon of sunshine and a mad dash to the park)... The waiting... it's almost here!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-50223824019759453392010-12-17T22:32:00.000-08:002010-12-17T22:35:04.392-08:00

The lights are up, the stockings are hung, the decorations have been out for two weeks...   The tree is finally complete, the shelves have been dusted, the toys decluttered, laundry folded and put away, fridge and freezer stocked, three batches of cookies baked. Everyone has helped to make the house festive... We've had our first Christmas party with friends. My shopping is

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-51781356139925327322010-12-17T22:02:00.000-08:002011-05-23T19:48:14.873-07:00

We hosted our Christmas party for our little homeschooling group at the ice rink this year. The kids had a blast -- I just wish I'd remembered to take more pictures off the rink! Some of the kids didn't skate, but everyone enjoyed sharing Christmas cookies and catching up with old friends.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-55815079738626371882010-12-10T08:50:00.000-08:002010-12-10T08:50:41.456-08:00

On Wednesday, I got out the art supplies, opened up the laptop to Kathy Barbro's instructions, and told the boys it was time to make some Nutcracker art! One of our good friends is in our local ballet company's production of "The Nutcracker Suite" this weekend, and we planned to go see her dance yesterday. I thought the pictures would make a sweet gift, along with some homemade sugar plums.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-54333506476148111522010-12-07T12:19:00.000-08:002010-12-07T12:22:00.328-08:00

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there... But why stockings? Why does Santa put gifts into stockings? (And why are today's stockings enormous and so obviously not for wearing?!) According to one story about the real St. Nicholas, the original stockings belonged to three maidens who lived in his province of Lycia. Their father,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-1417139569384244352010-12-05T22:51:00.000-08:002010-12-05T22:51:35.885-08:00

Chanukah began on December 1 and continues until December 9, but our friends Cody and Emily managed to squeeze eight days' worth of festivities and excitement (and as many families!) into one delightful evening at their "Hanukkah Madness and the Dreidel of Fire" party Sunday evening.  Cody's mother is Jewish, and he and Emily and most of their friends are Presbyterian, so it was an

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-13462321504009035382010-12-04T15:44:00.000-08:002010-12-04T15:44:20.612-08:00

A mama's got to have some bragging rights, right? I am so proud of these boys! Middlest began taking violin/fiddle lessons in February, and Eldest began cello in September. Today they had their very first recital, and they worked really hard to be ready for it. Middlest played "Jingle Bells" on his violin. Eldest played "Ode to Joy" on his cello. Here they are with their music

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-10646158757553576372010-12-01T10:16:00.000-08:002010-12-01T10:17:49.934-08:00

1. Build a gingerbread house with Nana. - check 2. Clean the house. - why is this taking so long? 3. Decorate for Christmas. - maybe I should just decorate over the dust. 4. Update 2010 photos, and order photo gifts. - check 5. Choose with the boys what to give through World Vision. 6. Get a Christmas tree. 7. Decorate the Christmas tree. 8. Read about the real Santa Claus. 9. Bake

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-26158337338225845772010-11-30T10:24:00.000-08:002010-11-30T10:24:49.873-08:00

Obviously I've been lazy on the blog the last few weeks, so I'm catching up. My brain was otherwise-occupied this month, it seems. First with my Dad's birthday party, and then with the possibility that I might be pregnant. (I'm not, but it certainly gave us something to think about!) In the meantime, life went on... First hot chocolate of the season... Tea and sweater knitting (I'm

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-55092025696767352492010-11-29T16:38:00.000-08:002011-05-23T19:52:22.875-07:00

See this handsome man? Thirteen years ago today, he left behind the possibility of moving to Tahiti to spend his days sipping margaritas and flirting with babes in bikinis... ...to marry me. (He's a very smart man, so I really can't tell you why he would do such a thing.) Twenty-seven months of pregnancy, three children, 126 cycles through PMS, 18 weeks of postpartum abstinence..

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-11184138960932746172010-11-28T17:16:00.000-08:002010-11-28T17:16:11.151-08:00

Peanut butter and cranberry sandwiches... Yum!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-10710391118778896572010-11-27T20:04:00.000-08:002010-11-27T20:04:22.702-08:00

This Thanksgiving, I was thankful... that I was the only one who was sick (and that it's not any worse than a cold).   ...for all the help my hubby and boys gave with the food prep -- peeling apples, snapping green beans, baking cornbread for the stuffing, peeling potatoes. ...that my mother always sets such a beautiful table (and I didn't have to clean my house). ...that my recipe for

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-85938101556167394722010-11-15T07:14:00.000-08:002010-11-15T07:14:21.429-08:00

Did you hear about Handel's Hallelujah Chorus being performed as a Random Act of Culture by the Opera Company of Philadelphia in Macy's two weeks ago? If you need a kick in the pants (like I did) to start thinking about Christmas, this should do it! A choir of 650 voices performed alongside the largest pipe organ in the world... And He shall reign forever and ever!!! Amen!

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-63216236290694077452010-11-11T12:57:00.000-08:002010-11-11T13:12:12.396-08:00

We celebrated my dad's 60th birthday on Saturday. At 60, he is in the throes of starting his own business, turning his passion for rock-crawling and 4x4s into a livelihood with the help of his partner, Eric. They've been working long hours for months to get the shop going, and the business is taking off, so we had lots to celebrate! My sisters came from San Francisco and Boston, my aunt and

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-20650309635028817692010-11-01T07:17:00.000-07:002010-11-01T09:02:35.830-07:00

We finished reading the Narnia series a few weeks ago, and I wondered how I was going to continue that boy-inspiring literary and Bible-themed path -- or, rather, I wondered where the Spirit was going to lead us next. Last week in our Lively Latin history, we studied the Roman legion -- how the army was organized, what the soldiers wore, etc. And it all came together...   We read,

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-19265234845518869202010-10-31T16:20:00.000-07:002010-10-31T16:20:00.300-07:00

"All things on earth point home in old October..." --Thomas Wolfe “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October.” --Nathaniel Hawthorne

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-9399655845061179522010-10-30T17:40:00.000-07:002010-10-30T17:40:55.136-07:00

"October is crisp days and cool nights, a time to curl up around the dancing flames and sink into a good book.” The photo is of a friend's fireplace; she lives where it's a bit cooler than here. But I did spend quite a few hours this month curled up on my bed with socks on and book in hand. I've fallen for Laurie R. King's mystery series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. As soon as

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-16856833933550827332010-10-30T16:17:00.000-07:002010-10-30T16:18:40.530-07:00

Can it really be eight years since that chubby-faced baby landed in my arms for the first time? My first home-birthed babe, the nursling content to be in a sling wherever his mama went, who put up with toddler head-bonk kisses from his "big" brother, slept quietly tucked beside me every night, whose one desire from life was to nurse and be cuddled? Yes, it really can. Yesterday, we celebrated

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-15905449263125160312010-10-25T22:24:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:24:24.645-07:00

In some parts of this country, kids play outside during the summer. But where we live, summer is for leaving town, hiding out in the A/C, or making friends with someone with a pool. Autumn, on the other hand, is trampoline season. The boys have been on ours every afternoon for the last two weeks. And yes, they're playing Muggle Quidditch. Please don't tell my insurance broker.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-75331689210002095912010-10-21T16:32:00.000-07:002010-10-21T16:32:12.960-07:00

          We met old friends and new this morning at our favorite pumpkin patch -- where the background is lovely, and the smiles are a little goofy. The kids tolerated our picture-taking (and took a few shots themselves), picked out their pumpkins, and raced through the corn maze, leaving the moms behind in the dust. Actually, there wasn't much dust, thanks to the recent rain. We chose

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-47212687550610681482010-10-19T22:54:00.000-07:002010-10-19T22:54:04.957-07:00

This is what I've been doing to heal my adrenal glands. I know I'm not the only mama around here with symptoms, so I thought I'd share what's working for me... 1. Most importantly -- beginning and ending the day with prayer and reading my Bible, NT letters lately. Some days I get tripped up, but waking up and looking immediately to the Lord has made the biggest difference in reducing anxiety. No

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-9378029493743296332010-10-18T20:06:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:28:15.324-07:00

These were supposed to post on Friday, but better late than never, right? Eldest discovered the apples were ripe on my parents' tree next door, so of course we had to go snag a bunch. Littlest stopped to watch a snail make its way across the lawn... I stopped to admire the light through the pecan tree... We were there at just the right time to gather the nuts that had fallen

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-20770939107998469432010-10-11T22:50:00.000-07:002010-10-11T22:50:13.892-07:00

I am so very grateful to have certain friends who enjoy coordinating and hosting lots of fun for the kiddos! We spent today experimenting with the magic of air pressure, energy, mirrors and light... They made reflective "cameras" out of toilet paper rolls by stretching tissue paper across one end, foil across the other, poking a tiny hole in the foil, and then peeking through it

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-23777196827088714412010-10-10T08:52:00.000-07:002010-10-10T08:52:04.236-07:00

  We shucked our usual routine last night for an evening out with friends, and to celebrate local art at Via Arte. For two days each year, local artists decorate the pavement at the Marketplace, an outdoor plaza, with their pastels, charcoal and chalk. The street painters had been working all day by the time we arrived. After grabbing fish tacos and bean burritos, we met our friends near the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-21223381154894412422010-10-07T07:50:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:33:08.266-07:00

She gets up while it is still dark, She provides food for her family...--Proverbs 31:15 The days are growing shorter, and the early mornings darker. My doctor told me two months ago to sleep in because my body needed it, but this week I've been waking up in the dark, much earlier than usual. I don't know if it's because Littlest spent a few days waking at 5 while adjusting to the colder

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-83961858211227293492010-10-06T17:04:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:28:15.327-07:00

I haven't done a Simple Woman's Daybook post in so long, and it feels right for today... Outside my window... the sky is grey and the air is cool. It finally feels like Fall! I am thankful for... the change in the weather. I am wearing... JEANS! Finally! And a grey-and-white-striped t-shirt.  I am listening to... the kids play their instruments. I am pondering... what to do next with

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-77018467131727228352010-10-04T22:52:00.000-07:002011-05-23T19:53:04.365-07:00

Up and down the brook I ran,where beneath the banks so steep,Lie the spotted trout asleep.--Whittier  "A brook is undoubtedly the most fascinating bit of geography which the child encounters and yet how few children who happily play in the brook -- wading, making dams...or watching schools of tiny minnows -- ever dream that they are dealing with real geography. The geography lesson on the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-76798433205853684432010-09-25T19:47:00.000-07:002010-09-25T19:52:44.282-07:00

A little math. Roman numerals, carrying and borrowing. A little Latin -- declined our first nouns. The Roman monarchy and the Senate. King Solomon, Jeroboam and Rehoboam.  The Last Battle. The Hobbit. Middlest learned its more fun to listen to Mom read while riding one's scooter around the house. Eldest memorized the Dwarves' dishwashing song to Bilbo Baggins (you can ask him to sing it to

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-8284797551442185762010-09-23T07:35:00.000-07:002010-09-23T07:35:00.516-07:00

What happens when you leave a history activity book open to a page about ancient Roman weapons in a house full of boys? A fully functional miniature catapult made of whatever they could find around the house -- in this case, K'nex pieces, part of a drum set, bark, a plastic spoon and duct tape. Unlike the example in the book, this one can be rolled down imaginary Roman roads on the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-86686241647038662812010-09-22T07:35:00.001-07:002010-10-25T22:28:15.329-07:00

  Apples!! Every September for the last seven years I have taken the boys up the hill to apple country to meet friends and pick our own first fruits of fall. Last week we visited on the very first day the farm was open.   We almost didn't make it this year... as that flu I mentioned the boys having finally hit me, and I probably should have stayed in bed. Poor Eldest was distraught --

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-58913366768380458792010-09-21T08:32:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:33:08.268-07:00

We've been reading about the layers of the atmosphere in "A Child's Geography," and did one of the suggested activities last week -- making the layers in a jar with flour, sugar, and cornmeal. When we were finished, the boys asked, "Now do we get to use the ingredients to make cookies?" That wasn't in the book -- but how could I refuse? ;) I didn't know exactly how much flour

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-62747300975476312002010-09-13T15:31:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:32:26.071-07:00

Can it really have been two full weeks since I last posted? Yes, it can. What have I been doing while ignoring my poor blog? Reading "The Red Queen" by Phillipa Gregory. I read "The White Queen" while on vacation, and liked it enough to buy the sequel when it came out in August. I wouldn't call it soul-nourishing, but it's a fun way to learn a little 15th Century British history. Obsessively

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-24548109231663721822010-08-29T17:57:00.000-07:002011-05-23T19:53:47.360-07:00

Yesterday Scott woke up our two older boys at 4 a.m., loaded food, water, poles and tackle box into the car, and set off for the mountains to find a good fishing spot. They came home after bedtime, exhausted and happy, each having caught (and released) at least one pretty little Volcano Creek Golden Trout. I can't imagine a better way for a father and his sons to spend a Saturday. But

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-20807610888809931242010-08-28T08:34:00.000-07:002010-08-28T08:34:29.381-07:00

From the Pandora.com review of indie-rockers-cum-kids'-rockers The Terrible Twos: "One of the more under-reported sociological trends of the new millennium -- thanks on one hand to the baby-boomer generation continuing to insist that the cultural zeitgeist is All About Them and on the other to the mainstream media's obsession with all things young 'n' kicky even when that only means coverage

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-19071416276551373442010-08-27T22:03:00.000-07:002010-08-27T22:03:16.431-07:00

  {this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, visit SouleMama and join in.

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-21645971997297468452010-08-19T21:30:00.000-07:002010-08-19T21:59:22.404-07:00

I've really been enjoying the Not Back to School blog hop at Heart of the Matter -- it's so fun to see how unique our homeschooling families are! I'm excited to welcome those of you who have found my blog in the last few weeks! I'd love for you to meet the three boys I am blessed to call my sons... Eldest, age 9, fourth grade: Our energetic, talkative firstborn, the scientist, who

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-11342477520164741042010-08-16T22:45:00.000-07:002010-08-16T22:45:26.556-07:00

This weekend was our annual trip to the Sequoias for our church's Family Camp. It was beautiful, as always. The kids had a blast running from one activity to another, as always. And we got to share it with some of our best friends -- both camp regulars and first-timers -- which was awesome. I'd planned to spend some time playing with my camera and taking portraits of the boys in the

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-68894480726295216462010-08-11T19:45:00.000-07:002010-08-11T19:45:01.824-07:00

"If God is the one who called you to homeschool, then He has the plan and the right to be the director of it! Be still for awhile and know that He is God, and you will begin to hear His quiet voice directing you. He will not lay it all out for you. He will tell you one or two things to begin working on now. As you obey He will give you another step. This is called dying to self, becoming

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-43130654416576323482010-08-09T21:00:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:15:28.875-07:00

But now we have one at home, too! It was time. We've been a mostly unschooling, on-the-go, field trip/play date/learn-as-we-go bunch for a long time. Last year we were suddenly ready to be home more, lounging about for some book learnin' (well, sometimes). We don't have an eat-in kitchen, and all three boys share a small bedroom, so the living room, my bedroom and the dining table have

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-27175697744373230332010-08-06T23:29:00.000-07:002010-10-25T22:32:09.551-07:00

I knew our big road trip would make for a busy season, but here it is August, and my hubby has only one more week off before he heads back to the classroom -- and we're back to the schoolyear routine. (No more breakfast in bed for Mommy!) We've been working really hard to get the new play/schoolroom finished so we can surprise the big boys when they get home from camping with my dad. (And so I

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7554390.post-45511201798234320432010-08-05T21:31:00.000-07:002010-08-05T21:31:15.861-07:00

Oh, they are getting too big, too fast! Tonight we sent off our older two boys on their first camping trip alone with my dad, their Papa. They've been looking forward to this for weeks, and I had to promise our littlest boy lots of ice cream to keep him from stealing away in the back of the truck. After lots and lots of goodbye hugs, the boys climbed in and started to buckle up, and they

Amandahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15729511504280715449noreply@blogger.com1