Summer Break

We just started our summer to-do list, and checked one off today by stopping for some shaved ice. While we're out getting these things done, I'll be taking a little break from blogging for the month of July. Then  I'll be back with a few projects I hope to work on.     

Do you have a summer list?  What's on yours?   Enjoy your summer!

Father's Day photos of the kids in the woods

I am not a photographer and I don't know what I'm doing.  I wish I was and did.  

But I am really thankful for a smart camera and cute kids.

  

I have a few kids, so this post is picture heavy.  

But it's really for the Dad's in our lives, anyway.  

Hope everyone else has a wonderful day celebrating the men in their lives this weekend.

Happy Father's Day, Opa, Giddo, and Daddy!

Happy Monday + 2 Links

Happy Monday.  I hope it is a great new week for you and that you are staying cool.  We are inside, doing a little painting.  and a little pop-corn eating.  

Some friends and I are going through the Warrior Prayers ebook for the 21 Days of Prayers for Our Sons.  If you have boys, I recommend praying through it!

In my last mailing from Compassion, I noticed that they are publishing a free magazine for kids.  

If you already sponsor a Compassion child it is free, 

and will come as an insert in the regular Compassion magazine, just call (800) 336-7676 to add it.  

If you don't already sponsor a Compassion child, would you consider it?  

You will not regret it.

I'm really hoping for a cool morning this week to take the kids into the woods for a Father's Day photo-shoot...  

What are you up to this week?

Our Custom Father's Day Card Idea + How we celebrate Mother's/Father's Day

 above: as a frame-able print

below: as a greeting card

I don't think either one of us have actually said, "well, you're not my _______(father, mother)."  

But the first few years, it really seemed like we were owed the world 

for the sleepless nights and thankless days.  

Our expectations were high and disappointments were inevitable. 

I'm not sure when we let it go, but I'm so glad we did.  It's not that we don't do anything for each other, but the Days are much more about encouraging the kids to honor us.

This year, Father's Day is most likely going to look like a special breakfast, and lots of hugs and kisses and Happy Father's Day wishes from the kids.  We'll also give him these cards -one from each of the kids, with three things they love about their Dad.   And hopefully a good photo of all four kids for his desk at work.  Something like this one...minus the letters.  

If you'd like to use ours as a template to print card or print your own, I'd be happy to email it to you!

How do you celebrate the Days?

I'm linking this up to Today's Creative Blog.

Valentine Sugar Pop Quilt Progress

  

This week I pieced the 42 squares together.  Overall, it was a very satisfying feeling.  But so tricky-even though this pattern was labeled "For the confident beginner."  I read that this week and it made me laugh.  I'm way too confident for a beginner, and my corners show it.  

I plan to have someone local quilt it with a long arm machine.  This is me being realistic.

When I actually "quilt" something, I'll start with a potholder, I think.  

Look at that corner (the one on the right side).  The quilters are gonna laugh, aren't they?

Anyone have any experience with quilting services?  Any advice?

Are you a successful homeschooler?

One of the best parts of being part of a homeschool community is the time I get with all the other homeschooling moms.  We could (and do) talk for hours about curriculum, testing, reading levels, unopened science kits, used book fairs and speed drills.

But if I'm completely honest, when I listen to other moms talk about the most recent project done by their 8 year old, I'm secretly comparing my child's knowledge and ability in that area.  I'm constantly trying to determine where my children fit, or excel or lack compared to other students.

It's so easy to focus on what we're not doing or where I think my child is "behind" where they might be in a formal school.  And enjoy all the guilt that comes with that train of thought.

With a school year soon coming to a close, my mind is moving on to how much better we will be next school year, when we start using _______ book, or just start fresh.   But that's not how I want to finish the year.

It was not a failure.

In fact, we saw a lot of success.

I want to claim each success, celebrate them.  Not for me, but for my kids -who grow most often in spite of me-but a lot of times, also because of me.

• Keeping Geography Songs going in the car led us to learn every song in under a year.  My 4 year old can tell you what countries are in Equitorial Africa.  I love that.  (and need to video it)
• Boo loves to read--he reads road signs, movies on our netflix queue, and bedtime stories to his siblings.  I tell him, "Stop reading!"  And he says, "I can't, Mom!"
• Belle is thisclose to finishing math book-which is just about on-time.
• She and I have also found a time to read together-while Daddy reads to the boys at bedtime, she and I sneak off and I read to her.  This is sacred time between us-time we despiritely need, I believe for our relationship both now and later. 
• Big Boy and I also enjoy couch time, and are well into 100 Easy Lessons.  He loves and needs this one on one time.  And so do I.  

Here's my challenge for anyone who home-schools:  notice your successes.  name them, write them down (maybe in your yearbook?), throw a party, call a friend.  it's up to you.  But do share them-with other moms and your kids-it is their success, too.

And of course, tell me!  I'd love to hear what's worked for you!

Dyeing Paper

We're always looking for some fun ideas to keep us busy.  All this month, Aimee at HomeSpun Threads is hosting a Summer Soiree-31 Days of Indoor Ideas to ready us for the heat of the summer. 

A Craft Camp for Kids, if you will.  

Today, I'm sharing our tissue paper dyeing fun!  We had everything on hand, and the hardest part was waiting for them to dry.  Stop by and check out all the cool ideas.  

What do you make with tissue paper?

More Room on the Night Table

When you don't have a lamp on your table, you can fit a lot more books. 

Or cups.  Or toys. 

Or nothing at all, if you can do that.

I've always loved Pottery Barn's wall sconces, but never could justify the price tag.  

So when I saw the Nester's link to Copy Cat Chic's affordable version-I ordered 2.  

pottery barn adjustable arc lamp - $139

lakeside collection adjustable wall lamp - $19.95

and now I have more room for my books.