What a year it has been......

Well this has been a very trying year for me and my family. We found out my dad had cancer and a month later he passed away. Bryans mom had knee replacement surgery and ended up with other complications unrelated to the knee surgery. Bryanna got saved one week after my dad passed away, what a blessing this was to us. We started homeschooling this year, it is going great although trying at times. But I thank God for giving us this opportunity to teach our kids. God has truly blessed us this year and I thank him for it all. Even through all the sad times I can still say that God is good. I would like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Christmas

Christmas was definitely different this year with dad being gone. But you know my dad spent his first Christmas in heaven, what a great gift to know where he is and to know that I will see him again. The kids were so excited they were counting the days down last week. We had a good time with our family, we cried, we laughed and we ate and ate. The grandkids took a group picture with my grandma and we(the grandkids) gave her an apron with our handprints on it. I thought of this a couple of weeks ago and thought this would be a treasure to her. We even added spouses and soon to be spouses to the apron. Somehow with everything going on I missed getting a picture of her with the apron on, I will get one and post it later for you guys to see it turned out so good. So for now some pictures of the kids.

Just what she wanted an mp3 player,

of course it is pink.

He was even excited over clothes!

BW in his new jeep.

Gingerbread Houses

We went to a Christmas Party today and the kids had a lot of fun. They got to make gingerbread houses and of course mama was there with the camera. So here are a few shots of their houses, I thought they turned out so cute. Enjoy!!!

Rambling

I have not posted in a while and thought I need to post something. Things have been really busy around here and getting even busier. We have had one thing after another since December 1. We went to a tree lighting service at hospice in memory of my dad and grandfather and others who have passed away. We have had several events at church. I have been shopping several times already. We have the ballet tomorrow and the christmas party on Friday. Did I mention I have been shopping, seems like I have done a lot of that lately. But we are taking the next 2 weeks off for a break plus Bryan will be off all next week, yeah! I am so looking forward to that. This will probably be my last post for a while. So to all of my friends I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!!!!!

Homemade Tree Skirt

I got this idea from a craft book. You make this tree skirt and put your kids handprints on it and let them write their name and year on it. Every year you do it again. I know that presents will be on it and nobody will be able to see it but I said this is something I would treasure.

A Soldier's Night Before Christmas

BW's Birthday

This past Saturday was my little mans birthday. I can't believe it, he is 4 years old now. My how time has gone by so fast. He had a great day, we celebrated with family and had a Scooby Doo Party.

Funny Pictures

BW goes in Bryanna's room to play with her and I never know what he will come out looking like. It seems he always finds himself some kind of hat.

The Rules

We were on the way to Walmart yesterday and B.W. gave Bryanna 5 rules to his party. I couldnt help but laugh and so I thought I would share this with you.
Bryanna:Can I sit beside you at your party?
B.W.:yes, Rule #1 Do not touch my presents, Rule #2 Do not open my presents, Rule #3 You have to sit beside me, Rule #4 You have to behave, Rule # 5 Have Fun!! now tell me the rules.
Bryanna: repeats all the rules
B.W.:Thats right your'e my little girl.
I thought now where does he get this from. Just imagine him saying this and holding up each finger as he is saying the rules. He is just acting to growny(sp?).

Scattegories

I seen this on another blog and thought I would play along.

SCATTEGORIES….it’s harder than it looks!! Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each of the following. They have to be real places, names, things….nothing made up!! You’re not allowed to use your name for the boy/girl name question.



1. What is your name?Annette


2. A four-letter word? axle


3. A boy’s name? Andrew

4. A girl’s name? Addison


5. Occupation? audiologist


6. Color? apricot


7. Something you wear? anklet


8. Beverage? apple cider

9. Food? avacado

10. Something found in a bathroom? alcohol

Wordless Wednesday

Friday Fill-Ins #96

And...here we go!

1. My favorite food seasoning is seasoned salt.

2. Getting a big project done is music to my ears.

3. Lucky is being able to stay home and teach my kids.

4. The time I spend with my family is something I take very seriously.

5. Many people drive me crazy the way they act in public.

6. A Thomas the Train take along set for B.W.'s birthday was the last thing I bought at the store.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with the hubby and kids and visiting family, tomorrow my plans include cleaning and going to a fish fry at the church and Sunday, I want to go to church, and go to a rememberance service for my dad in the afternoon!

To join in on Friday-fill ins visit here.

My First Blog Award!

Brianna, a sweet friend,soon to be cousin(yea!!) at THIS LITTLE PIGGY LOVES RYAN gave me this sweet blog award. Thank you so much, you have given me my first blog award! I love your blog too!

Part of accepting the award is:

*displaying the award

*linking back to the person who gave it to you

*paying it forward & nominating 5 blogs

*adding links to those five blogs

*leaving comments on their blog telling them you gave them an award

*enjoying the award

I’m passing this award on to 2 women who's blogs I enjoy reading very much. I am passing this only to 2 women because the other womens blogs that I enjoy have already received this award(Brianna, Michelle, Sherri/Megan, Christy, Sheila, and Tracey).

*Monica at Homespun Heart

*Peggy at The Simple Woman

Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin

We read Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin this week and the kids really enjoyed this book. The story is about five pumpkins four are perfect and round and one is lumpy and bumpy and not a very pretty pumpkin. The four picked on the Mr. Lumpy Bumpy pumpkin and said he wouldnt be any good except for pumpkin pie. One by one each pumpkin was picked. It came down to him and one other pumpkin and Mrs Crow was coming the next morninig to pick her pumpkin so she could make pumpkin pie. Of course poor Mr. Lumpy Bumpy pumpkin cried all night and he had salt water tears flow down his face. The next morning Mrs. Crow came and the farmer took her to see Mr. Lumpy Bumpy pumpkin and she said he smelt salty and that would not make a good pumpkin pie so she picked the other pumpkin. In the end Mr. Lumpy Bumpy Pumpkin made a great jack-o-lantern. Of course whats a mother to do but tell her daughter that just because something or someone may seem perfect on the outside doesnt mean that they are. So after the story we made pumpkins and the kids painted them and cut out their own faces and put them together.

Wordless Wednesday

For more Wordless Wednesday visit here

What Have We Been Up To?

It has been awhile since I posted but we have been very busy. We had our second field trip and we went to Battleground Alamance. This was very interesting and the kids did really good. They got to see one of the old cabins, play with toys they had back then, see how candles were made, watch a blacksmith turn iron into a nail, see apples pressed into cider, see musket demonstration, and see a canon firing demonstration as well as a few other things. Below are the pictures I took before my camera battery died.:( Then we headed for the beach on Thursday with my mom and helped her paint the outside building. We decided we would let the kids help, I will post an after picture tomorrow for my Wordless Wednesday post. So tune in for that. And we are now trying to get back in the swing of things. We have another field trip next week to the fire department and I

think BW will really enjoy that.

Bryanna is playing a game called shut the box, and B.W. is writing on a piece of slate just like they did in colonial days.

This lady was telling us about how they cooked and stored food then. If you will notice there is a pot over the fire which had pork and beans in that. There is a stand beside of the fire with a chicken tied to a string. She had a piece of fish tied to a board that sat near the fire and a potato and egg that sat on the ground next to the fire. The man was showing them how to make the candles. He said it would take about three hours to make those candles.

This is the blacksmith and in the first picture he was trying to get his fire hot by using the bella (sp?) which blew air into the fire to make it hot. He stuck a iron rod into the fire and when it was the right temperature he took it out and hammered it into a nail.

This is the Allen House. It is a one bedroom house has no electricity. There was a door in the front and back of the house which served for most of the light. The fireplace served for light and heat as well. The kids slept upstairs which was like an attic, and the beds were made of straw. Imagine that.

Bubba

Here is the newest member of our family. Our yorkie "Bubba". He has been such a good dog so far. This is why I havent blogged in a while. Bryanna had a yorkie as the first thing on her Christmas list and we found this sweet little dog. Truth be told I wanted him just as bad as she did. We have already had a lot of fun with him and we have only had him for 5 days. He is a one year old male and weighs 9 pounds. Best part he doesnt shed.

The Pumpkin Patch Parable

I bought this book at the bible bookstore to read to the kids since fall has arrived. When I sat down to read it I thought I am going to use this in childrens church. What I like about it was there were bible verses on every page to use and they help to explain that just like we can see into a pumpkin, God can see what is in our hearts too. When we take all the bad yucky stuff out of the pumpkin it is much cleaner and when we take the bad out of our hearts we have clean hearts too. One of the other things that really stood out to me was just like when we put a light in the pumpkin and everyone can see that light we should be a light for other people and let God be seen in us. I thought this was an excellent illustration for kids to understand. I also decided we would carve a pumpkin to go along with the story. It turned out so cute.

I've been tagged!!

What Your Socks Say About You

You Are: - Quite cuddly - Downright adorable - Truly kind - Infinitely patient

The Socks Personality Test

Date Night

What a great night!! We had so much fun Saturday night and the movie was...well you will just have to go see it and find out for yourselves. I think sometimes we take our spouse for granted but I told Bryan that we needed to do this more often. I was ready for some much needed time with him. I am so thankful that God has sent me such a wonderful christian husband to spend my life with. So last night we were taking snapshots of us together and thought I would share one with you.

Friday Fill-Ins

1. Leaves changing, cooler weather, and fall scented candles, are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I just sit around and cry when I think of my dad.

3. I tell Bryanna that she can accomplish anything all the time and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, I like to shop.

5. At home with my kids is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for catching some extra sleep.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to spending time with my husband and his family, tomorrow my plans include a date with the hubby, we are going to see Fireproof and going out to eat (Yeah!!!) and Sunday, I want to go to church and rest a little!

To join in on Friday Fill-Ins click here.

First Homeschool Group Meeting

We had our first meeting last Friday and we were kind nervous because we didnt know anyone and didnt know what to expect. Of course I was worried about how BW act. But guess what he was good and we had a great time. Bryanna liked it so much. It is kind of a small group but I liked it. It was kind of informal, some of the kids brought toys and played and talked with each other. They had snack and did some activities that we learned about when we went to Old Salem. Bryanna and BW made a blank book and decorated them and Bryanna wrote with a liquid ink and feather. Pretty Cool! She met 2 other girls one was her age but in 5th grade and the other was in 6th. But that was good they sat and talked a little. So our next field trip with them is to Alamance Battleground and we are looking forward to that. Also they will be making a clay art project in November and painting it in December. Being the craft people we are Bryanna was very excited about that. So much to look forward too!!!

Homeschool Group

Today we go to our first homeschool group meeting. Not sure what to expect but we are really excited about going. The hardest thing about going to something you have never been to is not knowing anybody but I think this will be really good for Bryanna and BW. Maybe I will post next time about the meeting and what we did.

Old Salem

So today I thought I would post about our Old Salem trip and show a few more pictures that I had. The first place we went to in Salem was the childrens museum, of course they didnt want to leave. I did manage to take a few pictures there. The kids are building in the pretend workshop in these pictures.

So we continued on and visited the gunsmith shop, old houses, bakery (my favorite place :p), and the old church. Everything was so neat. On this day they had some hands on activities for the kids and you know they were excited about that. I got so much into the history of things that I forgot about taking pictures. The bakery was so neat they told us about the oven and I was just in awe, cooking 80-90 loaves of bread at a time,wow! The kids got samples of ginger cookies in there and they were good. One of the houses we went to had a bed they could actually try out and I did get a picture of the kids in that.

They got to make african masks, do a watercolor painting, stamp with wood block stamps, and see how to make a blank book. Another thing we got to see was how to make a button out of just thread, one thing she and I may try sometime. I told Bryanna that I would like to go back around Christmas time and visit again.

Wordless Wednesday

School

Since I have been back from the beach I have had a hard time trying to get back in the routine of things, well I have just been quite lazy to tell the truth. Math has been awful, Bryanna just gets so upset and frustrated. Last week we were working on two digit multiplication and she just broke down crying and I was ready to break down to. But as the week went on she got the concept but still does not know her multiplication tables like I would like for her to. So instead of moving on to the next thing we just stopped working in her book and we are focused on learning the multiplication tables. Everything else is going good. History she learned about the Indians and the missionaries to the Indians. This chapter was not very long but she enjoyed it so much she was sad when she finished the chapter. So in November I told her we would do some more about Indians. On Friday we go on a field trip to Old Salem and we are excited. She has never been and I cant remember going. Hopefully I will be able to take pictures and post them next week.

What Sesame Street Personality Are You?

You Are Elmo

Sweet and innocent, you expect everyone to adore you. And they usually do! You are usually feeling: Talkative. You've got tons of stories to tell. And when you aren't talking, you're laughing. You are famous for: Being popular, though no one knows why. Middle aged women especially like you. How you life your life: With an open heart. "Elmo loves you!" Take this quiz here

We're Back

We had so much fun on vacation. I said it wasnt really the things we did or where we went but the time we had together was the best. Going so late in the year we basically had the pool to ourselves and when we went to the beach it wasn't crowded either. Of course I took the camera but the battery died and guess who forgot the charger? So I had to buy a disposable camera and when I get them developed I hope to be able to post some pictures of our trip. The kids had so much fun with their daddy. If he was going outside for something BW would grab his leg and hold on and tell him not to leave. Now it is time to get back to reality and I am trying to get motivated this morning. We have to start school back today and I just can't seem to get it going.

Blog Title/Homeschool Name

So I thought I would post how I came up with my blog title/school name. We had been thinking about homeschooling for over a year and we didnt talk about it with family until we decided for sure what we were going to do. When we decided this was what God was leading us to do my dad had become really sick. At the time I felt he was just too sick to talk about this with him. And months later the Lord took my dad home. So now, it was time to decide on a school name. I told Bryan since I never got to talk about homeschooling with my dad I wanted him to be included in our decision somewhere, so we decided when we named our school we would somehow include him in that. We went through many names, Faith, Grace, etc. One day we were sitting around just saying names and Bryan said Echoes of Love Academy. I immediately said that was it. My dad had so much love for God and his family that everyone seen it. My dad loved us unconditionally, no matter what we did or what happened he loved us.
One thing I remember about daddy is no matter what the situation or how bad things were he would always say "you know what we need to do, we need to pray" and he would get on his knees with us and pray. He had a tradition on Christmas Eve when we would go to his house before anything else he always read us the Christmas story out of the Bible.
He loved God and even during his sickness he always said "it was ok, God is going to take care of me" and "God is good". Daddy never questioned God why this was happening to him, but I did. He would often times say "I am more worried about yall than I am myself because I will be fine". My dad had an impact on my life that I will never forget. I love him and I miss him but I know he is better now, no more sickness.

History

I was a little concerned about the history (Abeka:History of Our United States) that I bought for Bryanna but it has turned out that I really like it so far. I was worried that it was a lot of material to learn, the tests are done on 2 chapters at a time, the first couple of quizzes she has had to know about explorers and what they did, everyday she is supposed to read read "The Americans Creed" and after 4 weeks she should have it memorized. Well the quiz grades have been good, she took her first chapter test (chapter 1 & 2) today and made an 89 and she can say just about all of "The Americans Creed" by herself. I am so proud of her. Hopefully things continue to go well with this curriculum.

On the Countdown!!!!!!!!!!

We are counting down the days. We only have 4 more days till we leave for the beach. The plan is to leave Friday when Bryan gets home from work, yea! We are all looking forward to spending time together. Don't really have anything special planned for next week just some quality time with each other and the kids. So after Friday I will be taking time away from my blog for a week. When we get back I will post about our vacation, hopefully some good pictures as well.

Our First Week

I thought I would tell about our first week of school. So far things have been good. Right now we are still learning curriculum and trying to figure out what is going to work for us.

I have started our mornings with a 5 minute warm up for Bryanna, it might be simple math, crossword puzzle, journal, etc. I think she is enjoying this, she even asked one morning if we were going to do the warm up. I was so excited to hear that question. From there we get into our work for the day. Math right now is a lot of reviewing, History we are learning about Christopher Columbus and the discovery of America, Science we are learning about plants, Bible we are working on The World God Created and God's Love to People, we have read a chapter of Little House on the Prairie about every day and we are just getting into Language Arts.

Bryanna is doing her math worksheet.

For B.W. we worked with BFIAR and read the book " Ask Mr. Bear" and did some activites that went along with the story like make a birthday hat for our craft, acted out animals,etc. I also let him cut paper with scissors, amazingly this occupied him for about 30 minutes. He loves to do hands on things and he really gets involved with what he is doing. I have not started a lot with him yet but I plan on starting ABC's and 123's in September.


B.W. is at his little table making his birthday hat.

New Blog

I have started a new blog. I will be posting more there than over here. visit me here

I've Been Tagged

What was I doing 10 years ago?
1. I was graduating from high school!
2. I was working with the school system
3. Started getting ready for college.

Favorite snacks
1. ice cream
2. reese peanut butter cups
3. strawberries
4. grapes

5 things on my to do list today
1. go pick up Bryanna from my mother-in-laws
2. go to homeschool hub
3. Run home for a bit to do some work
4. Exchange some stuff at Walmart
5. Take the kids to my moms to spend the night

5 jobs that I have had
1. Daycare
2. Hair Stylist
3. Daycare( I know twice?)
4. Co op student for school system
5. Roses (customer service desk)

5 places I have lived
only lived in North Carolina

5 Random things people wouldnt know about me
1. I am hooked on the food network channel
2. I tend to worry about everything
3. I am not a reader unless it is something I can get interested in
4. I do not like spongebob
5. I have a hard time speaking out in front of people even in small groups with people that I know.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire
I would first pay my tithes, then pay my bills off. Pay off my parents bills. Get a new car that I could seat more people in. Go on a cruise with my husband.

5 cd's that I would have to take on a desert island
1. Casting Crowns
2. Point of Grace
3. Church CD
4. Cant think of anymore I am so used to listening to the kids music

My Little Girl is Growing Up

Today is Bryanna's birthday and it is so hard to let her grow up. I told her she would always be my baby girl. When I had her at 29 weeks I was scared to death and wasnt sure how she was going to do being born so early. She had a valve that didnt close in her heart, she never had to go on a vent, and only had to have oxygen for 14days. I know the Lord was looking after her and after only 5 weeks in the hospital and weighing 3lbs. 5oz. we brought her home. After some visits to the heart doctor and some tests we were told the valve had closed up on its own, I know the Lord had his hand in this. You couldnt tell it now that she was a preemie. Other than her asthma problems she is a very healthy little girl. And we Thank God every day for her. So to Bryanna I wish her a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

What type of Mother Hen Are You?
by Montessorimom.com: Educational Resource

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday and I am a whole 28 years old. I realized that I am only 2 years away from 30, scary. I just have to post about my surprise. A week ago Michelle wanted to take me out for my birthday so I said ok. She asked if Monterey's was ok, I said yes this is one of my favorite places to eat. Little did I know that when I got there that there was a table full of people waiting for me. What a surprise! I had such a great time that night. I wish Tracy could have been there. With everything that I have been going through with my dad I so needed that night, it actually took my mind off things. I could have cried on the way home just to think that there were so many people who loved and cared that much for me to want to spend my birthday with me. So a big THANK YOU to Michelle and All my friends!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ITS HOT HOT HOT!!!

It is so hot here lately. Of course our air conditioning would have to go out. We have had to stay at my moms house since Wednesday, not a bad thing. Thought we would be able to get it fixed yesterday but ran into a problem with the part. Hopefully today it will be fixed. It has been so hard to stay here at my dads house with so many memories. I have had right many tears shed in two days. Just miss him so bad!

Organization

Do we ever get completely organized? I am in the process of trying to get things organized and straightened up before we start homeschooling. It seems like it is a never ending process. What are some organizational tips you can share?

Cute website

I was looking for different types of rag bags. I think they are so cute, and I came across this website this morning. Check it out here.
Also I am really liking the pink and cream bible cover that they have.

Ramblings

We went to the beach this past weekend and had a great time. It was hard also because when we got there all my dad's stuff was there. I think we needed this time away after what all has been going on the past months. Also Bryan and I decided that we would start homeschooling next year. We are all excited but I am a little nervous as well. Bryanna is very excited I just hope she stays that way. We are going to do a little bit of this and that this summer, hopefully to get the hang of things and to get in some sort of routine, if there is one. Bryanna had to get glasses last week, they are so cute on her. She only has to wear them when reading, on the computer, etc.

Broken Hearted...But happy too!

My daddy passed away on May 10th. It was so quick, we only knew about the cancer for a month. One thing I was glad of, his last day he was not in any pain and he went very peacefully. He had been hurting for 5 months and it was all we could do to watch him like that. When he passed he looked more at peace than he has looked in months. I can remember my daddy saying that he hoped at least one person would have been impacted by his life and they would get saved. Well the one person that we know of that got saved first was my sweet daughter. I know my daddy was smiling in heaven. She is so excited and we know daddy would be so proud of her. But you know what is so great for her is she knows now that if something was to happen to her that she will go to heaven and she will see her grandpa and her papa. We had a beautiful service yesterday morning in church and it just so happened when the church was singing Amazing Grace, which was the last song that was sung at my daddys funeral, that is when she said the Lord was dealing with her heart to be saved. One of her best friends was at the alter praying with her and that was just the sweetest thing, 2 children ages 9 and 8 at the alter praying together. I am so glad that Bryanna has such great christian friends and that they are so close. I couldn't have been any happier.

This was the last picture I got of them together. But it is such a wonderful feeling to know that we will see him again.