Lots going on here!

I have finally decided on the curriculum for this school year. My boys will be using Switched on Schoolhouse for Language Arts and Bible studies and Life-Pac for history. Together we will be doing the experiments and building the "Power House" by Thames and Kosmos. It teaches all about alternative energy. I think it qualifies as a worthy Science study for these guys- one of which has gone solar power batty on us.

Here are pictures of the progress on our house. The back porch is the one with the door open. The business entrance is the one with the awning. Seeing the doors and windows in gives a good perspective on its size. You can't see it very well but the back porch has the cedar porch swing my dear husband bought me for Mother's day. It was the single most touching thing he has ever done for me. He works hard all the time but when he bought that porch swing-- he was really considering my heart. That Mother's day was the first of many to come without my Mom, and I have never really considered it an honor anyhow. Being a mom has been very difficult, but I guess no great thing comes easy. I learned a lot about how I considered myself as a mother when I turned in my submission to the Land of Odds All Dolled Up Beaded Art Doll Competition. The theme was earthen mother. It was a real growing process for me. I had no idea about what was to come. I will be able to release the photos of the doll I created after the semi-finalists are chosen and posted to the Land of Odds website.

Please forgive me for not blogging more. I always wanted to, but alas, there are only so many hours in a day (and night I am learning) and it costs more to keep the lights on all night too. I am hoping with the curriculum changes and the big projects out of the way, I will have time to blog more. Have a blessed

Where Have I been???

If only I knew! I have been diligently working on my Land of Odds All Dolled Up Beaded Art Doll Competition submission. I just finished the beading and have 5 stories that need to be narrowed down into one. I know you want to see the pictures of her finished but I cannot publish them until after the 6 semi- finalists are selected. You will enjoy what you see, then. I am only mildly biased and definitely captivated by her beauty.
This summer has been a busy one. My oldest child turned 14 and the youngest 9. For the oldest, we took a trip to one of the water parks close by. It was the first time he had ever been and my cousin, his girlfriend and 4 of their 5 kids went too. The youngest is two and he stayed at the baby sitter's. We gad lots of fun being silly and running (uhemm-- walking) around. I was not near as sore as I thought I would be and wasn't as burned as the others either. I had only two small spots that were burned. If the lazy river isn't for you-- try spinning in your tube the entire time you go around LOL-- we did!
Now that I am free from beading on just one project I hope to have pictures of others coming soon. Maybe I can get pictures of the children's ministry volunteers wearing the super hero capes I made on Saturday. They are too fun.
I am so blessed to be able to do so many things that enrich and add joy to my family!
Have a very blessed time -- hopefully it won't take 3 more months for me to add another entry.