A Pelican Feeding Frenzy

California

The greatest thing about moving to California is definitely the nature watching opportunities. I can’t tell you all the wonderful things  my eyes have seen since we’ve arrived! I will do my best to show you what I can, though! Perhaps tonight I will finally download all the kayaking pictures we took using Alan’s cell phone. Kayaking with the seals, sea otters, and sea lions was incredible, and we managed to get a few photos of them. Wildlife fascinates me. […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

12 Things I’ve Learned from Home Schooling

education, home school, homeschool, little boys

We have officially made it through our very first QUARTER of home-schooling!!!  To me, this is the biggest deal since accomplishing the cross-country move. Oy. What a year! So here we go……12 things I want to remember from our FIRST quarter of 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and Preschool here at Pacific Christian Academy: 1. It’s really all about me. No, you read that right. It is almost always the case that how well THEIR day goes depends very much on […]

» Read more
17 comments , , , ,

When I’m Feeling Blue: A Poem on Motherhood

4 kids, attitude, blessings, God, poetry, prayer
When I'm Feeling Blue: A Poem on Motherhood

Sometimes I feel so blue I don’t know what to do Go to my room and pray Sometimes I forget to listen God always has something to say I open my Bible and read I promise He tells me to make coffee Yes! Why didn’t I think of this–yummy! Exactly what I need! I go downstairs and see them All sitting so sweetly in their chairs Their faces so sweet and chubby Their hearts so clean  and innocent Their hands […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , , ,

The Annual Calendar, The 10 Month Fog, and Postpartum Depression

postpartum, postpartum depression

In 2005, I started making calendars for the grandparents (and for ourselves) every Christmas. It’s this wonderful, neck cricking tradition where I pour over all of the photos from the year, trying to pick only the 20 or so best ones. I always end up in a very melancholy place while doing this because looking at the moments that are gone and the children that just keep growing is terribly sad to me. I know. Perhaps this should not be, […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , ,

Notes on Transitioning to Leading by Influence

books, parenting, preteens

My favorite points from chapter 2 of this book: 1. The second chapter includes a quiz to help you evaluate where your child currently stands in the scheme of things, on a scale from off-course all the way up to healthy and right on track.  The quiz did give me some ideas for things to work on and reassurance for what we do right. You’ll have to buy the book for that. 😉  Here’s the link to amazon. You’re welcome. […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

On Becoming Preteen Wise: April’s Notes, Chapter 1

books, parenting, Preteen Wise

I had an unusually hard day at Pacific Christian Academy today with my handsome and intelligent tween, so I’m finally getting around to writing this post. I came across this book this summer. Alan’s parents were moving, and Nonna let me go through the books she was going to give away. She has the best books! When I came across this one I stopped in my tracks. “parenting your child from eight to twelve years,” the book reads, under the […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , , ,

My Goals and My Ax: One Task at a Time

funny stories, goals, moving

One of the curriculum  ‘thoughts for the day’ this week will be: “Little strokes fell great oaks.”  I am loving the Christian, inspiring, aspect to our A Beka curriculum!!! Praise God!!!! I got really excited about this, as we can all apply this to our lives. Who can’t? Feeling overwhelmed?? Hey, man, it’s just one chop at a time. As I thought about this proverb, and how I would explain it to Joshua, I couldn’t help but picture the manner […]

» Read more
10 comments , , ,

The Truth About Moving to California & Culture Shock

California, grandparents, moving, vacation
moving to California

We moved to California last year, and it has been a blast. Yes, there has also been culture shock too. I’m here to tell ya all about this new place. ********* “I can’t sleep. I’m just so excited about Granddaddy and Nana!” You might say this was a really big deal! Here is their visit, according to Granddaddy’s phone. Dad let me email myself all the pictures I wanted. Thanks, Dad!!  🙂 Alan took the boys wet suit shopping. Oh […]

» Read more
8 comments , , , , , , , , ,

The California Coast: Just don’t eat from that tree in the middle.

Bible verses, California, goals, grandparents

When Alan and I were getting ready to move here, people just went on and on, telling us how beautiful it is here. Everyone seemed completely in awe of the place, describing the weather as “perfect, though cool, all year round”, mosquitos non-existent, perfect, perfect, perfect. “Okay.” Alan told me, “This place has been so built up. I’m going to be completely disappointed if this isn’t paradise itself. I am fully expecting there to be a tree in the middle […]

» Read more
Leave a comment , , ,

Visiting with Humpback Whales

animals, California, sea mammals, vacation

While my parents were here, we wanted to be sure that we all got the full California experience…..soooooo we went hunting for movie stars…. Ha! No, that’s not us at all. We don’t even know who any of the current stars are, really. Nah, we figured a more authentic California experience would be if we…….all got Marijuana prescription cards….NOOOOOO just KIDDING!!!  We took our guests WHALE watching, of course!!! You didn’t really believe me, did you? I got that prescription idea […]

» Read more
9 comments , , , , ,
1 … 54 55 56 57 58 … 79