7 Years of Isaac!

Isaac recently celebrated his 7th birthday. Here's how he's grown!

A few months old:

A year:

2 years:

3 years:

4 years:

5 years:

6 years:

And now!

Happy Birthday Isaac!

By golly, its Molly!

We recently added a new addition to the family - a beautiful, sweet Labrador named Molly. She is an adult dog, about 7 or 8 (we'll know for sure once we take her to the vet later this week), and we did have some concerns about adopting an older dog, but the benefits have outweighed our concerns. We wanted a dog that was already trained, active but not hyper, and well behaved and affectionate with the boys.

Molly came from a home with three small children, and she is absolutely wonderful with the boys. She is gentle, but playful, and her maturity allows her some calm moments among her active ones. Her tail is always wagging, and her favorite place to be is about a foot or less from wherever I am (or sitting under the table while the boys eat). She really brings back memories of the Lab I had when I grew up, named Lindsay. She would follow my mom around closely all the time, and now its my turn to experience the same!

She weighs about 75 pounds, but is short and stocky, with paws that remind us of a bear - its definitely a good thing she's so careful with the kids!

Molly is so much fun! We're thankful and glad to have her here with us!







When we went to pick Molly up, Joel was afraid of her and wouldn't come out of the car. After 3 days she has won his heart and confidence! He tells me all the time "I yuv Molly" :-)

Theory vs. Reality

Charlotte Mason is a woman whose teaching methods have branched off into a homeschooling "style", and I would say ideally, our style follows that of the Charlotte Mason philosophy. She encouraged short lessons, leaving afternoons free for imaginative play and exploration, and taking Nature Walks frequently. I have posted a few times earlier about our Nature Walks and how pleasant they often are. However, sometimes the theory of pleasant, relaxing Nature Walks filled with exploration and inquisitive learning does not line up with reality, especially when 3 boys are involved. Here's how the one mile walk looked:

The beginning:

Continuing:

This happened about 3 times:

But it always went back to:


And then we finished up with:

And when we went home, I was more tired than they.

N-n-Nest

I've been meaning to post about this for weeks! For Ezra's school, we're using My Father's World Kindergarten. Its SO much fun! Each week focuses on a different letter, theme to go with the letter, and character quality/spiritual lesson to go with the theme. Our favorite week was the week we learned about N-n-Nest.

We started out the week learning about nests, how birds build nests, and how there are lots of different types of nests. We learned how, just as a mother bird cares for her eggs, God takes good care of us, too! Here are just a few of the scriptures we discussed:

Psalm 91:1-4a:
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High Will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"
For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper And from the deadly pestilence.
He will cover you with His pinions, And under His wings you may seek refuge;
His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.

Psalm 17:8-9:
Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Your wings From the wicked who despoil me, My deadly enemies who surround me.

2 Thess 3:3:
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

and also,

John 14:2-3:
"In My Father's house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.
If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."

Praise the Lord! Its awesome to bring God's word into every aspect of our day, for He is a living God, with us continually!

As the week went on, Isaac was thrilled when he found an abandoned bird's nest on our gutter pipe. He was able to get it down, entirely intact, and it was fascinating to see how it was made. We believe it was probably a Robin's nest, as it is a good solid mixture of mud and dried grass. It was surprising to feel how heavy it was!

For the finale of our week, we made our own nests. Not just any nests, but CHOCOLATE nests! Yum! This is how we did it: We melted chocolate chips in a pan, and I spooned it into individual bowls. Then I put a tablespoon of peanut butter (almond butter for Ezra) in the bowl and mixed it all together. The boys had pretzel sticks for grass, and marshmallows for eggs. Then we put the completed nests in the fridge to let harden. The end result was a messy, delicious treat! Here's our adventure in pictures!

The finished product:

Enjoying the treat (and the mess!)

The Business of Being Born

I've mentioned a few times that I am very enthusiastic about natural childbirth. I personally would homebirth all of my babies if I could convince my husband of it ;-) I feel that childbirth *is* a natural experience, one that God created women for, designed our bodies with the specific purpose of accomplishing.

I also feel that the medical world has changed this natural event into a fear-tinged "illness" that needs to be monitored, controlled, and intervened with at all times. We have a friend who finished medical school and told me "Childbirth is the most dangerous thing that can happen. Its so unpredictable!" I was floored that years of medical teaching has taught him to have that attitude!

When Nathan was born, he was delivered by a Certified Nurse Midwife. It was the best birth I have experienced so far. All of my births have been natural, but always on the "doctor's time" - don't push yet, let's break your water, let's wait, let's hurry, no you can't get up, you can't use the bathroom, you can't push that way... the midwife just sat back, waited, and watched. She offered suggestions when I asked, she allowed me to move how I needed to move, push how I needed to push, encouraged me to listen to my body and my body's timing... it was so relaxing and pleasant - the way birth should be!

The level of intervention in childbirth alarms me, as does the fact that homebirth is actually ILLEGAL in some states (including my own). Hospital births did not even start happening in this country until the turn of the 1900s. Only for the past 100 years, in all the years of human existance, have women all of the sudden "needed" medical assistance to give birth.

I was excited to see that a new Independant Film has been made about this very issue, called "The Business of Being Born". Check out the trailer, and then see if there will be any screenings near you! Netflix will be carrying it, so be sure to put it in your queue! Even if you don't agree with my opinions, it will give you some interesting things to think on.

I wanted to add that there is another cool resource regarding this topic called "Born in the U.S.A." which was released as a television documentary. This website has some birth stories, offering the differing views of OBs and Midwives for each case, information about safety during labor and delivery, as well as an extensive list of resources. Enjoy!

1 Corinthians 11:8-9

I am listening to a teaching CD entitled "Becoming Your Husband's Helpmate" by Beverly Bradley from Family Ministries (I have been so blessed by many of their materials, please do check them out!) She made a point that really brought home something for me. I have read and re-read the scriptures about the roles of a man and a woman in marriage, as it is my goal to serve the Lord through my role was wife and mother. I don't always succeed, but it is my heart to do so! The amazing about scripture is that it is alive - verses that have been read a hundred times can suddenly become more real than ever when God reveals Himself to you through them.

She said to read 1 Corinthians 11:8-9...

For man does not originate from woman, but woman from man;
for indeed man was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for the man's sake.

After this, she said look at 11:9, and put YOUR man's name where it says "man":

for indeed Michael was not created for the woman's sake, but woman for Michael's sake.

Then she said, now, put YOUR name where it says "woman":

for indeed Michael was not created for Erin's sake, but Erin for Michael's sake.

All of the sudden, this scripture became real to me! For some reason, its so easy to read something and look at it from a distant outsider's perspective... but just by making it personal with our names, suddenly, I see!

I have a distinct purpose, a reason for my very creation! The boys have a book called "I Was Born to be a Brother"... and I now have a renewing of the fact that I was "born to be a wife"... but not just "a wife" - Michael's wife. What a blessing! How exciting! The Lord knew in his foreknowledge that Michael would exist, and knew that he would need a suitable helper, and thereby appointed me with this task, while I was still being formed in the womb. Amazing!

With this personalization, I also have a deeper understanding that by serving Michael, I am fulfilling my calling in the Lord. What direction and purpose He gives us!

I will confess that this has come at just the perfect time (God is always good like that!). I have struggled recently with selfishness and a bad attitude, giving Michael a very difficult time of things while I focus on "me" and what "I want". But that is not what the Lord wants from me. It is not my job to be my husband's Holy Spirit or to lead him to a higher level of righteousness... only the Lord can accomplish that. My responsibility is to demonstrate the love Jesus has for Michael, through loving him as a wife.

I praise God for His infinite mercy and wisdom!

The Stupendous Spaghetti Spoon

This post is a tribute to Sarah, my sister. When we were young, I would call her "Sarah the Stupendous Spaghetti Spoon", while she would call me "Erin the Excellent Eyeball (Eewww)". When I wanted to be heartless, I would change the "Stupendous" to "Stupidest". Aren't older siblings fun?

Anyway, my sister brings such joy to my life. She is my sister by blood, my best friend, and best of all, my sister in Christ! I learn so much from her faith, her struggles, her achievements, and her walk. I am truly blessed to have her. I am excited - in just a few months she will no longer be 11 hours away, but less than 2! I can't wait to be able to spend more time with her. We have so much fun together!

Here is some beautiful photos she donated to my camera while I was unaware. It made me smile to find them! Aren't her new glasses cute? :-D

When Toddlers Read

I was at the craft store with Joel, who is fast approaching his 3rd birthday. I was on the phone with my lovely and wonderful sister, trying to help her choose a yarn for the hat I will be knitting her. Joel was looking at some knitting needles, and then said "Look, mom - what this says is "I can play with these"!"

Weird! I personally thought they said "U.S. Size 7". Can't blame him for trying, though!

Enjoying God's Creation

At least once a week, we try to get out for a Nature Walk, usually on the Nature Trail at Stone Mountain Park. Its a nice loop, a little less than a mile but with some terrain, a stream, and lots of nature to explore. We went today and enjoyed a wonderful surprise - we saw two deer! At first they bounded away from us, but as the boys got quiet and we walked slowly, the deer became interested. They let us watch them for a few minutes, and returned the interest, before slowing disappearing into the foliage. It was so neat! Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera (the ONE day I leave it home!) but I told the boys they can remember the images in their brains for as long as they want. ;-)

A few weeks ago the boys did their first "nature journal" entries. We don't bring the journals every week, but when we do, we plan a picnic lunch so they boys can take their time with their journals. Here are some pictures of our nature journaling!

The Nature Trail

Self-portrait of Nathan in the Ergo!


The boys working on their journals

Isaac's artwork - I was so impressed by the detail!

The nature walks are such a nice break to our day and overall week. Its a blessing to be able to get out and enjoy God's beautiful creation, and watch how things change through the year!

Adventures!

The curriculum we're using with Isaac is called Adventures in My Father's World. We just finished up Week 5, and we're having alot of fun with it. So far, the most memorable week has been Week 4, when we learned about Native Americans. The timing was perfect, because all week we read about Native Americans, made Tepees and Wigwams, and at the end of the week was the annual Pow-Wow at Stone Mountain park, so the boys were able to see everything we had been learning about. Here are some pictures!

Our homemade Tepees and Wigwams

The boys in a real TePee

Isaac shot a bow and arrow

Our favorite part was the ceremonial dances!

Some books we enjoyed were The Rough-Face Girl, by Rafe Martin; Squanto, Friend of the Pilgrims, by Clyde Robert Bulla; and Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran, by Kenneth Thomasma.

Inside their Brains....

I think its great fun to hear the interesting things that pop out of my childrens' mouths. Its like a little window into their brains, and what's going on in them. Here are a few examples:

A few days ago, Isaac was telling me he wants Footie PJs in his size. So we googled them and every specialty website has them for $25-$40! So I told him that it was a bit expensive. Later that afternoon we were at WalMart and there were footie PJs in Isaac's size there for $9.88! So Isaac was very excited. We were telling Michael about it that evening, and when I said we found them cheap at WalMart, Michael said "Well, go figure" and Isaac said "Yeah, well, their sign does say they always have low prices. Always." (No wonder companies spend millions on marketing to children! It works!)

Tonight we passed a shopping center with a Petco in it. Isaac said "I know why its called Petco - its a Pet Company!" so I said "That's right!" Ezra chimes in and says "Yeah, so when the workers go home other people come and stay there" and I was confused, so I asked him "hmmm... what are you talking about?" and Ezra said "to keep the pets company!" (Duh mom!)

Joely is always coming out with new and interesting thoughts. Lately his question about everything he sees or hears about is "Will it bite me?" and "Will it kill me?" I have no idea why he wonders about these things. One night while making dinner, Joel was keeping me company and we were talking about Jesus. He said "Does Jesus have a gun?" and I said no, and he asked "Does Jesus have a sword?" and I said, yes, the Bible does say Jesus will have a sword". Then Joel nodded and said "So when Jesus comes back, He's going to kill me so I can go to heaven with Him?" YIKES! I cleared up that he's not going to KILL us to take us to heaven... he'll be taking us with Him because He loves us and wants us with Him. I'm glad Joel shared that misconception with me before it got worse!

Nathan does not share insights with me, yet, other than "Oog, oog, ugh". He also does not eat any solid food yet. Unless you count scraps of paper, dustbunnies, leaves, and whatever he can scavenge off the floor. When I offer him delicacies such as peas, bananas, sweet potatoes, and peaches, however, he gags and make a face as if I've played the worst trick on him in the world. And crawls off to stuff a clod of dirt into his mouth. I will say that mama's milk is doing his body good - he is over 20 lbs at 9 months old, and wearing 18 month sized clothing. He's standing on his own and pushing walking toys (and other items not intended for the purpose) all over the house. So I'm not too worried. ;-)

While the Cat's Away...

The mouse plays... or blogs, that is :-) I feel like I never have time to blog about all the fun little things that go on in our hectic day to day life. Michael is away for the evening (playing poker with the fam) and the boys are in bed, so now's my chance! I've got a big bowl of ice cream and a list of things I want to make note of. So let the fun begin!

First, a few days back, I was "tagged" by my dear cousin, Sarah. Here's the deal with tagging, so I gather:

The rules:
A. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning.
B. Each player lists 6 facts/habits about themselves.
C. At the end of the post, the player then tags 6 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.


However, I don't really know 6 other blogs to go to and tag. But I can do A (already completed!) and B.

Six things about me...

1. I am passionate about serving the Lord, and being a wife and mother. I could go on and on about these aspects of my life. They define who I am, and I love my role.

2. If I were to have a job outside of the home, I would want to be a Midwife, Lactation Consultant, or Doula. I am passionate about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, and would love to be encouragement to other women in these areas.

3. I can stick my entire fist in my mouth, something I never knew was an extra special talent until I realized not many others can. Apparently, I have a big mouth!

4. Michael and I consider ourselves "quiverfull" (stemming from Psalm 127). We leave our fertility in the Lord's hands, meaning, we do not use birth control, even the "natural" kind (unless you count breastfeeding, but that's something I do regardless). Yes, we may just end up with 14+ children. We may just end up with the 4 we've been blessed with so far. We trust in God's provision and are grateful for all of the blessings He's given us.

5. I am a weirdo and enjoy scheduling. Michael thinks its an odd hobby, but I'm pretty good at it. Its fun to make an excel sheet and see how everything can line up and fit together. Not to mention, a schedule is terribly practical and can make room for so much accomplishment in a day!

6. My favorite outfit is my long brown skirt, black tank top, orange hoodie cover-up and light blue crocs. Add my baby on my back in the Ergo and three little boys in tow, and viola! There I am. I've looked and looked for an avatar like that, but just can't find one that suits. So you'll just have to use your imagination. I'd post a picture, but I'm the only one who uses a camera around these parts, so pictures OF me are rare and far between.

Liberal Irony

Here is a statement about the "Freedom of Choice Act" that is being pushed by NARAL (Pro-Choice America):

Following the Supreme Court’s closely divided and bitter decision upholding the Federal Abortion Ban, it is clear that the right to choose is facing a new level of assault. That’s why the pro-choice community is working to guarantee the right to choose through the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) – a measure that will codify Roe v. Wade and guarantee the right to choose for future generations of women.

(Full document can be seen here: http://www.prochoiceamerica.org/assets/files/Abortion-Access-to-Abortion-FOCA.pdf)

Does anyone else see the irony, or just poor choice of wording in the above statement? More specifically, I'm referring to the last line - "...guarantee the right to choose for future generations of women."

The future generations of women that aren't aborted, of course. They're not actually concerned about the rights of those they choose to kill, only the ones they choose to allow to live...

If you find this as absurd as I do, visit the ACLJ and watch their video about it - at the end there is a petition to sign.

NEA's Stand on Homeschooling

Taken from: http://www.nea.org/annualmeeting/raaction/images/2007-2008Resolutions.pdf

B-75. Home Schooling
The National Education Association believes that home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience. When home schooling occurs, students enrolled must meet all state curricular requirements, including the taking and passing of assessments to ensure adequate academic progress. Home schooling should be limited to the children of the immediate family, with all expenses being borne by the parents/guardians. Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used.
The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools.
The Association further believes that local public school systems should have the authority to determine grade placement and/or credits earned toward graduation for students entering or re-entering the public school setting from a home school setting. (1988, 2006)"

Let's break this down and talk about it.

"...home schooling programs based on parental choice cannot provide the student with a comprehensive education experience."

What *is* a "comprehensive education experience", and who is to define it? I have been my childrens' mother since conception, I have nourished and fed them from my body, and then from my kitchen. Under our parenting, they have learned to walk, talk, eat, behave, and interact with others. We know them about as well as a person can know another person. Their little quirks, inner thoughts, habits, fears and strengths. They are healthy, social, strong and smart.

I am unable to understand how a complete stranger is better able to teach my children rather than their father and mother, who have loved them and taught them since birth. Should I send them somewhere to learn how to get high from other 6th graders, or to watch their peers performing sexual acts during study hall? Is that what's considered a comprehensive education experience? I think they'll do just fine without, thank you.

"Instruction should be by persons who are licensed by the appropriate state education licensure agency, and a curriculum approved by the state department of education should be used."

Does the government also want me to become a registered dietitian to feed my children? Would they like to provide a state approved menu for their nourishment, to assure they are being well fed? How on earth can they be confident that the children are receiving adequate nutrition without their oversight?

The government sees no need for their interference in such matters as what I feed my children, essential for their health and survival. Why does it feel it is necessary to regulate my childrens' education? The government suddenly has the need to undermine my abilities as a parent, but only in the area of education. They want my children, to add them to their worker-drones class of people, never taught to think for themselves, but instead taught to be influenced by peers and pride. The government are quite threatened by those who desire to be independent of their brainwashing.

Ironically, their standards for curriculum fall much short of what I would accept for my children. While desperately inclusive, it is exclusive of the most important thing my children will ever need to know - the Word of God.

"The Association also believes that home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools"

Let me get this straight. According to the NEA, a child who is not in the public school system is surely doomed to failure and will not succeed without public schooling; however, the NEA refuses to offer any sort of "partial assistance" through the access of various public school extracurriculars? That seems a bit spiteful to me, and reveals the truth about their motives - it is not the care and well being of the child they are concerned with at all (for if that were the case, wouldn't they think it charitable to "help" in any way possible by providing any public school access desired?). This also brings to mind a question of taxes. If I am a homeschooling parent, I am still required to pay taxes to my local school system, yet they will not allow me to access the programs that I pay for, unless I access them in their entirety?

I am simply appalled at the archaic attitudes expressed in these proposals. Back in the earl 1980's - 20 years ago! - these are the attitudes that homeschool pioneers had to face, along with legal ramifications for standing up for their rights to educate their children as they saw fit. In the past 20 years homeschoolers have more than proven themselves academically, socially and morally. It is obvious to me that the NEA's stance is not a factual basis, nor a concern for welfare, but a defensive and financial one. They are all too aware of the fact that homeschooling is extremely successful, on the rise, and more and more being proven as the better choice than what the NEA can offer. They are scared, and should be.

If you are interested in sharing your thoughts with the NEA, please go to this page and sign the available petition:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/homeschoolers-against-nea-philosophy?page=51

Neat Sesame Street Clip

This was from an episode back in the 70's. Very cool! :-D

(For best audio, press the pause button on the Sonific SongSpot to the left!)

Afterthought (but not really)

I wrote my last post and went back to preparing dinner and I realized just how blessed I am. After 10 years of knowing my husband, married to him for 9, I am still head over heels in love with him. He delights me, makes me whole, I am giddy at his kiss. I can't wait for the years to come. I praise the Lord for my love.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of him!

So Much for Secrets

Sunday is Michael's 29th birthday. I won't even go into how close he is to 30 and that we're both wondering how it is that we've grown up and not noticed... we met when he was 18, turning 19!

The boys and I went shopping for Michael today, and got him a new Disc Golf disc. I explained to them that it was a big surprise for Daddy so we can't tell him just yet. When we got home, we put a happy birthday note on it and put it into his Disc Golf bag. This was in the morning, so I was hoping by afternoon it would be forgotten... I should definitely know better by now!

Michael came home and was sitting with us, and Ezra says "Daddy, we got you a surprise for your birthday, but we can't tell you what it is!" and Joel comes right up and says "Its a new frisbee!" Michael started laughing, and Joel then says "But we can't tell you where it is!" and so Michael asks "Well, where is it Joel?" and Joel exclaims very excitedly "In your bag!". *sigh* It was great for a laugh, though, and sweet to see how excited they are about getting their daddy a gift.

Happy almost Birthday Michael!!! :-D

On another note, Isaac was concerned earlier. He asked me "There's a tricky thing I'm thinking about, mom. What if, when you're ready to get married, you like two girls, and they both like you? And then you marry one and the other one is sad or mad at you?" I was ready to break out the Lovin' Spoonfull for him ;-) But I explained that his example is a very good reason why he needs to pray about his wife and make sure that when the time comes that he's sure that he's marrying the woman that God has prepared for him. That eased his worry some. He's been planning and preparing for a wife since he was little! He also said that he wishes he was turning 17 this year instead of 7. Oh, my sweet Isaac... stay young while you can!

Poem of sorts

Disclaimer: I am not a poet, and do not consider myself skilled in this area... but this was running around in my head for a few days so I had to let it out. :-)

Summer
Dragon's fiery breath
Scorching and wilting everything in its path
Even me
Unrelenting
Lightning strikes at its breast
Thunder, the sound of battle
Hot, gasping, dying breaths
Cooler now
I am free

From the mouth of babes...

Last week we went to the movie store twice (we hardly ever go, so was a rare week). On the window, there's a big poster for the movie "Knocked Up" that says "What if this guy got you pregnant?"... Isaac read it and was laughing about it - he doesn't yet KNOW that "someone" can "get" you pregnant, he's always heard babies are blessings from God, so he thinks God "gives" babies ;-) So he thought the poster was really funny. Both times we went, he talked about how silly it was with Michael and me. Friday, after our second visit to the movie store, we put the kids to bed and were sitting in the office talking. Isaac came out to go potty one last time and called out: "Goodnight mom and dad! Don't go getting pregnant while I'm sleeping!" and giggled hysterically.

(Now I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop and the questions to start coming, lol!)

I don't think we'll let him live that one down at his wedding!

Only 5!

It only took 5 tries to get a semi-decent picture of the boys together! :-) Thank goodness for digital cameras!

Here they are in progress:






And the final product:



Nathan's rolly polly thighs courtesy of God's perfect food - 100% Breastmilk, no additives, artificial colors, or flavors. Who says he not getting "real food"?! :-D

The "Littles"

In so many homeschooling forums and support groups, the question always arises - "What to do with my Preschooler while schooling the older children?" (I like to call the preschoolers and toddlers, "the littles".) When I was looking at curriculums, a friend sent me a CD of a speaker, entitled "Occupying Toddlers/Preschoolers While Homeschooling Others", by David Hazell. It was a great talk, and he was very encouraging of two things - give the littles a bit of "mommy time" all to themselves, just for 15-20 minutes every morning, and then include the littles in everything that's possible to include them in. Ironically, two months later, I ended up picking My Father's World curriculum, which is written by the Hazells... I didn't even put the connection together for a while!

We have been having a great time in My Father's World Kindergarten. We've done seven lessons so far, with each week having a different theme. Joel is involved with every part of it. He has his own notebook, and does whatever projects the bigger kids do. He sits in on all the stories we read, and makes his own badge with each week's "words to remember" - Biblical truths and character building phrases to memorize each week.

Lesson 6, last week, our words to remember were "I don't quit - I persevere!" and we read several stories about perseverance. "The Little Engine that Could" was a favorite, as well as "Oops-a-Daisy", about a little bunny trying to learn new things.

This afternoon, while sitting at the park watching the olders play tennis, Joel's sandal came undone. He was struggling to refasten it, and I heard him say "I can do it, I can do it!" Sure enough, he was able to do it, and he came to me with a big smile and said "Mama, I persevered! Just like the little bunny!"

So, my answer to the question - what to do with the preschoolers? Include them, include them, include them!! They might be little, but they have big ears and growing hearts!

Sweetness

Can there be anything sweeter than this chubby cheeked smile?

And So it Begins....

Our full-time homeschooling, that is! We now have the basics of what we need for Reading, English, Math, Science and History. We'll be adding on a few more things, but overall we're set to go!

For Science we are starting with Apologia's Elementary Science - Exploring Creation with Astronomy. The book came today, and the boys were SO excited! I love it because its Biblically based, easy to read/teach from, and has fun notebook pages and projects every week. After just leafing through looking at the pictures, Isaac said "Oh, I'm definitely going to be an Astronaut. Definitely! I can find moonrocks to bring home, and if I find any aliens I'm going to tell them all about my family and God and Jesus!"

We are waiting on the corresponding project kit from Creation Sensation, and we'll be off and running. Science is one of my favorite subjects, I'm really excited to be able to teach it!

The only thing left on our must-have list is the Kindergarten cirriculum from My Father's World for Ezra, Rosetta Stone Spanish for all of us, and maybe a few other things like a music program and handwriting helps.

For History, Michael will be spending time reading out of Bill Bennett's "America: The Last Best Hope" to the children.

I am so blessed to be able to learn with my children as we go through our day together. It keeps us always busy, but it is so much fun!

2 in one night!

I'm on a roll! Actually, Michael is at a work function (a Braves game!) and the boys are in bed... so I'm enjoying a little down time.

What's new in the Robinson household? Hmmm...

We've started a homeschooling schedule, and its been lots of fun! I am so excited to be entering into this part of my mommy career. I love watching the boys discover and learn.

Ezra is learning how to read, using "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons". This book is excellent. I used it with Isaac, and Isaac has been in love with reading ever since. I was honestly thinking Ezra would take a while to be ready to read... but I wanted to give it a shot with this book just to see how he'd take to it. He loves it! The fact that he is able to read words so early on really boosts his confidence and leaves him wanting to learn more. We do 2 lessons a day, and he usually asks for more, I have to limit him! Incredible! Here is a picture of Ezra reading to Michael :-)

He's also working on Math-U-See's Primer book and learning how to add. Its amazing how much his demeanor and attitudes have changed since we've begun actively homeschooling. He seems so much more mature and confident.

Isaac is working in Rod and Staff's grade 2 English and Readers. He is a readng machine and will devour any book left within grasp!. He recently got his very own library card and literally jumped up and down with excitement when I told him. His biggest passion is the Bible, and he really yearns for the Word, and enjoys studying it. Its an awesome blessing to see how much his heart is for the Lord, he has a zeal that's evident already.

Joel is busy being 2. We tried the beginnings of potty training, but I've since decided that waiting until we're home from vacation would be best, to avoid inconsistancies. And because I'm a little overwhelmed by it!

Nathan is busy growing. He found his thumb recently, so he's officially a thumb sucker now... I figured he would be, after we saw him doing it on our ultrasound when I was 20 weeks pregnant! He is such a peaceful baby, so content and happy most of the time. He sleeps really well, too, which is awesome! With the other boys keeping me going all day, I need all the sleep I can get!

Michael is continuing on with his marathon training! He's doing so well, I'm really proud of him and the commitment he's made to see this through.

As for me... hmmm... I never really have much to say about me! The Lord is good to me, helping me to grow and change into the woman he's called me to be. Sometimes it is a bit painful, but always an awesome blessing. He is so gentle with me, I cause myself the trouble through my stubbornness and pride... but He is changing me!! I am always excited to see where He is taking me and our family. I'm so thankful that I have Him to rely on and trust in.

Here is a fun series of pictures of all of us!

And with that, I say goodnight!

Amazing Love

My baby adores me! Its the most amazing thing, this life that God has given me - to grow inside my body, to nourish with my body, to train, lead and teach with my heart. My sweet 3 1/2 month old Nathan, our fourth boy. His eyes scrunch up with smiles as he sees me, his cheeks overflow with gladness, he coos as he nestles and nurses... and its all for me! Me! I could have never imagined being loved this way. He does not know my sins and shortcomings. He does not see how many times a day I let myself, or someone else, down. All he knows is me, in the pureness of his knowledge, and he loves me, unconditionally. Is this how my Father sees me, under the covering of Christ's sacrifice? I can only wonder. My child is such an amazing gift. I understand more and more why God calls them blessings. The meaning gets deeper with each little one we're given. How could I not long for more of these sweet ones to fill our home?!

My kitchen (and sanity) saver!

I recently heard this tip in a homeschooling seminar, and I've been putting it into practice for about 2 weeks now, and I have to share! Its amazing what its done for my kitchen and overall sanity. Its such a simple tip! Here it is:

Load and run the dishwasher EVERY night, even if its not a totally full load.

Then, every morning, it is there to empty, and there is room for that day's dishes to go into it immediately after use. No more dishes piling up in the sink, not even pots and pans, as they, too, go into the dishwasher at night. Brilliant! An added bonus, since there are clean dishes every morning, my children know without a doubt that every morning one of their jobs is to empty the dishwasher.

I used to only run the dishwasher when it was full to the brim. Sometimes that would take a day and a half or two days. Meanwhile, we'd run low on silverware, dishes would pile up as they waited for me to squeeze them into the dishwasher, and the children never knew when the dishwasher might need to be loaded. And the kitchen was a disaster! Which makes any mom crazy, especially if your homeschooling area is in full view of the kitchen!

So simple, but life changing for me! Many, many thanks to the wonderful woman who shared the tip in her seminar, although I can't remember her name.

My first blog post!

I have decided to become trendy and start a blog! I guess I'll start my first entry out with an introduction. I am Erin! 27 years old, married for almost 9 years, and mother to 4 boys, ages 6, 4 1/2, 2, and almost 3 months.

I have been walking with the Lord for almost 10 years, Praise God!!! Its been an awesome journey with Him, He has brought me out of so much and is always molding me into who I am supposed to be for Him, and I am so thankful.

My passions and interests include serving the Lord, being a helpmeet to my wonderful husband, staying at home and homeschooling my children, knitting, sewing, photography, natural childbirth, cloth diapering, babywearing, and breastfeeding. I am afraid that I am still growing in the area of housekeeping, but I have also come a long way there, too, as my husband will attest! I am attempting to learn how to play the piano, as it is my favorite instrument. There's much more to me than this small paragraph, but for now that sums it up decently!

My children are such a blessing to me, and I believe my highest calling is to raise them up for the service of God. I pray daily for the strength to mold them as God needs, as they are His children He has entrusted me with. I have named my blog "A Full Heart" after a song called "My Heart is Full" by Serene and Pearl at www.aboverubies.org, a ministry that has very much blessed me.

This blog has no true goal or purpose. I plan to use it as an outlet, just rambles about random things. But I do hope that possibly somewhere along the way it can be a blessing or encouragement to someone. I look forward to making more entries!