tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42704829683204067502024-02-19T07:46:18.805-06:00the allen'sa house on the RockLindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.comBlogger396125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-55654163214749826152017-04-08T15:21:00.000-05:002017-04-08T15:21:48.368-05:00Creepy Critters<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aahhh! Spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Definitely my favorite time of year! I love the blooming
flowers, the budding leaves, the green grass, and most of all, the rising
temperatures. (Although it’s been unseasonably warm here since
January.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My monkeys are enjoying the spring weather too. Ty, for one,
has been taking advantage of the weather and doing a lot of fishing in the creek
behind our house. He’s baited up several drop hooks, and the Tool Man helped
him set out a trotline. Armed with a bucket of goldfish for bait, Ty’s hoping
to catch the granddaddy of all catfish. (I’d just be happy with a mess of white
perch.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Although he has caught only a handful of catfish, one weighing
in around 20 pounds, Ty has hooked quite a menagerie of other aquatic
creatures. Not the least of which was this slimy critter – a fresh-water
eel!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJPAIguxX_uBRbH0V1RA8v5Be6YWV1oC1Y_OgmrNucznqhjNdM55wO2DGDucT-NSJyN2sdBmOdeishiwPoPP9IA3ZZ67ePD3IpMXuwGVwsm0hCTv0iQ4v8uFVy60qMrTVGy6RzVER3N0/s1600/IMG_8314+-+Copy+%2528533x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJPAIguxX_uBRbH0V1RA8v5Be6YWV1oC1Y_OgmrNucznqhjNdM55wO2DGDucT-NSJyN2sdBmOdeishiwPoPP9IA3ZZ67ePD3IpMXuwGVwsm0hCTv0iQ4v8uFVy60qMrTVGy6RzVER3N0/s320/IMG_8314+-+Copy+%2528533x800%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YUCK! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was the first time the kids and I had seen an eel in
person, and let me tell you, we were totally grossed out. It was the creepiest
thing I had seen in quite a while for sure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9Nez3jTbGy94FgWbCo_v9qce8HjnQQ52CtIylDRxJAZj2NxtHrUs4l0sq0hiHOrpwAYUJ3B4FhaSHhEroWkbJTBjhyphenhyphenNHLWzZkCr4W1mOGjZF6A1E13iXbPbviVcuW9F2aTnneCHqTc/s1600/IMG_8315+-+Copy+%2528533x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmL9Nez3jTbGy94FgWbCo_v9qce8HjnQQ52CtIylDRxJAZj2NxtHrUs4l0sq0hiHOrpwAYUJ3B4FhaSHhEroWkbJTBjhyphenhyphenNHLWzZkCr4W1mOGjZF6A1E13iXbPbviVcuW9F2aTnneCHqTc/s320/IMG_8315+-+Copy+%2528533x800%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As Ty was posing for these pictures, that eel tied itself into a
knot. How strange is that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitatKoQ04RI6CrsA7ikYl7bQjDJ3UoYOHS2f3-BXZksXkGfS-buvMLsQqmLXDsDUTA06TrFIR_lWQCFtPE6sn8PxkUxcJRUhtPCIULHpBnMc1vIsz6Wqzc8oTTE9bMbPn2xzwD3jj44is/s1600/IMG_8318+-+Copy+%2528536x800%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitatKoQ04RI6CrsA7ikYl7bQjDJ3UoYOHS2f3-BXZksXkGfS-buvMLsQqmLXDsDUTA06TrFIR_lWQCFtPE6sn8PxkUxcJRUhtPCIULHpBnMc1vIsz6Wqzc8oTTE9bMbPn2xzwD3jj44is/s320/IMG_8318+-+Copy+%2528536x800%2529.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This eel is isn’t the only odd thing Ty has caught this spring.
He’s also hooked 2 more eels, two turtles, one white perch, and two gar
measuring around 4 feet long! And Ty wonders why I’m not a fan of swimming in
the creek.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormA4JFsnVoc_Wrb1Vdq5OESIuDQ8EUOEuU5c6b0IRmnVKriS64_4FdQ4KuDBWt5Kh-uzOt3-SXmHNzl0I7vICi9XktafcfpZF1pPDwJ8iGazi0-6PxSvfYi2ehQG1CexpIIg5njhlts/s1600/IMG_8320+-+Copy+%2528800x578%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormA4JFsnVoc_Wrb1Vdq5OESIuDQ8EUOEuU5c6b0IRmnVKriS64_4FdQ4KuDBWt5Kh-uzOt3-SXmHNzl0I7vICi9XktafcfpZF1pPDwJ8iGazi0-6PxSvfYi2ehQG1CexpIIg5njhlts/s320/IMG_8320+-+Copy+%2528800x578%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy spring,</span><br />
<span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Lindsey</em></span>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-74469206615160729432017-01-12T06:19:00.001-06:002017-01-12T06:19:51.918-06:00School Daze<p><font size="1">Hello everyone! Even though January I thought I would share some pictures I took of the monkeys on our first day of school waaaay back in September.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yAgm_qeJ7qw/WHdzjsZN-VI/AAAAAAAALaM/wRqAMYvW9hA/s1600-h/IMG_7364-2-800x53313.jpg"><img title="IMG_7364 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7364 (2) (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hNbxImfAauM/WHdznAc2IuI/AAAAAAAALaU/xV_esb3wOXk/IMG_7364-2-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="1">You know, we’ve been homeschooling for eight years, and this is the first year I’ve ever thought to take a first-day-of-school picture! I’m kind of disappointed in myself for missing out on the opportunity all these years. Oh well, no time like the present to start, right? </font></p> <p><font size="1">I was so excited about how good these pictures came out. Given, it’s hard for the monkeys to take bad pictures, but I thought these photos were extra cute!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aEhyz_FO3XU/WHdzqwMfNaI/AAAAAAAALac/ujgAcFuMWgU/s1600-h/IMG_7358-2-800x53310.jpg"><img title="IMG_7358 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7358 (2) (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PnSfgjn1vnU/WHdzt2s-0eI/AAAAAAAALak/XpVGmbLhLRQ/IMG_7358-2-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oUJEX3OO2lY/WHdzxjfUALI/AAAAAAAALas/8f9_p8EtD2Y/s1600-h/IMG_7352-2-800x53310.jpg"><img title="IMG_7352 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7352 (2) (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-My1W_O4-Kck/WHdz0sn4zaI/AAAAAAAALa0/i42ozGMXHSg/IMG_7352-2-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SeKTG_WBHjs/WHdz4BlNdbI/AAAAAAAALa8/eM0WiA8vaDQ/s1600-h/IMG_7356-2-533x80011.jpg"><img title="IMG_7356 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7356 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTytMIOz6JQ/WHdz6yUSOYI/AAAAAAAALbE/CHk9PqZiamk/IMG_7356-2-533x800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="1">This year we officially welcomed a new student to our school table. Tacy has been working on Pre-K 3 curriculum and is doing fantastic. Some of her favorite things to do are cutting and working in her sticker books. She would breeze through an entire workbook in one day if I would let her. Honestly, I don’t know why I hold her back. I guess I’m just trying to avoid having to buy new workbooks every other week. But like the Tool Man always says, what’s money to a hog? I think I’ll let her do as much as she wants from now on.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dypKov6-7jE/WHdz98AWlsI/AAAAAAAALbM/a2TVyzj0HmE/s1600-h/IMG_7339-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_7339 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7339 (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YksXjCCyTIY/WHd0BKmSPZI/AAAAAAAALbU/R8UjHKq4a-E/IMG_7339-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="1">OK. Time to be real. This school year has been <strike>one of the toughest ever</strike> THE TOUGHEST EVER! Babies have a way of complicating things, especially babies who don’t sleep. Besides beginning this school year about a month later than we normally do, we have been moving at a snail’s pace. Honestly, we’re about 9 weeks behind where I would like to be. Yikes! That sounds bad. But, in the grand scheme of things, are 9 weeks really that big of a deal? No!!!!!! So, I’ve determined not to stress about it. </font></p> <p><font size="1">Part of the challenge of school this year is that I’ve had a hard time working in fun activities. Unfortunately, when you’re running low on time and energy, it’s usually the fun stuff that gets cut first. Nevertheless, here are a few pictures from the one poetry tea time we’ve had this year. I made some old-fashioned tea cakes for our snack, and the kids substituted actual tea with chocolate milk and Coke. Lucy set our table and lit some candles for us. Then we all sat around the table and enjoyed our cookies and poetry selections.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BDszkrjRCow/WHd0EI1MKzI/AAAAAAAALbc/dVXzYWPskZQ/s1600-h/IMG_7414---Copy-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_7414 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7414 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l6yzKwxGnIw/WHd0HONk6ZI/AAAAAAAALbk/xEYGihFgyUs/IMG_7414---Copy-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="1">Ty read us a poem he had written in his literature class.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wXiL0dzWpsY/WHd0KWggh4I/AAAAAAAALbs/0ggMqsIXRms/s1600-h/IMG_7416---Copy-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_7416 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7416 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZGAbYlNtxCM/WHd0NdbqdBI/AAAAAAAALb0/Kr6Xs9mp2Fg/IMG_7416---Copy-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="1">Tacy even “read” a few poems out of one of my old nursery rhyme books.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-amzhugV1gLE/WHd0Qdaeu8I/AAAAAAAALb8/ER08j4yXsMY/s1600-h/IMG_7423---Copy-800x53311.jpg"><img title="IMG_7423 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7423 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4DOKwdEuKDY/WHd0TAIQZCI/AAAAAAAALcE/6At_dcpUxEs/IMG_7423---Copy-800x533_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="1">And these two lazy girls spent the entire tea time snoozing on the couch. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-js5IaCWUbpk/WHd0WWgdFdI/AAAAAAAALcM/Imh3ImqiK_E/s1600-h/IMG_7411---Copy-533x8009.jpg"><img title="IMG_7411 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7411 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hll7GR4SS9E/WHd0ZnlkoAI/AAAAAAAALcU/QclngGd20mE/IMG_7411---Copy-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Now that the Christmas holidays are behind us, we are back at the books again. It looks like Tib is finally going to string together some sleep-filled nights, so I’m hoping my energy and gusto will return for the second half of our school year. I do so want to give the monkeys the best school experience!</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-89447036093184352016-11-17T09:30:00.001-06:002016-11-17T09:30:48.199-06:00Welcome, Little Tib<p>When it comes to introducing a whole new person on my blog, I find it a little overwhelming. So much so that I’ve avoided doing it for the past 4 months. But today I decided I would bite the bullet and share some of my favorite pictures of our newest addition with y’all.</p> <p>This July we were blessed to welcome yet another beautiful baby girl into our family. Wow! I never would have guessed that I’d ever be the mom of 3 wonderful little girls, not to mention one terrific boy!</p> <p>Tabitha Grace arrived safe and sound, five days ahead of her due date, at a healthy 7 pounds 6 ounces.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DImh8jeDtjY/WC3MIAfbuaI/AAAAAAAALWE/EUlBmFCgAh8/s1600-h/IMG_6983%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6983 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6983 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Upq-tT3uIEQ/WC3MOeD7N8I/AAAAAAAALWM/QwMJKe3i3zg/IMG_6983%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Of course, the monkeys were thrilled to meet their new little sister.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u5k4WqSwrPE/WC3MSEs5ABI/AAAAAAAALWU/JYZn381BOnA/s1600-h/IMG_6990%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6990 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6990 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eA2qtbmsDaI/WC3MVpj_-DI/AAAAAAAALWc/kuPaSvPvMkU/IMG_6990%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>No discussion about Tib would be complete without a nod to her thick, dark hair. I just love it! Unfortunately, the older she gets, the more hair she rubs off.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wd7iGISylVA/WC3Mbg1pDRI/AAAAAAAALWk/4X9-g2sCQcA/s1600-h/IMG_7052%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7052 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7052 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5EXCvJNVn4o/WC3MgYX-XaI/AAAAAAAALWs/p236_KYlXjU/IMG_7052%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Now this. This is the sweet spot! See all those wrinkles under that little chin? That’s Mama’s favorite kissing spot. It’s so warm and soft and sweet.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtFmgZYj424/WC3MlfXKwvI/AAAAAAAALW0/9kVJTqSEIfE/s1600-h/IMG_7059%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7059 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7059 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K9CPxHkY4tU/WC3MquKnQKI/AAAAAAAALW8/v3CSf7YWKMs/IMG_7059%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nvuioJ8j4Xg/WC3MvfoJ5SI/AAAAAAAALXE/3ApQWN0r-Q0/s1600-h/IMG_7074%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7074 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7074 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A4fwSQDE49o/WC3My9E8C-I/AAAAAAAALXM/sHC4WQod8sM/IMG_7074%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Tib could not ask for two better sisters. Lucy and Tacy love her so much. Tib is just like a real, live baby doll to them, and they really are a big help taking care of her. The only problem is that there is only one of Tib and two of them, so there is some arguing and fussing over who gets to hold her sometimes.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-emKtVm0QvIY/WC3M4DnZTMI/AAAAAAAALXU/PFjVPzux4NM/s1600-h/IMG_7018%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7018 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7018 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6fIbQRItcHI/WC3M8iURYpI/AAAAAAAALXc/v-r6Iw6RMdM/IMG_7018%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I always enjoy making a hanger for our hospital door. This time the Tool Man help me by cutting out a wooden angel for Tib. I added a string of battery powered lights for an extra special touch.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8s7Yk0-Ovw8/WC3M_0kt5gI/AAAAAAAALXk/zINLcBCJj2o/s1600-h/IMG_7111%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528530x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7111 - Copy (530x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7111 - Copy (530x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_zAwiWL7XXk/WC3NCoryuMI/AAAAAAAALXs/MSq7OQnCXI8/IMG_7111%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528530x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="504"></a></p> <p>No one is prouder of Miss Tib than her daddy. I think I have a picture of the Tool Man with all of our babies in this pose. I really should print them out and have them framed all together.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XiNFgNOtOMc/WC3NG7Fqq6I/AAAAAAAALX0/63OMp9YqBH4/s1600-h/IMG_7141%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7141 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7141 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-inmpu-hz43I/WC3NJ_6kqUI/AAAAAAAALX8/VOX_HPeMsUA/IMG_7141%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>I have hundreds more photos and stories of little Tib to share, but to avoid becoming totally overwhelmed I’ll stop here. I just recently went through older posts here on the blog and was inspired to start utilizing my camera more and blogging more. Hopefully I will be able to do so. Life is quite crazy with four monkeys running around, and blogging takes a backseat to household chores and school. But I am going to try, try, <em>try</em> to post more often.</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-14386788711327858702016-10-26T09:47:00.001-05:002016-10-26T12:16:09.051-05:00Happy Birthday, Little Pumpkin!<p><font size="2">It’s hard for me to believe that my not-so-little girl turned 3 this October. This year we celebrated Tacy’s birthday at the local pumpkin patch.</font> </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xNNMEZTL8rg/WBC1D-gjNkI/AAAAAAAALMw/aFTXvaYXdbM/s1600-h/IMG_7505%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7505 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7505 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xOMHfQKVTfs/WBC1GxSEAmI/AAAAAAAALM4/aVdp0E2P4OE/IMG_7505%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">We are so lucky to have this pumpkin patch nearby. It is such a fun place to visit each autumn. Since the older monkeys’ birthdays fall in the the spring and summer, we have never had the chance to host a party here, but Tacy’s October birthday is just right for a party in the patch. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DXDYwMY_7wA/WBC1KMTuouI/AAAAAAAALNA/TAPN-tZLm1c/s1600-h/IMG_7507%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7507 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7507 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KHxDBxj-yFY/WBC1M9Bz5CI/AAAAAAAALNI/WkyQh94QaHw/IMG_7507%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="2">I especially love that I didn’t have the task of cleaning house before the party! Instead I was able to focus on preparing a few snacks and some pink pumpkin decorations. I served apple slices with a creamy, caramel dip and some “Harvest Hash” made of various cereals, pretzels, candy corn, and Reese’s Pieces.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CFnq_IRP27o/WBC1QDWTcxI/AAAAAAAALNQ/zlFa-Hcd51w/s1600-h/IMG_7512%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7512 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_7512 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6GOQMIeQu2Q/WBC1S97ZY7I/AAAAAAAALNY/Df-ZVSEE99k/IMG_7512%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="2">As a special keepsake for Tacy, I had the party guests leave thumbprint pumpkins on a canvas that I painted to look like a pumpkin patch.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ziBuaQn9a6A/WBC1Wb2F-yI/AAAAAAAALNg/1gmOjM-bMx4/s1600-h/IMG_7513%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7513 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7513 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nrg62mTY6lk/WBC1ZUIAdkI/AAAAAAAALNo/AlcPpUSBn98/IMG_7513%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="2">This pumpkin patch was loaded with activities for the kids to enjoy. There were hayrides and corn mazes and everything in between!</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OXsJyJF0hj0/WBC1ceoPWTI/AAAAAAAALNw/9LrUnBJg9Zo/s1600-h/IMG_7518%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7518 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7518 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cITsHc8kiwY/WBDAqsX48ZI/AAAAAAAALPE/MnSsbxDaE_A/IMG_7518%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CN7JHV9ZH_U/WBDAt8W6JAI/AAAAAAAALPM/xNrtD2SHXyw/s1600-h/IMG_7523%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7523 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7523 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J0L947z6uro/WBDAxFnbsmI/AAAAAAAALPU/69uM-dZ6O5s/IMG_7523%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UBjbX42OF68/WBDA03zr9cI/AAAAAAAALPc/Le9MoSmwGWc/s1600-h/IMG_7524%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7524 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7524 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DVO78fH81Tg/WBDA3yd2lKI/AAAAAAAALPk/r4XN7F2gS2M/IMG_7524%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Tacy’s favorite thing to play on was the horse swings. She rode this little horse quite a while.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w78Ku1A6-jI/WBDA7FGgGAI/AAAAAAAALPs/AiRKLK90Hy8/s1600-h/IMG_7533%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7533 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7533 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V8tJLYoM97I/WBDA90_DaVI/AAAAAAAALP0/HOoe12LXdus/IMG_7533%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZl73HFD_j3144N05ZxW3yRqSooMplE14BSUk54aomEKhviXbtDC3m4qEfAAHSWdfR60y7HFLVSh7bcw7DIJFgsgvi9CJgcGwvytUAfr-5h_4A24QLlPXObRb8K-gt8w1TRU58y0mQ13w/s1600-h/IMG_7535%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7535 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7535 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u68t8eMr_w8/WBDBD_nEv0I/AAAAAAAALQE/-vhbTUXCOkU/IMG_7535%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Tacy also had fun climbing and swinging in the hay barn.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HLIFsPNkqvA/WBDBHQ6kGwI/AAAAAAAALQM/6fu7IpJFKTI/s1600-h/IMG_7594%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7594 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7594 (2) (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bD0jXzScIN0/WBDBKJ1ngDI/AAAAAAAALQU/tPP5arxX6y0/IMG_7594%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ta2QN8AGGT8/WBDBNh7jTYI/AAAAAAAALQc/GVPrnNnQBHY/s1600-h/IMG_7624%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528534x800%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7624 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7624 (2) (534x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CgloP-GiQXc/WBDBQkTXzRI/AAAAAAAALQk/dWBrYJ93uAI/IMG_7624%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528534x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">The kids were having so much fun playing that it was difficult to round everyone up for cake and presents.</font></p> <p><font size="2">I know you were probably expecting great things from me as far as cake decorating goes, but we had been in Canton, Texas the 2 days prior to Tacy’s party, so I didn’t have time to decorate a fancy cake. Tacy didn’t seem to mind, though. Her only request was that the cake was pink on the inside. </font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C1a8gloKPVc/WBDBTqdLVvI/AAAAAAAALQs/LyEKBIP5myU/s1600-h/IMG_7544%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7544 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7544 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P5TRfscMuNQ/WBDBWebH2HI/AAAAAAAALQ0/IOmi9FaNoZ8/IMG_7544%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Tacy received several cute books this year. She also got a Barbie, art supplies, Kinetic Sand, a guitar, a toy puppy, a doll, a toy keyboard, Legos, and some clothes.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fwxFuZ6zKxc/WBDBZq2HsqI/AAAAAAAALQ8/JUD4xhTNbz8/s1600-h/IMG_7556%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7556 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7556 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1_V6la0S5HM/WBDBcWyv9OI/AAAAAAAALRI/CAkdovSo8c4/IMG_7556%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">She even got a how-to book on babysitting grandpas.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L5RCtqB-rW0/WBDBgP_V5JI/AAAAAAAALRQ/TpkK3jLVOTw/s1600-h/IMG_7561%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7561 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7561 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-neJViw67QyM/WBDBizDPl3I/AAAAAAAALRY/slj2prrOS5E/IMG_7561%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">While we were in Canton, I picked up matching T-shirts for me and Tacy.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uyOphl-eSaM/WBDBmkYA64I/AAAAAAAALRg/KXwkZqPRsyE/s1600-h/IMG_7564%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528534x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7564 - Copy (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7564 - Copy (534x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D6M77ZLPnSQ/WBDBphV37lI/AAAAAAAALRo/Mu0GbLsYljM/IMG_7564%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528534x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Lucy made a couple of popsicle stick dolls and wrote the sweetest birthday note for Tacy. It almost made me cry.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IvGXojaAmmQ/WBDBstAS6vI/AAAAAAAALRw/nfKLDdN13x8/s1600-h/IMG_7567%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528534x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7567 - Copy (534x800) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7567 - Copy (534x800) (2)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m_8-mmVbC6Y/WBDBvgTTJ2I/AAAAAAAALR8/0xZ8z7TvbBE/IMG_7567%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528534x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Tacy really enjoyed getting to spend her birthday playing with cousins and friends.</font></p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XsJhdOhWoFk/WBDBzMY413I/AAAAAAAALSI/ZXqntdSSIrg/s1600-h/IMG_7581%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7581 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7581 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0bQqfMNnSPg/WBDB2Mh_CbI/AAAAAAAALSU/nvIMKggk5Oc/IMG_7581%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font size="2">Happy birthday, sweet Tacy Mae. We love you so much!</font></p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTBfu1R-0SQ/WBDB5ytxiPI/AAAAAAAALSc/4QWlJ6ohGRA/s1600-h/IMG_7540%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x534%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7540 - Copy (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7540 - Copy (800x534)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LbLMi8ANQZs/WBDB82-UvPI/AAAAAAAALSk/YOgRzeVX5-A/IMG_7540%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x534%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-86761833069238258252016-09-13T09:05:00.001-05:002016-09-13T09:05:02.388-05:00Measuring Up<p>Every three months or so, the Tool Man leads the monkeys to our closet to record their heights. It’s always a competition to see which monkey grew the most. </p> <p>Even though I lovingly refer to Lucy as the runt of the litter (she’s a tiny, skinny mini) she really has shot up over the last year. When I see pictures of her from last year I am amazed at how much she has changed. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6vzcQQ9c1aMDRe0Er8RklhAe1nj7t_YxmboRGkgH4l-XwCRsgWMbULuQDc1pMOKYh14gztCgljq4DvwqgwJj7KvMkDpRlbLQGRYGEIVW_u0mdEgKsF6ncE587xPr6EZzke8_fvRmNzY/s1600-h/IMG_7294%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7294 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7294 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BYEPqgm2Z-k/V9gHErT6D7I/AAAAAAAALJs/cN3o3vq_u5Y/IMG_7294%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>You might think from this picture that the monkeys were about to go for a swim, but not so. Tacy just prefers to wear bathing suits instead of real clothes. </p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FkYbYqfehbg/V9gHH4hIJgI/AAAAAAAALJ0/5hRz5amxt0E/s1600-h/IMG_7298%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7298 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7298 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wsAWhVbyN3E/V9gHK4OxAWI/AAAAAAAALJ8/oloQGC2Ixn0/IMG_7298%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Tacy was proud to show us that she had grown nearly 3 inches. Wow! She’s getting so big. Definitely not a baby anymore :(</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KLaP5lhZzp4/V9gHN3YayZI/AAAAAAAALKE/IFmxtjmGxkk/s1600-h/IMG_7302%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7302 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7302 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Hdlu7sb6q0E/V9gHQqJJvgI/AAAAAAAALKM/DgPOOSu_MCg/IMG_7302%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>And then there’s this big, ol’ boy. Ty is always comparing his height to the Tool Man. He still has about 5-6 inches to grow before catching his dad, but that doesn’t stop him from checking nearly every day! While he may have to grow a little more vertically before reaching his dad’s height, Ty has caught the Tool Man in shoe size. Ty is now wearing a size 8 1/2 in men’s shoes, and he is also shopping for clothes in the men’s department. Boy, that makes me feel old! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9umBz_D4qiqqlxXsSepx1fq0tTeFxpCqAp_W3-H4YQEwRCjTNxxi21JtkihhqXVaK7LRbi2OrRfC_mV71Gct1zptCLdjAtw8ZbxSnVV3MdLn0ZHKMs1t5y56UdmXIksfU3KaH0NdmpQk/s1600-h/IMG_7304%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7304 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7304 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vFkxrZ5BI1M/V9gHWU-q5zI/AAAAAAAALKc/FM-WtkN38tE/IMG_7304%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Like Tacy, Ty had also shot up three inches since his last measurement. His appetite certainly reflects his growth. He eats from the time he wakes until the time he goes to bed - a proverbial bottomless pit. Just recently Ty has discovered Little Debbie Nutty Bars and Oatmeal Cream Pies. He can easily plow through a box of each (plus a couple gallons of milk) in a week. That makes for a wicked grocery bill.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cPohCQTSlEU/V9gHZngLR7I/AAAAAAAALKk/uYLbmds0OVQ/s1600-h/IMG_7307%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x534%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7307 (2) (800x534)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7307 (2) (800x534)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RWpXvyACDt4/V9gHcvd0QvI/AAAAAAAALKs/LbivPY_lnYU/IMG_7307%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x534%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>As it turns out, Tacy, Lucy, and Ty measured almost exactly three, four, and five feet respectively. A little stair-step of monkeys! Pretty soon baby Tib will be joining the measuring fun. “Who is Tib?” you ask. Oh, she’s just another monkey I had during my blogging break. Lol. I will introduce y’all to her soon, I promise.</p> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v4-hzw7oMLQ/V9gHgCxkJOI/AAAAAAAALK0/clor36NShT8/s1600-h/IMG_7309%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_7309 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_7309 (2) (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YArjurAG_Bs/V9gHjCSln7I/AAAAAAAALK8/ns2D2pFMTt0/IMG_7309%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-70914312184655357142016-09-04T07:54:00.001-05:002016-09-04T07:54:07.858-05:00All-American Girl Birthday<p align="left"> <a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pSv6-PRan6c/V8wVbX2XW5I/AAAAAAAALDU/Ie6vYvjnjfs/s1600-h/IMG_6899%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528521x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6899 - Copy (521x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6899 - Copy (521x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wmVpIID0NX8/V8wVeAfDzaI/AAAAAAAALDc/W9qCh-p_nzk/IMG_6899%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528521x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="330" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Hello, y’all. Today I want to share some photos from Lucy’s 7th birthday party. This year we celebrated Lucy’s birthday a couple of weeks early because I was expecting a baby the week of her actual birthday.</p> <p align="left">Months ago Lucy decided she wanted an All-American party. That’s a terrific theme for someone whose birthday is in July. There is no shortage of red, white, and blue party supplies at that time of year.</p> <p align="left">Since I was 8 1/2 months pregnant, I recruited some help prepping for the party. Ty and Lucy were in charge of making white chocolate dipped pretzels. As you can see, Lucy couldn’t resist doing a little taste test of her work.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Uy5c4EIt-Lk/V8wVhieV_rI/AAAAAAAALDk/jOW5RHJi6Uw/s1600-h/IMG_6895%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6895 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6895 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eWAfwwp3F_o/V8wVkE5o-hI/AAAAAAAALDs/P1ThnODwzEE/IMG_6895%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">I made myself keep the food and decor pretty simple for this party, but I did want to give Lucy an awesome cake. It’s been quite a while (years) since I’ve done any serious cake decorating. It was nice to know that I still had it in me!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Bt84XCcoSLY/V8wVnXSYrlI/AAAAAAAALD0/5TsS5DrBu90/s1600-h/IMG_6904%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6904 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6904 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zQxaEheI3Xw/V8wVqPqgytI/AAAAAAAALD8/gBEqtTfGLdc/IMG_6904%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0eJakOLSifY/V8wVt7zIEaI/AAAAAAAALEE/y7MNxmAASXM/s1600-h/IMG_6909%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6909 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6909 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AOLR8E_Bpbk/V8wVweMMUOI/AAAAAAAALEM/Ee_e6dAYubk/IMG_6909%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Like I mentioned earlier, I kept the decorating pretty simple – red and white table cloths, a few streamers, and some stars scattered around the tables were just about it.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yYgZQuGCmVU/V8wVzpfMgoI/AAAAAAAALEU/rg6NWeDpE5M/s1600-h/IMG_6914%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6914 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6914 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SrPwlnHFg3s/V8wV22I5u2I/AAAAAAAALEc/31FcCrSsn_k/IMG_6914%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">Y’all know nothing says America like a hot dog feast! Along with the hot dogs, the party guests enjoyed corn on the cob, strawberries, chips, and dips.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J2jJbdSL69A/V8wV6E1wALI/AAAAAAAALEk/5_W0U34fDcs/s1600-h/IMG_6915%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x534%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6915 - Copy (800x534)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6915 - Copy (800x534)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JBfacPtLChg/V8wV9I1EcpI/AAAAAAAALEs/UZDghTtHa7Y/IMG_6915%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x534%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVesUXw9_Mw/V8wWASSbZBI/AAAAAAAALE0/M9QoT_5bW2Y/s1600-h/IMG_6916%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6916 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6916 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AyBNLJgkP1s/V8wWDplzWrI/AAAAAAAALE8/fiUzk84x3Wo/IMG_6916%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">In addition to inviting her friends to the party, Lucy asked the girls to bring along their favorite dolls. Lucy and I made some patriotic, doll-sized tutus and hats as party favors for the girls. During the party, the girls also made personalized necklaces for their dolls.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uzaLJqiCSSY/V8wWHmAqfNI/AAAAAAAALFE/6LQE5EYfhP4/s1600-h/IMG_6923%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6923 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6923 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iRoO07duavg/V8wWKZ5iKyI/AAAAAAAALFQ/Gb34vJGJZc0/IMG_6923%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">While shopping around for party decorations, I stumbled across a package of cupcake sparklers. Score! We stuck a sparkler in the top of Lucy’s cake while we sang Happy Birthday to her. It was awesome!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EIWIAnHvvX4/V8wWOfd5QbI/AAAAAAAALFY/WZy7XMLbpfM/s1600-h/IMG_6929%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6929 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6929 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wmyAr6pe56U/V8wWRdMTpbI/AAAAAAAALFg/EAxepf65tdE/IMG_6929%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LgJAhicTZwA/V8wWU1utEnI/AAAAAAAALFo/2DFl1s-Jrs4/s1600-h/IMG_6930%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6930 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6930 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6cNFoWyq9ss/V8wZONVHqaI/AAAAAAAALHA/u1bVSwyQhys/IMG_6930%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">A few gifts Lucy received for her birthday were manicure supplies, Bath & Body Works products, a jumbo pack of gel pens with a Scripture coloring book, doll clothes and accessories, a pair of sandals, and a pretty little gray kitten. We adopted the kitten from a local shelter, and he has turned out to be the sweetest cat I’ve ever seen. Lucy named him Whiskers.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bbwCjOy7JPo/V8wZSTidPII/AAAAAAAALHI/_jMrQDio4kk/s1600-h/IMG_6935%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6935 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6935 - Copy (533x800)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NWGAYx3vpAg/V8wZVeftTcI/AAAAAAAALHQ/YjHiwCx9-a8/IMG_6935%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Happy birthday, sweet girl. We sure do love you!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eUlek4LJl7k/V8wZYVwMkiI/AAAAAAAALHY/92vF9e7lO9Q/s1600-h/IMG_6932%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B13%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6932 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6932 - Copy (800x533)" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eeRBtM1f4QI/V8wZbTQhK5I/AAAAAAAALHg/QB4LopPrXHA/IMG_6932%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left"><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-71415905084819338752016-08-02T10:59:00.001-05:002016-08-02T11:15:07.457-05:00Life on the Farm<p>*Note: I originally wrote this post waaaay back in April of this year. However, when I tried to publish it online, I received an error message and have been unable to post anything in the last 4 months. Thankfully, I finally fixed my technical issues today, so I am officially back in the blogging business! So even though this post is terribly out of date, I decided to go ahead and share it with y’all anyway.* <p>Hey, y’all. Remember me? I know it’s been months since I lasted posted anything on this blog, and I feel just awful about that. I could spend a lot of time apologizing and giving excuses and filling you in on the last 4 months, but I won’t. Let’s just talk about the present, shall we? <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qP4q1GiZB40/V6DFuaUc1-I/AAAAAAAAK2U/eVcEe7oRabU/s1600-h/IMG_6711-2-530x800_thumb1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6711-2-530x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6711-2-530x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n5HBXujgXzU/V6DFxqGa3BI/AAAAAAAAK2c/bWZsZIQuoSI/IMG_6711-2-530x800_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="504"></a> <p>Thanks to the arrival of my favorite season, spring, our family has been spending a lot of time out of doors lately. We have all been enjoying the warmer temperatures and longer days. I just don’t know how people who live “up north” deal with all the cold. I need heat! <p>So what have we been busying ourselves doing? Well, like all good country folk, we’ve been hard at work gardening and farming. And by “we” I mean mostly the Tool Man and occasionally the monkeys and rarely me. <p>The last couple of years we have taken a break from gardening. The Tool Man was just too busy to keep it up. But with a new job and schedule this year, he was eager to dig in once again and exercise his green thumbs. In an effort not to overwork ourselves, we decided to keep our garden small and simple. We planted six short rows of our favorite vegetables – one row of potatoes, one row of tomatoes, one row of squash, one row of peppers (for pepper jelly and salsa!), one row of zucchini, and one row of snap beans. <p>When it’s time to hoe or weed, the monkeys magically disappear, but when it’s planting time they are super excited to work in the garden. They love digging their fingers (and toes) into the soft dirt. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6puLoXG-4vo/V6DF0ywYvuI/AAAAAAAAK2k/kTorf_KawL8/s1600-h/IMG_6750-2-800x530_thumb1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6750-2-800x530_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6750-2-800x530_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hXk1YuF1f8w/V6DF4TsP9zI/AAAAAAAAK2s/RYYRJmS28vA/IMG_6750-2-800x530_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFRvDgw5ung/V6DF72vDI1I/AAAAAAAAK20/CUXFRpDVd8U/s1600-h/IMG_6713-2-800x531_thumb1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6713-2-800x531_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6713-2-800x531_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qSCGDUKaWxc/V6DF_dLTziI/AAAAAAAAK28/fuA2eRs69rU/IMG_6713-2-800x531_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a> <p>Even little Tacy Mae was eager to get some dirt between her tiny toes. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4ZfS1j-h49s/V6DGC9c5YvI/AAAAAAAAK3E/vCML1IKj3tk/s1600-h/IMG_6732-2-533x800_thumb1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6732-2-533x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6732-2-533x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sA-Ksj1jr7U/V6DGGVJKemI/AAAAAAAAK3M/RTAE2UfCL1Q/IMG_6732-2-533x800_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UMzTS8AKisg/V6DGJnjUgcI/AAAAAAAAK3U/6CUjT5nIq7A/s1600-h/IMG_6730-2-533x800_thumb1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6730-2-533x800_thumb1" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6730-2-533x800_thumb1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XDsp-vU8NI8/V6DGM2aCM4I/AAAAAAAAK3c/OpS4dHmKShE/IMG_6730-2-533x800_thumb1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a> <p>You might can tell from our wardrobes that these pictures were taken a couple of months ago. It’s just taken me that long to write this post. Our garden actually looks nothing like these pictures any more. It’s now lush and green with huge squash plants and head-high snap bean vines. We’ve also harvested our potatoes and have planted a couple of watermelons and cantaloupes. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8K8adIEQvdo/V6DGQYO9CZI/AAAAAAAAK3k/3fnCd_0W5yg/s1600-h/IMG_6735-2-800x533_thumb6%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6735-2-800x533_thumb6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6735-2-800x533_thumb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RhihO5oMc9I/V6DGTwHL3BI/AAAAAAAAK3s/y8hb2pis-mg/IMG_6735-2-800x533_thumb6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L68SXsFGnvQ/V6DGXmybD8I/AAAAAAAAK30/XmsW9L6XywU/s1600-h/IMG_6738-2-800x533_thumb7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6738-2-800x533_thumb7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6738-2-800x533_thumb7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4JA06JVJf6k/V6DGbXckwOI/AAAAAAAAK38/7laFupOcNlU/IMG_6738-2-800x533_thumb7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mufC7vQQ-K4/V6DGej5D02I/AAAAAAAAK4E/oR0LsQL92v0/s1600-h/IMG_6740-2-800x533_thumb6%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6740-2-800x533_thumb6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6740-2-800x533_thumb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bEPHb1g9bqg/V6DGh_p7PrI/AAAAAAAAK4M/W3h4wE0lNt4/IMG_6740-2-800x533_thumb6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a> <p>We’ve had several new animal additions to our farm this year. I’ve been begging the Tool Man for a goat for years now, and he finally gave in. Back in January we bought this little pygmy goat when he was just 2 weeks old. My super creative monkeys decided to name him “Goatie.” How original is that?! We just love Goatie. I guess you could say he is a free-range goat. He can push through his gate, so he comes and goes as he pleases. Honestly, it’s a bit like having another dog running around the yard. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SCU5uW_GNig/V6DGlq8SuCI/AAAAAAAAK4U/7pcpmNm3MlQ/s1600-h/IMG_6722-2-800x533_thumb7%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6722-2-800x533_thumb7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6722-2-800x533_thumb7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mVkIQUM0qvs/V6DGpArMVBI/AAAAAAAAK4c/68xUKSQDjcw/IMG_6722-2-800x533_thumb7_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a> <p>Of course we have several new feathered faces strutting around our yard this spring. In addition to a dozen more chicks, our coop now houses 1 turkey, 2 rouen ducks, and 3 geese. Whew! That’s a lot of birds, but we sure do love having them around. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AFNUa4TLXL8/V6DGsrjbOAI/AAAAAAAAK4k/KIKdCl-e51E/s1600-h/IMG_6769-2-800x515_thumb7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6769-2-800x515_thumb7" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6769-2-800x515_thumb7" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Tn_dEfiLfh4/V6DGvZVwFeI/AAAAAAAAK40/0v00ogokqeQ/IMG_6769-2-800x515_thumb7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="327"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0l9dZOkaHuo/V6DGx1oVTjI/AAAAAAAAK48/cmqHjRv1K_I/s1600-h/IMG_6767-2-533x800_thumb5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6767-2-533x800_thumb5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6767-2-533x800_thumb5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NFZqUkkBi4M/V6DG0r2S0eI/AAAAAAAAK5I/pljBTBo_HfI/IMG_6767-2-533x800_thumb5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a> <p>The only negative to having all the birds is that the ducks and geese were wreaking havoc on our garden. They mowed down an entire row of peppers <em>and</em> zucchinis, so we were forced to build a fence around our garden to keep out our feathered friends. <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ABF6k8DDckw/V6DG4Eb_hpI/AAAAAAAAK5Q/upmOS4TLymI/s1600-h/IMG_6772-2-530x800_thumb5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6772-2-530x800_thumb5" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6772-2-530x800_thumb5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OPvaxFWdi_s/V6DG7V_9I6I/AAAAAAAAK5c/m2wzUa90mQ4/IMG_6772-2-530x800_thumb5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="504"></a> <p><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KCKiDWhd1JA/V6DG_K0bz4I/AAAAAAAAK5k/kkZoZQGwqWk/s1600-h/IMG_6774-2-800x520_thumb6%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6774-2-800x520_thumb6" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6774-2-800x520_thumb6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3j2GyA0d09w/V6DHCl3mnxI/AAAAAAAAK54/oWOBE2hvMqs/IMG_6774-2-800x520_thumb6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="330"></a> <p>Thanks for hanging in there during my absence. Hopefully I will get back into a regular blogging schedule soon. I do miss sharing memories with y’all. <p><font color="#d16349" size="3" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p>Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-62964618977729282762015-12-08T07:05:00.001-06:002015-12-08T07:05:55.142-06:00All I Want for Christmas<p>Surprise! I’m back. Sorry about the recent break from blogging. Between schoolwork and housework and prepping for holiday fun, I haven’t even thought about my blog lately. But when I woke up bright-eyed at 4:30 this morning, I figured it was the perfect opportunity to sneak in a post.</p> <p>I’m still doing a terrible job of taking pictures of the monkeys. But there was no way I would miss capturing a few shots of Lucy pulling her first front tooth a couple of weeks ago.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6-jHxOlcMnE/VmbVLiTdkOI/AAAAAAAAKq0/YWEDCbg2mj8/s1600-h/IMG_6389%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6389 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6389 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J7SrTTuxnbk/VmbVN4l0xzI/AAAAAAAAKrA/d21vf923YC0/IMG_6389%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Now believe me when I tell you that it was high time for this tooth to come out! Lucy’s front teeth had begun to spread apart, and this tooth had migrated to front and center. Not only had it centered itself up, but it insisted on protruding from between her lips. Lucy loved to close her mouth with only that tooth sticking out past her lips. More than one person told her that she looked like Nanny McPhee. (By the way, we’ve never seen than movie, but I hear it’s a good one.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y48arELkcrU/VmbVQlVR-oI/AAAAAAAAKrM/or8chzvtC1g/s1600-h/IMG_6398%252520%2525283%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6398 (3) (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6398 (3) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aDADEV2JT2g/VmbVSs8T7YI/AAAAAAAAKrY/GrLIR9nUx1A/IMG_6398%252520%2525283%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>After a few unsuccessful attempts to pull the tooth with her fingers, the Tool Man decided to give the old floss trick a try.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Yq1HCtzOP6U/VmbVVuqYfGI/AAAAAAAAKrk/mnhhmXOUTpM/s1600-h/IMG_6420%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6420 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6420 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zulz4NQTvXo/VmbVXneBSoI/AAAAAAAAKrw/zZimbQ7mB7g/IMG_6420%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Despite our best attempts to get the big moment on video, Lucy snatched out the tooth a split second before the Tool Man could push r<em>ecord</em>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x4u8nvSrvnc/VmbVade_fKI/AAAAAAAAKr8/GZsW_glxciM/s1600-h/IMG_6423%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6423 (2) (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6423 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2pjtvTW82J8/VmbVcptstnI/AAAAAAAAKsI/exowDo5MiFE/IMG_6423%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_pfYvKJTReo/VmbVgseMtfI/AAAAAAAAKsU/yM7UeOVF4Wk/s1600-h/IMG_6427%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6427 (2) (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6427 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qLC_e6re7yo/VmbVihaAgFI/AAAAAAAAKsg/xlxY1wb4_AU/IMG_6427%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Good ol’ Tacy Mae was there by Lucy’s side, cheering her along. She’s such a funny girl.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-LczCd8PBg/VmbVlYhu4WI/AAAAAAAAKss/84IlO19uhvc/s1600-h/IMG_6431%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6431 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6431 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lfSWU0P4BUo/VmbVnVFmINI/AAAAAAAAKs0/slvmluBABew/IMG_6431%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Now that looks much better. No more wayward, hillbilly tooth! Lucy is super excited that she can now drink from a straw without actually having to open her mouth. Oh, the perks of missing teeth!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z1CXknFzy-w/VmbVqIAdadI/AAAAAAAAKtA/ycvV_3imu0Q/s1600-h/IMG_6434%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6434 (2) (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6434 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FmE0OpcakB0/VmbVsO7Nm1I/AAAAAAAAKtM/2ARTytCPhmk/IMG_6434%252520%2525282%252529%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Lucy’s second front tooth will be ready to come out soon I think. Who knows? She may indeed be needing those “two front teeth” for Christmas this year.</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-43977010483470000682015-10-26T16:44:00.001-05:002015-10-26T16:44:28.107-05:00Autumn Touches<p>As promised, today I have pictures of my fall decorating for y’all. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uwUAIBFxTXc/Vi6drn-a-LI/AAAAAAAAKis/_UxnGO_v8Es/s1600-h/IMG_6196-2-533x80010.jpg"><img title="IMG_6196 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6196 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VeAxLAyYTgE/Vi6dt3pXsiI/AAAAAAAAKi4/ODHUyJZ7_GY/IMG_6196-2-533x800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>My goal this year was to keep things simple. I’m starting to realize that I really appreciate clean, simple, uncluttered décor (although you’d probably never guess it by looking around my house), so a bunch of Halloween doodads are not for me. Just give me a few dried leaves, some acorns, and a white pumpkin or two and I’m happy.</p> <p>I’ve been inspired lately by a blog I recently discovered called <a href="http://farmhouse5540.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Farmhouse 5540</a>. I love everything about this lady’s style. Everything! I wish I could bring her home with me and let her work her magic in my house. There’s something about her simple, farmhouse style that makes me happy. So as I was adding autumn touches to my house this year, I was trying to keep her rustic style mind.</p> <p>It is going to take some practice before I’m able to replicate this style, and I find myself changing and rearranging things every day. So what you see in these photos today may not be the way things look in my home tomorrow. </p> <p>First I’ll show you our breakfast room. I guess a more accurate name for this area would be <em>school room, </em>since we always do school here and <em>never</em> eat breakfast here. But that’s another story.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRDfe0xrJAU/Vi6dxK3fkSI/AAAAAAAAKjE/GRXEl7rHvK4/s1600-h/IMG_6188-2-800x53415.jpg"><img title="IMG_6188 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6188 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUR70tuXM7s/Vi6dzwjz-CI/AAAAAAAAKjQ/lJsi4Qnkc54/IMG_6188-2-800x534_thumb13.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>I’m a big fan of the nontraditional pumpkins, particularly the white ones. Like I mentioned the other day, orange is not my favorite color, and orange pumpkins just scream <em>Halloween</em> to me (which is not the look I was going for).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-T6usqwPJQCQ/Vi6d2_jNCuI/AAAAAAAAKjc/vAN0EqYn7V4/s1600-h/IMG_6192-2-800x5128.jpg"><img title="IMG_6192 (2) (800x512)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6192 (2) (800x512)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6RRgXDZD6Df7gvPkkFeKTxp-JQOlGmlBNQ_JIjfPmfQoH74icGn3PhpmmRFl5Tz0Ym3L4D83llZHtWE-6GEfPVgMgEZA7PgGxJGP9q42Rq3UIzlVvahtptRrn8uWTqMcvz3c0a8ztdA/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="324"></a></p> <p>I love to decorate with pieces that can easily be used year round – like this lantern. I can pop it open and fill it with whatever seasonal item I want. Right now it’s filled with green raffia and a ceramic pumpkin that I bought at the dollar store. I also added a brown, silk ribbon to warm it up a bit. In a few, short weeks I’m sure I will be stuffing this lantern with some shiny glass ornaments.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EJV66HB9faM/Vi6d7h7G53I/AAAAAAAAKj0/q7hxyTIUURk/s1600-h/IMG_6201-2-523x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_6201 (2) (523x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6201 (2) (523x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DNqGC2vQvHg/Vi6d93Urd2I/AAAAAAAAKkA/D-EpGr1vig8/IMG_6201-2-523x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="504"></a></p> <p>I’ve had this metal watering can for more than a decade. It’s lived in various places over the years, mostly on my back porch, but I decided to move it to the breakfast room for now and fill it with dried cornhusks and artificial wheat stems.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-80RzrRBdWys/Vi6eAnrfGrI/AAAAAAAAKkM/qE_wKPhqb1s/s1600-h/IMG_6215-2-527x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_6215 (2) (527x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6215 (2) (527x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mnanMaKLmqo/Vi6eC6GZQ2I/AAAAAAAAKkY/4Ox6f0xVHWY/IMG_6215-2-527x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="333" height="504"></a></p> <p>Ah, mantel! I always have such a hard time deciding what to do with you. Since the mantel is the focal point of the living room, and quite possibly of the whole house, I always feel a lot of pressure to get it right. Honestly, I was not entirely satisfied with the way the mantel looked in this picture. This area always feels too dark to me. To help brighten up the space, I recently commissioned Lucy to find a few sticks in our yard and paint them white. Then I laid the sticks, somewhat haphazardly, across the top of the mantel, and they do help brighten up the dark wood.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BhP4RQsoUFg/Vi6eGT-ThoI/AAAAAAAAKkk/eF8NVuV0ZQs/s1600-h/IMG_6225-2-534x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_6225 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6225 (2) (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XfCdfQ8GzdU/Vi6eIV81sDI/AAAAAAAAKkw/OKnkNF8UIDI/IMG_6225-2-534x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>This wooden sign was a clearance item from Hobby Lobby. Originally it was reddish, pink and said something about “lake living.” Not my style, per se, but at less than $5, I couldn’t pass it up. I painted the sign white as soon as I got it home, but I never could decide what to write on it. It’s been stuck in a drawer for about 5 years (no exaggeration) until last week, when I finally pulled it out and added the word, “Gather.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SZTa-3WpgHc/Vi6eK-RTcFI/AAAAAAAAKk8/UHy3ZUMWqyU/s1600-h/IMG_6235-2-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_6235 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6235 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E5YDG_Ktsbo/Vi6eNFVdYiI/AAAAAAAAKlI/adGAVF7G8XI/IMG_6235-2-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>These white pumpkins and Indian corn are certainly my favorite part of the mantel scape.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4dXDRAuIZks/Vi6eQZnvbNI/AAAAAAAAKlU/Mt2uGretSac/s1600-h/IMG_6238-2-533x80011.jpg"><img title="IMG_6238 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6238 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qjejZPkpqVY/Vi6eSkvnl_I/AAAAAAAAKlg/5THYSi7Z0A4/IMG_6238-2-533x800_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Behind the living room couch, I replaced a vase of flowers with these preserved leaves. Oh, how I wish I had some lovely, natural fall foliage in my backyard that I could cut and bring inside, but alas! What few leaves in my yard aren’t brown and crunchy with drought are still bright green. (By the way, maybe the 8” of rain we got yesterday will solve the drought problem!)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cv9JrdJsNJQ/Vi6eV2-HRuI/AAAAAAAAKls/PQH7hNpabdg/s1600-h/IMG_6241-2-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_6241 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6241 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sb--sxobQUM/Vi6eYBkdjLI/AAAAAAAAKl4/PEs7JmkC5EM/IMG_6241-2-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The bright fall colors are lovely, but I do find them a little too intense for my taste.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pXrLWCxxseQ/Vi6ebkiaXeI/AAAAAAAAKmE/rnO55sEtYdE/s1600-h/IMG_6255-2-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_6255 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6255 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jQJFkIXwJPo/Vi6eeLGYWSI/AAAAAAAAKmQ/s5HSryyd_pc/IMG_6255-2-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>The last stop for the day is our console table. Here lies a beautiful<font color="#000000">, two-toned pumpkin, and even though it’s not white, I absolutely love it!</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DoVmNjrv7gk/Vi6ehcSjU2I/AAAAAAAAKmc/2J6hgJQe7Q0/s1600-h/IMG_6276-2-800x53412.jpg"><img title="IMG_6276 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6276 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wnqjMtQMy4Q/Vi6ej2ltvSI/AAAAAAAAKmo/SUSHc5kPS0Y/IMG_6276-2-800x534_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>At the other end of the console I stuffed a metal crown with a few pinecones, and I also added another natural element with the tree slice.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c9torzj897A/Vi6emcq2u_I/AAAAAAAAKm0/tfNMpfvl2qs/s1600-h/IMG_6260-2-534x8009.jpg"><img title="IMG_6260 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6260 (2) (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xmVJjzlM5Mo/Vi6epTm66YI/AAAAAAAAKnE/Rers6M2_-f8/IMG_6260-2-534x800_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>And here’s my only official Halloween decoration. It’s a jack-o-lantern I made probably 10 years ago from an old paperback book. I know I said I wasn’t into using Halloween decorations this year, but this one is so subtle I’m ok with it. (If you’re observant, you may have noticed that I actually have one more of these book pumpkins on my mantel.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mqBH-WOiEM/Vi6esPA8wuI/AAAAAAAAKnU/avxUYGVjizQ/s1600-h/IMG_6265-2-800x5208.jpg"><img title="IMG_6265 (2) (800x520)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6265 (2) (800x520)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Foan4Q1BoCc/Vi6eujARlaI/AAAAAAAAKng/sIacw4uhAk0/IMG_6265-2-800x520_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="329"></a></p> <p>That’s all the photos I have today. I’m going to try get a picture of our backdoor all dressed for fall and maybe a few of our dining room table. Hope y’all enjoyed the little tour!</p> <p>Fall Blessings,</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-20244972122827558052015-10-15T08:26:00.001-05:002015-10-15T08:26:56.250-05:00Terrific to be Two<p>Two weeks ago our little pumpkin, Tacy Mae, turned two years old. My, how the time flies!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cqhK02EfRwg/Vh-o9vwRhpI/AAAAAAAAKeo/N4I2SCmsXBA/s1600-h/IMG_6159-2-800x5333.jpg"><img title="IMG_6159 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6159 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vUw8tj3H2BE/Vh-pCpLcCjI/AAAAAAAAKe0/-BN-Ra2DR8g/IMG_6159-2-800x533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Due to conflicting schedules, I came pretty close to not throwing a birthday party this time around. After all, Tacy did get an all-expense-paid trip to Canton’s First Monday Trade Days <em>and</em> Great Wolf Lodge on her birthday. What more could a girl ask for, right? But due to the whining and nagging from Tacy’s grandmothers, I threw together a very impromptu dinner to <strike>appease my mother and mother-in-law</strike> celebrate Tacy’s second birthday.</p> <p>The great thing about October birthdays, is that pumpkins and other autumnal decor can easily double as party decorations. Just paint a glittery “2’' on a pumpkin and you’re good to go.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Jn1KjTy13AM/Vh-pFsNPejI/AAAAAAAAKfA/poiZHOw-7e8/s1600-h/IMG_6094-2-534x80018.jpg"><img title="IMG_6094 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6094 (2) (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qzrF0WcQcKk/Vh-pH5R9KxI/AAAAAAAAKfM/U937DcDpyaU/IMG_6094-2-534x800_thumb16.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>I also added touches of tulle and a little gold ribbon here and there for some extra special, celebratory sparkle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xoaLcDKAqhs/Vh-pKSosdQI/AAAAAAAAKfY/QnzkKh2gQB4/s1600-h/IMG_6097-2-534x80010.jpg"><img title="IMG_6097 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6097 (2) (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jVvHNbY8NoU/Vh-pM9riUEI/AAAAAAAAKfk/Gzln8zGwV5s/IMG_6097-2-534x800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>I was pleased with the outcome of this tulle-wrapped pumpkin because the sheer covering helped tone down the intensity of the orange. I realize orange is a fall staple, but I’m not fan of the color. I would love to fill this bowl with tiny white pumpkins, but I haven’t been able to locate any yet.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JGnVx9yTc6o/Vh-pPh1kxjI/AAAAAAAAKfw/v_Nzp9neVhM/s1600-h/IMG_6098-2-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_6098 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6098 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-umTFvJhj9G0/Vh-pR7-ginI/AAAAAAAAKf8/4mwxWW3ihb0/IMG_6098-2-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Since my children don’t really care for traditional cake I decided to bake Tacy a cookie cake instead.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kaoaK6mWhUA/Vh-pU1JRUzI/AAAAAAAAKgI/TN5mNCYpWuE/s1600-h/IMG_6099-2-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_6099 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6099 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YaRHUaGniJA/Vh-pXWWaroI/AAAAAAAAKgU/sog8ebiczxA/IMG_6099-2-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Tacy was a little unsure of what to do with her birthday candles. It <em>was</em> only her second birthday, you know. Mostly Tacy just wanted to touch the flames. Luckily, the Tool Man was standing close by to grab her hand before she got too close to the fire.</p> <p>While Dad was trying to coach Tacy on blowing out candles, Lucy “accidentally” puffed them out for her. When all of the party guests instinctively gasped, Lucy ran out of the room red-faced and crying. It was no biggie, really. We just relit the candles and Tacy gave it another go. But Lucy was totally embarrassed by the whole ordeal, and it took some coaxing to get her to rejoin the festivities.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gRK_5BLLOk0/Vh-paILy4gI/AAAAAAAAKgg/XP0-PIeVcP0/s1600-h/IMG_6135-2-800x53311.jpg"><img title="IMG_6135 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6135 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tJ3jSC4xJnM/Vh-pcH908gI/AAAAAAAAKgs/7Gknzg-w63s/IMG_6135-2-800x533_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>So much for making a birthday cake my kids would actually eat. As you can see Tacy was content to feed her piece to the Tool Man, who was more than willing to gobble it up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sJtZpFuZAAA/Vh-pf0jwEXI/AAAAAAAAKg4/4d8jnO-OwF0/s1600-h/IMG_6144-2-800x5348.jpg"><img title="IMG_6144 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6144 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6gWudDMUMwE/Vh-ph0utNiI/AAAAAAAAKhE/s39dJNH5eA4/IMG_6144-2-800x534_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>A few gifts Tacy received were two, snazzy, fall outfits, her very first Barbie, some princess shoes and accessories, a tiny tricycle, a small slide with a jumbo bag of balls for diving into, some shape matching manipulatives (y’all know I have to give at least one educational toy), and this puppy pal.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPSOiLES2Tk/Vh-pkrdkdvI/AAAAAAAAKhQ/JPZ8tQMU5sE/s1600-h/IMG_6165-2-800x5348.jpg"><img title="IMG_6165 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6165 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tzzFkDGu-Hg/Vh-pnqVcI2I/AAAAAAAAKhc/1OO6dHix8Ng/IMG_6165-2-800x534_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>I guess that does it for birthday parties around here for the next eight months. Now it’s time to get serious about holiday decorating. I’ve just about got my autumn touches in place, but I’m still on the look out for those mini, white pumpkins. It’s hard to believe than in six weeks I will be putting up a Christmas tree.</p> <p>I. Can’t. Wait.</p> <p>I’ve already decided we are going back to a real tree this year. You just can’t beat the look, feel, and smell of fresh cut tree. But enough about Christmas. I think now I will go take a few pictures of my autumn décor to share with y’all. </p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-68539853858086568162015-10-13T17:04:00.001-05:002015-10-13T17:04:47.012-05:00History Snapshots<p>Since the monkeys and I started school nine weeks ago, I have done a poor job documenting our year in pictures. And by “poor” I mean I think I’ve pulled out my camera only 3 days this year. So when it comes to choosing pictures to share on the blog, it’s slim pickin’s. However, I did manage to find a handful of shots that I took of some recent history lessons.</p> <p>Our first 20 or so history lessons this year have not been fun reads. You see, volume II of the <u>Mystery of History</u> begins with the ascension of Jesus and the 300 years of horrific Christian persecution that follows. Throw a catastrophic volcanic eruption into the mix and you have a very somber few weeks of history lessons.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8eOwdnkZ4k8/Vh1_QJHSY7I/AAAAAAAAKbg/LpR78Kj4GaM/s1600-h/IMG_6023-2-533x8009.jpg"><img title="IMG_6023 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6023 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eNmm0A9TNvc/Vh1_T9kuX5I/AAAAAAAAKbs/I-NrENrOnvY/IMG_6023-2-533x800_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>The monkeys have had some difficult questions about why God would allow such horrible persecution to happen to His children. I certainly don’t have a definitive answer for them, but I do try to stress to them that God <em>was</em>,<em> is</em>, and <em>always will be</em> in control of world leaders and events, and that He can even utilize evil for His glory. We also have discussed that our purpose on this earth is not that we live a life of ease and comfort but that we offer up ourselves to be used for His glory and trust our lives to Him. And throughout our studies of the persecution of the early church we were encouraged to see that all the tortures and murders didn’t stifle the Gospel one bit. Quite the contrary! The Christian community grew from just a handful believers to nearly half of the population of the Roman empire! Now if that doesn’t bring God glory, I don’t know what does.</p> <p>Every now and then I try to include some hands-on activities to supplement our history lectures. I really think it helps the monkeys retain the information we’ve covered when we have some sort of physical activity to tie our lessons to. For instance, the monkeys may not remember when I ask them who invented the first written language, but when I ask them what we were learning about when they wrote with sticks in clay tablets, the monkeys quickly tell me all about the Sumerians and cuneiform.</p> <p>So during our lesson on the Dead Sea Scrolls, I let the monkeys make salt crystals much like the ones that litter the landscape around the Dead Sea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gTuAAXCWcw4/Vh1_ZtmXKJI/AAAAAAAAKb4/4ikSd5Ghtrw/s1600-h/IMG_6025-2-533x8005.jpg"><img title="IMG_6025 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6025 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fB2gDwmrBxE/Vh1_efWH5xI/AAAAAAAAKcE/athilIJ9DA4/IMG_6025-2-533x800_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Basically all we had to do was mix up some Epsom salt and water, pour it over black paper, and set it in the sun to dry. After a couple of days, the monkeys were thrilled to find jagged, glittering crystals covering the paper.</p> <p>It just so happened (thank you, Jesus) that this Dead Sea history lesson coincided with our science lessons on density and buoyancy. It was the perfect opportunity for us to experiment with various objects sinking and floating in fresh vs. salt water.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4oK4LHjL3fM/Vh1_iYTrNRI/AAAAAAAAKcQ/_sJoRZwYmNA/s1600-h/IMG_6027-2-800x5335.jpg"><img title="IMG_6027 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6027 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JWgKLJmRH4U/Vh1_pHQfUuI/AAAAAAAAKcc/67WGGFBe67Y/IMG_6027-2-800x533_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>As I alluded to earlier, the monkeys have also studied the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius and the devastation of Pompeii. We were intrigued to learn how modern-day archaeologists were able to cast molds of humans and animals whose lifeless forms had been trapped for centuries, under piles of ash of rock.</p> <p>To help her understand a little more about the excavation process, I had Lucy experiment with making molds using Play-Doh. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hiKpwWCdit0/Vh1_u-WyTNI/AAAAAAAAKco/CXLg46ydLUc/s1600-h/IMG_6031-2-533x8007.jpg"><img title="IMG_6031 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6031 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z92G2JaYgxc/Vh1_yIQnb9I/AAAAAAAAKc0/Wy3ZpBvYm3c/IMG_6031-2-533x800_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Any excuse to use Play-Doh is a winner with Lucy. Tacy observed big sister’s studies from nearby, while nibbling on a slice pizza.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qlNg1yVXCvw/Vh1_16rCp3I/AAAAAAAAKdA/jestVCktkQw/s1600-h/IMG_6032-2-533x8005.jpg"><img title="IMG_6032 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6032 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f3mEP8jh3nc/Vh1_-QL5AqI/AAAAAAAAKdM/-D3Q4jBum5Q/IMG_6032-2-533x800_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>That’s really the only school pictures I have taken this year. I guess I’ve just really been more focused on sticking to our schedule than on snapping pictures, which is good for our studies, but bad for the blog, I know.</p> <p>It’s not always school, school, school around here. In between teaching and housework, I’ve been busy adding autumn touches to our home, both inside and out. I’ve spent a lot of my free time lately scouring Pinterest, filling my mind with fall décor inspiration. I hope to post a few pictures of my autumn decorating soon, so keep your eyes peeled.</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-72262551005540412772015-10-08T08:14:00.001-05:002015-10-08T08:14:14.346-05:00Fun with Chickens<p>Hello, y’all. After a four-day weekend at a flea market and a water park (it’s a weird combination, I know) we are home again and getting back to our routine. School continues to run smoothly for us this year, and we are right on schedule in our 9th week. Wow! Has it really been nine weeks already? I feel like the year is flying by.</p> <p>But no boring talk about schoolwork today. Nope, today I have nothing but the cutest pictures of Tacy Mae to share with y’all. Last week, Tacy turned the big “2,” so I decided to get out my camera and take a few pictures of the birthday girl. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oPAYwWgdE-k/VhZq5xBZaYI/AAAAAAAAKVI/3vl68Ib10xg/s1600-h/IMG_6037%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6037 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6037 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AHENoDL8xIc/VhZq8652zAI/AAAAAAAAKVU/Jj9EgACcgSM/IMG_6037%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>With the cool, fall temperatures we’ve been having lately (if you can call 85 degrees “cool”) the monkeys have been spending lots of time outdoors, riding scooters, wandering in the woods, and playing with the dogs. Tacy’s favorite thing to do outside is to follow our chickens around and feed them their favorite treat of dried worms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lk9czMg_Pfw/VhZrAQ7YxDI/AAAAAAAAKVg/k5oBvH3-Rd0/s1600-h/IMG_6047%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6047 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6047 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cmpkol4uDuM/VhZrDPFVkrI/AAAAAAAAKVs/FG2eqXfpKZI/IMG_6047%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>This is the first year we’ve had any white chickens – Leghorns, to be exact. Honestly, they are not my favorite. They look a little too “commercial” for my taste. Not to mention they are pretty flighty and they lay boring, white eggs. But at least they lay, right? </p> <p>I know this next picture is not the greatest, but I love the way Tacy’s hair is flying about. It sort of looks like a chicken comb in this picture. Tacy has the softest, most wispy hair. I’m trying my hardest to let her bangs grow out, but it’s killing me! I can’t stand to see her hair down in her eyes, and she refuses to leave a barrette in for any length of time. I keep threatening to pull out my scissors and start whacking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dWVKY1E8hQw/VhZrGe2MDVI/AAAAAAAAKV4/ki1qJxPyLHY/s1600-h/IMG_6046%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6046 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6046 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7eeWkIK5oQA/VhZrJSJoe6I/AAAAAAAAKWE/WGAwj3qeDtk/IMG_6046%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>When she’s not chasing chickens, Tacy loves to swing. And for goodness sakes, don’t put her in a baby swing! Big girl swings only, please!</p> <p>Recently, Tacy has begun posing for the camera. Check out her cheesy grin.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H2vT6sEokO4/VhZrNC-b7RI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/LKo-57-_gD0/s1600-h/IMG_6060%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6060 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6060 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LfdCAJ_rrZA/VhZrR08NtsI/AAAAAAAAKWc/j7ZXnPUCLyI/IMG_6060%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Sometimes the best pictures are the ones they aren’t aware you’re taking.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBMThPHRTyAnZs-GhOurLQBwNZ3jrL94eCInMZ7Q_bZNNUt5AoCb3fhqJIvbE1P25sf_kvvLQF1ixmOdZ-_THyq68aSZGpi4lxXpahiYuQEjmv_qGPFtQ-4McRJL24kyQIIYA-J1JXp8/s1600-h/IMG_6067%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6067 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6067 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sVGPYMeujE0/VhZrYA35LXI/AAAAAAAAKW0/lAZ2t4bk_XU/IMG_6067%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>To keep Tacy from dumping out an entire bag of chicken treats (those things are expensive, by the way) I gave Tacy a bucket with just a few worms.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_eCcOtuFOYc/VhZrbtx3wuI/AAAAAAAAKXA/pVI2ZKANJjY/s1600-h/IMG_6076%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6076 - Copy (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6076 - Copy (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5Rq7e97-RpQ/VhZrfPbM-DI/AAAAAAAAKXM/QulOF26hAEk/IMG_6076%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Tacy is getting to be quite the little boss. You can see below how she’s got that finger pointed, trying to tell the chickens what to do. I’ve heard that Tacy rules the roost in the church nursery too (pun intended).</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jLCW7dAy0dU/VhZrj0WokBI/AAAAAAAAKXY/K48Gn9u3FHc/s1600-h/IMG_6081%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6081 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6081 - Copy (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SDGAS2WVP8w/VhZrnxnlGwI/AAAAAAAAKXk/kY8s5faNZlA/IMG_6081%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DhsqONMm2-o/VhZrrmyDNVI/AAAAAAAAKXw/-y_O90aaTBg/s1600-h/IMG_6083%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6083 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6083 - Copy (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0HCenQvBhI4/VhZrvdfAE6I/AAAAAAAAKX8/1zBR6fEkZRA/IMG_6083%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IyRiU5U6vNI/VhZrzDdPqlI/AAAAAAAAKYM/lMWdVZXlo9E/s1600-h/IMG_6086%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6086 - Copy (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_6086 - Copy (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XRf3t3Li_o0/VhZsDsstsVI/AAAAAAAAKYg/otjYjS6ffAo/IMG_6086%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Happy birthday, you little mischievous monkey! Mama loves you.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GA_70vF5buQ/VhZsGnbYCII/AAAAAAAAKYs/LE_XJa2NrYM/s1600-h/IMG_6076%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_6076 - Copy (533x800) (2)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_6076 - Copy (533x800) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3YUuwuDYEew/VhZsI9gnlLI/AAAAAAAAKY4/-oBiNq4mrcw/IMG_6076%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529%252520%2525282%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-27278327195330409682015-09-19T15:07:00.001-05:002015-09-19T15:07:51.676-05:00Rice Rice Baby<p>Boy, I really need to do a better job of taking pictures! That’s the main reason why my blogging has been sparse lately. I have no new pictures. This morning I decided to look through my computer to see if I could find any pictures for y’all, and I ran across of few of Tacy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MHHkNUDan_o/Vf3AQNlM5bI/AAAAAAAAKSY/LHNz9tet9A0/s1600-h/IMG_5747%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5747 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5747 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_Ku8M3vOWc/Vf3AUNRd5RI/AAAAAAAAKSk/R3Mgc1LOXGM/IMG_5747%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Several weeks ago I put together this sensory bin of dyed rice for Tacy to dig around in. I added puff balls, spoons, cups, foam numbers, plastic eggs, and a few other odds and ends for Tacy to play with. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wVAIdBygDzI/Vf3AXUiB56I/AAAAAAAAKSw/NXmHdBU5Ndw/s1600-h/IMG_5738%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5738 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5738 (533x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4GqZPnA-YextkyWl1D5vAgpn_mOUZA1kzEXz0Fq-zLeT4TVNz9g0bitd_axpn6lrYVbbAbEmgkKZg_K1dbI8foEpkoak7oJDjthNgC7LUkts4j9Hhp_HCNxCiw93X8FjfUiwjjjwMfSA/?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Tacy thoroughly enjoys digging and pillaging through the rice. Her favorite activity is to spoon rice into her cup then pour it back into the bin…over and over and over. Don’t tell her, but this is actually her toddler form of “school work.” It’s good exercise for those little fingers to grip the spoon, and pouring the rice back and forth is an excellent activity for improving her hand-eye coordination.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nPvJP98TwsA/Vf3AcDbL0bI/AAAAAAAAKTI/PvjPao29hik/s1600-h/IMG_5739%252520%252528800x534%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5739 (800x534)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5739 (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WwmdQdAhq7s/Vf3AfcJVYEI/AAAAAAAAKTU/yHzirzCqz84/IMG_5739%252520%252528800x534%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>I spread a vinyl tablecloth on the floor to keep the inevitable mess contained. When she’s done playing, all I have to do to clean up is dump the tablecloth back into the bin.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q9MDWBjjknE/Vf3AiQJeveI/AAAAAAAAKTg/pOOeAwVAc_c/s1600-h/IMG_5740%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5740 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5740 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-49f71v2HCiU/Vf3AlW6r-XI/AAAAAAAAKTs/NMUpVkgpoRU/IMG_5740%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>It won’t be long before Tacy is ready to join us at the big school table. She’s already expressed interest in coloring, writing, painting, and counting. I may be biased, but I think she’s a pretty smart girl.</p> <p>Maybe I can get my booty into gear soon and take some pictures. Fall will be rearing its head in a few weeks, I hope, and that always gets me in the mood to take pictures of the monkeys. Ty and Lucy are looking forward to the cooler temperatures and autumn fun. I love chasing them around the yard with my camera as they busy themselves chasing chickens, gathering sticks for campfires, and raking leaves. </p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-65102150124799447832015-08-24T22:20:00.001-05:002015-08-24T22:20:35.419-05:00Back to the Books<p>Hello y’all. After a hot, busy summer, it’s time to begin another school year at Arrow Academy. (In case you are new to my blog, Arrow Academy is the name of our homeschool here on the creek.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XGUF-jcUQik/VdveylDNgXI/AAAAAAAAKQU/rP2wyLZ8q_g/s1600-h/IMG_5940%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5940 - Copy (800x533)_thumb[8]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5940 - Copy (800x533)_thumb[8]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ucYbwnzaXUg/Vdve1OSqD2I/AAAAAAAAKQg/6AdMd3aQLfg/IMG_5940%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Like most kids, my monkeys weren’t thrilled about getting back to the books. Honestly I wasn’t jumping up and down to start school either. I’ve really been enjoying my summer vacation, completing lots of sewing projects over the last few weeks. But due to the fact that we have a couple of out-of-town trips planned in the next month or so, we really needed to get a jump on our schoolwork. </p> <p>This school year, I am totally changing the way we do things. Some of you may remember that last spring I became very interested in Miss Charlotte Mason’s educational philosophy. I spent most of my summer reading everything I could regarding her teaching methods and techniques. Then I was lucky enough to find an awesome website with detailed lesson and curriculum guides (at no cost!) based on the Charlotte Mason (CM) method. This website, <a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/index.shtml" target="_blank">Ambleside Online</a> (AO), has been such a blessing, with wonderful advice for people like me who are new to the CM method. Through AO, I was directed to yet another incredible site with access to over 400 classic children’s titles. Finding <a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/displaybooksbytitle.php" target="_blank">this collection</a> of free, Charlotte Mason-worthy literature has probably saved me hundreds of dollars on books this year. </p> <p>So, armed with new knowledge, a detailed curriculum guide, and an online library of free books, I set to work this summer planning a much different, yet exciting school year.</p> <p>My first challenge was to create a daily and weekly schedule for us. I think a well-planned schedule is a vital part of the CM classroom, since her method hinges on concise, meaningful lessons and the development of good habits. It probably took me three weeks of wiggling and finagling time slots and books and lessons, but I finally came up with a schedule I think will work for us.</p> <p>Here’s the simplified version of our weekly schedule. I tried to color coordinate subjects that correlate.</p> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" width="500" border="1"> <tbody> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83"> </td> <td valign="top" width="83">M</td> <td valign="top" width="83">T</td> <td valign="top" width="83">W</td> <td valign="top" width="83">T</td> <td valign="top" width="83">F</td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">9:00</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Bible</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Bible</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Bible</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Bible</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Bible</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">9:20</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Copywork</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Copywork</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Copywork</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Copywork</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Copywork</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">9:30</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#646b86">Math</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#646b86">Math</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#646b86">Math</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#646b86">Math</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#646b86">Math</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">10:00</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#4bacc6">History</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#f79646">Science</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#4bacc6">History</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#f79646">Science</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#4bacc6">History</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">10:30</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Break</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Break</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Break</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Break</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Break</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">10:50</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Literature</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Literature</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Literature</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Literature</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Literature</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">11:10</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Shakes-peare</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#9c85c0">Artist/ Composer Study</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#4bacc6">Geography</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><em><font color="#4bacc6">The Story of the Romans</font></em></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#4bacc6">Timeline</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">11:30</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Lunch</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Lunch</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Lunch</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Lunch</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#333333">Lunch</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">1:00</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Poetry</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Poetry</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Poetry</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Poetry</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#a5b592">Poetry</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">1:05</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Spelling/ Vocabulary</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Spelling/ Vocabulary</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Spelling/ Vocabulary</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Spelling/<br>Vocabulary</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#ccb400">Spelling/ Vocabulary</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">1:20</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Grammar/ Phonics</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Latin</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Grammar/ Phonics</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#d16349">Latin</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#c0504d">Dictation</font></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">1:40</td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#f3a447">Nature Study</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#9c85c0">Handi- crafts</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#f79646">Science Extras</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><font color="#9c85c0">Art</font></td> <td valign="top" width="83"><em><font color="#4bacc6">50Famous Stories Retold</font></em></td></tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="83">Other</td> <td valign="top" width="85"><font color="#a5b592">Free Reading</font></td> <td valign="top" width="87"> </td> <td valign="top" width="89"> </td> <td valign="top" width="91"> </td> <td valign="top" width="92"> </td></tr></tbody></table> <p>Since our school year will be divided in the three terms of 12 weeks, I also decided to plan the first twelve weeks of lessons for Ty and Lucy. AO had the bulk of this work already done, but, like I mentioned earlier, I still needed to merge a first grader’s work with a sixth grader’s work. There’s just no way I can teach <em>two</em> separate lessons for each subject in school, so it was essential for me to combine as many of Ty’s and Lucy’s lessons as possible. Of course the monkeys work separately in subjects like spelling, grammar, and math, but for things like history, science, Bible, and nature study we do joint lessons. Then the monkeys do age-appropriate work to supplement the lessons. <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-haaRkAS7P0A/Vdve3AuXOVI/AAAAAAAAKQs/Jj_CJe7zSqw/s1600-h/IMG_5939%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5939 - Copy (533x800)_thumb[8]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5939 - Copy (533x800)_thumb[8]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JucVL2HazYY/Vdve6iumN6I/AAAAAAAAKQ4/MyV2a_JwCBY/IMG_5939%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a> <p>As far as curriculum goes, I didn’t have to change as much of it as I expected. For science, history, and math we are using the same publishers as last year. The biggest curriculum changes for us have been in literature, spelling, and grammar. I’ll bore you with the details of these on another day, but for now I will say that the new books are working quite well for us. <p>Now that we are two weeks into our first term, you may be wondering how it’s going.</p> <p>Well, I am happy, nay thrilled, to report that things are going splendidly. It’s probably been our best first two weeks ever! The weekly schedule has been worth every painstaking minute I spent making it. What has surprised me most about the schedule is how much the monkeys like it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tkGKAgChDc4/Vdve9i1ASyI/AAAAAAAAKRE/qsxOoDiuQ4A/s1600-h/IMG_5956%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5956 - Copy (800x533)_thumb[8]" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5956 - Copy (800x533)_thumb[8]" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gzFDRRD2U94/VdvfAD-ytOI/AAAAAAAAKRQ/rYuXLeeSY18/IMG_5956%252520-%252520Copy%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B8%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>I printed a schedule for each of them to keep in the front of their binders, and they love being able to flip to it to see how much they’ve accomplished and what’s coming up next. It really helps the monkeys to have a visual image of what is expected of them every day. Ty even said that being able to turn to the schedule makes the day go by faster for him. Heaven help me though if I try to do a lesson out of order, because Lucy gets me back in line lickety-split. She’s the schedule police.</p> <p>I think the biggest adjustment we’ve had to make this year is getting used to our new literature selections. CM was BIG on choosing quality, classic, “living books” for her students to read. One could write an entire essay on what CM meant by “living books,” but suffice it to say that instead of choosing meaningless “twaddle” for her students to read, Charlotte opted for timeless classics that taught valuable lessons and brought school subjects to life. In other words, she would have chosen <em>Robinson Crusoe</em> over <em>Harry Potter</em> any day. (No offense, HP fans.) For us, this means that the books we are reading may sometimes be a little over the monkeys’ heads, but the idea is that they will glean whatever they are ready for whenever they are ready for it. Feeding their minds with carefully selected literature will force them to stretch and grow in their vocabulary, knowledge, and comprehension. It’s not always the fun and easy path, but I do believe the results will be worth it. The process kind of reminds me of exercise. If I don’t push them to strain their mental muscles, then they will never grow stronger.</p> <p>So here’s a list of books we are reading the first semester. The books were selected based largely on what we are studying in history this year – the early Christian Church and the Middle Ages. Don’t freak out when you see the list. Although it looks like an awful lot of books for 12 weeks, let me assure you that we are taking this <em>very</em> slowly – like one chapter from each book a week. And at that pace it will take the entire school year or longer to complete some of these books.</p> <p>For Lucy:</p> <p><font color="#646b86">Aesop’s Fables<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=kipling&book=just&story=_contents" target="_blank">Just So Stories</a></em> by Rudyard Kipling<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=marshall&book=island&story=_contents" target="_blank">Our Island Story</a></em> by H. E. Marshall<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=gatty&book=parables&story=_contents" target="_blank">Parables from Nature</a></em> by Margaret Gatty<br><em><a href="https://archive.org/details/storykingarthur01pylegoog" target="_blank">The Story of King Arthur and His Knights</a></em> by Howard Pyle<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=burgess&book=bird&story=_contents" target="_blank">The Burgess Bird Book</a> for Children</em> by Thornton Burgess<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/paddle-to-the-sea-paperback/holling-holling/9780395292037/pd/2920?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Paddle to the Sea</a></em> by Holling C. Holling<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=lang&book=blue&story=_contents" target="_blank">The Blue Fairy Book</a></em> by Andrew Lang<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/james-herriots-treasury-children-joyful-tales/9781250058133/pd/058133?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">James Herriot’s Treasury for Children</a><br><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/a-childs-garden-of-verses/robert-stevenson/9780679417996/pd/417990?product_redirect=1&Ntt=417990&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCG" target="_blank">A Child’s Garden of Verses</a> </em>by Robert Louis Stevenson<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=baldwin&book=fifty&story=_contents" target="_blank">Fifty Famous Stories Retold</a></em> by James Baldwin<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/trial-triumph-stories-from-church-history/richard-hannula/9781885767547/pd/67544?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Trial and Triumph</a></em> by Richard Hannula<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=lamb&book=shakespeare&story=_contents" target="_blank">Tales from Shakespeare</a></em> by Charles and Mary Lamb<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=guerber&book=romans&story=_contents" target="_blank">The Story of the Romans</a></em> by Helene Guerber</font></p> <p>For Ty:</p> <p><font color="#646b86"><em>Age of Fable</em> by Thomas Bullfinch<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=kipling&book=just&story=_contents" target="_blank">Just So Stories</a></em></font><font color="#646b86"><em></em> by Rudyard Kipling<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=marshall&book=island&story=_contents" target="_blank">Our Island Story</a></em> by H. E. Marshall<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=marshall&book=robin&story=_contents" target="_blank">Stories of Robin Hood Told to the Children</a></em> by H. E. Marshall<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/the-railway-children-unabridged/e-nesbit/9780486410227/pd/410226?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Railway Children</a> </em>by Edith Nesbit<br><em><a href="https://archive.org/details/storykingarthur01pylegoog" target="_blank">The Story of King Arthur and His Knights</a></em> by Howard Pyle<br><em>Beowulf, a New Verse Translation</em></font><font color="#646b86"><em> </em>by Seamus Heaney<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/minn-of-the-mississippi-paperback/holling-holling/9780395273999/pd/73994?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Minn of the Mississippi</a> </em>by Holling C. Holling<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=hall&book=viking&story=_contents" target="_blank">Viking Tales</a> </em>by Jennie Hall<br></font><font color="#646b86"><a href="http://www.amblesideonline.org/RobertFrost1.shtml" target="_blank">Robert Frost Poems</a><br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=baldwin&book=fifty&story=_contents" target="_blank">Fifty Famous Stories Retold</a></em> by James Baldwin<br><em><a href="http://www.christianbook.com/trial-triumph-stories-from-church-history/richard-hannula/9781885767547/pd/67544?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Trial and Triumph</a></em> by Richard Hannula<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=lamb&book=shakespeare&story=_contents" target="_blank">Tales from Shakespeare</a></em> by Charles and Mary Lamb<br><em><a href="http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=guerber&book=romans&story=_contents" target="_blank">The Story of the Romans</a></em> by Helene Guerber</font></p> <p>I know you must be terribly tired of reading by now, so I will wrap it up here. Sorry I didn’t have more pictures to share. I know that pictures of the monkeys are the best part of this blog. I guess I have been so caught up in teaching that the idea of taking pictures hasn’t really crossed my mind. But that’s how it should be I guess.</p> <p><font color="#dd8484" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-12706980789095543122015-08-12T16:08:00.001-05:002015-08-12T16:08:47.235-05:00Three Little Monkeys<p>It’s only four months late, but I finally got around to taking “Easter” portraits of the monkeys. Gimme a break! It was raining on Easter Sunday. Not that last Sunday’s weather was any more pleasant at an oppressive 103 degrees. But I figured my time was running out, so I drug the monkeys outside after church and snapped a few pics. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d61nA-bQXB1VGmDKn9xZfwlx0GUo8UGU9FZoDNRKa4uawNs_DX7zVWx6_hmMaHxc_fxUMwv06Pkz9gh5OR6vXyntQJU5uFVhabOa3kblfB_dWZQLtOeXT5Sgtoll7iBLQWTiZbuZ1B4/s1600-h/IMG_5927-2-800x53312.jpg"><img title="IMG_5927 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5927 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-em4TB9Gi39Y/Vcu1jAOakMI/AAAAAAAAKN4/GX8kiSrPG4I/IMG_5927-2-800x533_thumb10.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Picture day with the monkeys was, as always, a chore. Honestly, these pictures are not the best the monkeys have ever taken. None of the three of them was in a picture taking mood – heat or no heat. And no one was quite as dressed up as on actual Easter Sunday. Shirt…untucked. Tie…AWOL. Hair…finger combed. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-o39OrV0gWfs/Vcu1mXTEpxI/AAAAAAAAKOE/3T3FsO0cPWA/s1600-h/IMG_5891-2-531x80010.jpg"><img title="IMG_5891 (2) (531x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5891 (2) (531x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HCKUUORAfMU/Vcu1o0ww-bI/AAAAAAAAKOQ/EZzNpntCkSg/IMG_5891-2-531x800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="336" height="504"></a></p> <p>And Tacy’s choice of jewelry? Colorful to say the least. Did I mentioned she decorated herself with a red ink pen just before picture time??</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fxSavEmyQZ0/Vcu1sb8B0kI/AAAAAAAAKOc/ix7fHvnPk60/s1600-h/IMG_5934-2-800x53311.jpg"><img title="IMG_5934 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5934 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Gvd3MdTxXPw/Vcu1vpNFGmI/AAAAAAAAKOo/S96KbSqT6x0/IMG_5934-2-800x533_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Of the 48 pictures we took, I only got one decent picture of the three monkeys together. But one is all you really need, right?</p> <p>As a reward, we let the monkeys do a “funny face” picture at the end of the shoot. I think Ty’s face perfectly expressed the overall mood of the day. Disgust. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dv_Q72_T6CA/Vcu1zHWZoAI/AAAAAAAAKO0/HRwhtr8UFvw/s1600-h/IMG_5932-2-800x53310.jpg"><img title="IMG_5932 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5932 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tbLCiJwO03A/Vcu12xi2QBI/AAAAAAAAKPA/b5Coee900Yo/IMG_5932-2-800x533_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Now I have my sights set on a fall photo shoot. I already have newly sewn dresses waiting in the closet for Tacy and Lucy to wear, and I’m hopeful that everyone’s attitude will be a bit more positive when things cool down, say 30 degrees or so.</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-48804933280258229782015-08-06T08:03:00.001-05:002015-08-06T08:03:30.681-05:00Mutton Busted<p align="left">Hello, all. I thought I’d take a few minutes today to tell you about our exciting rodeo weekend. </p> <p align="left">A couple of weeks ago, a friend of ours informed us of a local rodeo in which children were invited to try riding sheep. <em>Mutton busting</em> they call it. Years ago the Tool Man was a part-time cowboy, so he jumped at the opportunity to sign Lucy up for a wild ride. Even though Lucy is 99% princess, she willingly accepted the challenge. So last weekend our family, along with my mom and dad, headed out in the triple digit heat to watch our little cowgirl in action.</p> <p align="left">Here’s a breakdown of how the evening progressed.</p> <p align="left">We arrived at the rodeo grounds an hour before show time to get Lucy signed up. While Lucy busied herself sucking down a grape slush, Dad pinned the number on her back.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-msJPt1o8UyU/VcNawkroKWI/AAAAAAAAKKc/YaamiG4LNkA/s1600-h/IMG_5853-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5853 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5853 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E_XB4yVbcsM/VcNazFDaZ9I/AAAAAAAAKKo/P1e7l-fTD5I/IMG_5853-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Is this not the cutest little cowgirl you’ve ever seen?! She was so anxious to ride, but we still had an hour to kill before the rodeo began. I felt bad for Lucy having to wait so long in those dark, hot jeans, but such is the life of a cowgirl I guess.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EBxY4gmeSrA/VcNa2DKwYKI/AAAAAAAAKK0/2o2437j8K68/s1600-h/IMG_5856-508x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5856 (508x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5856 (508x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j1YO2wsEyIQ/VcNa4QgL3eI/AAAAAAAAKLA/pVBEn9KYCTQ/IMG_5856-508x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="322" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Did I mention that it was 100 degrees? And not a cloud nor shade in sight! At the ticket booth there was a sign that said there would be no refunds in the event of a rain-out. We joked that we should be so lucky.</p> <p align="left">Then we waited and waited.</p> <p align="left">And we sweat, and we waited.</p> <p align="left">For an hour we melted and waited.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cytWEYo7cfA/VcNa7rvMHSI/AAAAAAAAKLM/p6Ra0w0zYJk/s1600-h/IMG_5858-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_5858 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5858 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XhmwQHN1yzg/VcNa-vpOrQI/AAAAAAAAKLY/uXgxXORh8bI/IMG_5858-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">Finally the time drew near for the rodeo to start, but just before show time something strange happened. The wind started to blow, and the sky started to darken. Here and there, we saw flashes of lightning. It was at that point that I hopped off the metal bleachers and ushered the monkeys to the car.</p> <p align="left">Then the bottom fell out.</p> <p align="left">It rained and rained and rained. A good old fashioned toad strangler.</p> <p align="left">It rained so much and so long that we decided to leave the rodeo grounds and go to dinner with my mom and dad.</p> <p align="left">About the time we finished our meal the rain let up. It was nearly 8:30 at this point, so my mom and dad decided to call it a night, but we rode back over to the rodeo area to give it one more shot.</p> <p align="left">We made it back to the arena about five minutes before the rodeo got kicked off. We tiptoed to the stands through the wet, squishy grass, carefully avoiding puddles that were deeper than the soles of our tennis shoes. Luckily, we managed to find some plastic grocery sacks in my car, so we could sit on the bleachers without getting our bums wet.</p> <p align="left">After all the waiting, it was finally it was time for the show to start! The rodeo drill team (who knew there was such a thing) opened things up by parading American flags around the arena on horseback. Lucy and Tacy watched with wide eyes as the horses marched around in figure eights.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I0xOj7dbmzY/VcNbA_RXqfI/AAAAAAAAKLk/x8XvQecnkqQ/s1600-h/IMG_5867-2-520x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5867 (2) (520x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5867 (2) (520x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKr3TTpCE6Y/VcNbDCBwZpI/AAAAAAAAKLw/HUjfCZbKxzs/IMG_5867-2-520x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="329" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">First on the program were the boys riding the young horses. The muddy ground made for quite an interesting show.</p> <p align="left">After a good half hour of horse bucking, we heard the long-awaited call for the sheep riders to get in line. Yay! For an instant Lucy hesitated and flung her arms tightly around my neck, but she was easily convinced to go line up with Dad.</p> <p align="left">Lucy was about 12th in line for mutton busting. Ty, Tacy, and I waited in the stands watching as children, one by one, fell off their sheep to their muddy demise. </p> <p align="left">Moments before it was Lucy’s turn, I snuck behind the fence and snapped a picture of the happy cowgirl…</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C2HyqJMWSbU/VcNbFn6AD2I/AAAAAAAAKL8/cecTdw67heY/s1600-h/IMG_5871-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5871 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5871 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ctLVAITzn88/VcNbH6ehQRI/AAAAAAAAKMI/0vCjBsJNQQ4/IMG_5871-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>In retrospect, I think it was the mud that got to her.</p> <p>Like I said earlier, she’s 99% princess, and about 30 seconds before her number was called, Lucy’s princess nature took over. Wild horses couldn’t have drug Lucy onto one of those wet sheep. She’s one of the most stubborn people I’ve ever known, and there was nothing the Tool Man or I could have said to convince Lucy to mount that sheep.</p> <p>Trust me.</p> <p>We tried.</p> <p>It was a long, quiet ride home. We pulled into our garage at 10:00 that night, wet, tired, and aggravated. Nobody dared mention mutton busting. In fact, it’s been two weeks since the rodeo, and we still don’t talk about it. I’m sure this will be one of those tales that we will laugh about in the future, but we are not there yet. Right now all we remember is how we paid good money to wait nearly 5 hours in the heat, humidity, lightning, and rain for a sheep ride that wasn’t. Talk about anti-climatic! </p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-56375172277931489962015-07-20T06:49:00.001-05:002015-07-24T15:36:17.192-05:00Sew Much Fun<p>I don’t have to tell y’all how hot it’s been lately. Scorching!</p> <p>In heat like this it’s hard to kick the monkeys outside to play in the afternoons, so I’ve been trying to supply them with a few activities to keep them busy (and cool) inside the house. And by <em>activities</em>, I mean something besides TV and video games.</p> <p>Ty is usually content to play independently with his Legos, Zoobs, Gears or other building sets. He has no problems entertaining himself, building all kinds of wacky contraptions from fishing poles to mini amusement parks. <p>Lucy on the other hand, is a high-maintenance, hands-on kind of girl. She wants my full, complete, undivided attention at all times, so keeping her occupied is a challenge.</p> <p>Recently Lucy has expressed quite a bit of interest in learning to sew. {Insert my happy face here.}</p> <p>I jumped at the opportunity to introduce Lucy to the world of sewing! Last week we began our “lessons,” and Lucy is loving every minute of it. I think I may have created a sewing monster. She begs to work on projects every day. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uA5YBVwTBLI/VazgEwKkX7I/AAAAAAAAKH0/xGI1-cjCMoQ/s1600-h/IMG_5779-800x5295.jpg"><img title="IMG_5779 (800x529)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5779 (800x529)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I1PqKRmqXm8/VazgHjrMJQI/AAAAAAAAKIA/0GbNxRBwXiQ/IMG_5779-800x529_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="335"></a></p> <p>The first skill we started with was sewing with a needle. I found a neat sewing kit at Michaels for a DIY doll. The kit included precut felt pieces with needle holes already punched in them –perfect for a beginner! </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUvZtuot4VW8vKEvhpDehmaaXbi44AiZZOoonL1aH1wyrzfa8obpEy98ctIQU0BdIdrsQv1kSCAbU7wlq9-gM4m8vbWmY3erTJS9YylBt5mwFsjg2wx9SXwinv6CAIvWkEkfXqYQHfKw/s1600-h/IMG_5780-2-800x5335.jpg"><img title="IMG_5780 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5780 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yLFTKVH_3K8/VazgPCcrhtI/AAAAAAAAKIY/K122mgG99E4/IMG_5780-2-800x533_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Lucy worked with embroidery floss and a yarn needle which were easier for her little fingers to grasp than a typical needle and sewing thread. Of course I had to help Lucy with threading the needle and knotting the string, but she quickly caught on to the rhythmic, in-and-out motion of using a needle. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8-YqfPobRxE/VazgRzRDPgI/AAAAAAAAKIk/4WKVNp7dOhU/s1600-h/IMG_5783-2-800x5345.jpg"><img title="IMG_5783 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5783 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-joLupAsZ47U/VazgTwSkWyI/AAAAAAAAKIw/c9Atekgw828/IMG_5783-2-800x534_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p>The doll project is taking a little longer than either one of us anticipated, but that hasn’t dimmed Lucy’s enthusiasm for sewing. I’m proud of her for being patient with the process. She hasn’t complained one time about being tired or bored, which indicates to me that she truly loves the craft. </p> <p>Even though we are still working on the doll, I decided to go ahead and let Lucy begin working with the sewing machine.</p> <p>She. Loves. It.</p> <p>I‘m teaching her on the machine that I learned on about 12 years ago. It’s a simple, no-bells-and-whistles machine with only straight and zigzag stiches. Nothing fancy to confuse her.</p> <p>The first thing we did was discuss some safety tips. (Wouldn’t want anyone sewing her fingers together now, would we?) Next I pointed out the main parts of the machine: the presser foot, hand wheel, needle, bobbin, needle position switch, reverse lever, and foot pedal. I decided not to teach her how to thread the machine yet. Instead I focused on teaching her to “drive” the machine. A tip I read online was to let her begin by sewing on paper without using thread. This worked great. I drew lines on the paper (straight, curved, and zigzag) and let her practice following the lines. The needle poked neat holes in the paper, so Lucy could easily see where she was going.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1oMa4ecOtYE/VazgWTCHsJI/AAAAAAAAKI8/dt_BTf5ipQU/s1600-h/IMG_5788-800x533-25.jpg"><img title="IMG_5788 (800x533) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5788 (800x533) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lMYmAe6r1Wk/VazgYp5_aUI/AAAAAAAAKJI/5tjfcMKZJhg/IMG_5788-800x533-2_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Lucy worked nearly an hour with the paper, practicing how to guide material, sew on curves, turn corners, regulate pedal speed, and reinforce stitches. I really was surprised at how diligently she worked. Once again I expected her to get bored with the project, but this little girl stuck with it.</p> <p>It’s so much fun to be able to share my sewing hobby with Lucy. This week I took her to the fabric store with me where she pranced all over the store, squealing with excitement at how cute every single bolt was. I’m afraid I see a fabric addiction in her future. </p> <p>I hope to post some pictures of Lucy’s first completed projects soon. She and I have both been busy sewing this week (which explains the reason why my house is such a wreck.) I’ve been feeling the pressure to sew and embroider as much as possible before we start back to school. I’ve finally had the foresight to work on fall outfits for the girls in advance, so that when the seasons do change I will already have some cute, new duds hanging in the closet for them. Maybe I’ll share a fall fashion show with y’all in the near future.</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-81120592097852638062015-07-04T08:32:00.001-05:002015-07-04T08:32:16.079-05:00A Frock for the Fourth<p><em>This is the blog post that almost wasn’t.</em></p> <p><em>I’m finally getting to sit down to the computer after spilling 100% of my lunch in the middle of my living room rug, including a full glass of ice water, which shattered upon impact. Grrrr. And wouldn’t you know that after cleaning up the enormous mess and preparing myself a new lunch, I had to stop eating to change a stinky diaper. So much for my “lunch break.” Now you know why I was beginning to think I might never get around to blogging today.</em></p> <p>OK. Pity party over. Time to move on to the topic of the day.</p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="5" face="Cambria Math"><font face="Webdings"><font color="#ff0000">l</font> </font>Fun Fourth Frocks <font size="5" face="Cambria Math"><font color="#ff0000" face="Webdings">l</font></font></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3VMjFc3WhJM/VZff6__EbaI/AAAAAAAAKD4/KMEc3zM41IU/s1600-h/IMG_5777-2-533x80011.jpg"><img title="IMG_5777 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5777 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FhaqEc9LJIg/VZff9a7lEgI/AAAAAAAAKEE/npSg24JeDT0/IMG_5777-2-533x800_thumb9.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>I got the idea for this top from, you guessed it, Pinterest. I knew Lucy would have a blast making this personalized patriotic shirt. It was super easy to create and cost me less than $4. Best of all, it’s truly one of a kind.</p> <p>After washing and drying the shirt, I created a stencil for Lucy to paint the stripes. I love using the freezer paper method for painting on fabric. I won’t go into the details here, but if you are curious about the process just search online for a tutorial.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PIfgsAitiy4/VZfgAzH6wXI/AAAAAAAAKEQ/VJ9AJfkTk9c/s1600-h/IMG_5762-2-800x5348.jpg"><img title="IMG_5762 (2) (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5762 (2) (800x534)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bXWNbEolhRk/VZfgDqoyeTI/AAAAAAAAKEc/ckGvX4krBJU/IMG_5762-2-800x534_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="left">Lucy did a terrific job stenciling the stripes. The only thing she had to remember was to tap straight up and down, no brushing side to side.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yvudoAbpiEc/VZfgGhZd9xI/AAAAAAAAKEo/Qbx5pHiHSyg/s1600-h/IMG_5771-2-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5771 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5771 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nt-Uur6KBDE/VZfgJOCKQqI/AAAAAAAAKE0/UZuMq37ugN0/IMG_5771-2-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>After she was done with all the stripes, we peeled the freezer paper off the shirt, and I brushed some dark blue paint onto the palm of Lucy’s hand.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oGRgToQ75sI/VZfgMCT52BI/AAAAAAAAKFA/cAVaKBMdT7Y/s1600-h/IMG_5773-2-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_5773 (2) (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5773 (2) (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yWpcqr2Dd6U/VZfgNn-wJzI/AAAAAAAAKFM/QAa58EBib9Y/IMG_5773-2-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Then I helped Lucy carefully stamp her handprint in the top corner of the flag. This was the trickiest part of the project, since there was no “take two” for the handprint. If you don’t get it right the first time, you don’t get it right.</p> <p>Luckily, we got it right!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZz5bbTdL5tc1cMgmh0yBvXjs9edf9bm_CbkYuKmFLNnqGPB1nyK-Yd4lgnPxP9whZ0ik4mWoOKOUVmbudkGQccXHXnR6t0PX1b1lZsOPYufiHwH2n3D9X0WnrsfoQgUFdNUNSuyv-WQ/s1600-h/IMG_5774-2-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5774 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5774 (2) (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X6947OFTqtI/VZfgS_RveMI/AAAAAAAAKFk/JDxzKXzB8eg/IMG_5774-2-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>There you have it! A fun, personalized, flag T-shirt. After waiting a few minutes for the paint to dry, Lucy was more than happy to model her new frock. Isn’t she a cute Lady Liberty? Now to make another shirt for Tacy Mae.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CzBGVCty7nA/VZfgUmEUv_I/AAAAAAAAKFw/6J4l3BmXAAg/s1600-h/IMG_5778-2-534x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5778 (2) (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5778 (2) (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8LagXW795Wc/VZfgXPhEXWI/AAAAAAAAKF8/MX5p1xBbmoo/IMG_5778-2-534x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p align="center"><font color="#0000ff" size="4" face="Cambria Math">“If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14</font></p> <p>Happy Independence Day everyone!</p> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-20542886715886436002015-06-25T08:36:00.001-05:002015-06-25T08:36:10.722-05:00Happy Birthday, You Two!<p><font style="font-weight: normal">Well, the big birthday party of 2015 is in the books!</font></p> <p>This year, for the first time ever, I decided to combine Ty’s and Lucy’s birthday parties. Since their actual birthdays are only two months apart, we split the difference and hosted a birthday bash right smack in the middle of the two dates.</p> <p>Upon first mentioning the idea of a combo party, I received a little resistance from the monkeys, but I reassured them that they would each be able to have their own cakes and eat them too, so to speak. Once the monkeys finally agreed to the plan (as if they had a choice) I had the challenge of intermingling two totally different party themes: Star War and Minnie Mouse.</p> <p>For the most part, I kept the two themes separate. We had a Minnie area, and we had a Star Wars area. For the buffet I created an arrangement and a menu that reflected both themes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3G6n4bjVHQw/VYwC9bIiI2I/AAAAAAAAJ7g/TMhXVoas8sw/s1600-h/IMG_5655-534x80010.jpg"><img title="IMG_5655 (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5655 (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F97v5SxHoxA/VYwC_V7TATI/AAAAAAAAJ7s/Tlk8VG0EWlg/IMG_5655-534x800_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MOQ6f2v0pp0/VYwDBstm5gI/AAAAAAAAJ74/ZkhryUbL7yo/s1600-h/IMG_5657-533x80011.jpg"><img title="IMG_5657 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5657 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvvwGWNFHJg/VYwDDMZ1ioI/AAAAAAAAJ8E/WeDLhF3Ji8c/IMG_5657-533x800_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>At 11 years old, Ty has nearly outgrown extravagantly themed birthday parties. Still I had to do a little decorating for my birthday boy. I jazzed up the Star Wars table with touches of black and gold. For the table centerpiece I filled a vase with gold star balloons and black crepe paper. I also hung black and gold crepe paper from the ceiling. Then I set out this bowl of “Chewie’s Wookie Cookies” for the boys to carry home as favors. Out by the pool I had a basket full of pool noodle light sabers for the boys to battle with.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y3bacHRmKU8/VYwDFo4Z_oI/AAAAAAAAJ8Q/8bjsPrxeEnE/s1600-h/IMG_5649-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_5649 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5649 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bQjPQVn7JZI/VYwDHBjYEWI/AAAAAAAAJ8c/20f6xUP6FM4/IMG_5649-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Since I was pretty busy with all the party planning, I had to keep the cakes fairly simple. Ty requested a vanilla cake with two light sabers crossing on top.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OGYZq3ARpJ4/VYwDJn0G40I/AAAAAAAAJ8o/2LoHx5_W_Zs/s1600-h/IMG_5705%252520%252528534x800%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5705 (534x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5705 (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-K31h59OTmGg/VYwDLVlMagI/AAAAAAAAJ80/C_GkPSbDgM8/IMG_5705%252520%252528534x800%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>On the Minnie Mouse side of the house I got a little more fancy with the decorating. Lucy and I created this name garland to hang across the mirror, then we placed the party favors and utensils on the buffet underneath.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ma2GtZ9-V6o/VYwDN95KCQI/AAAAAAAAJ9A/tftyfXj9_Hw/s1600-h/IMG_5663-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_5663 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5663 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nrD0EWEDoiQ/VYwDPyfilBI/AAAAAAAAJ9M/xwYq-Gvgrqk/IMG_5663-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Inspired by the <em>Minnie’s Bowtique</em> cartoons, I created ribbon ponytail holders for Lucy and her friends.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bN9UK383nik/VYwDSOwTJRI/AAAAAAAAJ9Y/a0zMhlQ2d8w/s1600-h/IMG_5665-534x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5665 (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5665 (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0rUk7J6_uJY/VYwDUA90y7I/AAAAAAAAJ9k/S_oiW3xNwsI/IMG_5665-534x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>Lucy helped me out in the kitchen making and bagging these sweet <em>Mice Krispie Treats.</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WxzeDS4T5TM/VYwDWhBxGzI/AAAAAAAAJ9w/mOpadaBNWEg/s1600-h/IMG_5667-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_5667 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5667 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eWQ1Ixuc1TA/VYwDYklM5WI/AAAAAAAAJ98/rGOOmTsgnqg/IMG_5667-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>On the other end of the buffet we set out the <em>Mouseketools</em> for cake and ice cream.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-V7ktBFadIKw/VYwDa-aXoqI/AAAAAAAAJ-I/efYstnPkH6o/s1600-h/IMG_5670%252520%252528534x800%252529.jpg"><img title="IMG_5670 (534x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5670 (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FV-HhfTXZuc/VYwDcXYpHzI/AAAAAAAAJ-U/LDc0V6GnZUE/IMG_5670%252520%252528534x800%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Lucy’s cake was red velvet. The mouse figures on top were purchased at Dollar Tree. Minnie’s outfit was initially pink, but I gave her a makeover with some red spray paint. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbeA7aRi4gs/VYwDee6qLQI/AAAAAAAAJ-g/DT8a6mIu4IM/s1600-h/IMG_5681-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5681 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5681 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pv2Za-nUDBE/VYwDgodUtzI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/hMaKlT_ewmA/IMG_5681-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>After swimming for a while and dining on some yummy hot dogs and hamburgers, the monkeys eagerly opened their birthday presents. Lucy received lots of Minnie toys, a bracelet making kit, camping gear for her American Girl, art supplies, some cute clothes, and this sweet handmade card from her friend. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dAedE8lFQI2r5xx6pZFGmltBhUrEMPNp-7kFAhDkn7cSQhMz84-CNAFXQKBXkX0__yytvHz03AvoWPJ5Nghy_ssLukUD95YDXEKjHx4uaqj-7tnCMEGqvaP4-tc6LzSKzPaiEyd_rhw/s1600-h/IMG_5688-800x5338.jpg"><img title="IMG_5688 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5688 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VoNhguAhOPU/VYwDkxOYqXI/AAAAAAAAJ_E/uEk9tzh1k1w/IMG_5688-800x533_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>The one thing Lucy requested for her birthday was an aquarium. Of all things! An aquarium!</p> <p>She was thrilled when she opened her last gift to find this neat little tank with a colorful Betta fish.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7JLnd6pb8U4/VYwDnQVUsOI/AAAAAAAAJ_Q/krIbFc7d9nA/s1600-h/IMG_5704-800x5339.jpg"><img title="IMG_5704 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5704 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i_S7fKqeDw4/VYwDpVPGWwI/AAAAAAAAJ_c/EDsxLohzfhg/IMG_5704-800x533_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Ty told everyone who asked him that he wanted Legos for his birthday. Well, he got what he asked for – lots and lots of Legos. I was dumb enough to think that all those Legos would keep him busy for at least a week or two. Ha! More like a day or two!</p> <p>He assembled all the kits before the weekend was over.</p> <p>As you can see he was particularly excited about these Minecraft Legos.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hEL0iL0y1ww/VYwDrr9TVAI/AAAAAAAAJ_o/Cnoh6rEYgYw/s1600-h/IMG_5715-534x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5715 (534x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5715 (534x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ULksUvnUOPU/VYwDtXyugOI/AAAAAAAAJ_0/ei2HRFqw7Fk/IMG_5715-534x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="504"></a></p> <p>One last picture for you today. Little sis enjoyed the birthday party too. Tacy had a blast batting around balloons, blowing bubbles, and helping Lucy open presents. I think her favorite thing of all, though, was this chocolate ice cream. As usual, Tacy insisted on feeding herself, and she didn’t get one drop on her dress. Although, she had quite the chocolate mustache by the time she was finished.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht186VHgwGdbom1TWRt9vuf5QvbseSzX0C9iAgJxUD_fbLGwn2eOtzOg4uWlB_5j77RgraEKjt5BQqbWrwr4DBUL1jDMxMdF-9ocVcocu_IA7pk9ftPOaYoxp9QnDxUqLmrnWfRR0jc_Q/s1600-h/IMG_5722-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5722 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5722 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hfoRXZqXG68/VYwDxplRhPI/AAAAAAAAKAQ/vuTNMN_DSZE/IMG_5722-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Whew! It was a fun party, but I’m glad it’s behind me. I think I am officially through with all my summer duties:</p> <ul> <li>Plan next school year – Check!</li> <li>Chaperone children’s church camp – Check!</li> <li>Vacation Bible School – Check!</li> <li>Birthday parties – Check!</li> <li>Relax the rest of the summer – Working on it!</li></ul> <p><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-51873118838317861162015-06-19T07:47:00.001-05:002015-07-04T08:37:25.452-05:00Shoo Fly<p>Ahhh, summer!</p> <p>It’s the closest I get to “time off.”</p> <p>I am often asked if we take a summer break from homeschooling. Yes, we take a break, but the reason may not be what you think.</p> <p>Our summer break is more for my own sanity than for the kid’s pleasure. I do believe I’d go crazy if we did school twelve months a year. My brain desperately needs the time to recuperate, recharge, and relax. Taking a summer vacation also gives me the chance to tackle various projects around the house like: cleaning out closets, organizing clutter, purging the ever-increasing mountain of toys, making jelly, completing craft projects, sewing for the girls, and planning birthday parties.</p> <p>I also have the tough job of keeping the monkeys occupied throughout the summer. While I could think of hundreds of household chores to keep them busy, the monkeys are none too thrilled with the thought of doing housework all summer. I can’t say that I blame them, but I do make them do their fair share. A few chores that the monkeys help with include: laundry, pet care, mopping, wiping down bathrooms, watering plants, and dusting. Their leisure time is spent sleeping late, swimming, playing Wii, riding four-wheelers, digging in a dirt pile, building with Legos, and aggravating each other.</p> <p>Occasionally I try to sneak in a little education during the summer. A while back I told y’all that I am trying to incorporate nature study into our academic work. <a href="http://lindseyjohnstonallen.blogspot.com/2015/05/back-to-nature.html">(See this post.)</a> While I am not planning any formal nature studies for the kids this summer, I would like to send them out to observe and explore creation from time to time. And I’ve noticed that sometimes, if you keep your eyes and ears open, opportunities for nature studies knock on your door. </p> <p>Literally.</p> <p>A few weeks ago there was a very strange looking critter clinging to the back door of our house. I’d never seen an insect with such a long, slender tail. It was the perfect specimen for a nature study!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zs38pv_zBbg/VYQO5dCqhwI/AAAAAAAAJ38/vOOUp0POiTQ/s1600-h/IMG_5232-800x4988.jpg"><img title="IMG_5232 (800x498)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5232 (800x498)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-af_a3AEF0vI/VYQO8RvoedI/AAAAAAAAJ4I/Vy-peQqNKO8/IMG_5232-800x498_thumb8.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="315"></a></p> <p>Being insect ignorant, I had to use Google to help me identify this creature as a mayfly. Once I had a name for this bug, I did a little reading online, so I would have some information to share with the monkeys. I even found a couple of short, informative videos about mayflies for the monkeys to watch. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eE_AdXGX-4o/VYQPBM8CsoI/AAAAAAAAJ4U/vurEeihOxJY/s1600-h/IMG_5235-800x517-27.jpg"><img title="IMG_5235 (800x517) (2)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5235 (800x517) (2)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsEpm5UKQkA/VYQPEFx04RI/AAAAAAAAJ4g/0Osy52TVaY4/IMG_5235-800x517-2_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="327"></a></p> <p>The monkeys thought the mayfly was a neat looking critter. They eagerly got out their nature journals and started sketching with their watercolor pencils. What was particularly cool is that this mayfly molted on our door leaving an empty exoskeleton for the monkeys to examine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tI6E6JZs4qo/VYQPIlPAtbI/AAAAAAAAJ4s/0nk0tlAJghw/s1600-h/IMG_5233-800x5331.jpg"><img title="IMG_5233 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5233 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2R6Org0Wd9s/VYQPLlbXTTI/AAAAAAAAJ44/LgJmkbw50Ps/IMG_5233-800x533_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Lucy especially loves nature journaling. She never tires of adding pictures to her notebook, sketching everything from sunsets to pinecones. I’m very encouraged by her enthusiasm for nature study.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XBSKv1_O1D0/VYQPOhtDFqI/AAAAAAAAJ5E/28l_5CoMw1A/s1600-h/IMG_5236-533x8006.jpg"><img title="IMG_5236 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5236 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0Zrl21K3UBc/VYQPSJRbYaI/AAAAAAAAJ5Q/EUpH0cSIn9s/IMG_5236-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>During our brief study we <em>all</em> learned that mayflies are pretty amazing critters. A few interesting facts:</p> <ul> <li>Mayflies live the majority of their lives (up to 3 years)underwater as nymphs (immature insects). <li>Once the mayfly develops into an adult, it leaves the water for the land. <li>Enormous swarms of mayflies emerging from the waters of the Mississippi River have actually been detected by weather radar. Wow, that’s a lot of bugs! <ul><!--EndFragment--></ul> <li>The adult mayfly typically lives only 1-2 days. There are some species of adult mayflies that live only live 5 minutes! <li>Adult mayflies exist only to reproduce, hence they do not have functioning mouths. </li></ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FFU2Vd5TrM/VYQPVDomm7I/AAAAAAAAJ5c/rCbGWbfZa64/s1600-h/IMG_5239-533x8006.jpg"><img title="IMG_5239 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5239 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IyRJzBkhTM0/VYQPYax8diI/AAAAAAAAJ5o/TX3laYe76VU/IMG_5239-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>I tell you, the more we do nature studies, the more I like them! The monkeys definitely enjoy them too. It almost makes me want to get started on our new school year, so we can dive deeper into outdoor learning. </p> <p>Almost.</p> <p>For now I think I’ll be content to enjoy the rest of my summer.</p> <p><font color="#dd8484" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-32779487462412702382015-06-13T08:21:00.001-05:002015-06-13T08:21:57.402-05:00My Not-So-Little Boy<p>I can’t believe I let Ty’s birthday sneak by without mentioning it here on the blog. <font style="font-weight: normal">Yes, Ty celebrated his 11th birthday a couple of weeks ago. </font></p> <h4><font style="font-weight: normal">That’s just a little too close to the teenage years if you ask me! </font></h4> <p>You may remember that I have a tradition of taking the monkeys’ pictures at their exact time of their birth each year. This year Ty had his two best friends over for some birthday fun, so I had them all get together for the annual picture. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7_oFEKPFc2k/VXwuQDF9w_I/AAAAAAAAJ1Q/vgNcPaTK8VU/s1600-h/IMG_5216%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5216 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5216 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LEiCgj4YnwE/VXwuSNCJWQI/AAAAAAAAJ1c/ha1zdAkuuTo/IMG_5216%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>Ty has know these two his whole life. They are a great bunch of kids, and they all get along so well. I am thankful God has provided Ty with Christian friends to grow up with.</p> <p>Now for a picture of just Ty. He’s such a handsome guy, on the inside <em>and</em> out! (If you’d like to see birthday pics from years past you can check those out <a href="http://lindseyjohnstonallen.blogspot.com/2011/05/lucky-7.html">here</a>.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ml0_Q2o1a3o/VXwuUlna0MI/AAAAAAAAJ1o/6KcYwnIAWWw/s1600-h/IMG_5207-2-533x80015.jpg"><img title="IMG_5207 (2) (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5207 (2) (533x800)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxguCGhf3uJuX0DL3X9zcu6TJVD6iYyA7XuxQioqsnAWmf-ErwhIIHN5GCMSzpGOwNKuDCf1W8wdInbDt4GOGcvy6e8Nr4xBxJdTyoWZmj5znIMMEXNE5q7oVcO-lBksrs_OE48RQBLn4/?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p>You won’t meet another boy with a heart as tender as Ty’s. Sure he’s not perfect, just ask his sister. He could worry the horns off a billy goat, as my grandmother used to say. But Ty is the most kind, honest, polite, considerate little boy I’ve ever met. And most importantly he loves the Lord! God has been working on Ty’s heart a lot this past year. It’s been a difficult journey at some points, but it’s been a joy to watch Ty mature spiritually. I’m excited to see how God will continue to grow and use Ty for His purposes.</p> <h4><font style="font-weight: normal">What about Ty’s birthday </font><em><font style="font-weight: normal">party</font></em><font style="font-weight: normal">?</font></h4> <p>Well, some time last winter, the Tool Man and I decided it might be <strike>easier</strike> nice to combine Ty’s and Lucy’s birthday parties. So this year, half way between the two birthdays, we will be throwing a Star Wars/Minnie Mouse party for <em>both</em> monkeys. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dE7GTaquZPQ/VXwuZxX8HGI/AAAAAAAAJ2A/Ggyl1UDw4vs/s1600-h/IMG_5209-800x5213.jpg"><img title="IMG_5209 (800x521)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5209 (800x521)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cfq4VVk50bY/VXwuclUj9XI/AAAAAAAAJ2M/BmegKAH3Aek/IMG_5209-800x521_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="330"></a></p> <p>The big party is only one week away, so we will be super busy cleaning, crafting, and cooking over the next several days. I am beginning to question whether a combined party was actually the easiest route. It’s kind of tricky melding two separate themes into one congruous celebration, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Stay tuned for lots of party pics!</p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-69719104610039684972015-06-02T19:56:00.001-05:002015-06-02T19:56:38.098-05:00A Walk on the Wild Side<p align="left">Sometimes I get tired of being the bad guy around here. And by “bad guy” I mean the person who is always making the monkeys be quiet, do their school work, mind their manners, and tidy their rooms. Let’s face it, when it’s time to have fun, I’m usually not the person the kids come running to. That’s ok. I understand that “having fun” is not necessarily at the top of my job description.</p> <p align="left">But once in a while I enjoy surprising the monkeys with a little pleasure, like treating them to a trip to our local zoo. Boy were they excited to go!</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-95Brnf3TiCQ/VW5P9U2Qz0I/AAAAAAAAJu4/0J1Yap1a4KA/s1600-h/IMG_5179-533x8004.jpg"><img title="IMG_5179 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5179 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IKL8IrudCWo/VW5P_d1rlTI/AAAAAAAAJvE/SOwv9DsnUpU/IMG_5179-533x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Truth be told, our local zoo is not the greatest zoo ever. The landscaping needed some tlc. Several cages were vacant. Quite a few exhibits were closed. But a subpar zoo is better than no zoo at all, right?</p> <p align="left">Of all the animals we saw on our zoo excursion, I have to say that birds were my favorite, particularly the bald eagles and this guy. Have you ever seen such beauty in all your life! His tail was magnificent, and he knew it. I guess there is some truth to the old adage, “Proud as a peacock.” I’ve been wanting a peacock of my own for quite some time, and seeing this gorgeous guy reminded me why.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RrvHa4JWa8Q/VW5QB9kmxeI/AAAAAAAAJvQ/CCg2FKAjYfE/s1600-h/IMG_5182-523x8006.jpg"><img title="IMG_5182 (523x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5182 (523x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NJ67kk3A3rs/VW5QEEn0ZlI/AAAAAAAAJvc/dmbraZwkH9w/IMG_5182-523x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="331" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">Lucy, who is quite used to being around poultry, was eager to get to know this gaggle.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ziJX1g52YhI/VW5QHZdwvKI/AAAAAAAAJvo/-krcnBargEc/s1600-h/IMG_5189-800x5335.jpg"><img title="IMG_5189 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5189 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j4p6RAyKdpo/VW5QJeFbxEI/AAAAAAAAJv0/f48rPKN8xc0/IMG_5189-800x533_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">A landscaper working nearby warned Lucy that the geese may turn on her and try to attack, but these geese were quite docile compared to the ones in our own backyard. Our birds honk and hiss and chase when the kids get near them.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-11rbu7YwXIQ/VW5QMSmtw-I/AAAAAAAAJwA/inPBvfPr_X0/s1600-h/IMG_5191-800x5344.jpg"><img title="IMG_5191 (800x534)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5191 (800x534)" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1x8krt1U1gtwi1grPEMNnFda8FzebxIRfxIt1KPvfKo6XzbufCDPoqDYlOh8iY7_g6tnjtQGe5m0u0yM4DSJgvkUnYpD2DoUMFxpREaeTyCZ2-xrddhFHK7_QlD0VbNX82vTYJ-gsK1s/?imgmax=800" width="504" height="338"></a></p> <p align="left">As usual, Tacy was so well behaved. She was content to ride quietly in her stroller as we made our way around the facilities, silently observing the animals at each exhibit.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qR2ECeFFCuE/VW5QRsFt_FI/AAAAAAAAJwY/LurLB3uVE4c/s1600-h/IMG_5193-533x8004.jpg"><img title="IMG_5193 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5193 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aq215N5rA94/VW5QTdTteYI/AAAAAAAAJwk/zRSHYhGBot0/IMG_5193-533x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">I think Tacy enjoyed our field trip, but she never expressed much interest in anything. She’d watch the animals through the fences with about as much expression as one who was watching a can of beans.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IAOgCw2iFrU/VW5QWR3aUrI/AAAAAAAAJww/PfPWepkBsEc/s1600-h/IMG_5197-800x5304.jpg"><img title="IMG_5197 (800x530)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5197 (800x530)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E8rG48gotYg/VW5QYz1A5uI/AAAAAAAAJw8/_2xjSd10shI/IMG_5197-800x530_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="335"></a></p> <p align="left">The exhibit that got the kids most excited was the reptile house. Lucy squealed like a pig upon seeing the first snake up close. Ty had a blast trying to locate the snakes and lizards in their tanks. Some of those critters were great hiders, unlike the two beasts below.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GvLniundjjc/VW5QbN34x4I/AAAAAAAAJxI/BWwYia7zxlU/s1600-h/IMG_5196-800x5334.jpg"><img title="IMG_5196 (800x533)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5196 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ECzkcw1fG9I/VW5Qdg5p0tI/AAAAAAAAJxU/ccO7roLBt9M/IMG_5196-800x533_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">There were quite a few tortoises who lived at the zoo, and the kids liked watching them creep around on their toes. Lucy quickly spotted a baby tortoise, and before I knew it, she had her arm shoved through the fence, up to her armpit, petting its back. I am happy to report that Lucy returned home with all 10 fingers. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wbAeSDw9DUw/VW5QjUPTxmI/AAAAAAAAJxg/thzkECLlq04/s1600-h/IMG_5203-533x8004.jpg"><img title="IMG_5203 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5203 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PTWdTxZCLXo/VW5QmL8ALoI/AAAAAAAAJxs/MDyxWTQQ9Ps/IMG_5203-533x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">A portion of the zoo was dedicated to animals of the Louisiana Purchase. Here the kids discovered a teepee replica. (Or is it a wigwam?? I never know the difference.) Ty quickly hopped in for a photo op, but Lucy was little wary.</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2WdAZ1xp0taan5LRyzkp7D4FNzeeOtoCM8xHWfTFpnMGFTKusjVBLaneqMukVxZuOP8Ys4qD2urCLyFEXzDtRjVzo6T03IpGjuGPOOhupdFGDxiBVtM3SSz7tOj2zkw-M09fPdRNPUVA/s1600-h/IMG_5204-533x8004.jpg"><img title="IMG_5204 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5204 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-34U01EmfpYo/VW5QrQJtiuI/AAAAAAAAJyE/kkoC5seHvq8/IMG_5204-533x800_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="337" height="504"></a></p> <p align="left">What zoo trip would be complete without a couple of hungry, hungry hippos? I don’t know about you, but I don’t think that if the hippos decided to charge that a measly fence and shrubbery could hold them back.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xx0rSzl441o/VW5QuVuNRkI/AAAAAAAAJyQ/WtVjVn8HW2M/s1600-h/IMG_5205-800x5324.jpg"><img title="IMG_5205 (800x532)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5205 (800x532)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ieQ4WU9MZ_U/VW5Qw47Z9II/AAAAAAAAJyc/tELrmVTPxsU/IMG_5205-800x532_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336"></a></p> <p align="left">I’m so glad I decided to treat my monkeys to a day of leisure! We <em>all </em>enjoyed our “free” day, as the kids like to call it. I think it would benefit us all if I incorporated a few more of these “free” days into our schedule. The monkeys have already decided where they would like to visit next… the safari park. Lucy is dying to get up close and personal with a zebra.</p> <p align="left"><font color="#d16349" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-46236527955740656142015-05-15T22:59:00.001-05:002015-05-15T22:59:37.348-05:00Back to Nature<p>I’ve been doing something recently that is very out of character for me… Reading!</p> <p>It’s no secret that I don’t like to read. (Gasp!) </p> <h3><font style="font-weight: normal">I find it incredibly boring.</font></h3> <p>I’d much rather be doing something creative with my hands. But lately, I’ve discovered the works of Miss Charlotte Mason, and I am fascinated with her philosophy of education, in particular, her thoughts on homeschooling.</p> <p>Miss Mason was an educator who lived around the turn of the 20th century, and wrote extensively about educating children in the home. I must say I am loving her ideas. Her methodology is far too broad a topic for me to discuss here, but there is plenty of information to be found online regarding the Charlotte Mason (CM) method should you desire to find out more.</p> <p>It is my hope to incorporate as many CM practices into our homeschool in the coming year as possible. In fact, I’ve been so inspired by CM’s writings that, even though the monkeys are practically finished with their work for this year, I’ve already begun implementing some of CM’s suggestions into our daily routine.</p> <p>For instance, we’ve begun to learn Latin, we’ve ventured into the world of Shakespeare, and we’ve devoted a small part of each week to the study of famous artists. I’ve also managed to squeeze in some classical music and lighthearted poetry here and there.</p> <p>Today I wanted to highlight another one of Miss Mason’s ideas that we’ve started using in (or rather <em>out</em> of) our classroom.</p> <h3><font style="font-weight: normal">Nature Study!</font></h3> <p>CM believed that children should spend a <em>lot</em> of time out of doors. And by <em>“</em>a lot” I mean 4-6 hours a day! Can I get an “Amen”? Sign me up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-myr16iOL1Eg/VVbASEbapII/AAAAAAAAJsE/v7U7P5OoNTw/s1600-h/IMG_5164%252520%252528527x800%252529%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5164 (527x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5164 (527x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mnzCQWSViNU/VVbATllG0NI/AAAAAAAAJsM/ABoSjIakxp8/IMG_5164%252520%252528527x800%252529_thumb%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="320" height="484"></a></p> <p>In Charlotte’s opinion children should be allowed multiple hours a day for ripping, romping, playing, breathing fresh air, soaking up sunshine, and making discoveries. She believed that children should be encouraged to explore the marvels of Creation on their own. The mother should play a very unobtrusive role in the children’s study of nature. She should casually direct the children’s attention towards a specific area of interest, like a cluster of dandelions or a bird’s nest, maybe posing a question here or there are, but never boring the children with a lecture or lesson. The children should be allowed to make discoveries on their own, unhindered by proper “lessons.” Then they should come back and report to mom or record in a nature journal whatever observations they made during their explorations.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghwYMvW2405UlbynwBQyMHhlI-kto7-TkQUXxhudMSnvtf7s-8VZPRE0SQBra5TwDwUHCrduo9zIORR7eHUA6RlsWUsndQgRV3ClR7Q1zUqiTnR-CGV9Ym0LDaWC80qz1RsoqI0qiY_OM/s1600-h/IMG_5153%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5153 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5153 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EDvoVY-5jJM/VVbAW8LKb5I/AAAAAAAAJsc/v6CFadx6ImY/IMG_5153%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>Done correctly, a thorough study of nature benefits the children on multiple levels. It hones their observation skills, it nurtures their love for their Creator, and it helps them appreciate the value of life. Not to mention the fact that a well rounded nature study encompasses a multitude of academic subjects including geography, geology, math, composition, poetry, and, of course, the sciences, just to name a few. With so many benefits, it’s easy to see why I was eager to add nature study to our weekly routine.</p> <h3><font style="font-weight: normal">I had only one question.</font></h3> <h3><font style="font-weight: normal">Where do we start?</font></h3> <p>There’s just so much to see. Birds, trees, weeds, insects, water, weather, flowers… Nature is BIG, and I needed to help my kids focus. The answer came to me while I was driving down the interstate the other day.</p> <p>You know something’s up when you can hear the loud roar of insects over the sound of 70 mph traffic. Deep in the recesses of my mind I remembered something about a periodical cicada that made it’s appearance every few years. Could that be the buzzing sound I was hearing? Turns out it was. A little internet research revealed that a brood of 13-year cicadas just emerged in Louisiana and Mississippi. What a perfect topic for our nature study!</p> <p>I knew these insects were present at our home because of the roar of the bugs in our yard. So I sent the kids outside to see what clues they could find. Within minutes I heard squeals of delight outside. “Mama, come see! Come see!”</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h5zEUnK2nXM/VVbAYb8tMHI/AAAAAAAAJsk/b0L27pf-gbE/s1600-h/IMG_5159%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5159 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5159 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8GbTE4NOFWw/VVbAZdjXZwI/AAAAAAAAJss/HNzHybHdfcU/IMG_5159%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>The monkeys had discovered plenty of cicada signs. Below is a picture of just one of the hundreds of holes that they found in our front yard. The cicadas, which have spent the past 13 years feeding on roots, emerged last week by tunneling up to the surface and popping out of these holes like some kind of six-legged gophers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WqpJFtiSpIU/VVbAbeWVk-I/AAAAAAAAJs0/ABu1OMTxsjA/s1600-h/IMG_5154%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5154 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5154 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i4Y2UKrE2gY/VVbAc8rI1RI/AAAAAAAAJs8/0zv2XFQ3osU/IMG_5154%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">The monkeys also found gobs of tiny exoskeletons littering the yard. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mnSrE2VxfTA/VVbAec5OjhI/AAAAAAAAJtE/hJye-wEJUzI/s1600-h/IMG_5178%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5178 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5178 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tqKTpaAv5EY/VVbAffmCGEI/AAAAAAAAJtM/x4zxMylMJe8/IMG_5178%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oTD5XohQSNU/VVbAhcV88lI/AAAAAAAAJtU/_CgUy5uRe0I/s1600-h/IMG_5155%252520%252528482x800%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5155 (482x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5155 (482x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oac-GwFou3g/VVbAikJ_BrI/AAAAAAAAJtc/Qjs97688zl4/IMG_5155%252520%252528482x800%252529_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="293" height="484"></a></p> <p>Ty even found a few loose cicada wings. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Mc5tVpHaEs0/VVbAjs3x8GI/AAAAAAAAJtk/fSsaiD5ce5E/s1600-h/IMG_5157%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5157 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5157 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MIaHvlMqXWg/VVbAkcy-AUI/AAAAAAAAJts/bheDMLcKk0U/IMG_5157%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>Of course, there were plenty of live, adult cicadas to be found. We collected a couple of them and sketched them in our nature journals, noting the unique characteristics of insects: the 3 body sections, 6 legs, compound eyes, antennae, jointed legs, etc.</p> <p>How about those red eyes! The monkeys were really intrigued by those ruby red peepers. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i1UzOJS1NuA/VVbAlruUBfI/AAAAAAAAJt0/wBnMHI1j1uM/s1600-h/IMG_5173%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5173 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5173 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CaeD76CnFR0/VVbAm3ECi6I/AAAAAAAAJt8/jcoHHK27Pw4/IMG_5173%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p>Even little Tacy got in on the exploring. I love to see her learning with the big kids!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oxPsvRseXoY/VVbAofh8ReI/AAAAAAAAJuE/NgP3Qo16B-0/s1600-h/IMG_5162%252520%252528533x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5162 (533x800)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5162 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-io1aZzHg-AA/VVbApqdFMxI/AAAAAAAAJuM/hoeI5FPr--I/IMG_5162%252520%252528533x800%252529_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p>I think the monkeys are hooked on nature study. I know I am. It’s such a relaxed way to learn. I’m looking forward to more learning fun as we explore God’s creation together. Thanks for the tip, Charlotte!</p> <p><font color="#646b86" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-27332692173539239302015-05-02T08:30:00.001-05:002015-05-02T08:34:41.916-05:00The Far East<p align="left">Recently in our history studies, the monkeys and I have been learning about ancient China. Like I told Ty, I honestly don’t remember ever studying Chinese history in 18 years of formal schooling, so all of the information we read about China this week was new to me too. Surprisingly, my kids were very interested in these lessons. There certainly was a lot of new information for us to take in. We discussed everything from silk trade routes to human sacrifice. Yikes! </p> <p align="left">Of particular interest to the monkeys was our lesson on the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Juang Ti, and his massive army of terracotta warriors – once again, a topic I’ve never before studied.</p> <p align="left">Ty had a terrific idea for an activity to go along with this lesson. He suggested that he and Lucy try making their own versions of clay warriors using Play-Doh. Great idea, Ty! So while I read the material to them, the monkeys sculpted away.</p> <p align="left">Lucy found the task of warrior making to be quite difficult and soon gave up in favor of sculpting easier subjects. Ty, on the other hand, embraced the challenge and took a lot of pride in recreating his figures. To help him get a better understanding of how the real clay warriors were constructed, I found an informative PBS video online that addressed the difficulties involved in making the nearly 8,000, life-sized terracotta soldiers. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8uvmSYXRHm4/VUTQ7I5I6_I/AAAAAAAAJqU/wvY5kqvsezE/s1600-h/IMG_5130%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5130 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5130 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sp2itlbWrZQ/VUTQ-5YEGbI/AAAAAAAAJqc/7VC90sCqaKk/IMG_5130%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">Although Ty’s version was on a much smaller scale than the originals, he worked diligently to construct his figure using techniques similar to those of the ancient artisans. Ty really is a creative soul. He kept telling me over and over how much he enjoyed making things with his hands.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LrSxTQsMH_A/VUTRDr3qiJI/AAAAAAAAJok/LPmh5CPxu10/s1600-h/IMG_5132-533x80012.jpg"><img title="IMG_5132 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5132 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5Qk0wrwP1c/VUTRFvK7-YI/AAAAAAAAJos/wtSGWAtfzNQ/IMG_5132-533x800_thumb7.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left">In addition to the sculpting activity, I found another art project that was better suited to Lucy’s skills – print making.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_tnnALNyBds/VUTRIf1epuI/AAAAAAAAJqk/I5Can_ed7Uc/s1600-h/IMG_5106%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5106 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5106 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X1m2oKWLlmc/VUTRLMqK-bI/AAAAAAAAJqs/N3O9Y5RKIiA/IMG_5106%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">First the monkeys traced a line drawing of a warrior onto craft foam, making an impression in the foam.</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OxTmwnXfe3c/VUTRNCy1iII/AAAAAAAAJpE/5SxHBxcy-Pg/s1600-h/IMG_5104-533x80022.jpg"><img title="IMG_5104 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5104 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FeBBkkYNB5o/VUTRQIlGqhI/AAAAAAAAJpM/QA4VQOPWtHs/IMG_5104-533x800_thumb11.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0kdE1sXegtg/VUTRTBDUN_I/AAAAAAAAJpU/mXWx3ia1Q4o/s1600-h/IMG_5108-533x8008.jpg"><img title="IMG_5108 (533x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5108 (533x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Aa4wpBPP4dM/VUTRVLdsb7I/AAAAAAAAJpc/HVak1V62uw8/IMG_5108-533x800_thumb6.jpg?imgmax=800" width="324" height="484"></a></p> <p align="left">Then they applied a thin layer of acrylic paint to the foam and pressed the foam onto a sheet of construction paper. </p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTuZLSHXQDw/VUTRX8DmdzI/AAAAAAAAJq0/79pVe9opR9Y/s1600-h/IMG_5118%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5118 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5118 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CaK5HqBCV-E/VUTRaMpHxyI/AAAAAAAAJq8/a4nP1wB74wI/IMG_5118%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">Voila! A beautiful warrior print. </p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U4EO9P4OasM/VUTRccjDwXI/AAAAAAAAJrE/xfZ7ArS7llI/s1600-h/IMG_5121%252520%252528800x533%252529%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5121 (800x533)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5121 (800x533)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C226EmxttC4/VUTReCLs5HI/AAAAAAAAJrM/4GPeSgv-P8o/IMG_5121%252520%252528800x533%252529_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337"></a></p> <p align="left">I love the way Lucy layered her prints using different colors. It made her warriors look like they were standing in rows.</p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJV89wIuK6a4muLqwHMN74F5ldTNKzfiuWMrspVPW4NjtmwK0DvD_58My8_IIyDCGNB_pjLY30j2L784zE_8zvksHbVA_yG-U-Tq8eGtT9nm0x5WPeb6WDWAs27sB7pLWtLleHN34XV0/s1600-h/IMG_5124%252520%252528800x511%252529.jpg"><img title="IMG_5124 (800x511)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_5124 (800x511)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oq6rUx5CQwA/VUTRipfLe1I/AAAAAAAAJrg/cBGn6L0rRhU/IMG_5124%252520%252528800x511%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="324"></a></p> <p align="left">What a fun a week of history! We’re almost through our entire textbook now. Only 12 more lessons to go! This week I ordered Volume 2 of the <em>Mystery of History</em> for us to begin next school year. The monkeys have enjoyed Volume 1 so much. Sure, they are not going to remember every detail we’ve covered, but they certainly have been exposed to a plethora of ancient information. Hopefully it will serve as a good foundation for learning to come.</p> <p align="left"><font color="#dd8484" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4270482968320406750.post-58024561182950466552015-04-28T08:21:00.001-05:002015-05-02T08:39:10.306-05:00Long Time, No Blog<p>Surprise! It’s me again.</p> <p>I know. I know. It’s been so terribly long since you last heard a word from me. Poor dears! You must be crushed! I have the best excuse ever, though. </p> <h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">My computer died.</h3> <p>Yep, it kicked the bucket.</p> <p>Bought the farm.</p> <p>Winged it’s flight to worlds unknown.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">You get the idea.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Actually it was only the tangible computer that keeled over, not the brains of the machine. The hard drive is still perfectly healthy, along with all of the priceless information stored on it. So while I’m in the midst of transferring everything from my old hard drive to a wonderful, new machine, I thought I’d take a moment to let y’all know I haven’t abandoned blogging.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><font size="4">So what’s a girl like me to do when her computer is down and out?</font></p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Get outside and enjoy spring, that’s what! Y’all know how much I’ve been looking forward to spring, and I’m so happy that it’s finally here! For weeks I’ve been itching to get out in this winter-weary yard of mine and spruce it up a bit. Thanks to the longer days and the warmer temperatures, the Tool Man and I have been able to tackle quite a bit of outdoor work around here.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">The biggest chore we’ve completed so far has been to get our pool (a.k.a. Redneck Oasis) up and running. The water is still far too chilly to go for a swim, (just ask Lucy who wouldn’t take my word for it) but at least it’s all set up, cleaned up, and ready to go.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">In addition to prepping the pool, the Tool Man and I have spent some time giving our flower beds a face lift. We’ve pruned shrubs, pulled weeds, relocated plants, and added some new flowers here and there.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Since we don’t have time to tend to a real vegetable garden, I decided to add a couple of tomatoes and jalapeno plants to my backyard bed. I’ve also got a little collection of herbs growing: rosemary, basil, lavender, and sage.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">The sage bush was planted last year and is still going strong. I believe it’s <em>doubled</em> in size in the last month alone!</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uZhP3NwTbDQ/VT-JU6_4lJI/AAAAAAAAJro/Nt8M_doDcC0/s1600-h/IMG_5072%252520%252528800x518%252529%25255B1%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5072 (800x518)" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5072 (800x518)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MoVCz7_R9Ts/VT-JX_xQMWI/AAAAAAAAJrw/vzW_dpTBWOc/IMG_5072%252520%252528800x518%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="327"></a></p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">It’s leaves are so big and beautiful; just the other day I plucked a few and added them to a chicken salad. Yummy! I don’t know about you, but the smell of sage always makes me think of Thanksgiving dressing.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">The rosemary was planted last year as well. I’m channeling my inner Martha Stewart and desperately trying to train the rosemary into topiary form – crossing my fingers I’m doing to correctly.</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><a href="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bW52cZKTtIA/VT-JaHMeHWI/AAAAAAAAJn8/Tb7Zo43slZI/s1600-h/IMG_5074%252520%252528535x800%252529%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5074 (535x800)" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="IMG_5074 (535x800)" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wF0eENt0aNs/VT-JcfaF0qI/AAAAAAAAJoE/6eEuyMiSHMo/IMG_5074%252520%252528535x800%252529_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="325" height="484"></a></p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">I’ve successfully grown a rosemary bush before but never once tried to prune it. It grew to a monstrous size – at least 3 feet tall and twice as wide! I finally had enough of the beast and got scissor happy with it last summer. Now the poor plant looks like it’s been beaten with an ugly stick! It’s gnarled, woody trunk grows at a wonky “60-ish” degree angle and bushes into an awful upside-down, squished pyramid shape. I’m only keeping it around until my new plant is well established. Fresh rosemary from an ugly plant is better than no rosemary at all, right?</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">I have more spring fun to talk about, but I ‘m not going to put all my eggs in one basket (pun intended.) I apologize again for the recent blogging drought. Hopefully, I’ll get all my computer woes ironed out soon. Thanks for being patient!</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">Happy spring!</p> <p class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name"><strong><font color="#004040" size="5" face="Segoe Script">Lindsey</font></strong></p> Lindseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05761830335338721144noreply@blogger.com0