Monday, August 8, 2011
Multitudes on Mondays
359. celebrating my daughter turning 5 years old
360. a birthday party that goes off without a hitch
361. the look of joy when Ella Beth sees her friends
362. Ella Beth's love of cooking
363. fun birthday gifts to use in the kitchen with Mommy
364. new aprons
365. fun shoes
366. new dresses
367. interactive maps to learn about the world and its people
368. Ella Beth's Waumba Land teachers who celebrate her BIG on her last day in Waumba - especially when it's her Birthday
369. our church that teaches the Love and Truth and Grace of Jesus - from the nursery to "big church"
2 Corinthians 4:15 "All of this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the Glory of God."
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Beautiful Things - Gungor Music & Lyric Video
My prayer is that all of our hearts will yearn to be made beautiful by the Creator of everything beautiful.
"You will never receive the grace of God until you accept that you need it." ~Andy Stanley
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Interview of a 5 year old
One of my favorite things to do each year right before my kiddos' birthdays is interview them. I just love the responses and how they change (or don't!) year to year.
What is your favorite thing that God has made?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A paleontologist (hence the Dinosaur party we are having!)
Buttercup
What is it you like about Buttercup?
I like to hold him and cuddle, and I like him because he is just like a real baby doll.
What is your favorite color?
Turquoise, Pink, AND Purple
What is your favorite food?
Shrimp
What is something that you don't like?
Slimy okra
What is your favorite song?
"American Honey" (note: she thinks Lauren Alaina sings this b/c I had American Idol recorded and was watching her performance of this song one morning before the kiddos woke up)
What are you looking forward to the most about being 5?
To be able to swing higher and hopscotch better
What is your favorite thing to do?
Play in mud! (She does NOT get this from her Mama!)
What is your favorite thing to wear?
My Cinderella dress
Who is your favorite friend?
Landon - he's my brother, but he's also my best friend. (Yes, my heart melted with this answer!!!)
What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy?
Color together - (note: It's so crazy to me that this is her answer b/c she NEVER colors with me for longer than 3-5 minutes. She will BEG me to color with her, and then she will be off doing something else in no time...leaving me alone with the coloring books and colors. Silly girl!)
What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy?
I like when Daddy pushes me high in the big swing!
Do you like school?
I really like homeschool.
What is it about homeschool that you like so much?
Being with you and Landon all day, and you teach me to read - but I like doing math better. (Totally gets the math thing from her Daddy!)
What would you like to eat on your birthday?
Pineapple and ham pizza
I love you, sweet girl.
I love you, too, Mommy. Can we color now?!? (I laugh!)
Monday, August 1, 2011
First Day of School
Wow. Our first day of school is over. And we all survived. :)
We started off our morning in a tasty way with chocolate chip muffins - a huge favorite around here.
Then it was time for First-Day-of-School-Pictures.
Miss Thing l-o-v-e-s to pose. She's sooooooooo funny!
Sweet picture.
Landon is Mr. I-won't-look-at-the-camera these days. At least he was smiling. :)
We started class with this prayer that came to me this morning. I'm not a big proponent of "recited" prayers, but this one was a good way to remember that we FIRST want God to be a part of our homeschooling. We said our prayer together - because it's as much for Mama as it is for my two littles. ;)
Our first activity was self-portraits. My friend, Megan, gave me this idea and I thought it was fun. Ella Beth's picture is pretty accurate, now for Landon's......
Ella Beth reviewed phonics while I introduced Landon to "school." Then it was time for Math. I literally thought the kiddos were going to jump out of their skin with excitement over getting our new manipulatives out. Sweet!
Landon worked on number recognition with his units.
Ella Beth worked on a review of writing numbers and place values.
And, we ended the day with big smiles. :) (Landon was LONG gone and finished with his first day of school by the time this picture was taken. He was playing with Buttercup, and I'm sure he was full of smiles; I just didn't capture a picture.)
The day was a great success. If I am honest, I'll say that I was almost as nervous about this "first day" as I used to be as a 6th grade teacher. Almost. I just wanted our first day to go smoothly so that it would set the stage for what school would be like this year. It was a good day. Of course, I did learn that Landon has the attention span of a gnat 3-year old, and Ella Beth will definitely need to adjust to our longer instruction times. But, with time I think we will all ease into a nice routine and enjoy our days learning together. Hey, with a field trip planned for Wednesday, at least the first week will be an awesome start!
We started off our morning in a tasty way with chocolate chip muffins - a huge favorite around here.
Then it was time for First-Day-of-School-Pictures.
Landon was being goofy, and these faces make me happy. Especially Ella Beth's scrunched up nose. She has done that since she was a tiny girl; I love.
We started class with this prayer that came to me this morning. I'm not a big proponent of "recited" prayers, but this one was a good way to remember that we FIRST want God to be a part of our homeschooling. We said our prayer together - because it's as much for Mama as it is for my two littles. ;)
Our first activity was self-portraits. My friend, Megan, gave me this idea and I thought it was fun. Ella Beth's picture is pretty accurate, now for Landon's......
Ella Beth reviewed phonics while I introduced Landon to "school." Then it was time for Math. I literally thought the kiddos were going to jump out of their skin with excitement over getting our new manipulatives out. Sweet!
Landon worked on number recognition with his units.
Ella Beth worked on a review of writing numbers and place values.
And, we ended the day with big smiles. :) (Landon was LONG gone and finished with his first day of school by the time this picture was taken. He was playing with Buttercup, and I'm sure he was full of smiles; I just didn't capture a picture.)
Multitudes on Monday
344. the first day of school
345. homeschooling
346. being close to my children
347. new ways to teach math concepts
348. good books to read way into the night
349. hot coffee in my favorite cup after staying up too late reading
350. memories of my grandparents
351. thank you cards
352. children who drift right back to sleep after a 4 a.m. potty run
353. counting down to my sweet girl's birthday
354. dinosaurs
355. museums to learn about dinosaurs and see HUGE replicas
356. a well organized school room
357. a school room that will be disorganized by the end of the day by eager learners
358. quiet time in prayer before school begins
Psalm 118:19 "Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord."
Friday, July 29, 2011
Gettin' Ready
So...I finally understand why parents get tired of summer. Whew! I am beyond tired of the laziness of summer vacation. Summer started off well with lots of swimming and playing outside. But, man is it HOT. If we aren't IN the water, it's just too hot to be outside. I have been trying really hard to remember my Habit number 2, but it's hard when I feel all melty and gross. It amazes me that Ella Beth and Landon can run around red-faced, hair sticking to their heads in sweat, and they don't get hot. I start melting just putting my shoes on!
But, even the kiddos are ready for some routine these last couple of weeks. I can't count the number of times Ella Beth has asked to start school, so I thought I'd take advantage of her enthusiasm and get started. So we start Monday - as in before school is supposed to actually start. Am I crazy?!?! Maybe a little, but I am excited. Well, mostly. I have enjoyed sleeping in these last couple of months, and that alarm clock going off at 6:40 is going to come early.
This year we are using A Beka again for reading, spelling, history, science, health. Ella Beth is reading so well, and I truly attribute it to the thoroughness of A Beka's reading program and the "rules" that are taught. If Ella Beth stumbles on a word, I usually only have to remind her of a rule and she can figure out the word. That is success in my book!
We are changing things up a bit for math, and I am so excited. Me, excited about math??? Maybe the heat has gotten to me and I really am going crazy! We are switching to Math-U-See. I truly think that if I had been taught math the was M-U-S teaches it I would have been much better at math. As in, I wouldn't have hated it and dreaded every math class I ever had. ;) M-U-S is very hands on, and the entire program is manipulative based. When all of our curriculum arrived, Ella Beth and Landon wanted a lesson RIGHT THEN because they were so excited about the manipulatives. I sure hope that continues!
Our school room is all set up and organized. The kiddos l-o-v-e all of their new school supplies; so much like their mama in that department! (Note: I got Cra-Z-Art crayons, box of 24, for $0.19 yesterday at Wal-Mart. 19 cents a box!!!! And, remember those composition notebooks that we always had had to have? 40 cents! They will make great sketch journals for our nature walks.)
Scott made these shelves for us about two years ago. I begged him to stack them together, and he finally complied "even though they weren't made to be stacked." They make great storage! And see that huge frame with newborn pictures? I decided to keep this in the school room as a reminder to myself of how fast time goes by. On days when school gets tough and patience gets slim, I hope that looking up at those pictures will remind me that time is fleeting and I need to cherish all of our days - even the tough ones.
This is the "curriculum station" where all of our school supplies and curriculum are organized.
Ella Beth got this nice easel last year for Christmas, and it is the best thing to have! I can write out lessons on the board, Ella Beth and Landon can do work (which they love b/c they get to use the special markers), and we can put a paper roll on top for art work - painting is a HUGE hit around here. :)
I specifically placed our world map above our easel so that when we have lessons about parts of the world, they can be inspired to paint about different countries and cultures.
Our art supplies are organized all together. We have everything from crayons to ribbons to stamps, fabric scraps, stationery, paper clips, and more! And I just love the canvas hanging above - makes my heart smile...and it makes me ready to go to the beach. Wait - I'm always ready to go to the beach!
This is our reading corner. I think I will also use the tent/house for puppet shows for a while. It doesn't necessarily belong in the school room, but it's just too cute to part with and there's not really another good place to put it b/c it's pretty big.
And our school table. Same from last year - made by Scott with chairs that belonged to my mama. We may look into getting a new desk sometime this year, but since Ella Beth and Landon will be using the same math manipulatives it makes sense to keep it right now.
And, finally, what has become our family's motto:
I just love it. Everything about it screams "Castleberry Family" and what we are all about. Lots of prayer is going into our new school year. I know there are days when it will be tough, and I know there are going to be many things learned. But most importantly, I know that I will always cherish the time that I have been given to instruct my children and love on them day in and day out.
Hope to share many fun activities this year. We are starting out on Monday and we already have a field trip planned for Wednesday!!! Looking forward to it all!
But, even the kiddos are ready for some routine these last couple of weeks. I can't count the number of times Ella Beth has asked to start school, so I thought I'd take advantage of her enthusiasm and get started. So we start Monday - as in before school is supposed to actually start. Am I crazy?!?! Maybe a little, but I am excited. Well, mostly. I have enjoyed sleeping in these last couple of months, and that alarm clock going off at 6:40 is going to come early.
This year we are using A Beka again for reading, spelling, history, science, health. Ella Beth is reading so well, and I truly attribute it to the thoroughness of A Beka's reading program and the "rules" that are taught. If Ella Beth stumbles on a word, I usually only have to remind her of a rule and she can figure out the word. That is success in my book!
We are changing things up a bit for math, and I am so excited. Me, excited about math??? Maybe the heat has gotten to me and I really am going crazy! We are switching to Math-U-See. I truly think that if I had been taught math the was M-U-S teaches it I would have been much better at math. As in, I wouldn't have hated it and dreaded every math class I ever had. ;) M-U-S is very hands on, and the entire program is manipulative based. When all of our curriculum arrived, Ella Beth and Landon wanted a lesson RIGHT THEN because they were so excited about the manipulatives. I sure hope that continues!
Our school room is all set up and organized. The kiddos l-o-v-e all of their new school supplies; so much like their mama in that department! (Note: I got Cra-Z-Art crayons, box of 24, for $0.19 yesterday at Wal-Mart. 19 cents a box!!!! And, remember those composition notebooks that we always had had to have? 40 cents! They will make great sketch journals for our nature walks.)
Scott made these shelves for us about two years ago. I begged him to stack them together, and he finally complied "even though they weren't made to be stacked." They make great storage! And see that huge frame with newborn pictures? I decided to keep this in the school room as a reminder to myself of how fast time goes by. On days when school gets tough and patience gets slim, I hope that looking up at those pictures will remind me that time is fleeting and I need to cherish all of our days - even the tough ones.
Our bulletin board to display charts and the kiddos' great work. The colors are a little bright for my taste, but the kiddos like them. :)
Ella Beth got this nice easel last year for Christmas, and it is the best thing to have! I can write out lessons on the board, Ella Beth and Landon can do work (which they love b/c they get to use the special markers), and we can put a paper roll on top for art work - painting is a HUGE hit around here. :)
Our art supplies are organized all together. We have everything from crayons to ribbons to stamps, fabric scraps, stationery, paper clips, and more! And I just love the canvas hanging above - makes my heart smile...and it makes me ready to go to the beach. Wait - I'm always ready to go to the beach!
This is our reading corner. I think I will also use the tent/house for puppet shows for a while. It doesn't necessarily belong in the school room, but it's just too cute to part with and there's not really another good place to put it b/c it's pretty big.
And our school table. Same from last year - made by Scott with chairs that belonged to my mama. We may look into getting a new desk sometime this year, but since Ella Beth and Landon will be using the same math manipulatives it makes sense to keep it right now.
And, finally, what has become our family's motto:
I just love it. Everything about it screams "Castleberry Family" and what we are all about. Lots of prayer is going into our new school year. I know there are days when it will be tough, and I know there are going to be many things learned. But most importantly, I know that I will always cherish the time that I have been given to instruct my children and love on them day in and day out.
Hope to share many fun activities this year. We are starting out on Monday and we already have a field trip planned for Wednesday!!! Looking forward to it all!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Lake Fun
Last week, the kiddos and I had the joy of spending quality time with my best friend Meredith and her two littles. Our week was unexpectedly cut a day short with the birth of Meredith's new nephew. We hated to have to head out early, but there could not have been a better reason!
The kiddos had a blast together! Of course there were some moments of not wanting to share, but we quickly fixed those moments with the words, "Who's ready to go swimming??!!!!!" Worked like a charm. ;)
In the morning while the kiddos were waiting for breakfast to be made (homemade biscuits [me] & fried bacon [Mere]), coloring was the activity of choice. Even by the smallest ones. :)
We took Buttercup with us since the kiddos hate to part with him. Landon was not in time-out - this picture just makes me laugh.
Buttercup was a hit with everyone. He is such a good kitty...tolerates just about anything!
Remember those magical words that I mentioned earlier? They always produced smiles. :)
I love this picture! Her puffed out cheeks, in mid-air ready for her cannon ball, and her lack of timidity. Very different from last year.
Splash!
I used one of my mom's rafts and made a slide for the kiddos. HUGE hit. HUGE!!!
Love this smile! Jackson had such a great time in the water.
Meredith and sweet Natalie lounging in the sun.
We had such a wonderful few days at the lake. It was relaxing (well, as relaxing as it can be with 4 very lively children running around!), it was refreshing, and it was just what we all needed! I intended to have a picture taken of all of us - or at least of Meredith and me - but that will just have to wait until next time!
Thank you, Mere, for such a nice time. And thank you, Mama, for hosting us. Looking forward to next time!
The kiddos had a blast together! Of course there were some moments of not wanting to share, but we quickly fixed those moments with the words, "Who's ready to go swimming??!!!!!" Worked like a charm. ;)
In the morning while the kiddos were waiting for breakfast to be made (homemade biscuits [me] & fried bacon [Mere]), coloring was the activity of choice. Even by the smallest ones. :)
We took Buttercup with us since the kiddos hate to part with him. Landon was not in time-out - this picture just makes me laugh.
Buttercup was a hit with everyone. He is such a good kitty...tolerates just about anything!
Remember those magical words that I mentioned earlier? They always produced smiles. :)
I love this picture! Her puffed out cheeks, in mid-air ready for her cannon ball, and her lack of timidity. Very different from last year.
Splash!
I used one of my mom's rafts and made a slide for the kiddos. HUGE hit. HUGE!!!
Love this smile! Jackson had such a great time in the water.
Meredith and sweet Natalie lounging in the sun.
We had such a wonderful few days at the lake. It was relaxing (well, as relaxing as it can be with 4 very lively children running around!), it was refreshing, and it was just what we all needed! I intended to have a picture taken of all of us - or at least of Meredith and me - but that will just have to wait until next time!
Thank you, Mere, for such a nice time. And thank you, Mama, for hosting us. Looking forward to next time!
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