Friendly Ghosts

My oldest has begged us to decorate the front of our house with ghosts for halloween.
Well, this is what we came up with. My ds painted the faces and my husband hung them up.
These are our friendly ghosts.
Many blessings.

Coupons

I know everyone has been feeling the pinch these days. Saving money on expenses a must.
I have read alot lately about people who buy groceries inexpensively using coupons.
I decided I would give it a go.

I first went online and looked at websites about coupons. There is alot. The most helpful was Coupon Mom. I printed up all the free printable coupons I could find that I would actually use. I stay clear of most sites that required me to register before receiving the free coupons.
I then bought a Sunday paper and clipped coupons, again only the ones I would actually use. Next, I looked at my local grocery's weekly ads. Best time to use a coupon is when the item is on sale. Believe it or not, I am having fun. My first coupon using time I saved four dollars. Today, I saved over 60 dollars, approximately a 36% savings. Yeah. Not bad for a newbie.
Many Blessings.

Our 9th Anniversary

We took the twins to my hubby's Mom and we took our 6 yr old to Magic Kingdom.
Try to top that for romantic anniversary trips.


Wouldn't change a thing.

Father son bonding.

Fort protecting.

Enemies beware.
Many Blessings.

My Three Sons- Last Hooray for Summer

The joys of boyhood. As I look at my sons I am forever grateful for the gift of them.

As they enjoy life.

experiencing

standing strong

touching and feeling
Many blessings.

My Three Sons- Last Hooray for Summer

Refreshing.

Smiling.

Reaching.

Even fearing.

My Three Sons - Last Hooray For Summer

Looking.

Feeling.

Thinking.

Wanting out.

These days go by too fast. Many Blessings.

Just Back

We returned very late Sunday. We went to Disney's Not So Scary halloween on Thursday and spent the rest of the weekend with family. Enjoyable time. Always nice to see and hug family. But, as much as we love to visit, it is always good to get back home, to routine. Most of today is being spent on catching up with laundry. What joy.

Hay Days- Some Pictures to Share

Each year around this time, our downtown is invaded by scarecrows. The Town calls it Hays Days. We even have a scarecrow stroll. Over the next few weeks I will share some of the scarecrows with you on this blog. Many people have become very ingenious. Even though we are still experiencing near 90 degree weather here , with these beauties around, I can feel the cool breezes of Fall.

On a certain Saturday, all are invited to build a scarecrow for their family. This is much fun.

Aren't these ladies fetching in green?

Too cute.

Many Blessings.

More Hay Days Pictures to Share

Just could not help it, I had to post some more pictures. Can you tell I love the scarecrows?
Where's the hot apple cider?

Say cheese.

Georgia Power has out done themselves again this year.

These ladies help keep downtown pretty as a flower.

Last year there was a table of senior citizens playing cards.
Many Blessings.

Everything is Brighter Now.

After 5 weeks of struggles, frustration, I have decided to put aside Ambleside online year one. I know that if we kept training along, that we would do it, but is that what we want? After some of the readings, my son's head would be tilted like a puppy's. How could I ask for him to narrate? Sometimes we would just laugh and go on to the next reading. I do not expect my son to fully understand all that is read to him. But, well, maybe I am. I do want to look at him and see in his eyes that he "gets" it. I love all that Ambleside online offers and am looking forward to starting year one next year.
Meanwhile, I have created our own year .5. I am simplifying our year and will focus on phonics, math, good books, and of course, nature.

Here is our revised scheduled:

Daily
Bible
Memory Verse
Character- God's Wisdom For Little Boys
Calendar
Copywork
Math- Shiller
Phonics- 100 Easy Lessons
Hymn- Hymns For a Child's Heart

Monday
World History- A Child's History of the World and It's People by A.C. Krug
Seasonal Readings and Poems
Character Focus- How to Behave and Why/How to Speak Politely by Muuro Leaf

Tuesday
American History- A First Book in American History by Edward Eggleston
Literature and Tales- Grimm's Fairy Tales/ American Tales/
Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales
Observing- Stories about children and their dreams

Wednesday
Geography- Paddle to the Sea by Holling/ Window on the World
Study of the States

Thursday
Beautiful Readings- Beautrix Potter/Little House Series/ Others
Science- Daddy's choice
Living Math- variety of living math books

Friday
Nature Study
Artist Focus
Arts and Handicrafts

Some of our beautiful readings are books or series we have already read, but I feel that now that my son is older, he will enjoy them even more. Also, this will help with narrations. I am excited about this change. My son was a young 6 yrs old when we started year one. The wonderful thing about home schooling, you can adjust, refocus, tweak til you find what works. Today was our first day with the new schedule. Peace and smiles, joyful hugs and tickles abound. I think this will fit just fine. Many Blessings.

Sick Days

My strep boys. So far they have not shared with big brother.

When Motrin has kicked in, we have some smiles.

We even share our toys.

Well, sometimes.

Many Blessings.

My Masterpieces

My walls are covered

with masterpieces

that I treasure.

How rich am I?

Weekly Menu Planning

I see this on many blogs I read and this is my attempt at menu planning. Here goes.

Monday-
breakfast- waffles and sausage, oatmeal for the hubby
lunch- peanut butter and jelly, fruit, hummus, whole wheat pita with cucumber, onions, radishes
dinner- salmon with sauteed green beans and mushrooms

Tuesday-
breakfast- chicken biscuits, cereal bars, fruit
lunch- lunchables, fruit--at the Zoo--food on the go
dinner- chili and grilled cheese

Wednesday-
breakfast- eggs, sausage, oatmeal, fruit
lunch- turkey sandwiches, hummus, fruit
dinner- at Church

Thursday-
breakfast- french toast, fruit, oatmeal
lunch- egg salad sandwiches, fruit, hummus with whole wheat pita
dinner- left over chili and grilled cheese

Friday-
breakfast- eggs, sausage, toast
lunch- at Church- funeral
dinner-Boston pork in slow cooker, green beans, applesauce

Saturday-
breakfast- waffles, fruit, bacon
lunch-chicken noodle soup, pinto cheese sandwiches
dinner- leftover pork, salad, fruit

Sunday-
breakfast- biscuits, honey, jam, fruit
lunch- salad, whole wheat pita with hummus, cucumbers, onions, fruit
Sunday Dinner- roasted chicken, roasted carrots, succotash, applesauce spice cake-
Sunday dinner is always something a little special, table cloth and wine glasses for tea, and maybe candles.

One thing I noticed by putting it down on paper is how boring our breakfast is. Maybe next week I will try to mix that up a bit. Also, we as a family, seem to have simple needs for lunch, again boring. Two things to work on, but, we do like things simple, so we will see. Many Blessings.

In A Need Of A

Hot, bubbling, good smelling soak.
Much frustration with home school,
the twins with strep,
and my piles of laundry.
Tonight, it is me and my soak.
Of course a glass of wine
and a
good book too.

Things That I love

A simple clay decoration hanging on the back porch.
Many Blessings

Them Bones, Them Bones, Them Dry Bones

Thought with halloween around the corner, now would be a good time to learn about our bones.
My oldest thinks this is spooky fun,
the twins I am not so sure about.

Capturing It All

Who would have thought a simple picture could capture so much.
In the top right is my oldest walking with one of his little brothers
hand in hand.
Speechless am I. And blessed.

Soccerman

Warm- ups

Scoping out the competition.

Water break.

Good job team.

October is Here

I love the Fall and all that comes with it. It is refreshing. The smells of Fall make all feel cozy. Looking forward to crockpot cooking, warm apple cider, family visits, football, and cool walks.
Have a Blessed Day.