Saturday Shopping

We had a busy afternoon. I stopped in to find out about Butterfly Life with Boo while Dave & the other 3 kids went to Price Rite for a few items. Then we hustled over to the Friehofer's Bakery Outlet store before going to the Dollar Tree. After a quick stop at home we went up to Sears to return p.j.'s and then stopped at Target. We were in Target for awhile as we hunted for a couple of learning items for Bugs. I want to use these while the rest of us are doing school. I figure they will keep him occupied and learning at the same time. We also looked for a new bathing suit for Sweet Pea but had no luck. We picked up a few other odds & ends - lotion, Ibprofen, hairspray, decongestant. We were all tired as we headed home & spent what was left of the day relaxing.

I Love the Dollar Tree!

We picked these up for E-boy & Bugs. They are full of stickers & look like great fun. Bugs' is perfect for school time or fun time.

These are for Sweet Pea & Boo.

I tried to get Boo to pick a word search book too but there were only 2 to choose from & neither caught her fancy. She did however love this kitten coloring book.

What a Bargain!

We bought all of this for $6 + change! The cookies were free for spending $5 or more. What a nice surprise!

Scissor Skills

E-boy needs some practice with his scissor skills & this looked like a fun way to do it. Thanks, Alison for the recommendation!

"School" for Bug-a-Boo

He picked this one out himself & clung to it all through the store.


Here is the set out of the packaging.

This is perfect b/c Bugs LOVES markers but Dave & I don't exaclty love the way he has used them to re-decorate our home. :(

E-boy had some when he was Bugs' age & they were a big hit. We may try the fingerpaints next. We've used them in the past & I have a feeling Bugs will really enjoy them. Right now I need something that is very easy to clean up. :)

Teamwork

This morning E-boy, Boo & I tackled the huge chore of cleaning & re-organizing the boys' room. I took all their clothes out of their cubbies & drawers, put them back neatly & in the correct drawers, and also hung up the ones that belonged in the closet. Later I labled them to help in the future. Boo & E-boy worked on cleaning up toys & books. Later Sweet Pea came in and worked on their closet. We didn't get it all done b/c we had to break for lunch & swimming lessons but we made a good sized dent in it. I call it great progress when you can actually see the floor and the top of Bugs' dresser! *big grin*

Look They Can Actually Close All the Way!

Bugs' newly organized & labeled drawers. Someone later added happy faces.

E-boy's Cubbies

Organized, Labeled and Lookin Good!

Peek-a-Boo

Courtship vs. Dating

We had a terrific speaker come tonight to share on the topic of Courtship vs. Dating. Sweet Pea attended with me. The speaker had lots of handouts and book recommendations. I felt very validated in my beliefs and values and also learned a lot. We had lots of discussion time too which I enjoyed.

I don't know about you but the thought of sending my daughters out on dates scares me to death. To me it doesn't feel quite right at 13, (yep, nowadays it starts that young or younger), to have my daughter(s) seeking romantic relationships with boys. Friendships are fine as are group outings but dating? Frankly I think kids are growing up way too fast. Anyway, I felt that this gave me some concrete ways to guide and protect my children. I definitely feel that our children will be taught courtship and not traditional dating.

Thank you Terry for setting this up!

Don't Forget to Vote!

I am still undecided & doing research tonight. I think I've narrowed it down to two candiates. I've taken several online polls to try to match my beliefs with a candidate but they don't all have the same results. Anyone else in this boat? Confusing. No matter what please don't forget to vote tomorrow. It is so very, very important. And take your children with you if you can. I know it makes the trip a bit harder but it will make a lasting impression on them. Voting for the issues you believe in will set an amazing example for them.

Happy voting!

Right Around the Corner

Tonight I'm trying to prepare for Monday. We were gone all day yesterday and today I went to teach at church and then came home and crashed. Dave is at a Super Bowl party so the kids & I are hanging out at home. Tonight I have scrubbed down the upstairs bathroom; straightened up my room (I can see the top of my dresser! It's a miracle!); and vacuumed all rugs, corners, etc. I'm going to head downstairs and see what I can accomplish in preparation for tomorrow. Maybe dust a little?

Bug's Big Day & Other Fun

Today was the big day. Big Boy Haircut Day! Sweet Pea went along with Daddy & the boys to take pictures. She is definitely my daughter as she took 52 photos!!!!!!! Don't worry I didnt' post them all here. *wink*

Here is Bugs with his long locks.

Climbing in the Barber's Chair

Not too sure.

Dave tried to keep Bugs still but the barber said it was fine. Dave was amazed at how he just went with the flow of things. Definitely a pro!

Feeling More Relaxed

Waiting for His Turn

Superman comic, oh boy!

Look at all that hair!

See all the cut hair?

Who is that little boy in the mirror?

Playing with the barber brush.

Look at those eyes!

Bugs did NOT like having his bangs cut.

Look at the lone tear sliding down his cheek. Poor baby.

Back to the bangs! Help me Daddy!

A lolipop makes things better.

The final touch.

Look at that doo! Yes, he needs a haircut!

My big boy.

Where's my baby?

Buzzing Right Along

Hanging Out with Daddy

Almost Done!

Look at that handsome young man!

Watch out ladies!

Later this morning we met some homeschool friends at the Methodist church. They have a big fellowship hall. We brought snacks and played all sorts of games. A perfect way to spend a cold, winter morning!

Boo & Her Best Friend

Deep Concentration

Checking out some new games.

Bugs enjoyed playing wiht his trains & cars on the long table.

Handsome Bugsy

Doesnt' he look so grown up? *sniff, sniff*

Aren't they cute?

Even the adults played a couple of games. Dave & I learned a new game called Blokus. It was fun! We also taught Sweet Pea to play Yahtzee. The younger kids played 'Duck, Duck Goose', 'Red Light, Green Light', 'What Time is it Mr. Fox', and other games. It was good for them to hang out together and run around. We hope to do this again soon!

My Baby

Tomorrow morning my baby is going to have his first, big-boy haircut. I know it's time but now that it's almost here I want to back out. It's a step forward into Big Boy Land. I told Dave I cannot go and watch it happen. I was fine when it was E-boy's turn, though my heart did twist at the sight of his little boy curls dropping to the floor, but this time it's harder. I'm not sure if Bugs is our last little one. I'm thinking maybe that is why it is so hard this time. I don't know but it hurts my heart to see this milestone happen. It's hard to see them grow up. I think I'm going to cry.

Happy Dancing!

Last night I was extremely disappointed as it looked like our homeschool group swimming lessons might not happen. Today I found out that it looks like a go! Yahoo! The kids & I are super excited. It gets tough this time of year as it's too cold and yucky to do anything outside & inside gets boring in a hurry. Cabin fever sets in big time! We've been inside extra b/c of all the illnesses. I'm thrilled that we will have this group time and exercise. Even Bugs & I are allowed in the pool. Can't say that I'm excited about getting into a bathing suit but I am happy about the water time. Lol!