Looking Back....

As the year winds to a close the word "gratefulness" is coming to my mind a lot! I have to admit, the written journal only made it about the half of the year, but overall I think I would chalk up the year in the success column here. Part of the reason for that failure is my own slight case of OCD and my stubbornness which would NOT allow me to repeat an entry. On days it would become difficult, then I would fall behind and then the snowball effect took over:)

I see two key lessons that I feel I have learned about myself as I focused on this word throughout the year almost on a daily basis....

The first is that when situations arose that were not ideal I was much more inclined to lean toward the half full side. I found myself even trying to do this for other people as I heard about things arise in their lives too. I wanted to offer encouraging words to others and help them when I could to focus on the good things as I wanted to do that in my own life.

The second is to be more aware and thankful of the little every day things that I can so often take for granted as the day, the week, and the months move forward at such a fast pace. I want to cherish more the everyday obvious blessings that I am surrounded by.

I know that this experience will help me in the year 2010 as I focus on a new word that God has continuously laid on my heart......contentment. I look forward to all that I have to learn here and what God will show me on my new journey.

Gators and a Kroc

No, we don't have any new animals moving into Oregon that I know of....BUT we did have 3 very happy Doeren boys on Saturday when the Florida Gators got stomped by some elephants in red and white uniforms known as the Crimson Tide! I by default am an Alabama fan, I'm pretty sure if go back and listen it was in the wedding vows. I can go against Dallas and get away with it, but I don't mess with Bama! With dad home on Saturdays they have watched more college football than the NFL this year.

Now for the Kroc news...on Friday we went with Grandma Louise to the new Salem Kroc Community Center to take the boys swimming. It was her last day here after a great visit and more than anything the boys wanted to swim, so we headed out to check it out. It is a real beautiful place and after seeing the indoor water park complete with a slide, lazy river, hot tub, and swimming area; I went ahead and splurged on a punch card with 12 visits knowing the boys would want to go back!

After building up some confidence and getting to use Connor's mask, Brody started swimming for the first time! He was so sweet when he told me..."Mom, swimming is just wiggling through the water." That is exactly what he was doing and it was fantastic! Connor was SO proud telling me that the lessons he has been giving Brody in the jacuzzi tub have really paid off!

After 2 hours of swimming we got dressed and headed to the line for the rock wall! Connor and Brody had been hearing about this from some friends and I have to admit I was shocked that they both wanted to try it after seeing the size of it. Neither one of them are known to be big risk takers but they put the gear right on and got in line. As they moved forward I started to see Brody get nervous but Connor seemed excited and I was happy for him. When it was his turn, he walked right up to that wall, climbed over half way and then grabbed the rope and let the helper bring him down just like he watched the other kids do. He never wavered for a moment...he had a goal and he made it! I have to admit I was a little nervous seeing him up that high since I am slightly fearful of heights myself, but I was also proud to see him tackle something like this!

Brody went up some too and was definitely out of his comfort zone, but did great! It was a big day and a memorable one so, we decided a celebration was in order....Costco ice cream was what they asked for and a pizza which we took home!

Here are some more fun pictures. They aren't tall enough to go on the big slide....but one day I know they will! For now, they were happy here!

The lazy river was fun for both and Brody felt so independent! After a few times around with him, I let him go off on his own but kept a close eye. He wasn't going to let that inner tube get away from him!

The Number 8

This morning I was thinking a lot about the number 8. Sometimes it seems so small....

8 cents in your pocket can't buy you anything

8 dollars in your pocket can't buy you much

8 seconds goes by like the blink of an eye

8 minutes isn't much time at all

8 hours used to be a typical work day

However right now it seems so big realizing that I have been a mom for 8 years now! My baby, my first born is 8 and it is hard to beleive.

He seems to have matured overnight and 8 seems so much older than 7. I'm sure I will feel this way every year...each one seems sentimental.

We had some great birthday celebrations. This year his birthday fell the day after Thanksgiving but that is also the day that we were eating Thanksgiving dinner so we could enjoy it with Grandma Louise who is visiting from St. Louis. So, once again Connor was flexible and we had his pizza dinner wish along with a cake and ice cream celebration on Saturday. Daddy did the cake again and made Connor a football cake which he loved!

On his birthday morning I of course had to make him his favorite breakfast..."special" Bisquick pancakes and we let him open his presents. So, really he got to celebrate over a few days! Aunt Machelle went all out and created a zoo where the animals were each turned into wrapped presents and he had one to open each day for 8 days before his birthday! It was very creative and he had as much fun as Brody did with his!

He also got a Webkinz from his brother, a lot of books, a pillow pet and raked in the dough too!

It was a special time celebrating a special day for a special boy who is loved by so many!

Everyone should have one of these...

The other day the boys set up a trash store and chute in their room. Connor explained that he needed one in case he had something to throw away he didn't have to go all the way down the ladder to the trash can.

Brody spent his time setting up the "store", making trash bundles that would not fall through the slots of the slinkie such as 4 or 5 markers taped together. He also ran a cash register at the door that they used to charge me to drop off the trash that they made, which they carried up the ladder and then put down the chute. I think the original plan got sidetracked, but boy did they have fun!

I wish my picture was better, but I thought later to take one. The slinkie was used to dump directly into the trash can before they redesigned it. I was a fan of the original, but this is all I have!

The Birthday Express

Last week we took our much anticipated road trip up to Hood River for the ride on The Polar Express! We bought the tickets for a "combo" birthday present for Connor and Brody! The drive was a little over 2 hours and not that bad. We ended up taking our dog on the road trip so he wasn't left alone to long and he was so excited to go with us and the boys loved having him.

The dome car was worth the extra money and the hot chocolate was fantastic! We got to enjoy ONE gingerbread cookie per person but it was good too:) It wasn't crowded at all and that was nice. We were told they really pick up in December, but it worked for us!

We were all so happy to have daddy with us, that I think that was the best part for all of us. I have to say that we have struggled with the whole "Santa" concept and what to do about that. Of course, we want our boys to have the REAL meaning of Christmas in their hearts and lives but thought the "idea" of Santa is a fun one for little kids. One year we decided that we would have some fun and tell the boys that Santa filled their stockings, but I have to say they didn't buy a bit of it. They are both (mostly Connor leading the way) way to logical for that so and we have been honest with them and they don't believe in Santa. Of course we caution them about talking about this in front of any other children. At the station they had a sign on the door that said "North Pole this way" and Connor worked out in his head that there was no way in the train that we could get to the north pole. It was SO Connor!

So, when Santa and the elves came around on the train, my boys weren't really impressed or excited but they were polite. They actually talked to him a little but didn't want to have anything to do with sitting on his lap. They both shared their passions of sheep and football when he asked them what they wanted for Christmas, but they had nothing specific in mind!

I did get this picture that I really like (their first picture with Santa) and it was a great memory and a special time together as a family!

November News

Well, a lot has been happening around here, so I will update on a few things!

November has been busy and is literally flying by! The time came for the annual dentist visit with the boys and I was nervous this year, but they had 0 cavities and I am so grateful! I wonder why our appointment is always right after Halloween?? MMMMM..... Anyway, Connor is missing a tooth on the bottom but Dr. Martin is optimistic that it will "work out" good for him and give him plenty of space so that is good news. He said when looking at Brody's teeth...."these are exactly what you would want to see when you open a textbook." That was real encouraging, except for the fact that nothing has fallen out yet, so we will see how those come in. So far....so good! The kids got new pencils and loved the fluoride treatment, which by the way is down to only 1 minute in their mouths! They don't know how good they have it! This could be one of our walk in the snow up hill both ways stories. We had to hold that stuff in forever until we were gagging!

We also got together with some families from our homeschool group and had a shoebox packing party for Operation Christmas Child. It was a fun time and the kids were more excited than ever to do this as a group project. They also had more fun shopping for them this year and were more involved in what went in and even paid for the "fun" items and toys with their own money. We watched a video about the program, shared packing supplies and prayed for the kids receiving our boxes, and the ministry. It was a special time.

We went to the library this past week which was a real fun time. The library here is really incredible and we don't utilize it as much as we should. I tend to request books, pick them up in front and hit the used bookstore on our way out. But this week, we went upstairs to the children's floor and had a real good time. The boys got their own cards and I have to say that Brody was especially "proud" to find the wall of easy readers and check out 7 books on his own. I can't believe how well he is doing and the books he is making his way through already amaze me! He checked out a book on Farm Animals (big shocker) and came running to me later that night saying this.....

"Mom, Mom....DID YOU KNOW THAT PIG MEAT IS A REAL THING AND IT IS CALLED PORK?" It is also called bacon, ham and sausage.....(long pause)...that's just weird".

Me...trying not to laugh...." I did know that honey...and what a great job you are doing reading and telling back what you are learning. I'm so proud of you!"

That kid always makes me laugh!

Life's Simple Pleasures

There is so many things I adore about my kids but I absolutely love the way they can make little things SO fun. It just makes me happy when they can have fun with simple things and appreciate small gifts and privileges. Today was two great examples...


I got distracted this morning with the pleasure of talking on the phone to my dear friend Marianne and boy did we catch up! Anyway, while we were gabbing, I told the boys to try and get some school work going and this is what I walked into a few minutes later!





They had turned the love seat into a tent and had taken in some of the schoolbooks, their planners, and a basket of pencils and supplies. They were having so much fun doing their school work in there and felt so adventurous! (they said the lighter stripes provided the light)

This afternoon we had a marathon errand day before and after piano lessons to earn the privilege of another at home day tomorrow and while in Wal Mart, I grabbed a simple little thing called a Pet Net. It was really a selfish purchase because I was hoping that it would provide a home for some of Brody's animal collection. I literally dread the day we wash sheets because it is such a process with his bed and I thought this would be a great tool to organize them. I was actually worried that he would not like them being off his bed and would resist my brilliant idea. However, you would like we installed a full on amusement park ride in their room this afternoon! They were in there for hours making "displays" and even turned down cuddling up with me by the wood stove for a few chapters of Trumpet of the Swan! Now, that shocked me! Brody has now set up a "cave" in the back behind the net and is reading library books he got today, the cutest thing!

So, boys....if you are ever mad at me for not letting you watch TV, just remember...you still had lots of fun!

Halloween Happenings....

We started off the week with a field trip with our homeschool group to Bauman Farms, the pumpkin patch! The day was planned rain or shine and boy let me tell you it rained all morning long. Even driving out, I planned to just get soaked! We all had our boots on and rain jackets loaded and I was extra cautious and just threw on a ball cap. But as we were driving out, we started to see patches of clear sky and it only rained once for a few minutes while we were there. Boy, was it muddy though. The kids maze was a big hit again and the even Brody got into the whole barn swing this year which was SO fun. Of course we ended the day with fresh apple cider and an apple cider donut! (Ok, so we brought home a dozen of those)

First lesson learned....

When you move to the country, plan extra time to "trick or treat"!!

Some of our new neighbors are so excited to have little kids on the street that they called in advance to make sure we were coming by! So, we headed out with plenty of time to get to the carnival at church...walking by the way. We went to house number 1, then house number 2..boy do these people have some long driveways!!! At house number 2, she called another neighbor who was wanting us to come by so off we hiked to house number 3. I had met them but I hadn't been to their house...(can't even see it from the road) and that is when we really fell behind schedule! Brody was a monkey and he said he felt right at home in the jungle with all the trees so that part was fun! We felt like we were expoloring! Then after going to house number 4 because I knew they were expecting us...I realized it took us 45 minutes to hit only 4 houses!

Then we raced back to our house and jumped in the car to meet some new friends who were joining us at the carnival.

Second Lesson Learned...

When you are running late, you forget to take pictures!

So, this is all I have of our Halloween excursion. We had a good time at the carnival but didn't get there in time to enjoy everything like the bounce houses, and I didn't even take my camera in that time.

Overall, a big candy stash at the end of the night made it a happy memory!

Happy Birthday Brody!

On Sunday, my little boy turned 6! I made a big mistake of buying a candle on Saturday with a number 5 on it and boy was I corrected quickly! I wonder if that was a little bit of denial on my part??

Brody was so excited to open his presents that we let him go for it after everyone was up. Connor got him the new Lava Dragon Webkinz that he has been wanting and he was so surprised. Connor was so happy to give him something that he knew he wanted and it was so special. Connor kept telling Brody that he got it for just $13 and was very excited about the good deal he got!

He also loves a dog book he got from Grandma Louise and a pillow pet Sheep from Kim and Zack. He raked in some serious dough from Grandma & Pa, Nana and Papa, and Uncle Mike and Aunt Dawn too!

Then it was off to breakfast at a new donut shop where the boys enjoyed a donut and some chocolate milk! Then of course we had to return the candle....then to the carousel. We found out that they offer free rides to kids on their birthdays. Brody was so excited about this and it made him feel like royalty to be treated to a free ride.

After that we headed home to have lunch with "the cousins". Brody requested hot dogs! We had a good time and he opened up present #6. Aunt Machelle put together a package where he got to open one a day for 6 days including his birthday. He had SO much fun with it and she made a special sheep basket that she put it all in, it was really special. The last present he opened was called a Trace and Draw and both boys have been enjoying that!

I have to say though, I think the highlight was the cake that daddy made! Yes, you heard it right daddy. He did a mighty fine job too making this boy a monkey cake! When Brody saw it, he said....

"That is EXACTLY the way I wanted it". It doesn't get much better than that! Way to go daddy and happy birthday to a very special boy who doesn't want to stay 5, even though I asked real nice:)

Aunt Lara & Early Birthday Surprises!

We were so blessed to have Aunt Lara visit this past weekend! We were also blessed to have some real down time and relax! The day we were supposed to be busy, Connor wasn't feeling good so it kept us grounded again. We did get to go apple picking on the way home from the airport which was something new for her so that was fun!

She brought early birthday presents for the boys that they were so excited about...new warm jammies! They were perfect...sports theme for Connor and monkeys for Brod! We wanted them to get them early so we could surprise them with our present at the same time. Bryan and I are taking them on The Polar Express train ride from Mount Hood in November as a combo birthday present! They were very excited and I am sure they will be well dressed for the occasion!

They played football, watched football, and played lots of games. We are so glad that she comes out so often to see us. Actually, she comes out so much that Connor was only a little sad when she left this time and he told me this...

"I don't have to be so sad because I KNOW I will see her soon, before I didn't know that".

So precious!

Speakers for Jesus

Today we had our second meeting of a new group that the boys and I joined called Speakers for Jesus. We are really having a great time and it is a real neat group of kids and moms. The goal of the group is to prepare kids for speaking but it also puts focus on leadership encouraging new roles each meeting This week Connor was the time keeper and he was mighty proud of that, it was cute. He had to get up at the end and give a report on every one's goal times and actual times and I think he felt a little powerful with that stopwatch in his hand. Last time he did a poem and did a great job there too. Brody had a show and tell presentation last meeting and a poem this week and did great both times too. The first time he went up, he wanted me with him and this week he just trucked up there all by himself!

The group gets together every other week which gives us time to prepare in between. The main goal is work your way through four 5-7 minute speeches. This might take us some time to get started, but they are on the upcoming schedule for more poems, show and tell, sargent of arms, and Connor will be doing a book critic role that will be challenging.

The group has evolved to accommodate kids coming in younger and has added the show and tell and poem memorization categories. Some of the other roles are Word Master and Impromtu speaker. Connor actually did get called on today for the impromtu category and so did I. We had to come up on the spot with what we could about our favorite bible character. It was fun!

I am real excited about this group we found, and think it will be a good addition to our homeschool plan this year. I can't post pictures, because I don't want to add to the fact that they are nervous, but maybe later in the year we will take a group shot!

I just KNEW this day would come!

I knew it would come and it did. I dreaded it, and although I thought it would be different...it wasn't.


I have to go back to a math lesson I had with Connor 2 years ago when he was in first grade. Yes, you heard it right...1st grade and I struggled!! Actually, I couldn't even figure out a way to gracefully bluff my way through, and Connor knew it. We had been learning 3 different ways to add once we get over 10 and I did great. I was actually a little proud of myself (see what I get) for being able to explain it because it made sense and it is how I process the numbers ever so feebly in my own brain. Well, then came the subtraction and that was a different story. I couldn't explain how I do it and I was really struggling to understand how they were teaching it. Connor loves telling the story, because he got it even though I couldn't. I actually handed him the teacher manual and he proceeded to tell me something like this. "Yah, mom...I get it 13-8 is 5 because 10 +3 is 13". He was number bonding and making tens just like they wanted him to and he did every problem like they wanted and I was just relieved. However, I completely remember thinking that I am going to have to "get" this to teach it to Brod one day, I am in no way off the hook. Well, today it came!


As I was preparing on Sunday, I really thought I got it this time, I even practiced...seriously. Now, I know this is 1st grade math...just don't judge me:) So, today we sat down and it happened all over again. I just couldn't work through the problems one of the ways they were teaching. Luckily for me there is 2 other ways they encourage and both Brody and I got in sync with one in particular and it went like this instead....


13-8......You can't take 8 from 3, so take 8 from the 10 and add the 2 numbers you have left for your answer. VOILLA! He jumped on that and we were writing them a certain way crossing out the 8 and the 1 and writing the 2 underneath then throwing in a plus sign....then the light went off and he did it. I have to say I have mixed emotions. I am thrilled that we both figured out how to get through the lessons, but I feel defeated to work it out "making tens" in subtraction.


Then to top it off the same day Connor begins multiplying into the hundreds and thousands! Now, there has not been a lesson that he has not been able to just get and do. He rarely needs anything explained twice but today of all days, I heard words I have not heard from him with a math book in front of him...."Mom, I just don't get it"! Wow, that was bad timing for me! Well, we struggled through the lesson and I said to myself we will just practice more tomorrow.

Well, now as I finish this post tomorrow is here and both kids did amazing today! They do both "get it" and worked through their leson today applying what they "learned" yesterday with no problems at all! God is good!

Oh yah to top it off yesterday morning I was reading from "Home Education" on arithmetic by Charlotte Mason and read this....

"There is no one subject in which good teaching effects more, as there is none in which slovenly teaching has more mischievous results".

Seriously, how is that for timing?...There goes my teacher of the year award...AGAIN!

Cuddle Up with an Old Classic

This past week I finished up a couple of books which have certainly earned their role as a "classic" story. I happen to love not just an old story but an old copy of that story. I love that unmistakable old book smell and wish someone would make a candle! I'm not sure how well it would sell, but I would buy it! I like worn pages and even old markings like library stamps.



The boys and I read "Lassie Come Home". I found this at a used book sale at the library for .50. I wasn't sure if this was the original story version and after some research I found it was. I want to get the old movie and watch it together, which would be fun . We had another book just called Lassie which is what confused me. However, I know now that was from a movie that was made much later and it looks like to me it doesn't even go with the original story, so I stuck that in the donate pile. The book was fantastic and I would highly recommend everyone reading it or reading it again! The only part I didn't enjoy was trying to capture the accent when reading aloud to my boys. I'm sure I sounded more like a red neck wanna be, but they don't know the difference. We had some great discussions as we progressed through this story and there are some great lines into human and canine behavior. I thought I was going to come out of my seat when she got back on her trail after her first major injury, and I wanted to jump through the pages and beat those boys that were so mean to her when she was trying to cross the river. (great talk on unsupervised kids and making wise choices) We studied maps as we read, and even bought an atlas so we could track her trip a little better. It was memorable!



I also finished "The Good Earth" yesterday which was truly remarkable. My mom and I found an old copy at a used bookstore that is wonderful. The pages are a dull yellow and they aren't completely even at the edges. There are even some errors in the book and it looks as though each page was hand typed...the copying is so rough. It has a label on it that says even though it was produced in wartime it meets the government standards for paper conservation and other essential materials. I loved every page of this story and each time I wasn't reading it, I felt I was rushing around before the commercial break was over. I don't think I have ever had such a love/hate relationship with a character as I did with Wung Lang. He was a very dynamic man and I would hate him one chapter, adore him the next and my respect for him did the same wavering back and forth. However, I must of overall liked him, because the ending made me sad. This is a book full of characters that you can't forget! I found out it was the first in a series and I wonder if the next two are any good....Mom, I'm sure you will e-mail me on this one!

Mom- Your engine is making an explosion!

These are the words I heard last night as we got in the car after bible study from my dear sweet Brody. We were already driving and I saw no signs of anything bad, so I asked him what the hec he was talking about. He said..."remember mom, we learned that when you start your car, it is like making an explosion?" Connor backed him up and they proceeded tell me details from a science lesson over a year ago! It was such a great moment for me. Not only did it reinforce to me that they are learning in the homeschool environment we are providing for them, but it was also good for me another way. Sometimes, I want them to tell me what they are learning in the form of narration. Because they are young, and we are learning this technique together, I sometimes feel that they aren't giving back the right information or in the right amount. It just helped to reinforce that they are getting what they need at the time and that things are being planted that will come up at times when they might need or want it. For instance, over a year later! Their minds are incredible!

Also, yesterday and even better...Brody "got it" in a much important area of life. He had lied to me about something and I knew it. I had to work pretty hard to reach his heart on this one, but when I did, I knew that too! It is such a beautiful moment for me to experience a time like this. He felt truly bad and knew in his heart it was the wrong thing to do. His apology was real and sincere and then he just climbed on my lap for a few minutes which was priceless! My little boy is growing up!

They're GRRRRREEEATT!

We worked on an art project last week posted at Ms. Julie's Place and I think the kids did fantastic! Since these originals were drawn they have created at least 10 more each! They have also taken the same outline and made lions, leopards, wolves and even a fox. I just loving have a place like this to share their artwork and keep it preserved since I can't keep everything!

On the planner this week, is the Greek Vases which came at the same time we are actually studying Greek history and mythology! Yeah!

School Pictures!

This week I finally got this task of taking the school pictures off my to do list and it feels great! This year was different in that Connor was my tough one! Usually he is a piece of cake and Brody takes about 1000 shots to get the right one! In the end though, I am happy with both of them!

I'm also really glad I got them done, because we are having some cool weather and I thought these shirts would be great for pictures! I don't know what is wrong with me, but I

am actually enjoying it! We had a wood stove put in this week, and I can't wait to get a fire going!

Wishing Wells and Tooth Fairies

Friday we did our school work in record time so we could enjoy some time at the coast. (We have decided we just shouldn't call it the beach, because it is SO not hot!) We met some new friends and went with them to Lincoln City where we all had a great time. The kids really hit it off and played very well together. They were crazy enough to get wet...then when they were really freezing, they started digging a well together which they were so proud of. If it wasn't for the wind, it actually would of been a pleasant day, but it just felt cold to me. But the important thing is that they had a good time, right?

Finally on Sunday morning Connor finally lost his other front top tooth! That thing has been loose for weeks and he doesn't like to pull it out so it pretty much has to fall out on it's own. He looks SO different and I just love the little lisp he has now:) Since I forgot to play tooth fairy last time I reminded him that he can't put it out to early or she won't know where she has to go. As he was climbing up to put it under his pillow, he said to me..."mom, tooth fairies aren't really real are they?" I know he doesn't believe, but a part of him wants to so I just played mysterious;) Wow, look at him growing up!

Very Important Vocabulary Lesson

Today I decided to introduce a very important word into my son's vocabulary...

Here are their definitions;

Connor: "To not do something you are supposed to do"

Brody: "To stop school and work"

Yes, folks, it is true...today we played HOOKY!!! Well, kind of anyway. We did most of the day, but crammed in a few lessons at the end.

We started our morning with breakfast at McDonalds! YUMMY and fattening, but who cares! The boys love to go do this and it is a big treat with mommy. They even for the first time had their own pancake breakfast so it was a big day! Over breakfast we discussed some ideas to raise money for a fundraiser we are participating in called "One Verse". It is through Sonlight, where we get most of our school supplies. We are working with The Seed Company to supply the funding needed to translate the entire New Testament for the Meeto people in Mozambique Africa. It is a 8 week course complete with lessons in so many areas.

Then we headed to the library. Trust me, this is fun for us. We had to return some books, and pick up a few on hold, but we also spent some time in the "bookstore" which we all love.

Our third stop was a trip to the magical Salem Carousel for a few rides! This is always a favorite and today we got a huge bonus. We met this really nice lady who brought us into this special room where we got to see some ladies working on some real hand carving and even met Suzette who worked on some of the original horses! They gave us all sorts of fun information and we learned how it was made, learned about some tools used in real woodcarving and about the trees that made all the magnificent horses. (Basswood from the Linden tree) Connor told them we were playing hooky and they thought was so funny:) Little did he know, all that we were learning! We also learned another important word: volunteer! This whole project was done by volunteers logging around 1000 hours per horse and there is 42 of them. Amazing and such incredible talent!

There just happens to be a park attached and it was a beautiful day so we fit in about 30 minutes of physical play time and some sunshine!

Then we ran 2 quick errands and finally headed home where we hit the books!

Of course they are already asking to "do hooky" every day but I had to explain to them that it wouldn't be hooky anymore, it would just be a new routine. They felt so naughty, I could tell:)

What a great day to remember.....

Gorgeous Giraffes!

Yesterday was a perfect day to get one of those art lessons in that I am always wanting to do. We didn't have anywhere to be, it was a beautiful day and the boys were inspired! They were excited to make these giraffes that we found on Ms. Julie's Place (see link to the left) and it was the first time using the scratch off method for them. I saw this wild side come out in them when it came time for color over all of their hard work in black! Connor was a little hesitant, but then got into it and Brody dove right in with this HA HA kind of a laugh! They are so proud of their amazing works of art!