Just the facts mam....

I have often commented on the fact that I can see Connor with a future as a wikipedia writer or something similar. He loves to report the facts! He does not really enjoy creative writing assignments unless the idea is totally his. When he does have an idea that is not a school assignment, he gets excited for a little while then fizzles out. I think he currently has 5 or 6 "books" in the works;)

This past week a new opportunity came up. Sam, one of the kids from our co op, had a brilliant idea to start a newsletter for our group. I am excited to see what happens with it and think it can be a really good experience for the kids that get involved in it. I know Connor thinks it is a great idea and he decided to do a restaurant review for his first submission. He loves to go out to eat and felt this a perfect fit for him. He did this today, all on his own, with only a little help setting up the initial document. I think he did a terrific job and may even give him a "free pass" on Language Arts for tomorrow:)

A Whole Lotta Love!

I just love our co op group. Last week we had a Valentine's party and we all had such a great time. God has brought together some amazing families and it is so neat to see the kids gather each week developing friendships and learning things together. I am grateful that we have an opportunity to participate in such things as a Valentine exchange even though we do not participate in traditional school. It is one of those things that I would not want them to miss. They went through each one when we went home and were excited to have treasures from their friends at "class" (okay and some candy too).


Daddy had some cards waiting for them witha HUGE sucker attached and I showed my love to them by slaving over banana chocolate chip muffins which is their favorite breakfast...or at least one of them. By request I also made them some chocolate goodies they love, AND we enjoyed a nice day at home with no errands which is always one of their favorite "treats"!

BIG Smiles :)

It seems that Connor and Brody have a lot to smile about lately;)


Connor got his braces off after just a few months and what a difference in that smile! I am so happy we went ahead with the partial set now and feel it was totally worth it. He was so happy to get them off and kept saying how much older he felt. I remember driving home almost going off the road looking in the rear view mirror at that handsome boy! This is my new favorite picture of him even though the quality isn't that great! (indoor at night with my iphone...what do you expect?)

Brody and I went to his first 4-H meeting on Saturday and he really enjoyed it. Some of the older kids were working with him to pick up Dusty by himself and he is so excited to learn to do that. He also learned how to clip his nails and do quarter turns for showing. Not the greatest picture either, but the smile was SO precious!
Any time you can go to the Oregon coast without huge gusts of winds and a parka puts a smile on my face! On Sunday, daddy took us along with Grandma Louise visiting from Missouri, out to Newport where he has been working. It was a great time for a run around in the sand and I just love this picture I grabbed of the boys together having fun.



After that we headed to a great old fashioned diner for lunch and real ice cream malts and shakes. Big smiles there too, but no pictures!

Separate Ways

I LOVE having two boys and love even more them being so close in age. When I was still pregnant and shared that the baby I was carrying was a boy, just about everyone would comment on how they were going to fight and bicker. If I didn't know better, I would say that people almost felt the need to offer me some sort of sympathy. I have never needed it. Yes....they do bicker once in a while, but the good times FAR outweigh that. They are best friends and playmates and I love that they have each other.

Parenting them has been quite easy. Since they are so close in age, they like pretty much the same things. Since they are both boys...clothes and toys have been shared, and interests have been similar. They want to play the same games, watch the same shows, and go the same places. I even teach them together in Bible, History, Geography, and Science and it works quite well for us.

However...I sense that I won't be getting off so easy for long. In many ways, I see them going separate ways. I am beginning to see the age gap seem to grow just a little between them. In our co op, Connor is now considered one of the "big kids" and sometimes they are separated for activities.

This Saturday Brody will attend his first 4-H meeting and he can't wait. We have signed him up with his bunny Dusty and he is so anxious to get involved with anything animal! He is not sure if he wants to play flag football again and says that he just "doesn't like sports." He can't wait to be done with piano and has no interest in learning a different instrument.

Connor is chomping at the bit for flag football to start again and is wanting to play baseball too. I think he would play anything involving a ball. He has wanted for years to play the guitar and is now finishing up his piano books and can't wait to get going with his new instrument of choice.

I see Brody working to search out his identity apart from Connor which is a good thing. I also think Connor is seeking some time to himself and realizes that he is getting older, which is also a good thing.

On the practical side, it will be a little tougher for mom. I am already dreading the day when I have to be two places at once on a Saturday morning. I am already preparing them to support each other in their different activities, even if it means some sitting around for them at a practice or a meeting.

However, my possible inconveniences and calendar concerns are quite trivial and I know that. God has created them different and unique with their own gifts, and talents, and interests. I am truly more excited to see those things develop and grow into who and what GOD wants them to be. I am just honored to be along for the ride.