Our Calling

In April of this year Phil and I went to see a movie. We never could have guessed that going out on a date would change the course of our lives. We went to see "October Baby" (see the trailer here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L52Lciaui4o). On the way to pick up our children from a friend's house Phil and I were talking about the movie and how it had made us feel. Then Phil turned to me and said "I think that we're supposed to adopt". I was floored, not just because I was shocked at what he said (which I was) but because he said exactly what I was thinking at that moment. We knew that God had placed a calling on our lives. Since then we have done research and interviewed 2 adoption agencies. The cost of adoption is very intimidating, but we live for the God who owns it all. He will provide our needs.

What's a Mall?

Today before taking the kids on a field trip I had to run to Greenwood Park Mall to get my jewelry inspected. It was so sad that the second I walked in the door I was completely out of my element. When did this happen? I never imagined that there would come a day when I wouldn't feel comfortable in a mall! I used to love shopping. What has happened to me?

I believe that it is has been a accumulation of many things, but three really stick out to me.

1. For the past 6 years I have been avoiding all shopping centers because of the unavoidable frustration that comes with bringing a baby/toddler with you. Come on, you have to admit that trying on clothes with your kids is  definitely not on your fun list.

2. We have gone from a dual income family to a single income one. That really cuts into extra free spending, and we all know that window shopping, all though fun, isn't completely satisfying.

3. It's no longer about me (and I mean that in a good way). Sure there are times when I would like to have a new pair of shoes or just get something when the mood strikes, but that's not what it's about anymore. I am no longer the only one who needs things. I have 3 wonderful children who trust me to provide all their needs.

I am not sure how to end this, because it is just a rambling of my crazy thoughts, so I will end it with this.

Philippians 4:19

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Popcorn Anyone?

In complete Tiger Scout gear

Showing pride in his Pack

We are so excited to have a cub scout in the family. Austin entered 1st grade this year and is now able to join scouting.
Today I got his uniform completely finished. Putting badges on can sure be tricky!
We are also now full swing into our biggest fundraiser of the year. POPCORN! The scouts are doing a popcorn blitz today, and they will be celebrating their success tonight at a pizza party. So...popcorn anyone?

Our First Field Trip

Super Excited for the tour to begin

Today we took a field trip to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. We joined some of our friends from Heritage Builders in a search for animals in art. Austin met up with his friend Andrew and we got the tour started.
The kids were told all about different types of painting and sculpting techniques. Austin and Ariel did a great job sitting and listening to our guide. Eva had a mind of her own :)

This was our first true field trip. So far we have also  done a craft time and bonfire with other home schooling families. We are so blessed to have been able to join this group. Our next event is gym class, and all three kids will be participating in it. So much for being anti-social homeschoolers. :)

Listening to our guide

My pride and joy

I am so proud of the garden that I grew this year. It was hard work getting it in, and at times I have not wanted to weed it. The organic produce that we are getting from it is well worth the effort though. That right, I grew an organic garden this year! When I look at it even today, I am so amazed. I am also very thankful for parents who taught me how to garden while I was growing up. When I think back to the whining and complaining I did about weeding and watering that family plot who knew that I would end up loving it so much. I have come to find garden relaxing despite the work and how tired I feel after it. As a mother of three it is very rare for me to find time alone. My garden is a place where I can do that. I do hope that someday my children will be able to join me in growing food, but for now I find joy in knowing they see the effort I put forth and are eating healthier because of it. The pictures below show what I have been able to can so far. My tomatoes have done so well that I plan on canning some spaghetti sauce next. I am so excited!

Organic Roma Tomatoes

Diced Tomatoes

Home Schooling Update

After much prayer, a home school convention, and discussion with friends Phil and I have decided to home school Austin for 1st grade next year. We are really excited and look forward to all the opportunities that this will give our family. Thank you so much to all of those who prayed for us during our decision making. We know that this is the Lord's will for us, and we are ready to get started!
It is our plan (at this time) to keep Ariel in Pre-K at Westside Christian pre-school  for 2-3 days a week. She loves being there and it will give Austin and I some one-on-one time that we may need. Eva will still be at home.
This morning I spent a hour at an Abeka materials display ordering the rest of his curriculum. We didn't have to worry too much about what curriculum to use this year because he was already using Abeka (for language arts) and Saxon (for math). Both of these are great, and we felt that it would be good to keep going with them.
Thank you all again. We are so blessed to have friends like you!

It's potty time!

For over a week now Eva has been telling me "poop" when she went in her diaper. It didn't matter which she had actually done, and I didn't think a thing of it. Then she started pulling her sister's (and once brother's) underwear on over her clothes. I started to wonder about her interest in potty training, but I still didn't give it a whole lot of thought. Then last night she said it and actually ran toward the bathroom. I decided to give it a try and helped her get on the little potty. She ended up going pee in the potty! I was shocked. Austin and Ariel were 3 before they wanted to potty train, and Eva won't be 2 until August. She got to wear a pair of her sister's princess panties until bedtime :)
Today I decided that dresses and pull-ups are a pain when you are potty training, so she went without either. I am pretty sure that Eva is the smartest child I have ever met (NO, I'm not biased :) Twice today she has run to the bathroom all by herself, sat on the potty and peed! She of course was rewarded with multitudes of praise and (the coveted item) a M n M. She has been wearing (sort of) her training panties all day, and we have had no accidents, only pee in the diaper during nap time. It still seems early to me, but I am very optimistic that I will have no children in diapers by the end of the summer!