2010 Highlights

Here we are only 1 hour and 45 minutes away from a new year.  I started a great devotional book recently and a good portion of it was written by Beth Moore.  She points out how our wise Creator created new beginnings.   Every 365 days...we get a new year.  Every 30 days (give or take)...we get a new month.  Every 7 days....a new week.  And every 24 hours...a new day.

I am thankful for new beginnings.  I always enjoy the start of a new year.  2010 was a rough year in many, many ways and I am looking forward to see what 2011 holds.  Here are some highlights from 2010:

January:

• I was dealing with some pretty wicked post-partum depression.  But with the support of a wonderful hubby and some wonderful friends (Gena, Amanda and Jill especially) I got through some pretty dark days.
• I started my new job working a weekend only hospice RN position.  It has it's ups and it has it's downs.  It's terribly sad, but strangely uplifting at times.  It's been a long year and I've learned a lot about people and death and compassion and selflessness.  It's been mostly good. 

February:

• This month began the downward spiral with my mom's post-op infections.  She ended up in the hospital right before Annagrace turned 8 (on the 18th).  Her knee joint replacement got infected and before it was all said and done she stayed a month in the hospital including a stay in rehab and on the ICU step-down unit.  Needless to say, February was NOT my favorite month this year. 
• We had a snowstorm.

March: 

• I started going to the gym and met with a nutritionist for a couple of months.  I lost about 20 pounds over the course of the next 3 months.  
• We started sponsoring a child from India. 
• Our sweet friends, the Brungards, surprise us with a visit for a couple of days.  Nikki was a blessing to me and helped out with the girls while I spent a night with my mom in the hospital. 

April: 

• Layla turned 6 months old. 
• Madalyn finished her gymnastics course and learned how to do cartwheels!

May:

• We planted a garden (which failed miserably). 
• I went to the homeschool convention with a friend and her daughters (and Annagrace and Layla). 
• We took a trip to visit Aaron's family in Virginia. 
• I took the girls to the beach (Layla's first trip there). 

June:

• Took the girls to see the long-awaited Toy Story 3.
• The girls and I traveled to the Outer Banks for a night and I did photo sessions for 4 families while I was there.
• We took our first of several trips to Busch Gardens. 
• Welcomed a new nephew to our family.

July: 

• Another trip to Busch Gardens this month!  We all have such fond memories of our trips to Busch Gardens--seriously one of the most fun summers I can remember in a long time.
• Celebrated my 33rd birthday.
• Took a road trip (just me and the girls) to visit my friend, Melissa in South Carolina.  We had a GREAT time!  The zoo, Build-a-Bear, Ed-Venture Children's Museum, South of the Border...lots of fun times! 

August:

• Celebrated our 12th anniversary. 
• Annagrace started 4th grade and Madalyn started Kindergarten.
• We spent a week at the beach and soaked up many hours of sun in the pool and on the beach.  LOVED every minute of this vacation.  Even when I got a horrible pulled muscle in my neck and even when I slammed my finger in the elevator door.  Because a bad day at the beach is better than a good day ANYWHERE. 
• Annagrace and Madalyn started swimming lessons. 
• Said goodbye to a dear friend who I miss terribly.  

September:

• Annagrace got her first eye exam...and her first pair of glasses! 
• Layla started walking at 11 months old. 

October:

• Layla celebrated her first birthday!
• We had a fun Halloween party. 
• Another trip to Busch Gardens
• Two trips to the county fair 
• A trip to the Marbles Museum in Raleigh and to Chapel Hill for a photo shoot with some friends
• We made several new homeschool friends and had opportunities to spend time getting to know them. 
• Homeschool Fall Festival!

November:

• Madalyn turned 5 years old. 

December:

• I haven't mentioned my mom's multiple hospitalizations this year.  December was a rough month that included a trip to Duke for a second opinion from a surgeon there.  I'll share more over the coming weeks/months.  For now, we are praying for healing from this infection that she has had for way too long. 
• Cookie parties, Homeschool parties, Christmas programs, swim meet, visits from family, and Christmas shopping pretty much filled up our entire month. 

It was a long year full of ups (fun trips with the girls, lots of firsts for Layla, a new job for me, kindergarten for Madalyn) and some downs (post-partum depression, mom's hospital stays, Jill's death).  I'm looking for a happy, peaceful, joyful 2011.   

3 in 30: January

Have you heard of 3 in 30?  The idea is to break down your goals into small chunks and focus on only 3 goals each month.  I love the idea of goal setting and I really love the idea to break it down into manageable chunks!  I have resisted "resolutions" this year but this....this I can do!

Here are my January goals: 

1.  I will exercise 3 times per week (sometimes at the gym, sometimes at home, sometimes more often than that but at least 3 times per week).  

2.  I will make (and keep) a dental appointment for myself.  

3.  I will update my blog at least once a week about our homeschooling adventures.     

What are your January goals?

Anti-Resolution Resolutions

I'm done making resolutions.  Because it never fails if I slip up even once I feel like a complete and utter FAILURE and then I totally give up on the resolution in the first place and I'm right back where I started.

So instead of resolutions these are things I am going to do in 2011.  And you can run and tell that homeboy....

• I will pray for my husband daily. 
• I will see a dermatologist for a long overdue skin cancer check 
• I will go to the dentist and 1) get this gingivitis taken care of and 2) get my teeth whitened/brightened
• I will COMMIT to exercise.  This is the year that it will finally sink in that exercise is something I need to do several times a week for the rest of my life.  
• I will NOT allow myself to be overcome by self deprecating behavior.  
• I repeat, I WILL NOT allow myself to be overcome by self deprecating behavior.  This includes saying mean things to myself in the mirror or thinking evil thoughts about my mothering skills.
• I will get my long awaited second "real" tattoo.  
• I will take a multivitamin every day.  Or at least every day that I remember.  
• I will take time to play with my children every day. 
• I will stop fretting so much about how the house looks when we have company and I will just enjoy my company. 
• I will remember birthdays and will honor them with cards and donations to World Vision.
• I will pray more for my sweet little World Vision "daughter" S. 
• I will wear my pajamas all day one day...on a day that I am not sick.  If you know me, you know this is HUGE for me!  
• I will give money to the homeless.
• I will give of my time to the homeless. 
• I will go to bed earlier and I will get out of bed earlier (most days!).  
• I will eat a better balanced diet. 
• I will feed my children a better balanced diet.
• I will take the time to smell the roses every once in awhile instead of dwelling on the fact that they have thorns.
• I will call my mother more. 
• I will spend more time snuggling with my children and less time yelling at them. 
• I will save more money so that I have more money to give away. 
• I will laugh more, sing more, play more, dance more, ENJOY LIFE MORE.  

 Because we only get one life and I am determined that 2011 will be the year that I enjoy mine.  

Favorite Foods

Again, inspired by my friend Jason.

My perfect culinary experience in the little town of Greenville would start off with breakfast at Yoder's Dutch Pantry in little old town of Grifton (about 25 minutes away).  I'd have a big plate of french toast (with some delicious homemade syrup) and some sweet tea.  And some bacon on the side which I may or may not share with my children.  And of course I would get a loaf of homemade bread to take home.  And I'd stop in the hardware store so the kids could visit the talking bird.

For lunch, I'd head to Michealangelo's Pizza with the girls because we all love it and you get humongous pieces of pizza there.  I'd have a slice of Hawaiian pizza and I'd finish off all the crust that the girls didn't eat.  I'd have a Dr. Pepper with it because their tea is nothing to brag about.

I'd end my day with a nice night out with my hubby and a yummy supper at Japan Inn.  I don't eat sushi but boy do I LOVE some hibachi chicken.  I'd just have a nice glass of ice cold water with my meal.  If it was cold out, I'd drink some hot tea.  

And to finish off the day off right, I'd go to Local Yogurt because I'd need something healthy to balance out all the junk I'd eat the rest of the day.  I'd get a small chocolate yogurt with some bananas on top.

All that food talk makes me hungry!  And looking at the LoYo site makes me want some peppermint yogurt.  I may have to bundle up the girls and go out for some cold treats this week! :)  

Most Listened to Songs of 2010

My friend, Chris (who was inspired by my friend, Jason) has inspired me to post a few top 10 lists.

First up...my top 10 most listened to songs of 2010.  Though they are not all songs from 2010 these were the songs that were most played on my mp3 this year (usually while walking and/or running on the treadmill):

1.  "Love the Way You Lie" by Eminem and Rhianna
2.  "Beautiful Ending" by BarlowGirl
3.  "In Your Eyes" cover by Jeffrey Gaines (original by Peter Gabriel)
4.  "Ain't No Reason" by Brett Dennen
5.  "Two Coins" by Dispatch
6.  "Boy With a Coin" by Iron and Wine
7.  "Already Gone" by Kelly Clarkson
8.  "Just Breathe" by Pearl Jam
9.  "I Will Survive" cover by Cake (original by Gloria Gaynor)
10.  "I Alone" by Live

Yes, random.  Not all entirely new (I think the oldest song on there is probably "I Alone" by Live.  It is a GREAT song to listen to on the treadmill!  Starts out kind of mellow and then BAM!  So in honor of the greatness that is Live I present to you the video:

One Little Word

photo credit: Ali Edwards

The last two year around January 1, I have chosen a word to focus on for the year.  It was a concept introduced to me by Ali Edwards (love that girl's blog!).

In 2009 the word I chose was Simplify.  My year focused on what was important from downsizing our belongings to reducing consumption.  I still love the word Simplify.  I have visual reminders of that word in several places in my home--a sign here, a pillow there, a bumper sticker on the van, a couple of magnets on the fridge (including a new one my bestie gave me for Christmas).

This year, my word to focus on was Selfless.  I was keenly aware at the start of 2010 of my selfish existence.  And it's still something that I am working on and probably will always be working on until Jesus returns.  But I did try my very best to be selfless.  To do things for others "just because".  To not get upset when someone's needs got in the way and ruined my plans.  There were many times during the year that those little thoughts ("ugh...this is an inconvenience and is going to ruin my day") would sneak in and instantly the word "selfless" would pop into my head.  Like I said, I'm still working on it but I do feel I've come a long way since January.

So this year when I first thought about what my word the very first word that popped into my head was:

                           HEALTHY


And I don't just mean "I need to lose weight" healthy.  My entire being--physical, spiritual and emotional being--could use a check up.  This year I will focus on those areas of my life.

I will focus on improving my physical well being by concentrating more on what I eat and on exercising.  I will concentrate more on my spiritual well being by spending more time focusing on Jesus and taking time each day to reflect on Him, speak to Him and let Him speak to me.  And I will spend more time on my emotional well being.  I will take more days "off" (teacher work days?!) and I will take time each day to find a quiet place to read or to pray or to just be.

Each month I am going to choose 3 things to do (or start doing) that will help me work towards this goal.  It may be making a doctor's appointment, or getting up earlier (or going to bed earlier!), or journaling.  One month I plan to eat a mostly vegan diet.  One month I'll be going for a long overdue dermatologist appointment.  I've talked with a friend about being an accountability person for me as far as diet and exercise go.  Lots of ideas and plans are in the works for me in the year 2011!

I want this year to be a year of focusing on improving myself in all areas of my life so that I will be a better wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and follower of Christ.  

Christmas 2010: Christmas in Greenville

On December 23 we went to a Christmas service here in Greenville.   It was put together by 4 local churches and was a night of fantastic music, worship and sermons about what is really important at Christmas time.  It was a great chance to focus on Jesus.

Layla went to the nursery (where my friend Andrea was helping out) and proceeded to spend a great deal of time crying. She's a mama's girl for sure!  Annagrace and Madalyn sat out with us and sang along to the songs they knew and listened to the pastors speak.  My friend, Michelle, sang with the band which was a variety of musicians and vocalists from the different churches.

At one point one of the pastor's said, "Jesus is here tonight!".  The look on Madalyn's face was just priceless! I love how excited my children get about Jesus.  I snapped a few pictures before we left.  I wanted Layla to wear her Christmas dress so Madalyn decided she wanted to dress up too.  Annagrace was being Annagrace and decided to wear her jeans and a t-shirt and made faces for all her pictures.  She's 8 going on 13.  

The service was what I needed to get in the Christmas spirit.  It ended with an awesome version of "Here is Our King" by the David Crowder Band.  Loved it!

I hope they make this an annual thing.  It was so nice to see churches coming together instead of competing.  They took up an offering to disperse amongst three different local community resources.  I left feeling very blessed and very ready Christmas!

Christmas 2010: Cookie Party!

My friend, Catherine, had a cookie decorating party at her home one morning a couple of weeks ago. Catherine is a fellow homeschool mom who I first met last Christmas when she gave away her mixer!  She posted on our homeschool site that she was trying to give it away and I was the first to respond.  I had never even met her before but I showed up at her house and picked up her old mixer!  Several months ago we met again at a homeschool meeting and we've since gotten to know each other better.  Our oldest children are like two peas in a pod.  They are the same age, into the same things and are not bothered one bit by the fact that they are of different genders.  The last I heard was they had plans to IM on Facebook (using their mom's accounts of course!) and were planning a Wii party.

So Catherine invited several moms over and we had a good group of kids there.  They had a great time decorating sugar cookies and eating chicken nuggets and we adults got to enjoy some of Catherine's homemade chili--yum!

Layla enjoyed M&Ms and liked to pretend she was a big kid:

Madalyn loved putting on the icing:

So that's where all the sprinkles went!

Annagrace made a special cookie for Layla (whose middle name is Joy)

Madalyn: FIVE YEARS OLD

Madalyn had a big birthday back at the end of November!  I can't believe she's the big number 5!  She has definitely moved past the preschool era and is into the "big girl" stage now.  She's getting so tall (and is super skinny!) and we now have to buy most of her clothes from the big kids section so that they'll be long enough!

She actually had two birthday parties this year.  We had a small party at home because her Grammy had been in the hospital the week before and we just didn't have time to get it all together!  So we had a party at home and then we had another party at my mom and dad's after my mom got home from the hospital.

Madalyn didn't mind.  I made her first cake and she told me it was "the best cake ever"!  She was so excited.  She got a Sing-a-Majig, a book, a Tiana princess doll and the Toy Story 3 DVD from us.

 When we had her party at my mom and dad's she just wanted a cake with flowers with her name on it (which we found at Food Lion).

She got more gifts from Grammy and Papa and my brother and his family and my best friend and her daughter.  She had a great time!

Madalyn--I just can't believe you are already 5 years old!  You are growing up so fast and I'm trying to enjoy every second of it.  You are silly, goofy, moody, loud, outspoken (at home), shy (out in public), and just so unbelievably sweet.  You are always saying, "I love you mama!"  And I love you too sweet girl.  To the moon and back!

Christmas 2010: Christmas Portraits & Card

Has this year flown by or WHAT?  Crazy that it's only a week away from 2011.  Blogging has been scarce around here and I'm hoping to get better about that once the new year gets here!

Christmas has been a little difficult for me this year.  I've been down in the dumps about many different things and I just couldn't get into the spirit of Christmas.  But I don't want to be Debbie Downer so I'll just post the happier parts of Christmas this year!

I was very happy with the girls' Christmas portraits this year.  It took two different sessions to get them and I didn't get a good one of them all together.  I'm going to try to do that this weekend!  I just can't believe how big my babies are getting.

Annagrace at 8 years, 10 months:

Madalyn at 5 years:

Layla at 14 months:

And this is our Christmas card that I didn't even print yet!  I decided to save the money on postage and printing and I e-mailed and/or sent it via Facebook messages.  I am going to print a few of them for family and a couple of friends just as a keepsake.

Why I Homeschool

          

I am guessing that a lot of people assume that since we are Christians we homeschool our children because we want to avoid the evils of the public school system.  Or that we want to protect our children by sheltering them and not letting them out of our eyesight for the first 18 years of their lives.

But here's a secret.  When we first started talking about homeschooling our religion had absolutely nothing to do with it.  I didn't have some grand vision from the Lord instructing me on how to educate my children.  Now don't get me wrong, I did pray (feverishly) for wisdom in making our decision.  But religion was not our primary reason for taking the great leap into homeschooling.

We homeschool because my daughter was a very bright child--it was obvious from the time she was six months old and said her first intentional word (calling out "mama" while watching me leave the room).  We had her moved up a grade in public school....and she was still ahead and BORED.

When we made the decision to move we looked into the public school system and were disturbed to find that there was a major lacking of funding.  These poor teachers are overworked, underpaid, expected to run a classroom of at least 25 children (usually with no help), and are having more and more funding cut by the year.  First to go was field trips.  And then art, music, foreign language, and so on and so on.  When I asked about gifted programs I found out that there was no "pull-out" program and that the gifted program was integrated into the regular classroom and that it wouldn't start until the child was in 4th grade.  Annagrace had been placed in the gifted program in 1st grade at her old school.

So we researched other options.  Options where my children would be exposed to the arts and would have various hands-on experiences through field trips.  Where they would never feel ashamed of being smart.  Where they could study at their own pace, on their own ability level regardless of when their birthday happens to be.  Where they wouldn't need "special permission" to check out appropriate reading level books from the library.  Where they would be free to study what they are interested in.

We quickly realized that private school A--was too expensive and B--was not going to meet all of the above criteria.  Our only other option?  Homeschooling.

And I'll be honest.  At first I completely rejected the idea.  I mean, I had made fun of my homeschooling friends!  I thought they were crazy!  I didn't know how to teach.  I'm a nurse for pete's sake...I don't have a teaching degree!

But after a lot of prayer and a lot of encouragement from my hubby and a lot of research and e-mails to friends we made the decision to give it a try.  My mother and mother-in-law were amazingly supportive.  When I started mentioning it to people they would say, "Oh--call so and so, she homeschools."  I met many new friends from "referrals" like that!

And I am SO GLAD that we started this journey  I can't imagine ever going back to the "normal way" of doing school.  I love that my children can learn at their own pace, that they get one-on-one attention from their teacher on a daily basis and they can study at their appropriate level.  

And I also love that we can educate them from a Christian perspective.  Although it was not our original reason for homeschooling we enjoy being able to share our world views as well as our Christian faith with our children while teaching them the basic fundamentals.

So that is why WE homeschool.  How about you homeschool friends?  How did you make the decision to go the road less traveled and educate your children at home?

Frosty Fins Swim Meet

Last Saturday Annagrace participated in her very first swim meet.  She started taking lessons in August and quickly picked up on several different strokes.  She can now do the butterfly, backstroke, freestyle and breaststroke.  She is quite a swimmer! 

The aquatics center where she takes lessons sponsored the swim meet.  And don't worry--despite the name "Frosty Fins" it was indoors in a very warm 85 degree arena!

I wasn't sure what to expect but it ran very smoothly and the kids all had a great time.  When we arrived they wrote her races and lane numbers on her arm with a marker.  She found out she was in five races--three individual events and 2 relay races.  Doesn't she look so tough here?  LOL! 

Her first race was the freestyle.  It was a tight race but she came in second!  Next up was a relay.  Her team got a little behind during the first leg and Annagrace got them back in first place during the second leg however in the end her team finished second.

Then it was time for the big one.  The backstroke.  This is her signature stroke.  That girl is fast!  She took off strong, got a little flubbed up at the end because she ran into the lane marker but still managed to snatch FIRST PLACE!  We were so proud of her!

Her next race was the breaststroke and she placed third and then finally she raced in another relay and her team placed second.  Not bad for her very first meet!  So now we are taking a little bit of a break and most likely will get back to swimming in February.  Swimming is such great exercise for the girls and since they are both so good at it I want to encourage them to continue with it! 

The last week in 50 words or less

Mom's wound--slightly improved.

Swim club last class done, will resume in February or March.

Advent activity every night.

Christmas shopping--almost done.

Hospice bereavement service--awesome, sad, uplifting, amazing.

Work--slow lately.

Schoolwork--started "Little House in the Big Woods".  Love it.

Madalyn--learning to read.

Homemade peppermint mochas.