Our Summer Learning Program

This post could be titled

"How I Tricked My Kids Into Summer School"

Heehee!

No, really this is just a little something I organized so the girls could keep learning throughout the summer.

I've always had good intentions to do this, 
but then, before I knew it, September was rolling around.

So I knew that this would have to be organized from the 'get-go'
 and LITTLE involvement from me.

So here it is:

 Each girl has a folder with various worksheets: math, book reports, cursive, . . .

Each assignment is worth a certain number of tickets.

I have a tub filled with various books they can use- crafts, science experiments, outdoor games . . .

  They turn their work into the basket and they know I will grade it by Friday afternoon.

And that's the exciting day when they get to use their tickets to shop at my fabulous store.

The store is ONLY open on Friday for about a half an hour.
There are various items- from a cheap pack of gum, a new book, stationary, and even cold hard cash.

 As well as a few fun coupons that are redeemable immediately.

I cannot tell you how motivated my girls have been!
And for the most part they can do all the work on their own- besides a few math helps and craft supply corralling. 

 

So far it's been a great addition to our summer!

 

 

 

 

Summer Defined

We just got back from the most amazing camping trip.

 We had SO MUCH FUN!

God blessed us with our favorite spot available, beautiful weather, and lots of sweet family moments.

We conquered a few fears.

Went on bike rides every day.

Built forts

And simply enjoyed God's beautiful creation.

It was the perfect way to kick start our summer.

Sweet sweet memories!

And now I'm off to tackle the camping aftermath. 

I just love summer!
What fun plans do you have in store?

School's Out For Summer!

Yippeeeeee!

I am so happy that Summer vacation is here!  

Here's how we celebrated:

 Donuts were involved of course.

 The girls were so sweet and surprised me with decorations.

We went for a fun hike with friends.

 My friend Stacy created an awesome nature scavenger hunt.

We were a little too loud to see any animals.

I introduced our summer learning gig.

 I'll share more on that later.

We finished off the celebration with ice cream

 And making our summer fun list.

Today I look forward to garage saling on a Friday, 

playing in my garden, 

and lots of front porch iced  mocha sippin'.

Hooray for summer!!

 

Farm Chicks 2013!

Hello Friends!

I'm back from an impromptu trip to Spokane for

Farm Chicks!!!

This was a last minute adventure for me!  

My friend Rachel is the manager and principle buyer for Station 8.

She was going for a buying trip and needed a partner . . . um . . .  yes please!!

So we left Saturday night and were bright eyed and bushy tailed for the show Sunday morning.

 (a little rest stop goofiness)

I didn't get many pictures because I had my hands full 

with some good ol' junk.

But here's the few I snapped:

 Yes please!

 I reeeeeally want to wear this dress.

So beautiful!

I have always wanted to try Farm Chicks on Sunday because let me tell you- 

Saturday is CRAZY busy.

I was thrilled with how it turned out.

Here's why:

1.  The line was not a mile long to get in

(and Serena had yummy Moose Munch  handed out- sweet!)

2.  It wasn't too crowded to shop- there was actually room to move around.

3.  All the venders restock Saturday night, so there was PLENTY of  AWESOME treasures.

4. Towards the end of the day, venders are making great deals because they don't want to reload whatever is left. 

So I decided Sunday is the day to go for me!

I'm sure some amazing stuff sold on Saturday, but I don't know what I'm missing! 

And like I said there is still more junk than you can imagine on Sunday.  

Some highlights of this adventure:

1. Road tripping with Rachel- lots of giggles

2. Meeting Linda (hi Linda!!!!)

3.  Hugging and meeting Courtney in person

(can't wait for my next Spokane adventure when we will have more time to chat girl!) 

4.  Connecting with Serena 

 She is such an inspiring woman!

 And seriously the sweetest thing ever!

What a great adventure!

Thank you Colette and Rachel for letting me be the wing-woman on this buying trip! 

I had a blast!

 

Perspective

God's been teaching  me a few lessons lately.

The main topic has been keeping a godly perspective.

We all have crummy days.

 Particularly, last Tuesday started off a bit challenging for me.

 Most of you know I'm a  bit of a gardening nerd.

Oh it brings me so much JOY!

 Montana had been experiencing quite the warm spell,

so I pressed my luck and started planting my annuals

(even after my wise hubbie warned me not to).

 And I woke up to this.

Inches of HEAVY wet snow weighing down anything it landed on.

 Including my prize geraniums and freshly weeded strawberries and tall but fragile raspberries.

 Needless to say I was not thrilled with this morning surprise.

I might have gasped loudly.

And you bet your bottom dollar I was out there in my jammies scooping off that stinkin' snow, and shaking the branches of my plum tree and lilac bush.

All the while God spoke to me.

He had to speak louder than my grumbles at first.

But then I started to seek His voice and asked for the right attitude.

He brought to mind the families in Oklahoma.

And dear friends who are going through much harder struggles than my stinkin' snow.

I prayed for a good attitude.

I stayed in the shower until I felt the tense grumbles fade.

He answered my prayer and by the time I was flipping pancakes I could (kinda) laugh at the situation.

But here's the thing:

At that moment, when I was fa-reezing, trying to save all my perennials from the weight of the snow,

 the stinkin' snow felt HUGE to me.

(did I mention how much I love to garden?)

By the afternoon, the sun made an appearance, and my plants looked like there was going to be hope.

Today, you can hardly tell they were smooshed to the ground.

(a few still look a little wonky- but it adds character right?)

My point is this- when we're in the middle of a crummy day-or week- or month- it's easy to have blinders on and focus only on the burden.

We can't see the whole picture.

But we can CLING to the TRUTH that God is in control of every single situation.

So instead of focusing on the struggle, we should be encouraged to seek His voice and His point of view.

(from our hike on Sunday)

I know it's much easier to say this than actually do this.

I have 2 memorials to attend this week and I cannot even imagine the heartache my friends are facing.

My prayer is that we would seek His comfort, even when we don't understand and would rather blame Him.

Oh I hope you have a relationship with the ultimate Comforter.

He's faithful in little trials as well as pit of the heart ache.

So if you're in the middle of a struggle, I encourage you to talk to Him.

Even if you don't usually pray.

James 4:8  
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.