Some More Recent Pictures of The Children

We've taken a lot of pictures so, I thought perhaps I should post some.

Inspiring Reads

We ( the kids and I) are currently reading "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster. I love this book. My children don't understand everything being said, however it brings up many things we can talk about.  It is so imaginative and fun. This is one of those books that we can laugh with each other about. I so enjoy that. If you haven't read "The Phantom Tollbooth" I highly recommend it. If you've read it long ago, read it again.

Help In The Kitchen

Something I have been doing in the kitchen lately, is cooking beans each week This is a simple way to make mealtime easier,and often, tastier. I cook beans in the crockpot each week, to freeze. I soak the beans overnight in a large bowl. Now, it depends on the size of your crockpot how much beans you will be able to cook. I have a 5 Qt. crock, so I soak about 5 cups of beans overnight in water with whey ( from a failed adventure in yogurt), or lemon juice. In the morning I will rinse the beans, put them in the crock with water an inch or more above, and cook on low all day. When tender, I rinse the beans and package in freezer bags in the portion size that I need for various recipes. When using the frozen beans from the freezer, I sometimes thaw in the fridge during the day, or add them frozen; they break apart quite well. A simple nutritional help.

Where Did My Sanity Go?

Okay, today has definitely been a test. With six children age 9 and younger things can get messy quick. I must always stay on top of things. Even so, craziness happens. Children go running off down the street after the dog while you're right in the middle of diffusing a sibling battle, and baking bread, ect. Well, everyone survived, except my ego. I do not choose to have "all these children" because I am a: supermom, ultra patient, energetic, spiritual, or anything else to do with ME. I have these children because God has given them to me. He is working in me everyday through motherhood. He wants them here. I must strive for Him, and so I do. For Him, for the children, for my husband. I do it with a measure of joy (most of the time) because how can I do it any other way? I strive to do all things for His glory, and so I must do my best.

School Begins

School has began in our household. We are off to a great start this year! We have more activities than I anticipated, but its great. The kids are learning so fast, I just have to keep up! Figuring out more balance this year. I am much more confident about are studies , pace, and just overall goal of our education this year. We are having a great time! Everything doesn't go smoothly, or perfectly. Things are rarely calm and studious ( at least not everyone at the same time) however, I am much more relaxed and focused?! How about you other homeschoolers out there?

Sweet Little Coral

We had such a great time at the fair this year!

At The Fair

June Bugs

The days have been hot here. The kids have been playing in the water as much as possible. My backyard looks like a jungle. Oh, where did Spring go?

Coral Luna Isra Engeman

Coral was born on February, 27th 2010 at 5:00 a.m. She weighed 6lbs 14 oz , was 21 1/2 inches long. Chantel is doing great. She is such a cutie ( coral I mean. Well, of course Chantel is a cutie too!)