Schoolroom In The Making

It's Official!!!

Aiden & Gracie are now enrolled in their homeschool program and our schoolroom has begun to come to life!  Both kids completed testing for placement and to have their curriculum customized.  I've filed with the state.  I'm now patiently waiting for their books and my teaching resources to be selected and shipped!  So while we hurry up and wait, I wanted to give you a glimpse into aesthetics....

 

(Now remember, this is still a work in progress!)

 

 

This is my desk and work area.  Tons of storage and organization hidden within!  According to Tommy, this is his (the principal as he's informed the kids) area.

 

This will be Aiden's work area.  I figure it's best to keep him in his own space to focus more on the work he'll be doing at his grade level.  However....I still need to come up with something to make this space 'his'.  Still turning my wheels on that one.

 

This will be the little kids' work area.  For Cass, he will be able to come and go as he pleases, as we're not officially starting him on any curriculum.  But this way, he will have a place when he wants to be involved.  I know very well what's required for PreK and will be giving him activities to prepare him! 

 

Now the chairs are another story and something that I"m VERY excited about!  The chairs (we will bring in another for Aiden) belonged to my Grandpa who passed this last January.  They were handed down to me to use years ago.  I've found directions to revamp them and they will fit perfectly in the room when I do.  The cushions will be redone in the same fabric pictured below-which will also be used to make the valance and covered cork boards.  The body of the chairs will be painted the same yellow in the pattern of the fabric!  I can't wait to share before and after pics!

 

 

And onto organization....

 

 

I took this shoe organizer and filled it with supplies, then simply printed labels onto card stock and hot glued them on!  Easy, simple, and efficient!

 

 

I was amazed at how many resources we already own!  Going through the kids' rooms, I've gathered so many valuable, educational tools and books that we've had here all along!  They are stored in this cabinet!  The organizer atop will shelf an 'inbox' for Tommy's paperwork that come in while he's working, for my things to grade and such, then one for each of the children!  The storage bins will hold extra books, etc. that will be needed for assignments.  They will be able to go here daily and find everything required for the lessons planned.  Once we get into the school year and feel things out, I'll know just how many lessons to have work pulled for in advance!

 

 

These have been fun to remake for the kids!  Aiden's isn't quite finished so I will be posting pictures of it later!  We had these old, battered, and outgrown responsibility charts that we no longer used!  They came with magnetic labels and 'stickers'.  So, we personalized them.  Gracie helped to paint her labels and glue on the pompoms.  These will be used for their daily 'checklists'.  Once each days schoolwork and chores are accomplished....then they can choose to do other things.  I figure it will give them a visual (and help me keep up too) of what needs done before TVs get turned on, games get played, etc...

 

This is their 'achievement' wall.  I'm not sure I like the location or look yet, so it may be changed up some.  But the concept is a MUST in our schoolroom.  I'm a firm believer that it's not only my responsibility to educate them, but to help them be involved, active, and committed to things other than school and home life!  And my kids have a lot to be proud of!  So I figured this was a great way to incorporate this into our school room and serve as a reminder of all they've accomplished and everything they have to look forward to!

 

 

I couldn't resist posting this last picture!  Cass came to me today and said, "Mama, JoJo needs me."  He then proceeded to lay down next to him and read his book to our sweet CottonEye Joe.  I'm excited to see just what little man will think of school here next year!  He already loves having everybody home together again-and so do I!  I hope he'll enjoy being little, playing, and learning at his own pace this year leading up to starting him with curriculum the next school year.  I'm a firm believer in structure and high expectations for my children's learning.  But for this year....he gets to stay little and play all he wants to! 

 

Coming Soon....

 

We will be moving a futon into the room, it will go under the window.

Binders!!!  I'm excited to put together both kids' and my own personalized lesson planners.

 

I will update as we continue our preparations!

I'd love to hear suggestions from anyone who has to share! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Summertime

 

Sweet Summer Time

 

 

 

Favorite Gracie Moment....  A walk on the beach with just my baby girl and me!  We walked, we talked, we danced, and we played!  It was OUR time, the rest of life stayed frozen while we made a forever memory!

 Favorite Aiden Memory.... We did it when no man said it was possible!  With an exam glove, garbage sack, saran wrap, and angry bird duct tape, we successfully kept his cast sand and water free!  Although, after such an ordeal, the beach calls our names once again for another visit...without a cast!  This picture captures his curiosity as he tries to capture a little sea creature that stealthfully dodged into the sand!

Favorite Cass Moment....  I would say this picture says it all.  There's something sweet, priceless, and irreplaceable about the baby of the bunch!  I love these little arms wrapped around my neck!  The ocean was a little too big for his liking, but playing in the sand was a whole different story!

 

How I love these kids and will cherish this trip with them forever!  Thanks to Daddy for shipping us off to sand and waves!

 

Two of our favorite people!  This picture is definitely a framer!  Love them and hope this Mama and kids getaway turns into an annual event!

 

 

With only one day left of June, it does seem summer is flying by!  We are enjoying every moment of just being together and being home again!  It never fails to amaze me at how God knows exactly what we need before anything in our life even comes our way!  I have so much to be thankful for today, everyday.

 

1.  God's grace, provision, and all knowing presence in our home!

2.  A husband I love that does anything to take care of us!

3.  Parenting grace....when I rock, and when I need 'redirected'!

4.  Coming home for good....my heart is here, with this man, these children, and in our home!

5.  Watching God's plan unfold in our homeschooling journey...coming this fall!!!!

 

And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart;  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.   And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. 

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 

 

6.  The awe at realizing I once again underestimated the heart of one of our children!

7.  Going back to LifeChoices, a ministry both to others, but so very much to me also!

8.  That every trial has had it's purpose, and seeing how the Lord protects us, teaches us, and separates us from the wordly through those times!

9.  Being part of a new, growing church, and seeing how God has prepared and provided for this long before it came to be!

10.  Daily realization of who I am in HIM!

 

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain:  that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 

John 15:16

Parenting Grace

 

So blessed to have this man in our lives, over our home, and always in or corner.  If you would have asked me years ago, I'd have easily told you it would get easier for him to be away from home.  And I believed that.  Silly girl.

 

We have done our duty when it comes to sippy cups, late night feedings, and potty training.  But now, the real 'parenting' begins.  Learning to ride a bike, late nights at the ball park, and early morning soccer games have become our days.  As special as it is to watch these kids grow, succeed, and master their gifts, that too is the easy part.

 

 

When I see a challenge or insecurity in their sweet eyes, I ache with understanding.  These small, innocent people are beginning to face the life lessons that I relate to even now.  Making friends, keeping good ones and protecting our hearts from those in disguise.  Learning it's okay to not be accepted by all in the world around us.  Striving to do our best, even when we don't want to. 

 

I pray they only learn from my good attributes and that the Lord help them not to pick up my weaknesses.  And I thank Him that I too am learning, learning from the same small hearts I try to teach daily. 

 

I'm learning that when I want to scream about one of these kids' behavior, that is my cue to draw them closer.  To hold them tighter and to love them harder.  Kind of the same as my savior does to me, such an unworthy me.  Grace.

The small things.  At times they just don't matter.  Other moments they bring the greatest teaching opportunities...for child and me.  Each moment an opportunity of grace, a way to let Christ shine.
Today I won't hurry, I will strive to be slow to anger and quick to love.  I will listen to that still, strong voice in place of the hurry of the world.

That same concept of drawing my children closer when I want to anger...it applies to others too.  Have I really slowed and prayed like I need to?  For my family and friends, of course.  For those I don't consider such...no.  When appalled by someones behavior, I need to stop and pull them closer too.  Not closer in touch, but closer in prayer.  I've been very good, very good at not doing this.  How sad because isn't that what we've needed in the past too?  Still probably need more often that we'd like to accept.  My answer is yes, and yes again. 

I love the Lord, I love my husband, and I love these kids.  Today, I will strive to love those I'd rather not.  To love them especially through prayer. 

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you, and persecute you

Matthew 5:44

 



Counting Gifts

I read a book.  It changed me.  So today I give thanks.  Thanks for it all, good and what may seem a challenge.  When we close our hand tight in control, it snuff's out God's freely given joy.  So today, I open mine wide to let His grace flow. 

 1.  Her Daddy to love.  The time away he sacrifices to take such good care of us.

2.  Blue, innocent, bright eyes that love and nurture us all with simple joy.

4.  Little boy boots and the places they tread



 

5.  Innocence and wonder, always!

 

6.  A new time for us. Being so full of now that we can't miss yesterday



7.  His growing independence

 

8.  Another of 365 days of loving each other

9.  The smile when he woke up to find his Valentine

10.  Eyes and a smile that light up our days, hearts, and lives

11. Fun times and new experiences, watching them grow

12.  Friends and family.  Those who love us always.  The ones that want to be here but distance won't allow.  Those who choose to be here, a part of our lives.  And those whom God has allowed the choice to not be in our lives-for He knows what we don't and always what is best!

 

13.  Healing.  In, of, and from the body of Christ.

14.  Our dogs

15.  Answered prayers

16.  The peace of knowing there's no such thing as unanswered prayers, only better ways

17.  The gift of counting

 

 

Count with me?  The good.  The bad.  The joy.  The sorrow.  The hard.  The exciting.  The beauty.  The everything.  For all is a gift, even when wrapped in what we see as hardship and tears.  This gift of counting, this book that has changed me, this author whose heart touches mine, these words that God has used to transform, this new way of seeing God.....can be found gracefully in the following pages....

 

The One Thousand Gifts Blog

Where I first discovered

 

 

 

A Gift

God moves.

He transformes.

He grows us.

He brings glory, even in pain.

As our lives change, He remains the same.

Before I can get back to this journey behind the keyboard, let me share what an amazing summer we had.  An unexpected trip and stay with my family was a greater gift than I can ever share.  Our hearts will be forever greatful and treasure these weeks beyond measure....

Grandpa and Cass

This can't be bought or replaced.

Grandpa's Girl

Oh how Aiden loves him

Smiles in their hearts

Three generations and a whole lot of fish!

Like Grandpa, like Uncle, like Aiden.... from the love of rocks to horny toads!

An ongoing Wyoming tradition....from the time a small Charlie and Vanessa smuggled a horny toad home from the blue forrest to the recent release of yet another generation of toads!

Great Grands!

They've only gotten more amazing with time!

Grandma and Grandpa you are such a big place in my heart!

They love their Grandma and Papa

Broter and Sisters

Sister love is passed down to a niece and up to an Aunt

Awww see....I told you so!

Four generations and the three that fill up my heart!

These two....I'm telling ya!

Friendship planted a seed 26 years ago!  Most people will never have the gift I have in my oldest and dearest friend!  And now....our children carry on the gift.....

So much more than friends!  Jayce, Dessa, Gracie, Aiden, Trenten, and Cass was too cool for school that day!

And who would have thought our baby boys could pass as brothers?

Best friends and best friends' daughters

And how appropriate...they are just as crazy as us :)  Except sweeter!

WHAT A PERFECT SUMMER! 

THANK YOU GOD!

Turkey Enchiladas & Family Tradition

 

 

 

A very special gift!  It came at Christmas this last year from my Mom!  My little sister got one too!  It's one of those priceless, irreplacable, heirloom gifts that I will guard like treasure to give to my own little girl one day!

 

You see, we grew up in the kitchen with Mom!  I was eating Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie dough before I was even walking if I'm guessing correctly!  I still have and treasure my first cookbooks recieved as a child!  I have many memories of Christmas Cookies and all kinds of other goodies...made with a chair pulled up to Mom's counter.

 

Added to these memories are the ones we now create in my home, with Mom's Grandbabies.  The same memories, only I've shifted roles and my children have filled the spots in those chairs scooted close to the kitchen counter!

 

These aren't only lessons in cooking, but lessons in love, in having a great Mom, and in learning to be one.  Recieving the gift or nurturing that I now pass to my own husband and children.  And perhaps the most priceless of all....the joy of family.  Loving my Mom.  Being loved by her.  My children loving me.  And loving them right on back!

 

So this gift meant so much and is one of my favorite things to ever have recieved.  I wish I could share each and every page with you, but I can at least share the one that preceeds the Turkey Enchilada Recipe!  Each section is filled with family photographs, dated generations back and finally complete with a family photo including my little Gracie with me and both of her Grandma's (and the men too).  Mom has carefully handwritten the captions under each photograph. 

 

 

Recipes included are those of my Mom and my Grandma, with blank pages for each generation to add to the collection.  As for me, I know I'll be adding my Pear Preserve recipe and some other carefully chosen dishes.  It takes alot to be inducted into this family recipe hall of fame you see :).  And the recipe below is just one of those!  So I hope you enjoy!

 

 

Turkey Enchiladas

 

This recipe filled one large baking dish-bigger than a 9x13 which we will eat on for several days and I'll share with my co-workers tomorrow.  The second is a disposable pan I happened to have on hand-and it's going right into the freezer, before being cooked.  Perfect for a quick family meal or to share with a friend who may be down or in need of a little help!

And here is the beautiful, scrumptious result!  :)  There's nothing quite like this dish, it's a real treat, and leftovers are even better!  Sure do wish this picture could do it justice!

2-10 oz. cans mild enchilada sauce
2-10 oz. cans hot enchilada sauce
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 small can diced green chili's (4oz.)
6 cups chopped left over turkey
24-medium size flour tortillas
1 lb.  Longhorn cheese (Colby, etc.), grated
1 lb.  Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1 small can sliced olives-optional

In a large mixing bowl mix all canned ingredients.  Mix half of canned mixture with turkey.  Heat tortillas 1 @ a time on a skilled.  Spread 2 large spoon fulls of turkey mixture on tortilla.  Cover with cheese and roll.  Place in 9x13 pan sprayed with PAM.  Repeat until all tortillas are used up or until all turkey mixture is gone.  If leftover turkey, spread over enchiladas.  Then pour remaining canned mixture over enchiladas and cover with remaining cheese.  Top with olives if desired.  Place in 300 degree oven until cheese has melted and it bubbles around the edged.  (I cover with foil to bake).  Approx 35 minutes

Jen's NOTE:  I had to bake these much longer and kick the heat up towards the end-may be an altitude thing, so just play with the temp and time, watching them closely.  I also remove the foil for the last few minutes to get that crispiness around those tortilla edges that are poking out! :)

Serve with sour cream, lettuce, salad, Spanish rice, refried beans, and/or chips!

This recipe is great right around the holidays with all of that leftover Turkey.  I made them just today and the kids all loved them and Gobbled them up....haha, yes that's a joke ;).  It works great in a meal planning scheme also.  I baked a Turkey yesterday for dinner.  Today we had these enchiladas, which we'll also have for lunch tomorrow at school.  The next day we'll have Turkey Sandwiches.  Pretty good menu if you ask me!