Halloween 2009

Halloween came and went so quickly. With Ella in school and me volunteering as much as possible it felt a little more rushed than usual. She got to do a Halloween parade and have a party at school. She really enjoyed seeing all of her friends and their cool costumes. The other cool thing was we got to get together with a couple of her other friends and all trick-o-treat together. There were 6 kids with us and all of the parents. (Let's not forget one dog.) What a great time. The kids were running and yelling going from house to house. It was quite cold this year but that really didn't deter them much. We just brought big blankets for the girls to wrap up in between houses. Maddie didn't get to run as much as the big kids but she still got tons of candy. She didn't want to say trick-or-treat to anyone but she did say thank you every time. She wasn't really thrilled with the whole costume thing either. Every time I got it out for her she cried. So, not a lot of good pics with her. Just mad faces. :) After all the fun we went back to one of the kid's houses and dumped all the candy out. Everyone had some candy and then played for a bit. Looking forward to next year now.

Another Party!

Last weekend we had Ella and Briana's joined birthday party. We rented them a bounce house. It was the most fun I think they have ever had. Maddie wouldn't leave her socks on, Ella couldn't stop bouncing and B was throwing herself everywhere! My father in law even got in. The last couple of years we took them out to do things. The first one was Club Libby Lu which is now gone thanks to the economy. The next two years they did Build A Bear. It was really nice to be home and have everyone here. Of course Michigan and Michigan state had football games that day so half of the family was inside watching sports. Those of us that were outside played some bean bag games and a game that our friends brought that is called the washer game. Both are the same concept but a lot of fun. Toward the end of the day we started a big bon fire.

The kids were completely worn out and slept like rocks. It was an amazing time.

Happy 5 Birthday Big Girl!

Our sweet little Ella turned FIVE. I can't believe it. Five seems like such a big girl. She was spoiled to pieces over the last few days. On Thursday, we went to Mt. Morris for a dentist appointment. She was able to open a couple of gifts from my parents and Grandparents and having a nice big cake. She chose a cake with an elephant on it. On Friday, her actual birthday I went to school with her. She got to take in cupcakes to share with her class. It was also Homecoming so she was very excited to see a "parade" in the hallway of the football team and cheerleaders. After that she got to go on a mini shopping spree and pick out another gift from us. That night we took the girls to see the real homecoming parade but it was so rainy that we sat in the car and watched from there. After we got home we made the dinner she requested which was mini-pizza's. Since it was still raining so much we decided to skip the football game and rented Monsters VS. Aliens. She opened more presents from us and we ate more cake. On Saturday we will be having a party for both Ella and Briana. Big miss is about to turn 12. Amazing isn't it?

Homeschool

I have been searching the Internet non-stop for homeschool curriculum. I think it has become an obsession. There is so much out there and it's mostly fun to sift through and decide what we might like. Ella is adamant that she doesn't want to be homeschooled but in truth, she doesn't even know what it is. When I tell her about some friends we know that are hs'd she's shocked. She thinks that she won't be able to see her school friends anymore if she stays home. I joined that hs group and in a couple of weeks they are having a hs day at Peacock Tree Farm. I can't wait to go. I think it will be great opportunity for her to see some of the things we can do and for her to meet more kids. I know I will welcome meeting new people and getting some support in this journey. We are still waiting to see what this year brings at school before we decide for next year. It's good to keep our options open and gather as much information as we can right?

On a side note, this is my 100th post. Not too exciting for anyone but me but I had to say it. :)

Apple picking

We had a great time with some good friends on Friday at the apple orchard. The kids had a blast running up and down the rows of trees and picking apples. It didn't take long before our bags were full. The kids wanted to continue to pick but we already had more than we needed. Today the girls and I decided to make some applesauce. I peeled the apples and cut them off the core and Ella chopped ALL of them up by herself. She was so proud and did such a fantastic job. Maddison added the water and sugar. I normally don't even like applesauce but this was GOOD. Something about making it yourself and about it being warm. We had it with dinner and the entire batch is gone. We are going to make more again tomorrow. I still have plenty of apples left to make a apple crisp or something of the sort. I love this time of year.

Week number 3

And so begins week number three (ALREADY?!) of Ella's Kindergarten career. She is a champ. Loving it, loving her friends and yes, loving coming home at noon. We spend part of the afternoon playing and having lunch then we do a bit of school work at home. We are working on some math today but a lot of what we are doing are the Dolch sight words. We started last week and she has 10 of them down like nothing. I am going very slow and adding 5 words a week. I want it to be fun and not a chore. We are taking trips to the library again next week and at the end of this week are are planning on doing some "scientific study" in the backyard.

I joined a local homeschooling group and they have been very gracious, inviting us to events already. It is going to be a great glimpse into what is out there for us. We are trusting God to lead us in the direction he wants us to go as to next year for her schooling.

Last but not least, today is the 2 year anniversary since Maddie's surgery. I am amazed by all of my children everyday but today is one that I really celebrate her. I can never thank God enough for all he has done for her and in turn me. My faith has grown by leaps and bounds and I know with His guidance it will grow even more.

Two days down

Ella has been in Kindergarten for two days and is doing well. She is SO tired after school so how on earth could she be expected to do a full day? She took a nice nap today with Grammy and was still a bear shortly after. I know it is all new right now and hopefully soon we will fall into a good pattern.

Maddison seems to be enjoying her time alone with Mommy. She comes home and goes straight to the toys. She asks me once in a while, "Where Ella go?" But does seem to mind when I tell her she is at school.

The weather is unseasonably warm. We had to turn the AC back on today because of the humidity. Funny that after school starts and we take down the pool that it gets hot again. That's Michigan for ya.