• Trick-or-Treat at Lincoln’s Home

    October 21, 2019

    How many people can say that they got to trick-or-treat at Abraham Lincoln’s home? I don’t even remember how I discovered this event, but I’m so glad that I did. One of the benefits of living in Central IL is that you are close to a lot of Abraham Lincoln history.

    When Addi saw Abraham Lincoln, she froze. He is her favorite president, and she didn’t even know what to do.

    He shook their hands and was so kind. When I told him that Addi was star struck, he removed his hat and said “you know I am just a regular fella”.

    Mary Todd Lincoln was also really kind. She also made a comment about Chloe’s astronaut costume. She said “it looks like they finally got enough of those space suits to include the women!” Friday was the historic space walk that included an all women crew. We got to watch a live stream of part of the space walk. You can watch it here if you are interested in that.

    Have you seen the movie Hocus Pocus? I’ve always loved how excited everyone is to go out trick-or-treating for Halloween in that movie. You could feel that same excitement in the air at this event. Seeing all of these historic homes decorated for Halloween was so much fun. The women in period costumes were so cute.

    They also did some sort of reenactment, but we missed seeing it. We didn’t eat before going, and knew they wouldn’t make it until 7:30 without dinner. Next year we are going to plan better.

    It was so much fun for everyone. If you live anywhere near Springfield, IL, I highly recommend going next year!

    Astronaut / Unicorn (similar) / Vampirina
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  • Embracing the Cold

    October 14, 2019

    Fall has arrived. It seems to have brought a bit of winter with the frost warnings, but it is here nonetheless.

    What is better on a cold night than a warm bowl of soup. When that soup is served in a fresh bread bowl– sign me up. It felt SO good to spend hours in the kitchen preparing a yummy meal for my family.

    A huge bonus? The stove helped warm the house up. I used this recipe for the bread bowls and the potato soup recipe is from this cookbook.

    I can embrace the cold because it brings cozy sweaters and comfort foods with it. Come January, I’ll be singing a very different tune.

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  • Our Daily Schedule

    October 9, 2019

    I love blog posts that give a real glimpse into people’s daily lives. A post on what you carry in your purse? I can’t wait to read it. You’re going to show me inside of your fridge? Awesome! I don’t just rifle through others’ things when I’m visiting– just so you are aware. But, if someone shares the info I will definitely eat it up.

    I figured I’d share a glimpse into our homeschool days. We do Abeka Academy, which gives me more freedom.

    I don’t wake the girls up at a certain time, but usually everyone is up by 6:30-7. We start the morning off slowly. I brew coffee right away. The kids will eat breakfast– usually cereal or frozen waffles (I found these and they sound so yummy).

    We start school at 8:30. The girls can be pretty independent with their school work since they watch the academy videos. I am always nearby to help. Every two subjects, they get a ten minute break. This has honestly helped them stay more focused through the day.

    Lunch is at noon. I have a good system that makes lunch prep easy, which I will have to share sometime. I set a one hour timer and they get that hour to eat and then play.

    At 1, we get back to school. They usually finish up their classes by 3.

    I have them do their homework, if they have any, right away so it doesn’t get forgotten. If not, they are off and playing.

    Scott gets home at 3:30 from work, and I leave at 3:45. This schedule really stinks for us since we are basically strangers during the week. But, you do what you have to do.

    In the evenings, the kids have a lot of programs. They are in gymnastics right now, so one evening a week is spent at class. Another evening is usually a library program. Wednesdays, they go to church. Scott is running them from place to place like Superdad.

    We have usually tried to do dinner around 5, but with the busier schedules it just happens whenever it happens. I plan a two week menu for dinners. I have done menu plans since Scott and I got married. I truly don’t know how I’d function without it.

    Scott gets the girls ready for bed at 8. I get home shortly after. I give them all hugs and kisses. I read a chapter in a chapter book to the big girls every night. Right now, we are reading Amelia Bedelia. Side note– it is really hard to say her name when you are out of your mind tired.

    Obviously, when we have appointments, the schedule shifts. We start school later and finish later. If we have a longer appointment (we’ve had some big dental procedures recently) then we just do a half day. I thrive on a schedule, so I really dislike when something causes it to change.

    I have to know– do you love posts like these?

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  • Farmhouse Living Room

    October 8, 2019
    | rug || green wreath (mine is last season)|| white wreath (similar)|| IKEA shelf (similar) |

    One room at a time. That is what I have been telling myself. Our living room is mostly done. It’s not perfect, but it is ours. We have sort of a hodge podge of furniture. The couch and chaise were given to us. One day, we will pick out matching furniture.

    || similar pillow || check throw || grey throw ||

    This corner is the perfect place to curl up with a book. The door is so beautiful. The wreath is from CB2. It was a clearance leftover from last winter, and has unfortunately sold out.

    || pillow covers || US wall art || diffuser ||
    || pillow cover || chair (similar- same brand) || table ||

    The glider is something that we saved and planned for while I was pregnant with Harper. I wanted a comfy chair that would last us a long time. It’s my favorite piece of furniture that we own. The table next to the chair is a really awesome coffee table that my aunt gave me. When we put it on the rug, the rug wrinkles so deeply that we trip. We haven’t figured out a good solution, so this is the current arrangement.

    I have tried really hard to simplify everything. I want someone to walk in and feel welcome to cozy up on the couch. I am certainly not a minimalist– that style feels too cold to me. But, I don’t want so much stuff everywhere that your eye doesn’t have a place to rest.

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  • Simple Surprises

    October 7, 2019

    Scott and I have been planning to surprise the girls for quite a while. I found these pajamas on sale and snagged them quickly. We decided that we would give them to the girls and let them stay up late while we watched a movie and ate popcorn.

    When I got home from work on Wednesday, I started getting everything ready while they were on their way home from church. I put their new PJs on the steps. When they got home, we told them to go put jammies on and get ready for bed. They squealed and were so excited when they saw them. They rushed up and put them on. I popped popcorn and had it ready to go.

    We all snuggled on the couch together and watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! Our schedule is difficult. I homeschool the kids all day. When Scott gets home, I rush out the door for work. When I get home, they are just going to bed. The kids have been in tears recently about how we don’t get very much family time anymore. It kills me. This was a fun way to sneak in some special time together.

    I’m planning to do something similar for Christmas. I already have the jammies bought. The holiday jammies sell out so fast, so I always plan ahead!

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  • Acid or Grace?

    September 30, 2019
    image source

    Does this one hurt you as much as it does me?

    I am filled TO. THE. BRIM. I’m overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Overtired. I have three kids who bump into me all day long. What is pouring out?

    I remember Lysa Terkeurst talking about what happens when people bump into your happy. Like, you are walking along and everything is really great. Then, something happens that messes it up. It could be big or small. What is going to come out of you?

    I know people who spew acid on EVERYONE around them when something happens. It doesn’t matter how big or small. And, don’t you dare try to share your heart with them because things will always be worse in their life than yours. You can smell how toxic they are– even if they aren’t currently angry and unhappy. These people are exhausting, and quite honestly I try to avoid them. A toxic attitude is so contagious.

    I want to be full of grace. When it comes to my family, I want grace to spill over. I want them to know that it’s ok to make mistakes. I want them to know that I will always love them and they can come to me with anything. But, if I have acid pouring over, they are going to be afraid of mistakes. They won’t come to me when someone has hurt them. They will hide things from me.

    “…for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34

    What is your heart full of?

    This is convicting. My temper is something that I have worked really hard on controlling. I have been much better about pouring grace over my children and my husband– because I remind myself often of the grace that God has shown to me. I am so undeserving of His grace and kindness. Yet, He continually shows it to me. Over and over again he loves me in spite of me. The best way we can share Christ with others is to fill ourselves with His love and His word.

    So, ask yourself this question. “What do people feel: acid or grace?”

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  • Our Favorite Halloween Books

    September 27, 2019

    I Want to Be in a Scary Story Little Monster thinks he can handle being in a scary story, but can he?

    Moonlight the Halloween Cat Moonlight loves Halloween. See all of the sights through Moonlight’s eyes.

    The Spooky Wheels on the Bus The classic nursery rhyme with a fun twist

    Trick or Treat?

    How to Make Friends With a Ghost This is a cute story of friendship. How can someone become friends with a ghost?

    The Scariest Book Ever We are going to have to buy this one. The pictures are so colorful and the story is so cute. Spoiler: it’s not scary at all!

    Baby Einstein: Halloween A touch and feel halloween book!

    Spooky Pookie Sandra Boynton’s beloved Pookie is trying to choose a Halloween costume. Eek! Halloween is another favorite of hers.

    Frankenstein A Baby Lit primer about Frankenstein. This teaches basic anatomy.

    Arthur’s Halloween One of my childhood character celebrates Halloween.

    Halloween Hustle A fun diddy about skeletons dancing and doing the “Halloween Hustle”. Can skeletons dance without falling apart?

    Big Pumpkin The witch really wants to make pumpkin pie, but her pumpkin is SO BIG. Everyone tries to help her, but it’s just too big. Will the bat be able to help?

    Shivery Shades of Halloween See all of the colors of Halloween in this book!

    Creepy Carrots Jasper Rabbit loves to eat carrots. He eats them all the time. But, he starts seeing creepy carrots everywhere! Are they real? What can he do?

    Room on the Broom Our copy has fallen apart it is so loved! The witch always makes room for more friends on her broom. But, can the broom hold them all?

    You can score books buy 2, get 1 free at Target currently!!!

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  • Our Favorite October Books

    September 26, 2019

    I know, I know. It’s not October yet! But, if you wait until October 1st to start requesting these books from the library, it will be too late. These are fun books for those that don’t celebrate Halloween, or who just want something that isn’t spooky for their kiddos.

    Hocus Pocus, It’s Fall The pictures are so pretty. This one is all about the beautiful changes that come in the Fall.

    Stumpkin This story is all about a pumpkin without a stem. He is afraid that he won’t be made into a jack o’lantern like his friends were. This one does mention Halloween if you are one who does not celebrate.

    Plume Plume is a mischievous black cat that loves to collect feathers. It is fun to see the beautiful illustrations of different birds.

    The Cat at Night Follow the black cat through the sites and sounds at night. The illustrations are so vibrant and well done.

    Popcorn This is an oldie but a goodie! Sam the bear is hosting a Halloween costume party. He makes popcorn with his friends, and the fun that unfolds is a delight!

    Mouse’s First Fall This is another sweet story about all the fun that Fall brings.

    Where the Wild Things Are Let the wild rumpus start! This is another classic! Dive into Max’s fun world!

    Little Owl’s Night See what Owl sees as he wakes up and explores the night!

    Edit: I will add to this list!

    Skulls Learn about what a skull does to protect our body! The pictures are so fun!

    Tomorrow, I will share our favorite “spooky” Halloween books! This is just my favorite time of year!! October/November/December are the best months of all!

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  • Back to (Home)School

    September 24, 2019

    After a hectic and crazy time, we have finally started the new school year. We have 4th grade, 2nd grade, and K4 in our home. For those of you who are new around here, we are a homeschooling family. We use Abeka Academy and LOVE it. We landed on Abeka’s curriculum after trying out three others over the years. It is hard to believe that I am in my fifth year of homeschooling!

    This is Harper’s first year of structured learning, and she is loving it so far. It is so fun to watch her blossom. Her desk is set up in the office with me so I can help her when she needs it. It also helps keep her on task.

    I caught Chloe off guard.

    Chloe and Addi have a table in the homeschool room where they work. (That mattress has moved..) They go on a ten minute break after two subjects, which helps them get wiggles out so they focus better.

    Our schedule varies from day to day. Typically, we get started at 8 AM after eating breakfast. We have an hour break at noon for lunch and play. Then, it’s back to work. Right now, they are finishing up anywhere between 2 and 3.

    I tend to get a lot of questions about homeschooling. I love talking about it, so please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions!

    Planner

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  • Cut Loose

    September 23, 2019

    Yesterday was one of those perfect days. We went to church, ate as a family, then played all afternoon before going back up to church.

    I hopped on a scooter and rode around with Addi on the sidewalk areas we have. We laughed and had a blast.

    Then, I finally got out the bike that Scott got me for our anniversary. (I’ve wanted one of these beach cruisers for so long and am really excited about it!) Chloe was so thrilled to ride her bike with me. We took a ride down the road a bit before it started raining.

    I forgot how much fun life can still be as an adult. I get so caught up in the daily to-dos. I’m always rushing from one thing to the next. There’s never any time to cut loose and have fun. But, those moments with my girls were really special to them. It’s funny how much it means to them to get just a little bit of time.

    I challenge you this week to cut loose and have some fun. Do something with your children that they love to do. Laugh and play like you did as a child.

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