The Castle

Disney knows magic!  From the minute I knew my conference was in Orlando, spending time in Disney was just a given. The big kid in me absolutely loves Disney. My family comes throughout the year, whenever and as often as possible. Each trip I say, "this is my favorite time to come."  And, "I think the world at Epcot may be my new favorite."

Truth is, the castle is my favorite part of Disney.  Especially during Christmas when it twinkles and sparkles with life. It is the true symbol of magic, romance, and dreams.

As we begin 2010, I am glad my family is able to start it off with a trip to Disney. I am definitely glad we got to start it with the castle in all of its magical beauty!

I wish you a magical 2010!

Teacher's Pet

I was never the teacher's pet in school. I always talked too much. I never sat still. I asked why we had to learn to write in cursive when we just needed to learn to write our names that way. I even asked would we REALLY need to know Pi as adults. Nope, I was never the teacher's pet in school. I think they liked me, or maybe that was wishful thinking.

I have a similar student here in my class. He loves to talk and wiggling is definitely a sport in his mind. Just before Thanksgiving he asked me why he had to learn to write in cursive when he really just needed to know how to write his name that way. We've not made it to lessons on Pi, but I can already tell you what his question will be for me.

You know what? He is definitely this teacher's pet. His strong personality and eagerness to really understand just WHY is exactly one of the main reasons we homeschool. Just remember to pray for the teacher. We've added it to our morning prayer list.

Puddle Jumping - on Steroids!

Today's adventure involved rain (lots of it), puddles (lots of them), and jumping (all over the place)!

This morning when I woke up and heard the rain, I immediately thought of our plans for the day: trip to the grocery store and more shopping and then our annual trip to see Christmas lights. Oh how depressing. Why does it have to rain today?

When Little Buddy woke up and heard the rain, he was tickled to death. "What a great day! Can we go out before breakfast?" "Hurry, Mama, grab our rain boots and lets go out and do some puddle jumping." Of course, my reply was we had to eat breakfast first. GAH - surely all mothers agree. Right?

Immediately after breakfast, before the table was properly cleared mind you, Little Buddy had his rain boots on and his jacket in his arms. "Come on, Mama. We have a lot to do today." "Just look at all of those great puddles."

So, being the terrific mother that I am, I doned my rain boots and jacket and headed out the door with him. I have to admit, he was right. What a great day!

I thought I would share pictures of his favorite "puddles."

"Just About" to Get It

I am embarrassed at how long it has been since I have posted on our blog! Where has the time gone?

While it appears as if we dropped of the face of the earth, we were simply living our very busy homeschooling life. I'm sure most of you understand that life very well. Of course, I am mid-way through our first year and still feeling like we are "just about" to get the hang of it.

So, to you homeschooling pros out there, when does the feeling of, "By George, I think we've got it!" kick in? I would love to know!

Halloween Fun Stuff

We have gotten in the cutest stuff for Halloween at Snootie Patootie! And of course, I just have to have one of everything. Little Buddy loves the Trick or Treat bags. They come in various patterns: Haunted House, Jack O Lantern, and Scary Cat! How cute!!!

And for me, I love the aprons. From the skull rhinestone, little black dress, and little black dress ruffle, these aprons are just so adorable. I couldn't believe how cute they were when they came in.

By the way, Little Buddy has decided to be Commander Cody from Star Wars this year. Should be cute as a button!

Book Reports and Bubble Gum

This past week, Little Buddy had the assignment of reading a book and completing a book report. At first, you would have thought I said, "stick hot pokers in your eyes as you write your book report." Oh my goodness - such fussin. When I told him he would be presenting his written book report orally to his Daddy and me, he surprised me by being totally thrilled! Go figure.

His routine assigment each week now includes reading a chapter book and providing a book report the following Monday. His favorite part? The presentation of his book report. That's a good thing!

Last week we also enjoyed making bubble gum as our science project. We have chewed so much bubble gum my jaws are throbbing! Remember that feeling of chewing a big ole hunk of bubble gum for way too long? Well, that's how my jaws were feeling. And I am way past knowing better. Oh well, Little Buddy loved it and so did I. How exciting it was to watch him create his very own recipes of bubble gum.

Funny Things Children Say

"Mama, your hair looks just like wood."

"Really. Is that good?" I asked.

"Sure, if you like wood."

Hmmm.... Thanks, I think.


This is just the latest in the hilarious things that Little Buddy has said. Usually, the funniest are his observations of life, something I'm wearing, or about me. Or at least I think the funniest are about me. In reality, he probably provides equal opportunity commentary.

I learned early on to not be super sensitive. I think Moms of boys understand. If I were sensitive, I would spend a great deal of time in the bathroom repairing my makeup.

And thankfully, I do love wood. So, thanks Little Buddy.

What are some of the funny things your children say? Please share!