Field Day

We had a field day with our friends and other home school families. The kids had so much fun! We had races, finger painting, bubbles, play dough, tug of war, relay races, water guns, hula hoops, jump ropes, face painting, and tons of other games. We had so much fun, that I'm already planning next year's field day. First on my check list, plan on a day that's not a million degrees hot outside :)

Michael's Bama Reception

My brother had another reception here in Alabama to celebrate with all of his friends that couldn't make the trek out west for the big day. I loved celebrating (again) with him. I love seeing him happy and in love. I love the way he looks at his bride, and the way his face softens when their eyes meet. I absolutely, completely love Rachel's family; they are kind and loving and compassionate and even a little silly....everything I could ever want for my brother. My brother isn't just a brother, he is my closest friend, my confidant, my sanity, and my cheerleader. He has strengthened me when I felt heartbroken; he has laughed with me in the face of irony and defeat. He has humbled me and encouraged me. We think the same way and feel the same way, and I've always found comfort in knowing that he is always a part of me. I have spent so many years holding a constant prayer in my heart that my brother would find someone to love him the way he deserved to be loved... I wanted so badly for him to know the love and joy that I have found in having my own family. Rachel gives him everything that I prayed for, and the happiness I feel for him is overwhelming. Congrats (again) to my friend and his beautiful bride. I hope you can always find love, peace, and adventure in your commitment to one another.

Prints

I've taken quite a few pictures lately for some special family events. I've posted them onto our share site on shutterfly. Anyone can print them off and in any size that you want with AMAZING quailty. I just love shutterfly. Here's our link: http://glounerphotos.shutterfly.com/

World travel fever

I've got it. I've tried ignoring it.... telling myself it will go away, but I've been changed. I miss seeing the world. I miss sitting on the edge of my comfort zone and trying new things. I miss spending every second of the day with my family. I miss looking across the dinner table every night and staring at the loving faces of our grandparents. I miss the shows and dancing in the middle of our meal. I miss the adventure and the diversity. I've got it bad.... the world travel fever. Will it ever go away?

Homeschool Huntsville Field Day

I am hosting a field day for homeschoolers! It will be May 29th 2012 from 11am to 1pm at Sharon Johnson Park. All you have to do is bring a picnic lunch and join us for races, games, and all kinds of other fun activities. (Click on the here to go to the online RSVP for this event.)

I have also started a facebook community for our local homeschooling friends. I hope to help us connect, share experiences, and discuss the challenges and joys of homeschooling. I also hope to plan a few fun activities though out the year to give our kiddos the opportunity to get together. We've struggled to adjust socially as we transitioned from public to homeschooling. We have a hard time finding families that homeschool and  that we click with. I'm sure we aren't the only ones feeling isolated in our educational journey, so maybe this group can help introduce families and create friendships. (click here and like our Homeschool Huntsville group to receive event notifications in your facebook newsfeed)

Spotlight

Little Miss M was spotlight at church today. A few weeks ago they sent home a 'getting to know you' paper, so I asked Maddi the questions, wrote in her responses, and sent it back. At church they have all of the kids stand up and as the questions are read, they sit down if the answer doesn't describe them. Eventually only the spotlight kid is standing. I think its a really cute way for the kids to get to know eachother and recognize similarities that they have. Here are her answers:
All about Madison at age 3. I have 4 people in my family. My favorite food is Rosies Mexican food. My favorite thing about primary is being a sunbeam. I chose the right by praying. One of my favorite things to do is watch Beauty and the Beast. My favorite scripture story is Noah and the animals on the boat. The most important thing I've learned in life so far is to wear a helmet with my princess bike.

A Mermaid Obsession

Maddi has become obsessed with all things Mermaid. She sings the songs ALL DAY LONG. She tells me the story over and over and over. She dresses up like mermaid, plays with mermaid dolls, reads mermaid books, and watches the little mermaid without tire. She loves little mermaid with a tail, she loves little mermaid in her princess dress, she thinks flounder is her best friend too, and she despises Ursula. This morning, just before she woke up, I heard her whispering the mermaid songs in her sleep. It's a good thing that I absolutely, positively, whole-heartedly love every second of the little mermaid. I still have every note and every word of every single song memorized, and I chime in every time she belts out the Ariel ballads. I guess we're quite the pair. :)

Car Show

We went to a Mustang & Ford car show. The boys were drooling over each of the cars, the fancy paint, the sounds of the engines, the smell of the exhaust. I just don't get it, but I do love spending time with my boys :)

We Rode a Train

On Saturday, we went to the North Alabama Railroad Museum for their annual mother's day train ride. It was our first time riding on a REAL train, so we were super excited. The experience was different than we all expected; the ride was smooth and not nearly as loud as we anticipated. We sat in the dining car together and ventured up and down the old tracks through horse farms, fields, and neighborhoods. I love giving my children new and exciting experiences. I love watching them learn and soak in all that life has to offer them, and I truly love that I'm able to explore this fascinating world with them.