When the kids go to bed... I ramble

We've had a crazy couple of weeks settling in, but I really think we're about there. We're trying to get back into our old routines. We've met with one of the local homeschool groups a couple of times and we are meeting new people. Being the introvert that I am, it's a challenge, but it gets easier and easier.

Today we joined one of the families we met and headed to the Mayborn Museum in Waco. It was a little ways away, but it was really worth it. It is housed in an amazing building with a rotunda and columns. But don't let the classic beauty of this building sway you, this is a fully interactive museum geared toward kids. We had a lot of fun exploring the local animals and plants, local Native American groups, and mammoth bones. Furthermore, this was really the push I needed to break out of my hobbit mode and get out and get to know our new surroundings. Sometimes that's what I need, a little exploring.

On another note, we're trying something new. We've been experiencing A LOT of excessively active behavior from C. I mean, he's an active child as it is. I love that about him!!! He takes on his environment with full gusto. However, lately it's as though he doesn't hear us at all, or he does and disregards our words. It had become REALLY frustrating. I had thought that it might be because of the move, so we talked about some of that and tried harder to find some consistency in the house. Yet, it continued. We tried finding activities to exert some of this energy. But it continued. Then, I thought I'd try something I'd been chewing on for awhile. Going dairy free. I have suspected there being a dairy sensitivity for some time, but because dairy is in about 65% of what we eat, I was reluctant to try it. A few days ago I took the plunge. The effect has been nothing short of remarkable. Wow! The impulsive behavior has gone down so markedly. The fighting between he & his sister has decreased. He is a lot more inclined to listen to direction. The temper tantrums have nearly disappeared. Now, it could just be the ebb and flow of things, that's always how my little guy has been, sometimes up sometimes down. However, it's enough for me to sit up and take notice.

I finally bought two new games to go with our Exploring Countries and Cultures curriculum. I got 10 Days in Africa and 10 Days in Asia (we're studying Asia now). I think it will really help us (myself included) with the geography of places we're learning about. This is ideal for the way that C learns, too. So, I'm really excited about it.

Whew! This was a long one, but it's been awhile since I posted about our goings on. I hope you don't mind. Thanks for listening. Or, reading. Or... oh, well, you know! Good night.

The Pink Elephant Challenge #10

This week we were the lucky recipients of digital stamps from The Greeting Farm. These are REALLY cute stamps! I really liked playing with them. I was able to copy the image onto patterned paper & cut out different pieces. Then, I just put them back together. I also used colored pencil.

So, the lucky winner of challenge ten gets a set of stamps from The Greeting Farm which you can check out (along with our DT's beautiful creations) at The Pink Elephant! What to do to get such an adorable set of stamps? Just follow a recipe! Start with a little pink, add some green, then some yellow! Then go show us at TPE.

Here is one of my takes:

Coloring Eggs

Today we colored our Easter Eggs. Thought I would share some pictures.

Happy Easter Day!!!

Indeed, He is not dead! He is alive! He walks with us everyday, and holds us up when we think we can no longer go on. Above all, He loves us regardless! To you and yours, may you have an immeasurably blessed Easter!

We've had quite a weekend thus far. Yesterday we dove into some boxes in the garage. Mostly toys that we had not unpacked. A lot of games appeared, as well as things we use for our home school room. It's amazing what we forget we have after these things have been boxed up for four months. We've dropped off four boxes at Goodwill. There are two more waiting in the garage. Although our home is now bigger, I hold more tightly to the need for order and organization. I find it keeps us all a little more sane.

Today we got up to a rather chilly day. While just a couple days ago it was balmy, today it was downright cold. Perfect matinee day! We took the children to see Monsters vs. Aliens. My favorite was Bob. So cute. We caught the 3D version. Belle has only been to the theater twice, both times involved 3D. I wonder if she thinks all movies in theaters are like that. Afterwards, we went to Target to catch a great deal on a scooter for Cristian's birthday next month. It will be here before we know it.

Tonight, the children (and Daddy) are in bed listening to "Tales of Despereaux" on audio book. The cat is chasing something around the house. For a cat over ten, she's still quite fiesty. As soon as I'm done here, I'll pack together Easter baskets. C found still more Easter goodies, and I struggled for more cover ups for Easter Bunny. Just now he came in asking me to leave a note for Mr. Bunny about the Ranch Dressing being in the fridge if he wants some with the carrots we leave out for him. Sweet. Sweet.

Paper Blooms Challenge 2

Yay!!! Today I got my blooms from Leah at PaperBlooms! That meant I could play along with the PaperBloom Challenge with the DT!!! Again, the challenge this week to do an Easter/Spring themed box. Along with Leah's blooms I made mine from a Yogi Tea box, DCWV & Melissa Frances papers, and vintage graphic. Note: if you would like to use a punch to do the edge at the top, you need to disassemble the box. It's super easy to put back together, though. And, although I'm really excited to use Leah's blooms, you don't have to use them to join us in the challenge. We'd just love to see your work!

Operation Bunny Rabbit

I just had to do covert operations to WM for Easter goodies. It has just snuck up on me! On top of that, my oldest discovered some of the treats in the back of the car (note to self: not a good place to stash covert operation materials)! My cover was in danger of being blown, so I had to go exchange the materials for new ones. Innocence is so fleeting, I'd like to keep it around as long as possible. Anyone else completely not prepared for being the bunny this year?

In tune with the great celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and the new season that is upon us, PaperBlooms has another challenge! Create an Easter/Spring themed box!!! Go check out the beautiful creations of the PaperBlooms DT at PaperBlooms and Leah's beautiful PaperBlooms at her Etsy.

Oh bother!

I have just inadvertantly erased a great deal of my posts while playing around with the settings! So, if there's stuff on here you used to see, but don't see anymore, that's probably why :( I'm not sure if there's a way to get it all back.

Exciting things to come!!!

Can't let you in on them just yet, but if you hop on over to Lori's blog you can get a couple hints. :)

I swear, he has toys...

...but this is what he'd rather play with. :)

2s4y: kazan's sketch 19

The new DTs at 2s4y are awesome! You should go take a look! So, Kazan's sketch this week.



Here's my take. Thanks for looking.



I used:

Anna Griffin paper for body.
Lace trim done w. Fiskar's punch on Amy Butler paper.
Tim Holtz ticket.
Making Memories chipboard.
Studio G. stamp.
Martha Stewart inks.
Craft supply on the rest. :)