Homeschool Week

In my life this week…

I'm working on letting go of the pump. It hasn't been too terribly hard. I am just not getting much so it has been easier to let go. As I type this, this is most likely my last pump. I'm not sad.... I mean, maybe a little. But it's time. I think the hardest part will be just giving Ella the formula still and not breast milk, and also just not having the feeling of having milk. 

In our homeschool this week…

We ended up doing homeschool one day outside. It was so warm, and cozy. I sat in the sun while the girls sat in the shade. It started to get too warm, actually, so we went inside to finish reading and math. I also have been doing school in the afternoon at times, too, so that it's just Kate and I. Maddy doesn't always get a nap....in fact she hardly ever does, but a couple times a week I put her down so that she can get the rest she needs.  We are working on finishing school on-time... we are currently 3 days behind. But that is also because I started two weeks after school should have officially started! So, we're doing great!

 Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

 Bible studies, gymnastics in Grand Forks,walks, to the park (finally!) and we met their newest cousin, Levi.

My favorite thing this week was...

Being able to go for walks in actual NICE weather! It started to get chilly though the last couple days, but walking in warmth just really put joy in my heart. This week I started with just one pump a day, and that has been so nice to wake up and not have to pump. So, yeah, I guess I can't really limit my favorite to one... but another thing that was fun was having coffee at my mother in laws today, too.

Things I'm working on......

Self discipline in eating,  being more gentle in my tone of voice and words, meditating on the fruits of the spirit.  I'm also trying to do away with clutter. So basically the same as last week. But I am making progress! 

Things I'm cooking...

Trying different recipes involving my panini grill, baked potato soup, spaghetti tonight, hamburger rice hotdish, different yummy smoothies, and foccacia bread I made tonight to bring to church on Sunday. They are mini Italian sandwhiches, -- i'll have to show a photo. They are so very good.  

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…

 

flowers picked just for me

best green smoothie.  ever.

Ella's Sunshine Birthday

It took me a little while to think of what Ella's birthday party could be. At first I was going to try to make a pretty cake and that would be it. But then I got to thinking about the times I nursed her and I'd always sing to her the same song: "You are my Sunshine".  I can only count a handful of times she nursed really well. And when she did... I'd sing. It was a really emotional time for me so the song is extremely special. A lot of times I would cry when I sang it. It only seemed fit to have a sunshine birthday.... who knew I'd make it through a year! Forgive me, too; the photos are a bit out of order and I don't have a lot of time to change them around.

Banana Cupcakes with Lemon Cream frosting

Homeschool Journal Week

In my life this week…

 Isn't every week busy? Monday was gymnastics, Tuesday was two bible studies and I successfully made it to both (one in the morning with childcare and one at night). They were both powerful and spoke to me.  Wednesday I decided that I was going to do homeschooling in the afternoon and do some stuff in the morning, like shower! I also cleaned out our closet and put away ALL WINTER CLOTHING. I filled two tubs of snow pants, boots, coats, hats, gloves, etc. I can't believe how much that cleaned up the closets. It needed to be done.  Thursday I worked on a couple of bible studies, clothes, and played candy land a couple of times with the kids. Homeschooling of course in the morning. Meals always seem to take at least 2 hours a day to prep and make.

In our homeschool this week…

We actually got through a lot.  My prayer has been that I would be guided on what to teach Kate, to not bother with things that are unnecessary, etc.  I have felt "fatigued" in this calling now that it is May and in a few short weeks I will be done. I am starting to work ahead a bit so that we can get done on time. I do, though, think once or twice a week we will work on math and reading.....because it's fun and I think it will help her stay focused. It's amazing what she forgets in a short week. For example, if we are working on subtraction one week, and then we'll refresh and do some addition the next, she will forget how to add! I think also the funnest part of homeschooling is the devotion time. They are both asking a lot of questions and starting to apply to their daily adventures, too.  Not going to lie, it has been REALLY hard with Ella the last couple of weeks.

 Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…

 Bible studies, gymnastics in Grand Forks, the store in town a couple times a week it seems (reload on bananas and apples!) We haven't been able to go outside at all this week....Kate has on Monday but the rest of us haven't taken a walk or done anything. It is so cold. I think it's supposed to warm up this weekend hopefully but it has been such a tease to have had those nice, warm days. Our church friends (there's about 5 couples) try to get together once a month to do something fun. Last month it was bowling, and this month we are going to a movie in Grand Forks.  I am really excited to get away.

My Favorite Thing this week was....

Going to the bible studies probably. Pretty much every morning I have a long devotion time (because I wake up early for it) and I get to eat my oatmeal nice and slowly, drink my coffee, and just enjoy time to myself. That has been so important to me. So every day that has been a favorite time for me.... and just being able to be with actual Christian women this week has also filled a small void in my life, too.  Devotions with the kids, doing "word-reading" as kate calls it.... those are up there too.

Things I'm working on.....
Self discipline in eating,  being more gentle in my tone of voice and words, meditating on the fruits of the spirit.  I'm also trying to do away with clutter. Geh. 

I'm cooking....
Pitas, Fish, lots of chicken it seems, Taco Pie, Shrimp, and I have no idea what's on the menu for today or the rest of the weekend!

A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…

Rustic Oat Bread

Chicken Pot Pie

 

 

 

Weaning

I have to write real quick.  I should be updating this blog on a lot of different things.... Ella's birthday, this cleanse I'm doing... but for now I'd just like to say that I am very close to weaning off pumping.

It is a really big thing for me. I did cry a couple of times thinking about it.  And I think if Ella were eating really good,  I wouldn't care as much. But right now, it's really hit and miss. She's not even 20 pounds yet! I think she weighs less than both the kids did by 12 months. It's not by much, though, so that's good.

I just need to keep telling myself that there is NOTHING wrong with giving her some formula. I actually prefer to give her some still, even though it is perfectly fine for cows milk- just so that she is getting all the nutrients she needs b/c she is eating so poorly. 

Pray for this mama right now, that transitions will go smooth into dropping more pumps and just being done.  12 oz a day (which is sadly what i'm making) is good, but it's not bad if we add 12 more oz a day of formula. I think if I still had my 15-20 oz a day, I would still be going. But I am definitely looking forward to being done.... for many reasons!

Little Mermaid Party { Madelyn's 4th Birthday Post }

Today is Madelyn's fourth birthday. Like every parent says... where does the time go.  :)   I know.  When I look back, it has gone fast. I try to make a point to really enjoy the moment I am in- but sometimes that is extremely hard.  There is always "so much to do".  Why?  I'm struggling with that. Let's make more of an effort to enjoy the gifts God has given us!! Here's to Maddy!

 

Remembering Maddy's third year....

Love you Maddy!