Makenna's Fear Factor 13th Party!

For Makenna's 13th birthday she chose a fear factor birthday party. Some of you might not remember the show, but the basis is people did crazy things to win! Perfect for our daredevil child!

We started out with a baby food challenge. Which they TRIED but proved harder than they thought to eat mushed meat and veggies! After that it was a dirty diaper challenge. Had to eat the candy hidden in the poo!

On to outside for an egg toss!

And just when they thought it was not so bad, we brought out the big guns.

Not a great picture, but it was full of worms, crickets, more worms, DISGUSTING! They had to dig in it for a bottle of bubbles and pull it out and blow 13 bubbles. I wish I had a picture of the first 2 girls who ran up, their faces were priceless!

Sara thinking about eating a cricket, but not going through with it. We needed her dad here to do that one!

For this one they had to carry pigs feet and drop them in a bucket.

Then it was on to eating, yum! First round was dog food. (actually put hash into the can!)

We had oysters and sardines! Only 2 were brave enough to stomach those!

The last challenge was a scavenger hunt at Walmart. Thanks to Megan for helping with the clues! My camera died so I did not get pictures inside. But the girls did a GREAT job, especially getting a photo with 10 people in it. I never realized how dead walmart is on Friday nights!



A kitty litter cake was Makenna's request! Yummo! Actually it was pretty
delicious. It is a spice cake and yellow cake baked and crumbled together. Melted tootsie rolls and some food coloring.

Make a wish!

Sage-my heart -gotcha 4 years

August 21, 2010 we celebrated 4 years since Sage was placed in our arms. That day, this child, has forever changed us.

From the moment my eyes saw her in that room in China, I have not been the same.

For I not only saw a glimpse of God I had not seen before, my eyes were opened to a world outside of what I had ever known.

I fell in love with a place that had rarely entered my thoughts, a land called China.

I realized just how many children there were out there, who were just like this baby God placed in my arms, waiting for a mommy. Needing a family.

I realized what God meant when He said He adopted ME.

I realized why I had waited for so long, why the journey was so hard.

Because He was preparing her for me.

My heart, forever changed.

Gotcha Day Sage FOUR years!

Gotcha Day 2010

She looked so big wearing her gotcha day outfit this year, a little girl instead of my baby. Sniff..

Gotcha Day, Anniversary year 1, 2 & 3!

Sawyers Birthday Party

For Sawyers 10th birthday he wanted a WII party with a relay challenge outside. Makenna came up with alot of the games and as you can see, they had lots of messy fun!

Lots o shaving cream! Trying to go up the slide is impossible!

but going down is fun!


Trying to put on frozen socks

Jello!

They are trying to throw jello into their mouths and spit it in a cup till it is filled.

First Day of School 2010

A little late, but here is our first day back to homeschool! Yep, we are still home! And it is going well. Makenna is now in 7th grade, (GASP!) Sawyer in 4th and Malaine in 2nd. We are once again trying a new curriculum. Which is ok with me. That is one of the best things about homeschooling, we are not locked into ANYTHING. Now that we are actually a month and half in since this first day, I can say at this point we have made GOOD choices in what we chose. For the most part every is enjoying what we are learning, including ME! And to be honest, each year the Lord has confirmed more and more that we are exactly where He wants us to be. Sure it is not always easy. In fact most days it is harder than it is easier. However, we are together. I am controlling what they learn, and we are growing stronger in Him.

First day of school breakfast. Waffle Sticks in the shape of their grade !

Last year we had a school bus cake. This year it was yummy goodness ice cream cake.

Our School Room!

First day riddle and treats that help them fill in the blanks.

Going through the curriculum. This is our history/science/bible. So far we are REALLY enjoying it. The kids LOVED learning about dinosaurs and mummies! And I think I learned more about Genesis with them than I ever have.

I have so much to share about WHY we home school. As my kids get older and life just gets more complicated, I am more and more convinced that we may never ever stop! In fact today, Makenna, who has said all along she IS going to public high school, told us she is now changing her mind on that and maybe just staying home. While sometimes that thought would make me cringe, like when she pulls her 13 year old MS. "Tude" with me, today I was happy. Time flies so fast and before I know it, they will be gone. I am thankful for the days I get to share with them. Even the difficult days.

Our Last First Day of Pre School

It had to come at some point I guess. Eventually the babies are no longer babies. And so in September, I dropped them off for their first day of preschool, their LAST first day of preschool. And for now, our last first day of preschool. It was so bittersweet for me. Because I am not going to lie. I might have been known to be counting down the days for school to begin. We ALL are better when we are in a schedule and routine. They LOVE school, and I love school! But when I really think of it, my BABIES are turning 5 soon! This is the last year of preschool. They are getting so big, it is going so fast.









They are back at the same school again this year. It really works out perfect for us. It is close to home, and they go 4- 1/2 days a week. They are able to take soccer and karate during school, which is great. They love Ms Angi!