P52: "Still Life" (Week 19)

This week's project was "Still Life".  When I think of a still life, I think of a bowl of fruit on a table.  I actually had to google it to see if this qualified!  How funny is that?!

A few days ago, we were at a park for P.E. and I saw the most beautiful tree! It was totally decked out in yellow flowers. The early morning sun was shining down on it, making it seem to glow! I have no idea what kind of tree it is.  I should know.  I see them all over town.  But they are usually much smaller, and more sparse.

Here's my sweet granddaughter playing hide & seek inside under the tree.  I have been so blessed to be able to spend a lot of time with her this last week or so.  She is such a priceless treasure!

P52 "Green" (Week 17)

The weather warmed up enough this week for our first round of water play. I promised the kids they could set up the slip & slide as soon as they were finished with school. Wow! School went exceptionally smooth that day!

Now that our trampoline has been condemned, the kids are petitioning for an above ground pool.  I'm all for it.  If we get a pool, I may never have school issues again!

P52 "Things that grow" (Week 16)

Mary, Mary, quite contrary..........

I planted my garden a few weeks ago.  It's so cool to see my little seeds growing and coming up through the soil!  My yard is alive with colors and wonderful smells and bees busily collecting nectar.  I love this time of year!

This year, I planted tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries,

Kale

Spinach

 My boys planted honeydew melon on the other side of the yard.  Last night two of the plants flowered! They are so excited!

My girls opted for flowers

Easter

This Easter was different.  Once church was over, we had no commitments.  We were able to just stay home and relax. It was nice.

We celebrate our risen Savior every day of the year.  So, we don't have issues bringing in the cultural fun of candy and eggs on this day.  The easter bunny does not visit our house however.  The whole concept of a giant rabbit hiding eggs all over the place  somehow seems a little...creepy.

After church, we kicked the kids outside and hid their baskets full of goodies somewhere in the house.  Then they came barreling into the house looking in, over and under things listening for our shouts of "Hot!" or "You're Cold now".

Once they found their baskets and had a good sugar high going, we sent the younger 3 kids upstairs.  The older 4 hid eggs for their younger siblings.  Each child had their own color of eggs and got to find 12 of them.

After that, the youngers helped us hide eggs for the older kids.  We hid them really good too!  I think a few of them would still be looking if we hadn't helped them!

The rest of the day was spent playing together and watching movies.  It was the best Easter I've had in about 5 years!

P52 "Sacrifice" (Week 15)

This one was a no brainer for me.
Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice.  He has paid a debt He did not owe because I owed a debt I could not pay.  I am so thankful that He allowed me the privilege of becoming His daughter!
It sure didn't happen easily.  Yet He waited patiently by as I warred within myself for so long. There were angry tantrums, repentant tears.  I even got up and walked out of a church service because the pastor said something that pricked my heart.  Still He waited.
One evening I finally gave in and offered my dirty and broken heart to Jesus.
That was many years ago.  Seems like a lifetime.  I've never regretted that decision.  My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner.

One Thousand Gifts (51 - 60)

51.  My daughter got the job she wanted

52.  I get to babysit my sweet granddaughter while she works!

53.  Hope

54.  Today - the Day of Salvation!  Thank you Jesus for giving Your life that I might live!

55.  Praying with my husband

56.  My little girl turning 6.

57.  The flowers my kids planted in the backyard.  The yard already looks brighter and more cheerful.

58.  Fun times with my homeschool group

59.  9:00 pm.  That's the kid's bedtime and then the house is quiet.

60.  Chocolate covered strawberries.  Quite possibly the most perfect combination of foods!

P52 "Foolin' Around" (Week 14)

With 7 kids, someone is always foolin' around at our house!  These are just a few of the latest documented cases.

My kids are great!  They bring me so much joy. I love to hear their laugh, and to see them being carefree.