Spelling Bee

Our Z participated in the Spelling Bee at our charter school last Friday. He studied 500 words (VERY HARD WORDS) for the last month or so. I was so very proud of his diligence in getting the words under his belt. He was told that they would send the top two students from his level on to the County Spelling Bee. He told me that his goal was to get at least 5th. Well...he didn't have to worry about it because he was the only one that showed up! He was awarded first place and will go on to the County Spelling Bee in April! He was SO excited. The facilitator had him spell words for her until he missed one. She was very impressed with how well he did and told him that he would go far. :) So...we go back to studying the dreaded list next week to prepare for the next step in Z's Fourth Grade Spelling Bee quest.

Happy Valentine's Day!

As a classroom teacher, Valentine's Day was my favorite to celebrate in the classroom. There was always so much excitement as my students brought in their valentines to share, participated in the fun valentine activities, and then discovered all of the goodies in their valentine bags! I couldn't imagine NOT experiencing that this year. I didn't want my children missing out! So...we had our very own Valentine Party at our house! We invited our fellow homeschooling friends and had a blast!

I couldn't help but get into teacher mode as I began organizing the party (one of my favorite things to do). We had centers set up throughout the house...cookie decorating, craft center, BINGO, bag decorating...even playdoh and coloring for the little ones! We had story time too. Boy, did I have fun! Fortunately, my children did too! :) My sister and nephews were able to come too! Here are a few pictures from our fun day!

Come Clown Around With Us

Wow...another birthday come and gone. Our sweet A turned 8 yesterday. He has grown up SO very much! It is hard to believe that I have now known him half of his life. It sure has made my life full!

This year, we decided to have a Clown Birthday with Tiny the Clown in attendance! My AMAZING brother-in-law dressed up as Tiny and the kids LOVED it! They enjoyed "Pin the Nose on the Clown", a musical stick game, a pinata, balloon tying, relay races, and more! The birthday boy kept saying, "this is the best birthday day ever!" It is so fun to watch your children have fun.

A is looking forward to a new baseball season and improving his Wii playing abilities. :) He is incredibly friendly and makes new friends wherever he goes. He is still the life of the party and loves to make his sister and brother laugh, but he is also growing and maturing. It is fun to see God mold and shape him. I just love being his mommy.

Here are some pictures from the party. Enjoy!

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at a Japanese Hibachi Restaurant

A enjoyed being a clown himself!

His fun cupcake cake

Tiny the Clown

The whole crew...

His best buddy helping him blow out the candles...

His joy at receiving the kite he wanted

Little B enjoyed playing with the balloons...one in the front and one in the back...

This is just a small glimpse of her BIG personality.