Ella reading her part. She had a lot of trouble with the word Bethlehem. Hadley leaned over right before it was time to say it and whispered it in her ear, so she would say it right. :)
And the littlest Shepard...
Friday, December 24, 2010
The Pageant in Action...
Hadley reading the first 23 verses of scripture.
Ella reading her part. She had a lot of trouble with the word Bethlehem. Hadley leaned over right before it was time to say it and whispered it in her ear, so she would say it right. :)
And the littlest Shepard...
Ella reading her part. She had a lot of trouble with the word Bethlehem. Hadley leaned over right before it was time to say it and whispered it in her ear, so she would say it right. :)
And the littlest Shepard...
Come, They Told Me...
Every year churches put on a pageant. You have probably participated in a few yourself. This year I decided to let my little nuggets be a part of the one at the Presbyterian church. That's where I go to church. When I go.
Hadley was a reader. So she sat in the choir loft and read scripture to the congregation. It would have been better if she had pronounced Nazareth correctly, but she's agnostic anyway so what does it really matter.
Hadley was a reader. So she sat in the choir loft and read scripture to the congregation. It would have been better if she had pronounced Nazareth correctly, but she's agnostic anyway so what does it really matter.
Ella also read scripture. The older kids get stuck with that job. Ella is definitely not an older child, but she could read well enough to make it work.
And Layton? Well, he was the world's shortest Shepard. Wait til I post the pictures of it!
Piano Concerto...
Ella started taking piano classes in the Summer. She absolutely loves it and her teacher. A few weeks ago, she had her very first recital. She was nervous as could be. We got there a few minutes early so she could get the feel of the room and to take her picture with her teacher.
Ella did a very, very good job and is excited to continue lessons in the Spring. I am thrilled that she wants to take lessons. My dad would be super proud of her, and it would have been something special for them to do together. Have I mentioned that my dad was a piano guru? He was. Anyway, I am just so proud of little Ella for her renditions of Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Christmas Program...Nope, I'm gonna Dance...
Layton's class had a program at school in celebration of Christmas. He didn't want to participate very much. He wanted to boogie. So he did. On the front row. Leaving me unable to get a decent picture.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
You'll Shoot Your Eye Out...
Only a Red Rider BB Gun can make me say that...
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
To Be Done...As Layton Says...
So, I have quite a few posts in the hopper waiting to publish. Including a post about sex that will probably make my spouse cringe. I decided to re-order the way the next few posts are going to hit just so I can get all the Christmas party shots out of the way before the big day this weekend. :)
So that means I have got a lot to get done over the next few days.....
Layton made a list for me, so that I wouldn't forget anything. :)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Slumming For Content...
The good ole blog has been lacking in good posts lately. Is there anything that anyone would like for me to blog about? Any questions you'd like answered?
Oh, and keep your eyes posted for an announcement. My last post was a giveaway....and someone actually hit the nail on the head....and will be receiving a little goodie from me. The winner and prize will be announced soon!
Oh, and keep your eyes posted for an announcement. My last post was a giveaway....and someone actually hit the nail on the head....and will be receiving a little goodie from me. The winner and prize will be announced soon!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
What Do You Think She Was Doing?...
What do you think Ella was doing when Layton snapped this picture on my phone?
The person who answers closest to correct gets a prize. A big, honking enabling prize.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Which Card Did I End Up Using?...
Thanks to Shutterfly I actually sent Christmas cards this year. Which design did I go with?
This one...
Happy Holidays to you all!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Ella and Layton with Santa at K-Mart...
So we went to K-Mart the other day, and pictures with Santa were being offered. I scanned the one we got of Ella and Layton (Hadley is far too old for Santa, in her opinion).
He was a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
He played the saxophone too! The little ones loved it!!!
He was a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself.
He played the saxophone too! The little ones loved it!!!
Monday, December 13, 2010
The Days of Warmth Are Gone...
It's cold. It's been really, really cold. I'm just not used to the temperature being as low as it is right now. I live in Alabama for crying out loud! :) I am longing for the days when I had to turn on the AC in my car.
Longing for the days of walking outside without my fingers turning blue...
Longing for days of sunshine....
Longing for days at the farm wearing shorts and brushing Mary Jane...
Longing for the days of walking outside without my fingers turning blue...
Longing for days of sunshine....
Longing for days at the farm wearing shorts and brushing Mary Jane...
The kids are longing for some warm days too. Layton keeps asking to play outside, but I have to tell him no. A girl that I went to high school with lives in Alaska now. Her kids play outside until it's below 30. Um, my kids play outside until it's below 60. HA!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Excuse Me While I Play Horse...
Hadley is obsessed with some game on the Internet about horses. She plays it all the time! She even used a chunk of her money to buy a bunch of passes for the game. This is what she looks like most nights after she finishes her homework.
Does anyone else have a child obsessed with an online kids game?
Little Man in a Little Coat...
My mother-in-law saves everything. No, she really saves all kinds of things. For example, she has been hanging on to this coat...
This coat belonged to my father-in-law when he was a little boy. Layton loves to put it on and prance around. I think he might be a reincarnated member of the Rat Pack though. He loves to wear his "tuxedo" to school. And sweater vests? Oh, he rocks them out! I've been thinking of buying him some spats and a fedora. He'd probably wear them all the time. :)
Friday, December 10, 2010
An Article to Think About Before My Next Post...
Early Childhood Education – Certified Early Childhood Education Fills the Gaps
While there are still some parents who can stay at home with their children, our reality today is that most parents are forced to send their young children to some type of to child care facilities or preschool.
Those who are fortunate enough to stay at home to raise their children naturally wish to take full advantage of this opportunity by attempting to give their children a head start on learning; reading to them, engaging in educational play activities, encouraging them to read, and more. Unfortunately, very few parents can do it all.
However if you are forced to or want to send your children to a preschool, the decision you make about which program to send them to can either benefit or hurt them. This is where young children can greatly benefit from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. While preschool teacher cannot replace a parent, the experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.
SPICE
One area that a certified early childhood educator can fill the gap in is the developmental stages.
There is arguably no substitute for a loving parent-child relationship and daily interactions – but scientific methodology has an important place. There are five equally important areas of a young child's development that must have special attention paid to, also known as "SPICE" – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.
Social development includes the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting. Particularly for those who come from a family where they are the only child, but also for those children with siblings as well, it is important to see how they interact with those who they are not related to. The importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent.
Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (such as walking and running) to the fine (such as holding a pen or pencil).
Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; Intellectual development is central to success in school later on.
Creative development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. It is the foundation self-expression and problem solving and something that children need to explore early on.
Emotional development is also frequently overlooked, even by the most devoted parents. Yet, without a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.
The Professional Advantage
It is likely that most parents are aware of these developmental domains on an instinctive level. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.
Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Atlanta child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.
While there are still some parents who can stay at home with their children, our reality today is that most parents are forced to send their young children to some type of to child care facilities or preschool.
Those who are fortunate enough to stay at home to raise their children naturally wish to take full advantage of this opportunity by attempting to give their children a head start on learning; reading to them, engaging in educational play activities, encouraging them to read, and more. Unfortunately, very few parents can do it all.
However if you are forced to or want to send your children to a preschool, the decision you make about which program to send them to can either benefit or hurt them. This is where young children can greatly benefit from attendance a certified preschool, operated by trained, certified early childhood educators. While preschool teacher cannot replace a parent, the experience of learning in a school setting during the early years can be a valuable supplement to a child's experience at a time when the brain is being shaped and developed.
SPICE
One area that a certified early childhood educator can fill the gap in is the developmental stages.
There is arguably no substitute for a loving parent-child relationship and daily interactions – but scientific methodology has an important place. There are five equally important areas of a young child's development that must have special attention paid to, also known as "SPICE" – Social, Physical, Intellectual, Creative and Emotional.
Social development includes the way a child relates to others and functions in a group setting. Particularly for those who come from a family where they are the only child, but also for those children with siblings as well, it is important to see how they interact with those who they are not related to. The importance of socialization in a structured environment becomes apparent.
Physical development refers to building motor skills, from the gross (such as walking and running) to the fine (such as holding a pen or pencil).
Intellectual development is achieved through structured play, and of course means development of language and math skills as well as the child's innate sense of curiosity and wonder; Intellectual development is central to success in school later on.
Creative development addresses artistic talents in visual arts, music, storytelling and even theatrics. It is the foundation self-expression and problem solving and something that children need to explore early on.
Emotional development is also frequently overlooked, even by the most devoted parents. Yet, without a sense of self, including self confidence and the discipline to deal with one's own emotional responses, a child will have difficulty functioning in society later in life.
The Professional Advantage
It is likely that most parents are aware of these developmental domains on an instinctive level. However, certified preschool educators are trained in the scientific theory and methodology that can make the difference between a child succeeding – and succeeding brilliantly.
Co-written by Emily Patterson and Kathleen Thomas
Emily and Kathleen are Communications Coordinators for the network of Atlanta child care facilities belonging to the AdvancED® accredited family of Primrose educational child care schools. Primrose Schools are located in 16 states throughout the U.S. and are dedicated to delivering progressive, early childhood, Balanced Learning® curriculum throughout their preschools.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
The Tuxedo..
Layton insisted on wearing what he calls his "tuxedo" to preschool yesterday. It's actually just a dressy suit that he wears to church. He asks to wear it all the time though and wants me to buy him more.
I couldn't resist getting a little pick on my cell phone. Tuxedo time!
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
Breathe In...
Do you have any favorite memories from going to camp as a child or young adult? Love to camp or backpack? Enjoy the outdoors?
The area where I live is not exactly a big city. That might be an understatement. There are lots of tractors on the road during cotton season. I know as many farmers as I know lawyers. I cannot imagine growing up in a big city where grass is a luxury. My best friend, who is from Connecticut, was surprised the first time she came to visit Alabama. I remember her making the remark that all the houses had "grass all around them." The proof? The hubs in a field at the farm house....
The area where I live is not exactly a big city. That might be an understatement. There are lots of tractors on the road during cotton season. I know as many farmers as I know lawyers. I cannot imagine growing up in a big city where grass is a luxury. My best friend, who is from Connecticut, was surprised the first time she came to visit Alabama. I remember her making the remark that all the houses had "grass all around them." The proof? The hubs in a field at the farm house....
Sometimes I take it for granted that we get to spend as much time as we want roaming across acres of land having fun. My children are blessed to be able to ride four wheelers and RTVs and play in the creek.
Can you imagine for a moment that you live in New York City? In an underprivileged home? Many of those children never have the opportunity to run through fields or smell fresh air. Or see the stars without ambient light corrupting the view.
The Fresh Air Fund has been affording underprivileged children the opportunity to experience fresh air since 1877. There are host families all over who invite these children to spend time in a rural area. More than 1.7 million (since 1877) disadvantaged youth have been given the blessing of fresh air through this wonderful organization. If you have the time, please visit their website and consider making a donation or becoming a host family.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Not Too Much...
Not too much has been going on lately. I don't have much to blog about. Hopefully, I will get some good pictures of the children soon. :)
Thursday, December 02, 2010
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
World AIDS Day 2010...
Today is World AIDS Day 2010. If you'd like more information about AIDS and HIV, please click here.
HIV does not discriminate. Consider calculating your risk for HIV and getting tested. You can even buy tests to use at home.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
HIV does not discriminate. Consider calculating your risk for HIV and getting tested. You can even buy tests to use at home.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Proof I Am Not a Total Scrooge...
My last two posts made it seem like I am a Scrooge. That's really not the case. There are many things that I positively adore about Christmas. One of my favorite things is getting Christmas/Holiday cards in the mail. If you know me in real life, you know that I LOVE getting mail. I LOVE to send mail too!! To me there is something so intimate about reading a person's words in their own print rather than Times New Roman. :)
Normally, I do not send many Christmas cards, but this year....I just HAVE to!! In my area, it is really popular to send out fancy cards with pictures of your family. So I did what any gal would do and went on-line to find a good site for cards. And boy, did I hit the jackpot!!!
Shutterfly has a huge selection to choose from and has a lot of promotions to make it affordable.
I like so many of the cards!!
This one is probably my favorite.
It also comes in a folded card format, so you can write a message on the inside. How neat is that?!?!?
As if that weren't enough, you can get thank you cards too for sending after the holidays!
After I finished picking out the pictures for my Christmas cards, I perused the rest of the merchandise available. Does anyone else love looking at baby pictures as much as I do? The birth announcements are so adorable. How sweet is this little one?
Normally, I do not send many Christmas cards, but this year....I just HAVE to!! In my area, it is really popular to send out fancy cards with pictures of your family. So I did what any gal would do and went on-line to find a good site for cards. And boy, did I hit the jackpot!!!
Shutterfly has a huge selection to choose from and has a lot of promotions to make it affordable.
I like so many of the cards!!
This one is probably my favorite.
It also comes in a folded card format, so you can write a message on the inside. How neat is that?!?!?
As if that weren't enough, you can get thank you cards too for sending after the holidays!
After I finished picking out the pictures for my Christmas cards, I perused the rest of the merchandise available. Does anyone else love looking at baby pictures as much as I do? The birth announcements are so adorable. How sweet is this little one?
There were also desk calendars and holiday cards that are appropriate for any family, religious or not. I was very impressed with the selection.
You'll have to wait and see which card I ended up using. I think it turned out really, really nice. This is the first time I have ever purchased Christmas cards like this before. Normally, I just buy a box at the store and sign our names inside. This year I was able to customize a card with pictures of the whole family and our names. I was convinced it would be difficult or expensive to have cards with photos, but Shutterfly made it so easy and affordable. I am super excited about it too!!
And, if you are interested in gettting 50 FREE cards, click Here. :)
Monday, November 29, 2010
Did I Mention?...
Remember when I said that I despise Christmas-time?
Thanksgiving night I drove through the Best Buy parking lot. These people were actually camping in front of the store in order to get a good deal.
Don't forget to be a superfluous consumer this week...
Sunday, November 28, 2010
I'm Just Gonna Say It...
I despise Christmas-time. I have a lot of difficulty finding anything joyous about the holiday anymore.
I loved Christmas-time when I was younger. I thought it was the most wonderful time of year and couldn't wait to pull out the ornaments.
Now though, it's just a huge pain.
We have no traditions anymore and have to duke out when to have dinner with family.
TV, the Internet, Magazines, Radio...all have an attitude and agenda. Consume. Consume. Consume. Buy until you can't buy anymore. Get up at 3:00AM and consume.
Children are the worst. Each is sucked into a consumer mindset. Can I have that toy? Will Santa bring me two of those? I want. I want. I want.
The stores are crowded. I can't stand being in huge crowds. I have to grocery shop in the middle of the night just to do it in peace and quiet.
I didn't even want to have a tree this year. It's too much trouble to put the thing up only to have to take it all down in a few weeks. When I didn't have children, it didn't bother me as much. Now though, I have more important things to do than deal with some silly, fake piece of evergreen. Do you know how many dirty socks three children have in a week's time? Oh no, it's far more than 42. I'd rather wash the socks than deal with Christmas.
I despise Christmas-time.
I loved Christmas-time when I was younger. I thought it was the most wonderful time of year and couldn't wait to pull out the ornaments.
Now though, it's just a huge pain.
We have no traditions anymore and have to duke out when to have dinner with family.
TV, the Internet, Magazines, Radio...all have an attitude and agenda. Consume. Consume. Consume. Buy until you can't buy anymore. Get up at 3:00AM and consume.
Children are the worst. Each is sucked into a consumer mindset. Can I have that toy? Will Santa bring me two of those? I want. I want. I want.
The stores are crowded. I can't stand being in huge crowds. I have to grocery shop in the middle of the night just to do it in peace and quiet.
I didn't even want to have a tree this year. It's too much trouble to put the thing up only to have to take it all down in a few weeks. When I didn't have children, it didn't bother me as much. Now though, I have more important things to do than deal with some silly, fake piece of evergreen. Do you know how many dirty socks three children have in a week's time? Oh no, it's far more than 42. I'd rather wash the socks than deal with Christmas.
I despise Christmas-time.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Thanks...
Happy Thanksgiving!! I hope all of my blog friends have a wonderful day and get to spend time with family.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
So, It Starts Again...
I was in the band. I played the French horn. I hated it, but I never told my parents that. I really wanted to play the flute, but my mom and dad really seemed to want me to play the French horn. So, I did.
Band starts in the 6th grade here in Small Town, USA. Hadley heard about the band and really wanted to sign up. What did she want to play? The flute. I was tickled pink to rent one for her. That's how they do it nowadays. You get to rent the flute for a set amount of money. If your child decides to play something else, you just swap it out. After a few months, you have the option to buy the instrument or return it at the end of the year. How nuts is that??!!! The large brass instruments were and still are owned by the school because it would be completely cost prohibitive for parents to buy $4,000 horns.
Hadley's band gave a performance at the last PTO meeting. I was totally disgusted that the performance was sandwiched in the middle of the meeting in order to boost attendance. Nice play, PTO. Anyway, I had to show off a picture of my eldest rocking out. Well, not rocking out, but she is sitting and waiting to rock out any minute.
So now I am looking at a future full of concerts, quotas, football games, and trips.
Band starts in the 6th grade here in Small Town, USA. Hadley heard about the band and really wanted to sign up. What did she want to play? The flute. I was tickled pink to rent one for her. That's how they do it nowadays. You get to rent the flute for a set amount of money. If your child decides to play something else, you just swap it out. After a few months, you have the option to buy the instrument or return it at the end of the year. How nuts is that??!!! The large brass instruments were and still are owned by the school because it would be completely cost prohibitive for parents to buy $4,000 horns.
Hadley's band gave a performance at the last PTO meeting. I was totally disgusted that the performance was sandwiched in the middle of the meeting in order to boost attendance. Nice play, PTO. Anyway, I had to show off a picture of my eldest rocking out. Well, not rocking out, but she is sitting and waiting to rock out any minute.
So now I am looking at a future full of concerts, quotas, football games, and trips.
Monday, November 22, 2010
You'll Poke Your Eye Out...
Boys. They are messy and sticky and wonderful. At least my little boy is all of those things. Without fail he picks up sticks to use as toys at the farm. I have to reprimand him every time. I don't like it, but he really could hurt himself or one of the girls waving a stick around.
Trying to dig a well...
Trying to dig a well...
...or trying to break a stick....
...or looking to see if I am nearby...
...and I was. He just didn't notice me photographing him with his sticks and stuff. Ha!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Say Cheese...
When I take a photograph of one of my children, I frequently use the "say cheese" catch phrase. Layton took it to a whole 'nother level.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Have You Voted?...Give Birth or Have an Abortion?...
http://www.birthornot.com/
Have you been to this website? I just heard about it recently. It's a website that an actual couple is using to decide whether or not to have an abortion or give birth. For reals. Check it out.
Have you been to this website? I just heard about it recently. It's a website that an actual couple is using to decide whether or not to have an abortion or give birth. For reals. Check it out.
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