Having A Hay Day

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

First Day of School

So we've decided to homeschool our little punks for the second year. This decision really is nothing short of being all about God! Honestly, my selfish desires lead me in a different direction. However, I have been able to find peace and joy in what God has called me to do for my family. It has certainly ranked up in the top 3-4 toughest things I've done in my life as well as ranked in the top 3-4 of most spiritual growth I've had with the Almighty.

Interesting how those two seem to very often if not always be connected!

So, since God has called me to this home centered education business, I have tried to make it fun for all. We officially began our first day in early August for this year. Emma is in the 2nd grade and Jenna has begun pre-k.

I made little goody bags for them to find when they came to their "desks" on the first morning.

Since our home is, um, cozy, we do not have an extra room to make into a school room. But, don't worry, if we are ever able to buy a larger home, I've got some FUN ideas for the space! Anyway, since we do not have a separate room, we do our work right in the hub of the house--the kitchen!

Who doesn't love new crayons and pencils at the beginning of the year!?!!?

I LOVE to go back to school shopping!

This year Jeff and I included a little note to each of the girls about the upcoming school year.

We tried to speak some truth and encouragement into their journey for this year.

I've decided to try to introduce a new character word and Bible verse each week.

It's been fun to put a definition behind all of the daily "nagging" that I seem to pour out on the kiddos!

It truly is a joy to know that I get to see the "aha" moments each girl has as she learns a new concept. It's also comforting to know that at this early stage in their development that their family gets to be their number one influence. I just keep praying that God helps me to make this a place where our relationships are strengthened and bonded in such a way that as siblings they are each other's number one encouragers and friends, and that as parents we can lead them to the heart of Jesus.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Emma's 7th Birthday

Just writing that as the title seems to be shocking to me. I know I read it and hear it all the time that people are - gasp - SHOCKED that their children are getting older. And, it always sounds so cliche to me to hear people say that the years just go by so quickly.

Well, it's all true! And, it's time for me to insert the sappy blog about my baby growing up! :o)

I can hardly believe that it has been 7 years since I became a momma. It sounds like 7 years - and 5 punks- would be plenty of time to have mastered this art. Uh, not so much! Sheesh! I keep asking God why I can't seem to get this mothering thing down, and why I continue to try to be in control.

Well, I suppose that is another story and another day because this day is about my Ems.

We celebrated low key with just our immediate family and some cake. We did take her and Jenna to Big Splash the week before for some evening swimming and a Newsboys concert, so that was our present to her. But of course on her birthday we did our usual decorating of the house and cake time!

It makes my heart smile each time all four kiddos are sitting in these stools. We bought these stools because we would need to sit 4 kiddo bums in them one day, but I never really visualized them all sitting in them. It's super cute!

The Birthday Queen

My photo work was quite poor this day. Sad!

Micah was DYING to grab the cake/candles!

You can see Emma trying to hold him back in these pics.

And, there's my big 7 year old! I remember crying in the car on the way home from the hospital because I had no idea what I was doing, and frankly, I still feel that way most days! It's only through God's grace, strong mentors and friends, and prayers that give me the confidence or perhaps hope that I can lead these children down a path that will lead them to a life of serving Christ.

Ems, you are our big leader. All of your siblings look to you to guide them. You LOVE all things gymnastics right now, and think that Mikayla Maroney (Olympic Gymnast) hung the moon (I am sure I spelled her name wrong, but I am too lazy to google it right now!) You are in your second year of Possibility People and preparing to have a role as a Kickin Cowgirl Angel in the Christmas presentation. Your favorite song has been Something Beautiful by Need To Breathe for some time now. You are a little fashionista and are very particular about what you wear and only allow me to "fix" your hair on certain occasions.

You continue to mature each year both spiritual and emotionally. It is exciting to watch you take on this role of a Christian more and more as your own. It always brings my heart great joy when you tell me about a prayer time you had with God on your own or you share some new revelation you've had about God or even just our family.

Despite your EXTREMELY strong will and tough exterior you have a pretty sensitive heart that we see when we talk about Jeremiah or your brothers. You think your brothers are pretty much the cutest things on the earth, and they think that you are pretty much the coolest girl on the earth! They constantly are asking, "Where Emma?" or saying, "Hi Emma!"

Despite the sister fights that you and Jenna engage in daily, it is clear that you two have a strong bond. You two will literally spend hours setting up your Little People, My Little Ponies, and random princess figurines in your room to create an elaborate village. You two LOVE playing house, House Hunters ;o), school, and all things doll related. Often we find you two either screaming at the top of your lungs at one another, laughing uncontrollably, or deep in thought creating your newest game.

Emma, God has blessed our family with your strong spirit, quick wit, and desire to love. I love watching you mature and evolve into our family's leader.

I love you, Ems, and there is no one else I would ever have picked to be my first born!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

The day my kids sat still for 30 seconds...

One day...

Yes, just one day ...

my kids randomly decided to sit down next to each other.

So, of course I attempted to make them smile.

It made me smile!

I kinda sorta like these little punks!

Brothers

Brothers watching daddy mow the lawn.

Makes my heart smile!

Friday, October 5, 2012

Branson Part 2

And, part 2 of our little trip always begins and ends with the Robbins. We always enjoy our time as a family and then we always enjoy our Robbins time too! The kids love sharing their summer fun with their best buds! Before we met up with them at our annual meeting spot-Lamberts, I tried to snap a few pics of my crew.

I LOVE it when I catch siblings smiling at each other!

The Hay Clan

My big and my baby

Sisters!

And here are the ONLY two pics I took at Lamberts!

Awesome photography, I know!

The oldest two being their usual goof-ball-selves!

The Hay/Robs waking up to some cartoons.

Don't mind the 4 year old sucking her thumb ...

NO judging, please! ;o)

Emma, Jace, and Jordan are at the very back while Jenna, Marcie, Molly, and I rode in the front on the other side. If I remember correctly, Jenna, Molly, and Jace didn't think this ship was too much fun!