Snowstorms=Winter Play Time

With a few snowstorms over the course of 3 days, the kids couldn't help but get outside to play!  PQ loves being outside in the snow (until his wrists are frozen and wet from exposed skin to snow contact-but seriously, who does like that anyways?!?)...and Sugar likes roaming around on the snowy ground (falling over and over again- each time with a giggle).

 

 

Sugar ADORES her big brother.  She looks up to him, as you can see.

Did someone ask for her "CUTE FACE"?

Playing it cool for Mama...thanks, PQ!

PQ was encouraging Sugar to slide off the banking...

but she didn't want anything to do with it!

Can you say ATTITUDE??!!??

Rough, Tough Stuff with PQ & Sugar

 

 

 

Within 20 minutes of being outside, Sugar was asking to go back inside.  PQ opted to stay outside for a while but Sugar preferred to be inside with her toys.  And I don't blame her one bit.  I'm more of an indoor kind of girl as well.  What about you?  Are you more of an indoor person or outdoor enthusiast during the winter months?

PQ Mandolin-The First Noel

PQ played the mandolin at church on Sunday and I think he did a FANTASTIC JOB!  Check out the link to the video that I took...(please excuse the side view on the video...eeek!)

CLICK BELOW TO ACCESS THE LINK:
PQ playing the mandolin, The First Noel

'Tis The Season

Christmas Stocking Project...

As you all know, we have been plugging away on a Christmas Unit Study.  And PQ has been working on a rather large service project to accompany his unit study.  It has taken me quite some time to put this post into words.  I've had a lot on my mind recently and I think I've finally put my finger on it.

 

We have been exploring various traditions and we are getting to the heart of the holiday.  The real reason for the season.  In the book of James in chapter 1 verse 17, it says that Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  As we start looking at this verse, we see the ultimate gift in Jesus.  God's perfect son who was sent here so that we all could live.  He is the ultimate Christmas gift.  He is the one true Comforter.  He is the one true Peacemaker.  He is the one true Provider.  He is what Christmas is all about.

 

PQ's service project was put together so that we could be the hands and feet of Jesus.  He wanted to share the gift of God with the homeless.  Having Blessing Bags in our car didn't seem like enough.  Sure, they're great when we see someone in need.  We can hand them a bag of stuff and be on our merry way.  And most of the time, we never give it a second thought.  Our deed is done so it's time for us to move on, without really realizing how bad some people really have it in life.  So for the service project, we opted to be more intentional with our homeless ministry efforts.  Instead of waiting for someone to appear before us, we wanted to set out to seek the homeless and meet them where they were at in life.  And PQ wanted to give each person a Christmas Stocking filled with various blessing bag items.  Afterall, we don't know when the last time these folks had a Christmas Stocking to call their own. 

 

When planning the project, we sought God's provision and He provided in abundance.  We bought supplies on our own and had several other families donate items for us to use.  It was clear that this was exactly what God wanted us to do for His glory.  And little did we know that we would learn a lot about ourselves in the process.  Seeing PQ's heart burdened for the homeless was something that I can't explain.  This entire journey has been beautiful and quite humbling, to say the least. 

 

 

 

PQ put handwritten notes of encouragement in each stocking.

Deodorant, peanut butter, lotion, razors, toothpaste, floss, sardines, peanuts, gum, almonds, wet wipes, crackers, granola bars, apple sauce, mints, lip balm, raisins...

...tissues, tea bags, Q-tips, hand warmers, socks, toothbrushes, Bibles, and handwritten notes.

Filling the stockings with his Papa...

 

 

 

 

30 Stockings Ready To GO! 

 

 

 

Remember how I mentioned that bit about learning?  Well, here's how that all happened.  On Saturday morning, we woke up and it was raining.  Nobody said a word about the weather until mid-morning (which was a few hours before we were scheduled to head out).  When the topic of weather came up, we started talking as though it wasn't a good day to go out on the streets.  We started talking about staying home and rescheduling for next weekend instead.  And that's when we all realized that the homeless don't get to choose whether they stay inside or not.  Regardless of the weather, they have to endure the cold, hot, wet, or dry weather that is upon them.  And that was when we started packing poncho's and rainboots into the car for our trek.  And the rest is history...

 

 

 

 

 

A Team Effort...PQ & Papa H

(Just for the record:seeing my husband lead my son to hand deliver the stockings was the most amazingly beautiful thing that I've ever seen.  A true servant heart is the most beautiful type of heart.)

 

Taking the time to look around allowed us to find this...

it's someone's HOUSE!

 

 

 

 

 

Papa H went over 4 lanes of traffic to deliver this one.

 

 

 

 

This woman smiled as soon as PQ gave her a stocking.

Unfortunately, he's tucked behind the white car. 

We were met with smiles all afternoon.  Most of their smiles were dirty and dingy and some smiles were completely vacant of any teeth at all.  Everybody seemed so grateful to be thought of during this season in their life.  Being able to go through this project with my family has been the most amazing ministry experience that we've shared.  We all realized how easy it is to make excuses about why something can't be done.  And we realized how much more difficult it is to be intentional for God's glory.  I don't know about you, but that's tough stuff to swallow.  Why is it easier for us to make an excuse than it is to step up and do something intentional for God? 

With all of the CT shooting news going on this evening, I can't help but wonder who we might be overlooking as we make our way through this life.  I'm sure I walked past a dozen people today that needed some type of encouragement but I chose to plug away on my own list of to-do's.  After all, it's easier to make excuses why I shouldn't stop and say hello to someone who looks distraught.  Perhaps God is calling each of us to be more intentional with our lives.  And perhaps being intentional with our lives means reaching out a hand to help someone that you might not have ever expected to help.

Matthew 25:35-36 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, ³⁶ I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

A 'Smedium" Hat

Attention Titi...this one is for YOU! 

 

Little Miss Sugar INSISTS on wearing the hat that belongs to her mini stuffed monkey.  Every single time she sees it, she grabs it and puts it on her head (and then giggles).  She parades the house seeking comments and laughter.  She LOVES to make people giggle.  And this 'smedium' sized hat tends to be the spotlight in her comic routine.  

 

 

Giggle...Giggle...she really IS a funny girl.

 

 

 

 

And her new CHEESE SMILE is too much to handle.

A girl and her 'smedium' hat...there's nothing more hilarious! 

 

 

 



Say What??!!??

While watching a Christmas movie this evening, PQ looked over at us and said...

PQ: Wow, he has a lump in his throat.

Mama H:  That's called an Adam's Apple, sweetie.  All men have them.

PQ: Dad doesn't.

Mama H: Yes, he does.  You just can't see it very well because he's not super skinny like the man on the movie.

PQ: Do you have one?

Mama H:  Nope...

PQ:  Yes, you do.  It's called an Eve Apple not an Adam's Apple.

Giggle....Giggle....

A lot of GREAT stuff and one tough decision...

Lots of things have been going on at our homestead...

*We went on a Candlelight Christmas Stroll over the weekend...SUCH A GOOD TIME!

*We started a Christmas Unit Study...and we are all LOVING it!

*PQ is working on a pretty hefty service project for the month of December.  Stay tuned for info and pictures!

*We are doing an Advent Nature Study during the month of December...and we LOVE it so far!

*PQ went to the Asthma & Allergy Specialist last week and found out that he's allergic to grass, trees, dust, cats, and DOGS!  All of these allergens exacerbate his asthma.  Let's just say we have some pretty big decisions to make in the near future.

*Sugar had allergy testing today today and she is not allergic to anything!  Woot!  Woot!

*Sugar went pee on the potty this evening!  WOOT!  WOOT!  Not bad for 15 months old, eh??!!??  She earned 2 M&M's for her good work.

*PQ 'bought' a guitar with $10 worth of Awana bucks.  I'm still in awe about it.  The guitar is really nice!  And PQ is psyched about it!  God is certainly encouraging him to discover his musical gifts, that's for sure!

*Papa H and I went to a Christmas dinner party this evening with area homeschooling parents.  We had a great time.  Mama Sunshine and a few others made the place look amazing!  Thanks again to Twirly and Fletch for their company...and for the heads up about Hong Kong's new nickname: (in my best British accent) "Glitter Bum"...or should that be "Glittah Bahm"?!?

*Tomorrow is Puberty Day at the middle school.  I will be teaming up with one of our Health Teachers to show a video and answer any questions that the 6th grade boys might have.  This normally doesn't ruffle my panties (sorry, Country Mouse)....but after hearing stories about another local school district, I'm a little nervous about what might be brought up.  YIKES!

Stay tuned for more stories and pictures in the days to come.  I promise...you won't want to miss it!

Anatomy Lab

 

It's all fun and games until someone buys livestock.  And that's exactly how yesterday's anatomy lab came to life!  Wow, that was a bad pun.  Sorry about that.  Whoops!

 

Anyways...let's move on.  Several homeschool mama's were chatting about curriculum choices and within a matter or moments, Twirly offered up her home for an anatomy lab.  I had access to pig lungs because of my job and I had a frozen cow tongue in my freezer (because we purchased a quarter of a cow).  Oh, the things that can happen when we start talking about all the things we have access to.  I'm sure there were other details to the story, but this how it all came to light in my mind.  *wink*

 

On Sunday afternoon, I took the cow tongue out of the freezer and gathered all of the materials for the lab scheduled for Monday.  Mama Sunshine joked with me that having "take the tongue out of the freezer" written on my calendar was just plain weird.  And wrong.  But it is what it is.  I needed to have a reminder so I wouldn't forget.  Afterall, the kids were counting on me.  (And again, this is how it all came to light in my mind.  *wink*)

 

Monday morning came quickly and we were heading out the door at 7:30am to go to Twirly's house to get things set up.  As soon as I arrived, Swiper came to swipe Sugar...but I handed her the tongue instead.  Oh joy...you just never know what you're going to get into when Mama Sunshine arrives!  hahahaha.  Swiper was a good sport and she immediately asked to touch the tongue before it went into the boiling pot of water.  (In case you hadn't already put the pieces together...the tongue was going to be eaten at the end of our lab day.  Again, you just never know what's going to happen when the H Family arrives! *wink*)

 

 



Swiper swipes a tongue!

During the anatomy lab, I talked to the kids about our lungs and why we have them.  We talked about the importance of breath and we discussed the importance of making healthy choices for our bodies.  The kids got to see a set of healthy lungs and a set of lungs that were not healthy at all.  Miss Venturesome worked with the kids on the anatomy of the eye (and she had ordered eyes to dissect but they did not come in prior to the lab).  The kids got to watch an eye dissection online and Miss Adventuresome shared tons of information with the kids and they all seemed to find it fascinating.  The kids had ample opportunities to ask questions and share stories.  I think the presentation went well and the kids seemed to really be engaged!  I had a great time working with the kids, that's for sure!

 

PQ gave me a hand pumping up the lungs.

Thanks again, PQ!

 

 

 

 

Hong Kong's son helped me with the unhealthy lungs.

I absolutely LOVE this picture.  He is so focused. 

 

In the middle of the lab, we discussed the SPINE.

(A little random...but it was all relevant in the end.)

The kids completed a STRAW experiment (that would show them how a smoker feels when they breath).  Pretty powerful stuff!

 

 

 

 

 

My new BFF...thanks again to Miss B for helping me out!

(She was extremely gracious to help me out on demand.  THANKS AGAIN!)

Introducing our cow tongue...

...up close and personnal...

 

 

...a HUGE thank you to the nurse in the room...without her, I don't know if I would have been able to peel the tastebuds off of the tongue...

 

 

...Hungry, anyone??!!??

(I couldn't bring myself to try it after preparing it.  I know it's a delicacy for some, but I wasn't willing to go there.)

 

The Girl Next Door was the first person to give it a try.  BRAVE GIRL.

(I had no idea she was the girl next door to Fenway! Hence the screen name for her.)

Watch the next few pictures closely!  THEY ARE HYSTERICAL!

Rach (next to PQ) was PSYCHED about being able to try the tongue...

...until she got it in her mouth...

 

 

 

 

...As you can see, she was NOT IMPRESSED.

(Seriously...PRICELESS PICS!!!) 

Did anyone LIKE the tongue?

These four DID!!!!

And these sixteen kids DID NOT!

 

But regardless, they ALL had fun and they ALL learned a lot from the anatomy lab!

It was a GREAT school day had by all, that's for sure!

Our 2012 Christmas Movie Schedule

In case you didn't already know, I have a habit of falling asleep during movies.  Some might consider it a bad habit, while others might think it's rather intellegent of me to use this down time to catch up on Zzzz's while my family watches a movie.  Regardless of which side of the fence you're on, there is one thing that is certain.  The only kind of movie that will keep me from falling asleep is a Christmas movie. 

Throughout my entire childhood, Christmas movies were always one of my most favorite parts of the Christmas season.  Even as an adult, that love for Christmas films has remained near and dear to my heart.  We continuously have conversations about why the holiday is so special.  We talk about our Savior.  We talk about His birth and the gift that He has given us.  And we enjoy watching all of the various Christmas movies that have been created throughout the years because they all have a particular memory attached to them.  I love Christmas movies.  It's just that simple. 

And another little fact for you: PQ and I typically start harrassing Papa H about the Christmas tree a few weeks before Thanksgiving.  And you know what time of the year it is, don't you??!!??  Instead of pestering Papa H about the Christmas tree, we opted to watch a quick Christmas movie as a family before going to bed last night.  And that of course made PQ and I start thinking about the plethera of Christmas movies that we've bought and collected over the years.  During school today, PQ made an official Christmas Movie Calendar for our family so that we would not duplicate or omit any of our movies during the next few weeks.  I think this is the only time of the year that I would actually allow this much television viewing...hahaha.  Plus having this schedule in place might keep us at home each night during the month of December!

Below is the schedule that PQ and I created for the 2012 season.  Please feel free to join us on any given night.  As you will see, the movies range from early elementary style movies to more serious movies for the Christmas season.  I'm serious, y'all....call us if you see a movie that you want to come over and watch with us.  And if you want to reserve a season pass for each night of viewing, that's always an option as well.  *wink*  I'm serious...come join us anytime!

Friday, 11/23- Polar Express
Saturday, 11/24- Christmas with the Kranks
Sunday, 11/25- The Nativity Story
Monday, 11/26- The Little Drummer Boy (the original)
Tuesday, 11/27- Madagascar Party Penguins
Wednesday, 11/28- Gumby- Season's Greetings
Thursday, 11/29- Fat Albert's Christmas Special
Friday, 11/30- George of the Jungle & Casper's Christmas
Saturday, 12/1- A Year Without a Santa Claus
Sunday, 12/2- Bah-Hum Duck
Monday, 12/3- Adventures in Odessey- Electric Christmas
Tuesday, 12/4- Merry Madagascar
Wednesday, 12/5- Veggie Tales- The Star of Christmas
Thursday, 12/6- Elmo Saves Christmas (Sugar is going to LOVE this!)
Friday, 12/7- Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
Saturday, 12/8- A Christmas Story
Sunday, 12/9- The Fourth King
Monday, 12/10- Franklin's Magic Christmas
Tuesday, 12/11- A Scooby-Do Christmas
Wednesday, 12/12- Elmo's Happy Holiday's (Fenway~ This is the movie I told you about!)
Thursday, 12/13- Alvin & the Chipmunk's Christmas  (who wants a hoola hoop?!?)
Friday, 12/14- ELF...(Seriously?  How can you even consider NOT coming over for this one?!?)
Saturday, 12/15- The Christmas Child
Sunday, 12/16- Yogi's First Christmas (this one is my all time favorite)
Monday, 12/17- Cricket on the Hearth
Tuesday, 12/18- The Most Marvelous Gift
Wednesday, 12/19- Mr. Magoo's Christmas
Thursday, 12/20- Frosty the Snowman
Friday, 12/21- Emmit Otter's Jug Band Christmas (this is Papa H's all time favorite)
Saturday, 12/22- It's a Wonderful Life (this will be the first time that I've ever seen this movie)
Sunday, 12/23- Dennis the Menace Christmas
Monday, 12/24- Veggie Tales~ The Little Drummer Boy

Sooooooo....any takers for a Movie Night (or few) with the H Family?  COME ON OVER!!!

Miss Bri comes to visit!

 

Several summers ago, we volunteered at a 5 Day Camp up near the big city.  We met some wonderful people and we were fortunate enough to maintain an ongoing relationship with a few of them.  Miss Bri was one of PQ's favorite counselors and he was thrilled to hear that she was going to visit us this past week.  We were blessed by her 3 hour visit and we are anxious to see her again soon!  She is one of the sweetest girls I know and she has an amazing head on her shoulders.  Thanks again to Miss Bri for making the trek to visit us.  I know the kids had a blast...and it was great catching up with you.  God is certainly using you for His glory, my friend!

 



 

Miss Bri ROCKS!

 

 

 

Seriously?!?  I think she could be my daughter!

It's funny how people come in and out of our lives.  Some for a day.  Some for a season.  Some for a lifetime.  We are so blessed to have Miss Bri in our lives.  Although we don't see each other every day, she is certainly someone that I hold very near and dear to my heart.  Ever since I met her 3 years ago, she has always been someone that I BEAM OVER whenever I hear her name.  I am so grateful for our continued friendship.  I love you, Miss Bri!

OUCH! Sorry, Chuckles!

 

We seem to have a brut on our hands.  Our little 14 month old brut will bite, scratch, or pinch to get her way.  Yes, I am referring to Sugar.  She's one tough cookie, that's for sure.  And she seems to have a little temper when things don't go the way she would like them to.  She loves to be around people, but sometimes she doesn't want to be bothered.  Chuckles was the latest victim of Sugar's rampage over the weekend.  As you can see by the picture, she came pretty close to her gorgeous brown eyes.  YIKES!  I am so sorry she scratched you up, Chuckles! 

 

You're still beautiful, Chuckles!

(I hope they don't leave scars...)

 

Beth Moore: DIFFERENT

 

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to spend some time with 7 lovely ladies.  We ventured north to see Beth Moore at a Living Proof Live event.  I'm pretty sure we all came home on Saturday with different areas of focus....but regardless of what our stories are, we each spent some much needed time growing together in Christ.  It's was an amazing weekend and as much as I would love to share all the juicy details, I just can't do it.  There's too much to share and not enough time to blog about it.  So, I will leave you with the 'key word' for the weekend.  The key word for the weekend was DIFFERENT.  I promise you that these photos and captions will not even begin to skim the surface of what took place this weekend.  Thanks again to Twirly, Miss Venturesome, Mama Sunshine, Hong Kong, Fletcha, Glory, and Princess E for enjoying such a great weekend with me!  And now for teh good stuff...Let's take a different approach to the pictures, shall we??!!??

 

 

I really need a different picture of the group.

(Twirly & I were in the front seat and Hong Kong's hand was in the way.)

 

Well, this is different...I can actually see Twirly & Hong Kong in the picture!

Hi, Girls!



 

Four different ladies with four different stories.

 

Whoa...this one is different from the rest!

*wink*

 

 

 

After the evening session, we all made different shirts. 



Princess E chose to be different by not customizing a shirt.

 

 

Mama Sunshine took a different approach and used a caterpillar analogy.
(I loved it, by the way.)

 



Being artistic made Miss Venturesome different than the rest of us...

(I was a tad bit jealous...her shirt looked amazing- lucky girl)

 

Fletcha wanted a different shirt when it was all said and done

(but it looked great...we're always so critical of our own work).

 

 

Faithfulness & Hope were the different sayings created by these girls.

Well, this is different...Mama Sunshine slept in her winter coat.

(Apparently there was a cold draft that kept her up all night. YIKES!)

Not seeing any men in line at Dunkin Donuts was a little different.

Ladies Conference in town, anyone?!?

We were all reminded that being different is a good thing.

 

 

 

And being different will set us apart from the world.

 

 

After attending the conference, I know we all left a little different than when we first arrived at the conference.

So everyone, what makes YOU different from everyone else in the world?!?