Spelling S.U.C.C.E.S.S!

Of all the subjects, Ty seems to struggle the most with spelling.  I've tried all sorts of different ways to help him master the words each week, but none have seemed to help.

That is, until this week.

For some reason, I had inspiration and decided to make flash cards with the words highlighted in a unique way. I broke them down into syllables and tried to make each part look different.  This has worked!  He's learned them and isn't struggling at all.  He told me today that he can picture the word in his mind by how it looks on the card. Yay!  (And maybe I have a visual learner here?)

Carsten's Ride

I try with all my might to go to the grocery store alone.  I find it's easier to concentrate on what I'm buying (and therefore not overspend) when I'm not pulling kids off the shelves.  However, sometimes, there is no choice and they all get to come.  Today was that day.

Carsten usually walks along side of me, but today, he wanted to ride in the cart.  He wasn't satisfied with riding in the spot the kids are supposed to sit, but instead wanted to ride along with all the food.  Check him out -

A Piece of Summer

As I sit at the desk this morning, I can see winter all around me.  The snow and wind is blowing and everything is white.  It's cold and we're all bundled up.  I'm sure it's no secret that I'm not a winter girl.  I prefer the summer and everything that comes with it, much more than wet carpets and mud.

The other day while I was at the grocery, I saw a piece of summer right there waiting for me.  Fresh berries - on sale nonetheless - ready to be purchased and devoured.  I grabbed a box of each and instantly felt better.  Well, that is until Carsten dropped the carton of blueberries on the ground and they rolled everywhere!  Ha!  Thankfully, they had more and the store clerk wasn't too upset with us!

Ten Years Later

To my sweetest Tyrus on his tenth birthday…

I’ve blinked and suddenly, you’re ten.  I’m so amazed at how quickly these ten years have gone by.  I remember the day I found out you were coming!  We were so excited and nervous all at the same time.  You’ve changed us for the better and for that, I’m forever grateful.  You’re now as tall as my chin.  When I hug you, you head rests snuggly right under my chin.  I remember when you’d fit right in the nook of my arm.  It makes me cry thinking of how fast those years have flown right by.    

This year has been an awesome year for you.  You completed your first year of Junior Bible Quizzing, learning ALL 181 verses of 1 Thessalonians and 1^st Timothy.  We took first place at Michigan State Finals and we got to travel all the way to Branson, MO to compete in the National Bible Quiz Tournament there.  And this year, as you start your second year, learning Bible Doctrine, you’ve continued to excel in your quizzing abilities.  Just this past weekend, you earned your first trophy for this season!

Your love for the Lord has grown tremendously, too this past year.  It is not uncommon to see you crying and praying in the altar – especially if one of your friends is up there praying, too.  We got to go to the Soul Winner’s Boot camp this summer and you soaked it all in and gleaned as much as you could.  It is so awesome to see God working in your life and your response to Him.  I notice all the other boys at church watch you to see if you’re going to go up and pray, and usually, if you do, they will, too.

This year, you’re in 4^th grade, and your second year homeschooling.  It seems to be a great fit with you so far.  You’re excelling in most areas, and the few that you aren’t (mostly spelling!) we’re working hard together to get better.  I have no doubt whatsoever that you can do well in all areas!   I love the journal that you’re working on.  Hopefully it will be a treasure to you someday.

Since your last birthday, you’re now wearing glasses.  You can see more clearly!  I was amused when we got your glasses in May when you commented on the rocks in the pavement – apparently, you’d never had seen them before! 

I’m so thankful for your kind heart and sweet spirit.  You genuinely love people and want the best for those around you.  I hardly ever see you get upset (unless it’s your brother or sister that’s bugging you!  J ) and I’m thankful for that.  I’ve thought for awhile that you have wisdom beyond your years.  God has given you a good head on your shoulders and it’s evident. 

I am so proud to be your mom.  I have no doubts that you will do great things in your life!  You aren’t the type to sit back and do nothing – you constantly want to be exploring and figuring out the next best thing.  Thank you for being a great, loving wonderful son.  God smiled on me and your daddy when he gave you to us.  I’ve been changed for the good ever since you came.  I love you so very much.  I’m excited to see what is in store for you next.

All my love, and even more than that,

Momma

January, 17th, 2002 - Your Birth Day

One Year Old!

Two!

Three!

Four!

Five!

Six!

Seven!

Eight!

Nine!

Ten!

Lunch Break

Today's been a great day.  I've made a New Year's Resolution of sorts - everything needs to be done earlier.  We've got to go to bed earlier, we've got to get up earlier, we've got to eat dinner earlier, etc.  It's not natural for me to want to go to bed any earlier than midnight or so, but to get moving earlier in the day, I have to!

Today was Day 1 on this new system.  The kids were NOT happy to be waking before the sun (at 7:45 nonetheless!) but I turned on the lights and woke them gently, and they finally decided it was time to get up.  Breakfast and Devotion went smoothly and then we were off to the races for our school day. 

Last night, I'd printed out a schedule for their schoolwork.  This isn't unusual in and of itself, but I decided this time to add in actual time frames.  This has worked great and we've stuck pretty close to the schedule.  The kids seem happy knowing what's coming next, (especially break and lunch break!) and I've had fairly little to no resistance.  Yay!

Right now, they are out, rollerblading.  So far so good!

A New Start...

Dear Faithful Readers,

I have decided (with much trepidation) to discontinue my current format within this blog.  Instead of doing a picture every single day, I've decided to incorporate more stories and interesting things about my family.  There will still be pictures taken, just not one every day.  I guess I am looking to change it more to a "quality vs quantity" type format!  Hopefully it will meet your liking and you'll continue to follow along with me on this journey, and as always, I look forward to your comments!

Love,

Karly

Day 365 - Family!

On this last day of 2011, we drove up to be with family.  It was a fun time!

Day 364 - Preparation!

We're headed up to Bay City area tomorrow to celebrate Christmas with another link in our family.  I made Molasses Bars and Cranberry Salsa.  Delicious!

Day 363 - Purge Day 3

Lots of stuff is happening around here.  I'm taking advantage of the fact that we're off of school and home.  The kids are enjoying their new Wii and I'm working hard cleaning stuff out!  It feels great!

Day 362 - Purge Day 2

It was Carsten's turn today!  His didn't take as long, but somehow I forgot to take a picture.  Bummer.

Day 361 - Purge Day 1

Tyrus and I spent about 4 hours today in his room.  How so much junk accumulates, I'll never know.  :)  It looks much, much better now!

Day 360 - The Aftermath

We slept in late today!  Once everyone was up and bathed, we put away some of the new items and then headed back over to Dennis & Mary Lou's house.  Ty and Stephanie worked on building his new (huge!) Lego Ship and the rest of us chilled out and ate leftover appetizers!

Day 359 - Christmas Day

I'm going to share our pictures from Christmas Eve mostly since my Christmas pics didn't turn out super great.  Merry Christmas, everyone!

Do you see Carsten completely IN the gift bag?  lol

Day 359 - Birthday Cake

When we were younger, my parents always had us make a birthday cake for Jesus and the youngest kid got to decorate it.  I thought it would be fun to pick up the tradition again.  Here's Carsten with the cake!

Day 358 - Cranberry Salsa

If you've never tried it, you're missing out!

Day 357 - Dorky Shots

Sometimes you have to do something to occupy yourself while waiting, right? ;)

 

Day 356 - Alexis & Ty

Look, look!  They aren't fighting!  It's a miracle!

Day 355 - Family Pics

Yikes, no pictures today, either!  I'm slackin'!  The good news is we took a lot this weekend.  Here are a few more:

Day 354 - Snuggle Time

I don't have a picture for today, so I'm going to use one from Saturday.  Here is Alexis reading to her cousin.  So sweet!

Day 353 - Grandkid Photo Op?

Uh, maybe next time!