These are just too cute not to share!
I've Moved...
10 months ago
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
My creative mother
Yes I have a lot to blog about with all my journeys here in England but I have to do this one...Because of circumstances my mom was not working before Christmas this year and had some time to make gifts. I was so excited about this and asked her to make tutus for my girls. These will come a little later when I get my girlies all dressed up for this special occasion.
My mom had seen these purse organizers before but these are her origional. She looked at numerous and picked the things out that she wanted and then made a few of them for us for Christmas. I was very excited to get it. She also made me this necklace and earings. I did not post the other necklace that she made me as I am wearing it and don't want to take it off! Thanks, mom for the fun home-made Christmas. Love you!
PS Here is more of my mom's creativeness!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sarah the British school girl...
I have to tell you a couple stories about Sarah going to the British school. She is the youngest of her class by a few months. She turned 4 just over a week before school started. Not to mention that she is the only American. There are 27 children in her class. With such a big class they really do great things teaching each one of them creatively. Her teacher told me a few weeks ago that Sarah was not really participating in the small groups they were doing with the teacher but she would see in her play time that she would do it later so they decided to take her aside and do this activity one-on-one. They have since told me that she is doing well with that. Well, last week the teacher pulled me aside very excited because Sarah had done something really out of her character (at least at school). When the teacher needs to speak with all of them she has them sit on the carpet. To get them there she has a child yell at the top of their lungs a count down from 10. She asked for a volunteer that afternoon and Sarah volunteered. The teacher was very shocked to see that but very excited that she was coming out of her shell. She told Sarah to stand up and do it. When she stood up and saw all the other children staring at her she became very shy but then the teacher called on Sarah's best friend to stand up with her and the two of them did the count down very loud. Well from what I see of Sarah she is very capable of being a leader but if I were in her shoes I would also be a little intimidated and confused by all the words but she is slowly beginning to understand and come out of her shell. I am so proud of her.
Just a little bit about her best friend Emma-Jane. Emma is from South Africa and really does not know the other children either. Sarah and Emma really stick close. I think even with their very different cultures they stick close because they are both learning how things work, how to understand the words used, and that just being different from the others brings them together. Sarah and Emma have been getting into a bit of trouble at school so they must be feeling a little more comfortable.
Also, a little background on how they run the Reception classroom. They have different activities planned such as cooking or a specific art project that they take turns allowing the children to "have a go" at. The classroom is not 27 desks lined up in rows. I don't think that other than on the floor there are enough chairs in the room for them all to sit. They have a reading corner with some books and bean bags to sit at. They have an art area with boxes and "haberdashery" that the children can glue and tape or paint. There is a creative area where they can dress up. They have different costumes for the different seasons or holidays coming up. There is a computer where they can play games. They have smart board that they allow the children to draw on it and color with it and then they print it off and send them home. There is a lot more in that little room such as cars, dolls, or even a little question and answer table that will ask them such things as to which jar has lavender in it or they had the nativity scene there closer to Christmas. The other morning when I left the teacher was taking shaving cream and painting it onto the table and then sprinkled glitter onto it for the children to "have a go" at writing something or drawing in the shaving cream. They have a special fenced off area where the children can go outside and play in a playhouse or they have little trikes or water or sand. I was very leery at first about the children just playing. I figured that I could just do that myself with Sarah at home but somehow in the middle of all of that they are teaching Sarah how to count, how to write (small letters), to recognize them, and slowly she is trying to put those letters together to make a word. Soon she will be reading! She is only 4!!!
I will tell you all about the Christmas play later but I wanted to give you a little background. xx
Just a little bit about her best friend Emma-Jane. Emma is from South Africa and really does not know the other children either. Sarah and Emma really stick close. I think even with their very different cultures they stick close because they are both learning how things work, how to understand the words used, and that just being different from the others brings them together. Sarah and Emma have been getting into a bit of trouble at school so they must be feeling a little more comfortable.
Also, a little background on how they run the Reception classroom. They have different activities planned such as cooking or a specific art project that they take turns allowing the children to "have a go" at. The classroom is not 27 desks lined up in rows. I don't think that other than on the floor there are enough chairs in the room for them all to sit. They have a reading corner with some books and bean bags to sit at. They have an art area with boxes and "haberdashery" that the children can glue and tape or paint. There is a creative area where they can dress up. They have different costumes for the different seasons or holidays coming up. There is a computer where they can play games. They have smart board that they allow the children to draw on it and color with it and then they print it off and send them home. There is a lot more in that little room such as cars, dolls, or even a little question and answer table that will ask them such things as to which jar has lavender in it or they had the nativity scene there closer to Christmas. The other morning when I left the teacher was taking shaving cream and painting it onto the table and then sprinkled glitter onto it for the children to "have a go" at writing something or drawing in the shaving cream. They have a special fenced off area where the children can go outside and play in a playhouse or they have little trikes or water or sand. I was very leery at first about the children just playing. I figured that I could just do that myself with Sarah at home but somehow in the middle of all of that they are teaching Sarah how to count, how to write (small letters), to recognize them, and slowly she is trying to put those letters together to make a word. Soon she will be reading! She is only 4!!!
I will tell you all about the Christmas play later but I wanted to give you a little background. xx
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 07, 2009
To my beloved followers...
It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one... There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.
Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one... There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest.
Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:
I LOVE YOU,
JESUS
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Nottingham Castle
Yesterday we had a really fun day with Sarah. She has had a pen pal since grade school that lives near Nottingham. We took the 2 hour trek (the British thing that would be a weekend trip not a day trip). It was a very windy day so we did not spend a lot of time at the castle but it was fun. Laura (Sarah's pen pal) showed us around Nottingham. We parked in a multi-story car park (parking garage) that I was not sure my van was too tall but we made it. PHEW! We got our pictures taken with Robin Hood. Sarah got to have tea with her British friend. We were exhausted after pushing strollers full of children around the city but it was successful.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Shopping in Cambridge...
Since I have moved here there have been a lot of big events in our life. I have not had time to just really experience the English life without watching my children or having a mission. I was very fortunate to be able to go shopping with a friend a couple weekends ago and experience the British life. We did have a mission. Finding me some pants (trousers) because I have lost over 30 lbs since Bethany was born. I just wanted to share a few things while going in and out of dressing rooms and trying on British clothes.
Generally speaking the British are much quieter than Americans but girls still talk in the dressing room. It is so funny to hear them say words differently in their "accent"
All of their "trousers" the buttons and zippers are opposite of American jeans. I was having a very difficult time with that and did not know what was wrong. I finally figured it out.
I still have not had "tea" at a very posh tea shop but that will happen soon...
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Scones....
So I am having a small group over in the morning and decided that I would try my hand at scones. So here is the recipe. With a preserve from Lady Jay's called Strawberry Champagne these are delish! Just have to say that I think that it was a sucess. We will see what the ladies think in the morning...
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Likes and dislikes
I like the fact that all of the fruit and veg is labeled where it is grown.
I don't like the fact that I had to back my minivan out of the "school car park (parking lot)" (its really just the parking for the locals who live there) for over a half a block with a wall on one side, cars on the other, 5 cars waiting on me, and one tire on the path (side walk) and one on the street.
I like the fact that I am at home more with my children. I did not know that I could become a home body and like to be home. I really think that my children have a lot of security in being at home.
I don't like the fact that when I go shopping for clothes and look at the rack I do not know what size I am in British.
I like the fact that I have lost over 30 pounds since Bethany was born.
I don't like the fact that all of my pants seem to fall off of me and drag on the ground in the water.
I like the fact that the British eggs don't have to go in the fridge. Saves room in my tiny fridge.
I like the fact that I can get cheese from all over the world. It is really my goal to try as many different types of cheeses. Even ones with mold on it :)
I like the fact that I live in an exciting place where my friends and family want to come visit. We would love to have YOU too!
I don't like the fact that I am far away when I need a coffee date with a friend.
I like the fact that I can keep up with my friends online.
I don't like the fact that when they are online is when I should be going to bed. Good night!
I don't like the fact that I had to back my minivan out of the "school car park (parking lot)" (its really just the parking for the locals who live there) for over a half a block with a wall on one side, cars on the other, 5 cars waiting on me, and one tire on the path (side walk) and one on the street.
I like the fact that I am at home more with my children. I did not know that I could become a home body and like to be home. I really think that my children have a lot of security in being at home.
I don't like the fact that when I go shopping for clothes and look at the rack I do not know what size I am in British.
I like the fact that I have lost over 30 pounds since Bethany was born.
I don't like the fact that all of my pants seem to fall off of me and drag on the ground in the water.
I like the fact that the British eggs don't have to go in the fridge. Saves room in my tiny fridge.
I like the fact that I can get cheese from all over the world. It is really my goal to try as many different types of cheeses. Even ones with mold on it :)
I like the fact that I live in an exciting place where my friends and family want to come visit. We would love to have YOU too!
I don't like the fact that I am far away when I need a coffee date with a friend.
I like the fact that I can keep up with my friends online.
I don't like the fact that when they are online is when I should be going to bed. Good night!
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
My brother...
For those of you who do not know my little brother he is living in LA and for almost a year now is a full time musician. They are doing a show tonight and here is a video. Have a great time tonight Zac & Cam! xx
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Its all about Bethany....
Yep the youngest. They probably will not get as much attention as the other two at this point because Sarah and Cory are way more active than Bethany but Mike and I both have been taking lots of pictures of her. She is such a joy. We are so blessed by her. She is growing so fast. I need to measure how long she is because every time I grab something out of her drawer it is too small for her. She is so long that I am having to put her in 6-9 month clothes. She will be 4 months on Oct 5th. It is so nice to have a few hours in the evening and not be worn out from a screaming baby. Bethany has been so much better in the colic area than the other two.
I was thinking the other day how cool it is that my daughters are sisters. I didn't have a sister. I think that sisters are cool. I know that they have their struggles but I think that more often than not they are really good friends. Bethany will watch Sarah and just coo and make all kinds of faces and noises when Sarah is talking to her. It is so amazing how they have bonded. Cory is too busy and quick to keep Bethany's attention.
We love you Bethany!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Monday, August 24, 2009
Sarah's 4th Birthday!
Yea my Sarah turned four on Saturday! She is turning into such a little girl. We had a wonderful weekend celebrating Sarah's big day. We had some friend over for a BBQ and they decorated their own cup cakes! Sunday we went to a farm and got to brush some donkeys and watch a goat being milked. In another week and a half she will be starting school. I am very nervous but excited for her.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday Wonderings....
Just thought that I would share a few pictures.
Lets see....
One week until Sarah starts school. YIPES! Is she really old enough to go to school?
Cory is in the biting phase. Not sure what to think about that.
Bethany is growing so fast. Now if we could just get out of this fussiness we would be great!
Nap time is almost over....
Have a good week!
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