Thursday, December 23, 2010

Photo of the Day Three Ways!



Straight out of the Camera



A little desaturated with a little color


A little bit of  'seventies denim love

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas, Family and Friends.  I just wanted to take a minute to tell you that all have impacted my life and helped to form me into the woman I am today.  I thankful for that.  I am thankful for encouragement given and the lessons learned.   As I reflect on the meaning of this season, I am in awe of God's awesome power.  His entire design known before his first creation.  I was reminded yesterday that we are in the toddler years of our eternal life.  Just like us giving into every demand our young children make causes Chaos, so would there be Chaos if God gave us everything we think we need.  My family and I are taking the next few days to purposefully enjoy the true meaning of Christmas.  I am looking forward to sharing, laughing and enjoying my family.  My hope is that you enjoy this season to the fullest.
Merry Christmas

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sunday, December 12, 2010

My Success

This morning I read about being content.  This struck me "We need to reject our cultural definitions of success.  A successful life is one that begins with the Bible's view of what really matters:  knowing and loving God"  ~Anon
This gives me peace about my families decision for me not to return to school at this time.  I may not be perfect at what I do but I have been given the gift of my family.  I am the mother to my three by design and God chose me for them.  My little ones will only be little for a short time and I want to have a hand in instilling what is important and building character in them.    

~Brandy

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Our Morning Gift


My little ones were so excited to see this mornings double rainbow.  We talked about the simple gifts we sometimes over look.  Hoping our friends here in Spain were able to enjoy it.

Monday, November 29, 2010

Learning Letters with the Season





Our preschool approach with the twins has been one focused on play and not a strict curriculum.  I did come across some fun printable activities from THIS BLOG that they are enjoying.  Here is one matching the letters in Merry Christmas.  I was amazed at how many of the letters they recognized.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Whew!

November has been a little overwhelming for me.  My best friend came to visit and we enjoyed having her here and showing her a little bit of Spain.  Having a familiar face made me homesick for the familiar.  I love living in Europe but I am ready for a taste of home.  I am finding comfort in my own little family, trying hard to rely on God's placement and plan for me.  I am so thankful for little hands to hold, a husband who comforts me no matter my mood, friends becoming family away from home and the Internet to keep in contact.  Esp. this last week when I couldn't jump on plane to be with my sister and family during the birth of my nephew.  He is doing well but for a minute he was having a hard time. 

Today I am so thankful for being able to stream radio online that feels like home.  My favorite Station

I am thankful for my twinsees, who in the midst of 3 year old tantrums still want me to comfort them by holding them, turning lights on for them and make me make believe pizzas 200 times a day!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Praying Mantis


This was our morning visitor.  Totally fitting since my daughter is reading about insects this week in science.  What was today's topic?  Praying Mantis, to be exact.  We were provided with a visual to fit her reading.  Totally Awesome!!!!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

This is How We Handle A Monday


We fiercely stare it in the face and say grrr.

Actually this is my son saying "Did you say, say Cheese?

Saturday, October 23, 2010

New Do & Growing Up


Our oldest is getting way to big.  She knows what she likes, even if we are not always on the same page.  Take the hair for example, I want it to grow out long but she wants it short.  Not that I don't like it, I actually really love it, she just looks way too grown up. 

She is also moving up in the Girl Scout world.  After a break for a year, she is back and loving it.  She is now a brownie.

She now has a new room, with a big bed.  To me it looks more like the room of a pre-teen not a little girl.  It is all happening so fast.  She is wonderful and such a blessing.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Worst vs. Best

"Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace.  And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."
Jerry Bridges

Sunday, October 17, 2010

My Lunch Today!


I am sure everyone is dying to know what I ate for lunch today, so here goes.  I know your not but it was yummy enough to share.
I sauteed zucchini (fresh from the garden) bell pepper and onion in olive oil, seasoning with sea salt and cracked pepper.
I stuffed it inside a Homemade Pita Pocket and sprinkled a little Mozzarella on it.
I served it with a side of hummus for dipping.
I really do like it simple and this was Yummy!

A Little Visitor


My daughter found this little guy on our trampoline yesterday.  She wanted to hold it and my husband allowed this.  He says at least their is hope for one of our three kids to not be afraid of bugs.  I am happy she has someone willing to share in her interest.  I am not a bug person but this one was rather pretty and Large.
I am hoping he happily found his home, Here is to never meeting again my friend!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Out of the Mouth of Little M.


Kids love to talk. Kids love to ask questions that I have no idea how to answer.  Kids love to sing.  My youngest Loves to have our attention.  My most favorite quotes of hers are the ones she gets wrong.

"Mom, Watch me I am a pistachio (statue)"
Pretending to make ice cream "Would you like a cup or a pine cone??"

She also likes to sing "He could be the one, He could be the on-uh-uh-a-ne"
She is great.

Monday, October 11, 2010

A little Blown-Out


I am still in a learning process.  While I feel I know a smidgen about what I am doing, I am constantly in a state of 3 steps forward 2 steps back.  I am trying hard to take pictures everyday and to play and practice with them.  This photo is a little blown out but I had fun playing with some new tricks.  She is just so cute!

Friday, October 8, 2010

Fire Prevention Week!


Because of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, we are learning about Fire Prevention and what it takes to be a Fire Fighter.





The kids enjoyed themselves today!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Can you believe what they are up to?



So we have taken a vow to limit the amount of TV our children watch.  On "School Days" the TV does not come on at all.  They are still getting used to me not turning on a movie whenever they ask.  I have seen a change, this is what I usually find when it gets too quiet.  Now instead of sitting they are jumping on the trampoline, playing basketball in the courtyard, riding their bikes or finding something interesting to read.  At least 10 times during the day, the twins are coming to me to ask if I will read some story they just found or one that they love hearing over and over again. 

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

But We're Not French...

I am updating this post to add it to a soup recipe bank on www.LifeasMOM.com .

So a couple of days ago I was determined to come up with a menu and shopping list at least for the week.  I have been craving a creamy super yummy soup.  So I decided to find some new recipes for homemade creamy soups.  The one I found and really liked the sound of was Creamy Leek and Potato Soup.  I read that it is what Mothers in France make for their children when they aren't feeling well.  Sounded healing and comforting.


Saute 2 Leeks and 1 Shallots in butter or olive oil


Until they are tender


Add 2 Baking potatoes and 2 cups of stock (I used Veggie)
Cook until potatoes are soft


Puree the Vegetables and Stock
Add 1/2 cup - 3/4 cup Cream, Salt, Pepper and Fresh Lemon Juice to taste


Plate up and top with cheese
In our case, I used Parmesan but the recipe called for Stilton Cheese.  I couldn't find that in the commissary but after researching (after doing the shopping) found out it is a British brand of Bleu Cheese.  I really think it would have been better with the recommended cheese but the Parm was a good substitute.  Serve with a yummy crusty bread.
I devoured this soup, I loved it.  My family on the other hand filled up the on fresh bread instead.  After telling them this is what kids eat in France, my 8 year old replied with "But Mom, we are not French!"

This recipe will be used often but I will make it and enjoy it myself for a yummy lunch.

Hopefully my family enjoys the Pumpkin soup I plan on making next week.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Top In Blue

Yesterday we went to the base Kids Day picnic and Tops in Blue show.


Sparky the Fire Dog was there, who my son hugged about 25 times.  He loves all things Fireman/Firetruck/Firedog.


Giant inflatables


Proud boys going down all by themselves.  He is not one for seeking the thrills, this was a big step for him.  One time down, he was hooked!


This one on the other hand, has no fear.  She scares me!


Proud little girls of their Princess Tiger face paint.  Original design a' la my daughter.


Race bikes and questions like "Why are you over here mom?"  to which I respond "To watch you race."  I think I may have gotten an eye roll for combining my excitement to watch with keeping an eye on her.


Pinwheels and Popcorn (not pictured but worth mentioning since it was the main feature in my children's dinner last night)


And then the show, It was great.  The kids were entertained and my oldest questioned every technical aspect of the show.  I was ill equipped to answer. 


This was the girls favorite outfit from the night.  Hopefully their sense of style changes!

It was a great night!  Great show, Great friends and of course my Awesome Family!

Friday, October 1, 2010

Lapbooking

So the term Lapbooking is Greek to me, but we are giving it a go! We are going to do it along with our regular lessons adding information we find to our book over the next two months. If it is something we enjoy then we will do one a month on a topic of interest to the kids or a corresponding holiday. For October and November, we are going to work on Autumn. This will include our extras for Thanksgiving as well. The little ones can even to do this. A couple of activities a week are not going to overwhelm them. This is my favorite season by far. Smells, tastes and colors are all so wonderful!






We color!



We glue!


We draw leaves.


The twins did a wonderful job of drawing on their own with the colors of Autumn.


We have the cover to our book!  Now to find fun facts!

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