"Spring Break" 2015

I didn't really intend for us to have Spring Break, but then I thought... why not?

So last week we played and had fun with friends and went to visit Grandma and Grandpa in Scurry. It was low key, but nice.

Carson riding the dirt bike at the Rairdon's house

Abby and Anni built a tent in the front yard

A sweet moment with the kids on the way to Grandma's

The rain did not phase them. They played outside nearly all day.

This is Carson's lizard, Lettuce, that he caught and brought home.

 The weekend brought illness upon our kids, so that meant taking it easy for a couple days. We got home from Grandma and Grandpa's on Saturday, and the kids and I stayed home from church on Sunday. It was strange not being there, but it was nice to have some time to clean and to finally get some artwork up on the walls.

Finally hung some of our artwork!

We typically spend Sunday night with Aaron's family, but with Carson still being sick, he and I stayed home and had chinese takeout and watched a movie. It was fun having a little at-home mini date with my sweet boy.

Chinese Takeout and a movie for Carson and I

Today everyone is feeling much better, and we are ready to take on our week and get back to our routine. Hopefully I'll be back with more updates soon!

Homeschool Status

When we began this homeschooling journey, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had significant doubt as to whether or not we could pull it off and whether it was truly the right thing for us. But as I sit here eight months into it, I can honestly say that I'm loving it, and the kids are too. They have never once asked to go back to school.

That's not to say we don't have some really rough days here and there... because we do. (And let's be honest, we've always had those, no matter where they were going to school.) But for me, it's been a soul filling, exciting endeavor. I've seen my kids grow and change in the coolest ways. I've gotten to know them better. We have fun together. And I am learning so much. Education is so much more fun and interesting the second time around!

In addition to our regular curriculum, we've had to chance to get out there and do a lot of hands-on learning, which has been amazing. Things just stick so much better when you learn that way, right?

Homeschool Day at Sea World

Dissecting a cow heart with our Greenhouse friends (co-op)

We now have more time with good friends than ever before

And more time to just be together.

In February we took part in Saturday Morning Discovery at Southwest School of Art, and we all loved it! So many new skills learned!

Screenprinting at the SW School of Art (Love-mine, Stars-Carson)

Learning with our Greenhouse Co-Op friends

A trip to the San Antonio Symphony with our Greenhouse peeps

...not to mention the flexibility and freedom we've been given with our schedule and the incredible trips we've been able to take. There is still progress to be made in many areas, and ways that we can all grow, but it's been a great year so far.

Concerts

We've been very fortunate over the past few months to be able to go to several great concerts. I meant to give each one it's own post, but alas... this will have to do.

All Sons & Daughters and Dave Crowder | Floore's Country Store

Our good friends, Nick & Francesca, gave us tickets to go see this great show at Floore's Country Store back in October. I absolutely love All Sons & Daughters, and their show was pure worship--beautiful and heartfelt. Dave Crowder is a man I have long admired for his incredible talent and heart for God. He went all out, and it was so much fun.

All Sons & Daughters

Dave Crowder Band

On a side note, afterwards, we discovered the most delicious taco stand in San Antonio thanks to our friends, Dan, Caleb & Laura. We stayed out 'til like 12:30 eating tacos. Because we're not old yet. (Though I can't even tell you the last time we were out that late!)

Caleb, Laura, Dan, & Aaron. Tacos and Mexican Cokes. Oh, yes.

Pat Green | Gruene Hall

In December, we went with Jason & Natalie to see Pat Green at Gruene Hall--our favorite country guy at an epic venue! We got there early early and the guys waited in line so we could get a good spot while Natalie went across the street so we could sit down to eat dinner and hang out (don't worry, we brought food back to the guys). It was nice. Finally, the doors opened, and we were able to stand in the very front row. Literally about six feet from Pat Green's face. It was really cool. (Also a little unnerving/awkward.) But we had a blast. (You can imagine Aaron and Jason standing front row at a concert.)  I didn't love it nearly as much as the Stubb's show (it seems like he was playing up the dancehall/party guy rather than the family guy we've grown to love), but it was a fun show, nonetheless. Love me some Pat Green!

Pat Green

BFF's  (Why do I look scared?)

Brad Paisley | San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

A few weeks ago, we went with the church staff to the rodeo and to see Brad Paisley. Our seats were way up top, but we enjoy his music, and he played a good show!

Brad Paisley