Back to Business

School is back in session here at the Smith household. It's been quite challenging as I expected it to be to get these kids back into a school routine after having such a long break, but we're getting there. Slowly but surely, we're getting there.




After two strenuous days of school, this morning I woke up and asked, "do you guys want to go bike riding?" They are indeed smart enough to know if they say yes, that means school gets shuffled aside for a bit. So off the four of us went to the nearby Halipatioke Park. I love the fact that all three of them can now ride their bikes independently while I walk along side them. Occasionally Fletch needs me to pull him along to give him a little break while he pedals away, but overall he keeps up with the big kids pretty well.

The sight of walking behind their cute helmeted heads while they followed each other down the trails according to their birth order, was a glimpse that left me longing for my camera. It certainly was a sweet moment for me to see. Not only that, the weather was beautiful and it felt so great to be together, enjoying the outdoors on a school day morning. I know I say it all too often, but that's got to be one of my favorite parts of homeschooling. Freedom.

Speaking of freedom, look who the kids spotted freely roaming around our back porch while they did play dough...
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Yes my friends, it's another snake. Anyone want to come over and make play dough snakes with us?
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We've also had a lot of rockin' going on around our house too. Especially with the addition of our drums. I came out of my bedroom the other day to this scene...
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Dancing on the coffee table, in his brothers shorts, his hat on backwards while rocking out on one of his many guitars. And just so you know, his brother or sister didn't put him up to this as they were no where to be seen. The boy has loved guitars for as long as I can remember. And he really acts like he knows what he's doing too. Just notice him lifting his leg up. He's too much I tell you!
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So if you ever want some free entertainment, head over to our house. I promise, you won't be disappointed!
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And Fletch knows, to be a musician, you must have a cool hairdo (if you're not going to be wearing a hat that is). He prefers the slick look.

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My little rockrstar helped me make banana bread tonight. I must say, he is a champion egg cracker.
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I am loving my "new to me" mixer that my aunt gave me. It has a genuine vintage look that I love, but most importantly, it works like a charm!

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I think the naturally aged handle on this vintage strainer is oh so cool! I've had this since before I was married. Back when I was totally into antique kitchen items.

And speaking of kitchen items, take a look at my new favorite bowls. (and no I don't still have my Christmas stuff out, these pictures were taken last month) On our trip to the Garden's Mall to see Santa, I dragged Josh into Josh said he would love to take me into Anthropologie and let me pick out a Christmas present for myself. So after my sweet husband and children patiently waited while I took my time admiring every single thing in the store, I picked out these latte bowls. Okay, in all honesty, that's not exactly how the story went, but it was close enough. But they were having a great deal on these bowls and I have been drooling over them for some time.

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So now Gracie happily gets to dribble over them.

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Oh, and before I forget, I just wanted to warn you not to let Fletch come near your computer. If we ever happen to come over, put it far, far away.

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Or I'm afraid this will happen...

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And last but not least, we are camping Friday night with a group from our church so please pray for NO rain!

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After Josh told me it's supposed to rain this weekend, I asked him if we could sneak our rv on the trip just in case but he said no.

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So please think of me sleeping in a wet tent and say a quick prayer. Thanks for caring ; )