Sunday, December 5, 2010

Slacking at blogging!

I have been a bit of a slacker at blogging-but for good reason I thought:)
I've been spending every spare minute I have reading
curriculum reviews, "Charlotte Mason companion",
"Honey for a child's heart" and countless other
"homeschool" books.
I feel like there are SO many homeschooling resources out there;
And I want to read all of them!! Haha, I realize this is just not possible.
I need to stop spending so much time reading, and researching in front of the
computer and actually just spend that time with my two daughters.
Loving on them, praising them for their efforts at right living, and just practical teaching
through our every day life.
I am a definite researcher at heart though. And I feel I must know it ALL before I attempt to even try something.
I really need to let go of that control, & perfectionist tendencies and just rely on the joy of the Lord to be my strength!
So, that is what I am working on! :-)

Thanksgiving Happenings

We recently tried to recreate the first Plymouth Thanksgiving with our West Valley Homeschool group.
Jessica and I made turkey, elk, and pies, and our guests all brought side dishes to share.


The children were supposed to dress as Indians, or Pilgrims for our dinner and they prepared a couple paragraphs of what they were thankful for this year. I figured this would be a good opportunity for public speaking or reciting!

Jessica decided she would like to be an Indian princess. So we were off to JoAnn's! We found a great faux leather with trim and bought it at 50% off (Love JoAnn coupons)
At home we did a simple tube pattern by cutting the yard in half. (one tube for each girl) We cut out a neck and hot glued the sides together. Very simple, 15 minutes and we even had time to make a feather headband and feather earrings.


Jessica and I had a great time getting our house festive, (we had about 20 people) with candles, tablecloths and colorful plates.

We had a great time, unfortunately only Jessica was dressed up. And everybody had forgotten their "Thankfulness" essay.
At first I was really bothered by this, I had put so much effort and time into the event. (even taking the day off of school) but ultimately decided that Jessica and I did what we were supposed to do, we learned about Indians and enjoyed our time together :-)

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Life under the sea and BBQ

This last Saturday, Nonni, the girls, and I, all went to see "The Littlest Mermaid" at the Hale Theater in Gilbert.
(Nonni and the girls standing on stage)
We had such a great time. I remember going to plays often when I was little. I want my girls to experience the same thing. It's so exciting to see their favorite story come to life 4 feet in front of them (front row seats baby!)


Even Tori, (3) was enthralled with not a peep for the length of the show.


Afterward, we made the rounds by all the characters, taking pictures and getting autographs.
Very nice actors too.


To top off the afternoon we enjoyed lunch across the street at Joe's BBQ. ( My favorite restaurant) My healthy little Jessica had ordered salad. So we decided she should also try ribs for the first time!
We also ordered a MONSTER root beer float. That between the four of us, we could not finish. It was a wonderful Saturday for sure!



My reason for blogging

Well, I have fallen to peer pressure and joined the millions other mothers out there who blog!
I named my blog after myself (selfish I know!)
My name Caitlin means 'pure' and my middle name Louise means 'renowned warrior'.
I remember one of the many times I've battled sin in my life, my mom told me.
"Live up to your name, my dear. 'Caitlin Louise'-God's pure warrior!"
While I think of it from time to time, this is a good reminder for what I am doing on earth.


I decided that a blog would be worth my time, because I would like to list all the activities my girls and I do, documented, in order to remember them better.
Both schooling, and field trips.


This will also hold me accountable to share what I am learning in the Bible, and what I am seeking out regarding new ideas for creative home learning!


I hope that my journeys and struggles will be an encouragement to you!