Hola all,
I haven't forgotten about this little corner of the world, it just seems like I haven't had a chance to sit & write for the last week. Lots has been happening and we've been busy so my blog time has been limited. Quick recap of the past week: Swink3 had his final t-ball game & closing ceremonies - he received a cute little bobble head trophy. His name was misspelled so we have to get that fixed :-(
Swink4 had her open house on Monday - can you say ADORABLE?? We have video & pics so I will try to get that done soon & posted for all the world to enjoy her cuteness!
Swink5 is pulling up on everything! I firmly believe she is just going to skip regular crawling & go straight from low-crawling (go little army girl) to walking...let's see how long that takes.
Swink1 has moved right along to the next division in his training (including this one, there are 3 left) & he is no longer lugging around in a bomb suit - now it's a chem suit!
Swink2 (me) is still plugging along with school - attempting to get a bachelors degree - apparently so I can be a degreed (is that a word?) homeschooling/SAHM :-) Currently I'm taking a Probability & Statistics class (quite fun actually) and an Organizational Behavior class to be followed by two more classes before summer is over.
And the big news? We finally received our assignment!!!! In Sept., Team Swink will be headed to Ft. Carson, CO. I've been doing a bit of research in the just over 24 hours since we've gotten the news, & am deciding that Ft. Carson is possibly one super cool place! I am EXTREMELY adverse to temperatures below 65 degrees *but* I may be able to tough it out with the awesomeness that research is showing exists. Besides that, Swink1 is somewhat ecstatic that we are going there which makes it all good :-)
I'll try to blog a little more frequently...let's see if it happens! Have a wonderful rest of the week!!!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Curriculum, t-ball, dance and combat crawling
Happy Tuesday all!
After many, many (many, many, many) days and much research I think we have finally settled on our method of homeschooling. For Swink3's kindergarten year we have pieced together an approach which has kinda worked but not as good as any of us would like. He reads exceptionally well and is pretty good at math, enjoys science (particularly anything pertaining to animals), and likes geography (thank you google earth). Anyway, we will be mainly using the Charlotte Mason philosophy which deals heavily in learning from living books as opposed to textbooks; it is also has a very strong emphasis on the outdoors/nature and purportedly creates a love of learning rather than just rote memorization of facts. That being said, I have a ton of books that I need to find (yay for used bookstores, craigslist & ebay) so... many of my hours will be spent doing that. Our math curriculum will be Saxon and yesterday I scored the year 1 workbook for ninety-nine cents!! I love a good bargain :-)
Tonight will be Swink3's last t-ball game of the season. He has enjoyed it but not nearly as much as he did football. I don't think it has enough movement in it, so while he enjoys batting and actually catching the ball; standing around in the outfield drives him a little insane.
Swink4 is still loving ballet. Her class will have an "Open House" next week where the parents can sit in on the class rather than watch through a tiny window at the door :-) I will, of course, be taking pics & video of the cuteness! She is the most encouraging person I know; there is absolutely nothing like having my 3 year old tell me what a great job I'm doing!
Swink5 has perfected the combat crawl...the girl can move faster at a low crawl than most babies can with an actual hands and knees crawl! She is quick!!! This week has brought the ability to pull up on things, shake her head (as in saying "no"), give sugars (kisses - she's been doing it for a while), and she will occasionally get on all fours for a few movements. The consensus is that she will probably go straight to walking...we'll see.
I am constantly amazed at how big they are getting and how much they are growing: mentally, physically and even spiritually. The insight they (the older two) bring to our daily devotionals is astounding and I pray that Swink1 & I are able to continue fostering a love of Jesus and for His Word. I pray that we continue to (and get better at) modeling His love and His purpose. I pray our children grow up knowing that not only do mommy & daddy talk about Jesus but that we live as He has called us to. Loving our Lord with all we are & loving our neighbors as ourselves.
After many, many (many, many, many) days and much research I think we have finally settled on our method of homeschooling. For Swink3's kindergarten year we have pieced together an approach which has kinda worked but not as good as any of us would like. He reads exceptionally well and is pretty good at math, enjoys science (particularly anything pertaining to animals), and likes geography (thank you google earth). Anyway, we will be mainly using the Charlotte Mason philosophy which deals heavily in learning from living books as opposed to textbooks; it is also has a very strong emphasis on the outdoors/nature and purportedly creates a love of learning rather than just rote memorization of facts. That being said, I have a ton of books that I need to find (yay for used bookstores, craigslist & ebay) so... many of my hours will be spent doing that. Our math curriculum will be Saxon and yesterday I scored the year 1 workbook for ninety-nine cents!! I love a good bargain :-)
I am constantly amazed at how big they are getting and how much they are growing: mentally, physically and even spiritually. The insight they (the older two) bring to our daily devotionals is astounding and I pray that Swink1 & I are able to continue fostering a love of Jesus and for His Word. I pray that we continue to (and get better at) modeling His love and His purpose. I pray our children grow up knowing that not only do mommy & daddy talk about Jesus but that we live as He has called us to. Loving our Lord with all we are & loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Trail Rides, Creeks & Impersonators
This past weekend has been a full one! Lots of fun in the TeamSwink household! Friday afternoon we went up to Blackwater River State Park to hang with Grams & Grandpa G (and the horses…can’t forget the horses). We hung out, played in the creek a little, rode the horses around the field, had dinner & headed home. Saturday saw us back at the park for a fun & tiring day. Swink1 & 3 took off to the creek to play, swim, jump from the rope swing & just for good measure, get in a few lessons on currents, moss/algae, and animals that live near the water. Swink4 got to go on a “real trail ride” with Grams & Grandpa G. Apparently she also worked out her singing voice, THE ENTIRE TIME, by singing to anyone & everyone, “I’m goin’ on a real trail ride. I’m ridin’ Chicago.” My little chatterbox horsey girl…sounds somewhat familiar J. Swink5 & I hung out @ the campsite, chillin’ in the shade, listening to the sounds of nature & loving on each other.
Saturday night saw Swink1 & me off on a date – yep, sans kids - to this awesome restaurant in Valparaiso: the Compass Rose. Upon entering you are greeted by not 1 but 2 Chihuly chandeliers (check out his work here: http://www.chihuly.com/home.aspx), who happens to be one of my favorite artists – EVER. We sat out on the balcony overlooking Tom’s Bayou, at sunset; listened to live musicians (not too loud or too quiet – perfect), had some amazing food, and people watched (which is always fun). The table ware was funky; the bathroom sinks were super cool, even the water faucets were nifty. (You like that? 3 different adjectives in one sentence!) Apparently this place likes to hire impersonators - while dining we saw Robert Pattinson (with lipstick, in the shape of lips, peeking out of his white button down shirt collar), Justin Beiber (complete with the head flip), and a young Fabio (flowing curly locks abounded). The manager stopped & chatted with us for a bit then sent a complimentary brownie over to celebrate our 11 years of marriage (11 years??? Really – it’s been that long?) A lovely night out with my husband who should know, in case he’s curious; that yes, I would do it all over again…if I had to. J
Sunday brought naptime for me while Swink1 & Grams took all of the kiddos down to the rope swing beach. Swink5 had a blast kicking in the water – maybe she will be our little fish? We had a rather peaceful day around the house. Monday saw us at the Gulfarium where apparently the bigs can spend forever playing at the touch tank & investigating hermit & horse shoe crabs. Monday night was dinner at another fabulous restaurant, Dewey Destin Seafood on the Harbor. Scrumptious Mahi Mahi, great hot crab dip & I think the shrimp was rather tasty as well.
Tuesday we said bye to Grams & Grandpa G. (and the dogs & horses) after playing in the creek for a couple hours. Now it’s home and hanging out, getting back into the swing of things, waiting (somewhat IMPATIENTLY) for orders to find out where we go from here.
Oh, did I mention I was gifted with a beautiful, hand-made, original Dr. Meow necklace? It is gorgeous & totally unique; I’m not really a jewelry person but she could be my new favorite jewelry maker. (That last bit is not a slight to one of my other favorite jewelry makers…Jacks…but since I don’t have any of her stuff I refrain from commenting on the jewelry, just that she is one of my favorite people. And if you are thinking this is in any way, shape, or form an attempt at getting some of said jewelry…you’re right).
The anniversary necklace:
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Bootie Bouguet
Hand crafted bouguet made for the mother-to-be. Each rose is a hand rolled newborn diaper that can be used once the new bundle of joy has arrived. Ribbons and vases can be customized to suit the taste of the mother-to-be. Center pieces and diaper cakes are available as well (pictures of these will be available soon).
**ETA -
Thanks guys! Aubrey - it is kinda a new thing - trying to help make $ & get out of debt. Funny though, I'm not really a "baby person" but these latest things are all about babies! Diaper cakes do take a while & quickly add up. I can ship these...just let me know :-)
Kristy - it took a while to figure out how to do it (and many many diapers:-) The diapers are whole & can be unrolled & used.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Conflicting Emotions
So the news is out: Osama bin Laden is confirmed dead. The man behind the devastating destruction of September 11, 2001 has been killed. Emotions are running high across the world and in my heart right now.
As an American, former soldier and the wife of a solder I am thankful the man has finally paid a price for the devastation he caused. I am thankful that 9 years ago we had a president who went after him with a vengeance even though we just now saw the payoff of those decisions. I am thankful for and proud of the thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, and navy personnel who have fought this fight. I am saddened by the loss of life we as a country have experienced and feel somewhat vindicated that the man ultimately responsible has paid.
As a follower of Christ I know that the bible teaches that, "...He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) also the Proverbs tell us, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice." (Proverbs 24:17). Jesus tells us that we are to bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and that we are to forgive, "seven times seventy. (Mathew 18:22).
The bible also teaches that, "... the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands." (Psalm 9:16) and "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Proverbs 21:15). Jesus also spoke to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 saying that they, "...have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." It seems in a brief (I understand this isn't in-depth) look the bible speaks of forgiving our enemies as well as the fact that there is a time and place for evildoers to be brought to justice.
My heart is saddened by a soul lost to the TRUE enemy (and the thousands, perhaps millions who have been gained by the enemy through him); my heart is gladdened by the fact that one so evil has been brought down.
To slightly paraphrase what a friend said, "All of our actions have consequences. Sometimes those consequences are a lecture, slap on the wrist, or prison sentence; sometimes those consequences are center mass."
As an American, former soldier and the wife of a solder I am thankful the man has finally paid a price for the devastation he caused. I am thankful that 9 years ago we had a president who went after him with a vengeance even though we just now saw the payoff of those decisions. I am thankful for and proud of the thousands of soldiers, marines, airmen, and navy personnel who have fought this fight. I am saddened by the loss of life we as a country have experienced and feel somewhat vindicated that the man ultimately responsible has paid.
As a follower of Christ I know that the bible teaches that, "...He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) also the Proverbs tell us, "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice." (Proverbs 24:17). Jesus tells us that we are to bless our enemies (Matthew 5:44) and that we are to forgive, "seven times seventy. (Mathew 18:22).
The bible also teaches that, "... the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands." (Psalm 9:16) and "When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers." (Proverbs 21:15). Jesus also spoke to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23 saying that they, "...have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." It seems in a brief (I understand this isn't in-depth) look the bible speaks of forgiving our enemies as well as the fact that there is a time and place for evildoers to be brought to justice.
My heart is saddened by a soul lost to the TRUE enemy (and the thousands, perhaps millions who have been gained by the enemy through him); my heart is gladdened by the fact that one so evil has been brought down.
To slightly paraphrase what a friend said, "All of our actions have consequences. Sometimes those consequences are a lecture, slap on the wrist, or prison sentence; sometimes those consequences are center mass."
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)