Homeschool???

Well, the school situation is quickly approaching and I/we are so on the fence with what to do. Well, mainly me since Matt won't be doing all the work. We have a couple of options. #1 - Stallings Elementary - where we are districted now. #2 - Union Academy - a charter school that we are currently in the lottery for (this won't be an option if they don't get in). or #3 - homeschool. Why would I want to homeschool? There are MANY reasons why, so I will list them: I can teach them with religion in the curriculum!, more time with them, no wasted time traveling to and fro, I am a certified teacher, they will get all the attention they need without teacher getting pulled for other kids, I can teach at their speed, don't have to deal with them coming home from school with lovely things they have learned from others, we can get involved in homeschool groups (there are lots around here), there are more, but I have been up since 3 am and my brain is starting to get hazy! Why would I not?: miss out on school friends, miss out on the fun first day of school stuff, miss out on looking up to that special teacher (but that is a positive, because I will be there teacher and they will always remember me), etc. They were really excited to go visit Stallings. And they liked it alot and prayed for Miss CoCo (one of the teachers - they liked saying her name) But even after all that excitement, I asked them where they wanted to go to school and they both said at home with me. Why? "Because you love us!" Now do I want to do this when they are in high school?? No!! My purpose is not to just protect them, but to prepare them. I don't feel that at 5 yrs. old they are fully prepared for everything! They are just now "getting life" so to say and I don't want them weak in their faith, who they are, and what they are all about. I want 2 girls that are solid for the Lord and can combat life making good choices. Aren't they just going to keep being shy? Well, if you haven't been around them in the past year, you would know that they are making great strides in their shyness! Yes, they are shy, but they are also breaking down their walls and coming out of their shells. Now, they get silly when they start warming up, but I like the laughter vs. the crying!! So anyways, just want to update everyone on the school front. It is now 6 am and I have a garage sale to get ready for!!!

The first sleep over

Well, the day has finally come where my girls have had their first sleep over! They had a sleep over in July when I was in Amber's wedding, but we were out of town. They went to my parent's house last night to spend the night so this is the first time I have slept in my house with them gone! It felt kind of weird to go in their room last night to just kiss Finley. Their beds were made and poor little Fi Fi was all alone! Harper was not too pleased when it was time to brush his teeth. He realized the girls toothbrushes were gone and he wanted Grandma to bring them back! So sad! When I called my Mom to ask her for leave out some pans for me, I was going to say good night to them since they were still up - they would have nothing to do with me! So needless to say, they don't care to be gone from home!! They were happy with their overnighter! I am sure they will not be too pleased to see me tomorrow!

Gooood turns to food

Just random: Harper finally said the word food!! He is so funny. When he says his s's and f's they are really distorted. When he prays, he thanks God for his beautiful gooood, but the other day he finally said food! It was so cute.

Harper had gotten blisters on both feet from his crocs. I put liquid bandaid stuff on them. His sisters rush over to blow them dry so they don't burn. Now is that love or what?! And look at the boy - enjoying his pampering 100%!

Easter

He is Alive!! I love Easter! It is just a great day of happiness. There is not a lot of hoopla in this house for it (I guess mainly because the kids don't get candy), but we do an Easter egg hunt (filled with marshmallows) and get a basket with some fun prizes. I just love the way you feel on Easter. You just get filled with happiness!! I mean that is one day where you are reminded the entire day of what Jesus did for you on that cross!! I am SOOOOO blessed to know the Lord and have Him as my Father! Thank you Lord for your sacrifice of your Son Jesus, so that I may live in eternity worshiping the Almighty One!! And thank you Lord for this amazing family you have blessed me with:

We are blessed!

After church, we did our egg hunt, naps, and then my parent's house for dinner. Gotta love that over the top stuffed feeling!! The kids did an egg hunt with Reilly and Reagan at my parent's house too. They were all cute counting out their 6 eggs each!
My boy - need I say more?!

He is very sweet, rough, but sweet!

Finley watched the festivities of egg hunting in her saucer. She was entertained.

Kid shot - Chloe looks like she is struggling with Finley!

We also went to Matt's parent's house on Tuesday evening. The kids did an egg hunt too. They also got a few prizes - including Grandpa Eddie's famous BEADS!!! He loves getting the girls necklaces - you know those bead ones - and they absolutely love them. So this time, they each got a bag of 25 - I so look forward to untangling them all!!! LOL - well, we know they enjoy them so much so I guess it is worth it.

All in all - a wonderful Easter!

Easter Bunny

I actually forgot about going to see the Easter Bunny this year. Sarah had mentioned going and I said I would have to go too. I mean, it's Finley's first Easter!! So on Good Friday we hit the mall. Here they are with their buddy Preston (Ethan is the newest one and I didn't get a picture of him :( - well he was eating)!

This is probably one of my ultimate favorite pictures of my babies. Too bad it is with the Easter Bunny!! I felt like a tourist doing this. I had the video camera around my neck, I was placing the kids and taking pictures with one hand. I can't believe it actually came out this good - I only took 2 pictures!!

Finley's First Easter!!!

My Boy

My Harper Banks - Man, I love this kid!! He makes me smile so much! He is one awesome 2 year old. Even though sometimes 2 year old things come out of this kid, but for the most part he is one amazing package! Thank you Lord for let me keep him longer!! The other day I get out of the shower. Harper had been in and out of the bathroom while I was in it. When I look at my sink I see that he had set everything out for me. My toothbrush, toothpaste, deo, lotion, hairbrush, etc. Everything I needed when I got out, he had sitting out and waiting. I could just squeeze him he is so cute. Then the other day he had to go potty. Matt told him to go in the kitchen bathroom. Well, there isn't a stool in there, so Harper decided he would resolve this problem on his own since he couldn't reach the potty so well. Here is how he adapted:

Now do I even need to say it again: I love Harper Banks!!!