Will you marry me?

It was a sunny day recently when instead of waiting for Steve to come in from the car after work, I decided to greet him on the front step. Imagine my surprise when I was greeted with not only my husband of almost 15 years but also with this lovely bouquet of flowers. What was the occasion?

It was the anniversary of the day he proposed 15 years ago. Not only does he remember our anniversary every year but also the day he made the decision to ask me to marry him. What a guy!

This picture was taken a couple of years ago by on of our kids at the very spot he asked.

He said that he asked from this lookout because it was symbolic of the meeting of our two lives. From this place you can see the ocean for miles that he loves as well as the mountains that I love.

I don't need flowers to know he loves me but this gesture meant so much to me, was the best surprise and made me smile all week long.

Beach Trip

We love going to the beach in the winter. Our beaches in the NW never really get warm and there is something really fun about being out there for a good storm.

Recently, we went out for 4 days. We enjoyed some great storming and heavy rains but on Saturday the clouds parted and the sun came out. 

We made our way out to the beach as quickly as we could. Around here the weather can change rather fast.



It was an absolutely gorgrous day and one of our favorite memories in recent history.

We have visited this same beach each year for most of these kids' lives. So many memories have been made and I can't believe how grown up they all look this year. The house we have used all of these years may not be available after this year so we tried to make the very best of every moment we had there.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us to you!

 I have been a tad MIA through the holiday season. It was the first time in a long time that we were the most prepared and relaxed as ever.

The kids thoroughly enjoyed their new pajamas, stockings and gifts as you can tell in the above picture. We have a Christmas Eve tradition of coming home from the church service to open our new pajamas. We then change into the new pjs, make hot chocolate and cider and drive around town looking at Christmas lights.



The pictures this year have made me very aware of how fast time really is going. 

Just look at those kids. They are looking so grown up!



I'm not sure my heart can take it.

I hope you and yours had a blessed Christmas season. Happy New Year!!!

History

It can be a challenge to teach five kids at four different grade levels. I am always looking for ways to streamline so this year I decided to choose a History curriculum that would work for multiple grade levels.

This is our supplies basket. We have clips, pencils, colored pencils, scissors and sometimes glue or other items depending on what we are working on. It works well having this in the middle of the table during work time.

This particular day the kids were working on maps of the area we had been reading about. We are currently studying the Middle Ages.

It is fascinating for me to study history as an adult. I feel like I am learning as much as the kids are learning.

 

Teaching multiple ages groups has its challenges but it also has some advantages. I have noticed that my youngers are mastering skills earlier than the older ones did. They really are sponges soaking up everything going on around them.

I love that they all are learning the same thing and it makes for some fun discussions around the house.

 

This girl loves to do anything that involves color. Can you see that smile? If it resembles art, she is in.

If you are interested we are using Story of the World, Volume 2. We read the current section, answer comprehension questions, do a narration exercise and then we choose activities from the corresponding activity book to keep things interesting. History, Geography, Writing and Art all in on place. I love it!

It was raining.

The weather has changed here in the Northwest. There are moments of sun where we send the kids out to "Hurry and get some rays!"

Recently on a drizzly and cold day our youngest decided he wanted to roast marshmellows...over a candle.



Well, why wouldn't you?

It took awhile but it worked! Yum! (If you like marshmellows that is.)

Favorite Place

My family really loves the outdoors but we do appreciate modern conveniences.

I posted earlier this year about our purchase of a travel trailer. We love it!

Three or four years ago we decided to visit a campground in our county that had become very popular. It quickly became our favorite spot to go. It is 30 minutes away, on a river, has private campsites and has a really nice playground.

It has become a yearly tradtion to go at least once per summer. We have also gone in September when the weather is still nice and the campground almost empty.

There is room to stretch out if we happen to get some rain.

Curtains can be drawn for early to bed kids.

We are pretty spoiled I think. We can even bring movies to watch on the laptop when some have gone to bed and others aren't quite ready.

Each campsite has a firepit and table.

Steve doesn't take the time to read very much but he almost always has a book when we are camping. He started and finished that one on our four day trip.

Lots of memories are made away from the busyness of the daily grind. (Wow, those are some diva sunglasses. Thanks, Lil!)

Time for games, just plain time.

I can't wait to go again next year. Hmm, might need to see about winter camping this year.

Fun weekend ahead

I am so excited for this weekend. If you want to know why click on this link to my review blog. See you there!