tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69141712768948144342024-03-12T20:56:34.836-04:00Homeschooling FiveWe have an 11th, 10th, 8th and 6th grader as well as a toddler that joined our family forever in September of 2015. We are crazy and fun and love Jesus!Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.comBlogger614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-78311431714944917092016-09-02T22:08:00.000-04:002016-09-02T22:08:54.437-04:00Midwifery School - Trimester III - End of 1st Year!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we did it! The 1st year of Midwifery school is officially complete! The last couple weeks, none of us were sure we would make it across the finish line, but we did! It was a pretty intense finals week. Papers, presentations, finals galore. Somehow, we did and are ready to begin our 2nd year of schooling. I've decided midwifery school is a lot like labor. It feels like it flies by and time is standing still all at the same time. If you've ever experienced the labor time warp, you know exactly what I mean.<br />
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This last semester, I had the opportunity to have my first 4-handed catch (the midwife's 2 hands along with my 2 hands actually catching the baby together). I also managed all prenatal and PP visits and did pelvic exams, cultures and Paps. I got more and more comfortable with Leopold's Maneuver to determine a baby's position in the uterus. Blood draws now feel like 2nd nature. I am looking forward to learning the skill of putting in IVs. I am also looking forward to learning the skill of doing pelvic exams during labor and catching a baby by myself.<br />
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There have also been some big changes for me in school. The entire 1st year, I was precepting with a midwife at a busy birth center. By the end of my 1st year, I had 30 managed births and I only need 50 by the time I graduate. The week of my finals, I moved to a new midwife. This new midwife is a home birth midwife that has a much smaller, so less busy, practice. I will be going from 12 births a month and 2 clinic days a week to 2 births a month and 1 clinic day a week. I learned so much so quickly with my 1st preceptor and I am so thankful for the experience but I am looking forward to the slower pace and being home more with my family. This year, Morgan will be graduating from highschool and I am so glad to have the opportunity to spend more time with her as she finishes her high school years. Next year will be the same thing with Avery so the timing seems perfect. I also think my little toddler is in need of a mommy home a little more. I have never had to leave any of my other kids as much as I have left him. It's hard to teach a 2 year old boundaries and structure when there is a new person every day in charge. And, I think one of these days, somebody is actually going to need to potty train that little guy :)<br />
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So, all in all, I think we are all looking forward to this coming semester and the slower pace that I will be having. Right now, I am enjoying not only the slower pace of births but the 3 weeks of break from school. I start back 1 week from today. It's hard to believe that in only 2 years, I will be a Licensed Midwife!Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-14634917349031265642016-05-17T14:01:00.000-04:002016-05-17T14:01:23.483-04:00Family StaycationEvery Summer we are blessed with the gift of staying at a timeshare. I help a couple kids learn how to swim and be safe in the pool and their grandma gives me a week at her timeshare. It's a pretty awesome deal. This year we tried a new location and absolutely LOVED it! The rooms were very nice, the pool was super fun and the costumer service was top notch.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;">We were also 5 minutes from Disney and lots of other great places to explore. </span></div>
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Jessica and her family got a room across the hall from us for the first 4 days were there and my kids invited a couple friends to stay with us a couple days as well. The last 3 days, it was just our family. It was the perfect mix of hanging with family/friends and having some time to ourselves. My kids were finished with school and I didn't start my semester until our last day at the hotel. So, we really did have the benefit of just enjoying each other's company and chilling.<br />
Google Photos made me this cute little movie from the week and I thought it turned out sweet. So, for the viewing pleasure...<br />
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<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-87644425784798245422016-05-17T13:42:00.001-04:002016-05-17T13:43:33.916-04:00Midwifery School - Trimester IIThe middle of April ended my second trimester of midwifery school. It was a whirlwind of a semester with lots of great classes and a crazy amount of births. During this semester, I was able to start the role of co-managing births with my preceptor. I started with managing the 3rd stage of labor (delivery/inspection of the placenta and estimated blood loss of the mom).<br />
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I also have taken the lead on getting all vitals for mom and baby during and after labor. I have been able to be a lot more hands on during prenatal and PP visits as well. The hours are still crazy. Some weeks I am gone from home 70 hours and others only 15. I am hoping this semester I will be able to assist in the actual birth of the baby and physical exams on clients. I have several classes I am excited about this semester and I am ready to dive back in!<br />
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My family continues to support me like crazy and we cherish any time we have all together. Cory does an amazing job of picking up my slack and we are finally starting to find a groove in this craziness. Some days we do better than others but if anything we are learning how to offer each other grace. My kids have also started to get into their own groove. Even with this past semester being during their own school, they really did a great job of having a schedule for the day and sticking to it. I know they didn't do things exactly the way I would if I was home with them, but there comes that grace word again. I had to learn over and over (and I'm sure will continue to learn) how to offer my kids grace when things didn't go exactly according to my plan. I had to remember what I was asking of them and how fortunate I am to have kids that I can trust enough to leave home to watch my 2 year old and each other. Really, my kids are pretty great! Hopefully, this Summer gives all my people a little relief. They will still be in charge of a 2 year old that is testing every boundary and always checking to see who is in charge 3 days a week, but at least they won't have that combined with trying to get 6 hours of school done every day too.<br />
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Morgan has also started her first job at Publix. She started a couple weeks ago and is doing wonderful! I am so proud of her and she works around the corner from the birth center I am at. Transportation can sometimes be a little challenging with both of us working and her not having a license or car but we are managing so far. She decided to take the Summer off from all classes as she adjusts to this new pace.<br />
<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-50027913546432805722016-03-27T22:21:00.004-04:002016-03-27T22:21:55.051-04:00Easter 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On Saturday, we busted out the egg dying adventure! This year, we used different color crayons to color before throwing the egg in dye. It worked really well and there were some pretty cool designs.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Morgan and Avery (all of Avery's eggs were different emojis; Morgan's were designs and Humpty Dumpty) </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Troy was very unsure of the egg dying process at the beginning. His first 2 eggs went promptly thrown to the ground.</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">These 2 are weirdos </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">He finally realized this could be fun :)</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">He asked for a bite of his eggs the entire time we were dying them. So, by the end, he ate one of those "floor eggs" from earlier on.</span></h3>
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Easter Sunday</h2>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">These 2 are so adorable!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Family Picture</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">Grandma and Grandpa wanted a picture with all their babies. </span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">And, they are off!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">The big kids' egg hunt was inside. It was SO hot outside that we decided to be lazy and just throw everything in the middle of the floor and let them race to find their eggs first. </span></h3>
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Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-21276841790615060262015-12-31T23:06:00.000-05:002015-12-31T23:14:36.316-05:00Year in Review - 2015<br />
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2015, What can I say?<br />
You have brought so much to our family!</div>
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Aside from all the birthdays and holidays, there are a couple of high points I would like to point out.<br />
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In April, all 3 of the girls were in the play Alice@Wonderland. Avery had the lead role of Alice. Morgan was the Dormouse and Humpty Dumpty and Sydney was the Caterpillar and Tweedle Dee. I was the director and it was so much work but so much fun! I loved seeing what they all accomplished and how talented everyone is! I had to step down as the Drama director this year due to starting school. It was a necessary thing to give up but I really do miss seeing the kids doing such cool plays and stretching themselves in new ways.<br />
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Tweedles and Alice</td></tr>
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Humpty Dumpty and Alice</td></tr>
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In June, my 4 big kids and I went to Haiti for a missions trip. This was a life changing experience for all of us and something we will never forget. These children continue to be on our hearts and mind and we look forward to the time we can go back. </div>
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In August, my kids all started school and Morgan started her first semester of college classes as she dual enrolled at a local college. She rocked it and ended the semester with 3 A's and 1 B! So proud of her! I started Midwifery school in the middle of September as well and, yes, I passed my first term too!<br />
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At the end of September, we added a new member to our family. On the 29th of the month, we finalized the adoption of Christian Troy. It was a joyous day for our family but also a sobering one. We were starkly reminded that this not only brings finality to our family but also to his biological parents. </div>
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We have 2 new licensed driver's in our home (well, they both have their permits, 2016 will bring the official drivers). Morgan got her permit in March and Avery got hers in October. They are doing great and Morgan even drove the whole trip home from her grandparent's house in Georgia.<br />
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So, to sum up our family this year...<br />
Cory has been working at S.I. Goldman for a little over a year now. He is enjoying his work and the people he is working with. He continues to teach Sunday School every week to the 3rd-5th grade kids. He has started taking on so much more at home to help me with my crazy schedule.<br />
I am going to school to become a midwife. I often miss family events and birthdays due to the birth of a baby but everyone has been so understanding. I am still doing doula work some but much less than before. I am homeschooling the 4 older kids (they are mostly independent) and doing the best I can at rearing a little 2 year old (with tremendous help from my kids and hubby). I would say I am still a homemaker but it sure seems like I am barely doing any of the homemaking anymore :) Again, so thankful for my awesome family!<br />
Morgan is a Junior in high school and dual enrolling in college. She felt a little overwhelmed at first but I never doubted her. She did amazing and ended the semester with a 3.75 GPA. That's my girl! She also has her first official boyfriend which has thrown the entire family for a loop. He is a nice boy and we all approve but it's hard to think that she is old enough to be walking this journey. Unfortunately for Morgan, she is the oldest of all the kids/grandkids and it's not just her parents having a panic attack but the whole extended family :) She also continues to sing on the worship team at church and has started playing the ukulele.<br />
Avery is a Sophomore in high school and is doing so well in school. Every year, she adds a new skill to her creative repertoire. This year, she has started drawing tattoo designs and is obsessed with makeup perfection. She has declared that she is NOT going to college but wants to go to cosmetology school and pursue her artistic career. It's either that or a tattoo artist. So, I'm supporting the cosmetologist :) She loves to paint nails which includes some pretty amazing designs. And, for Christmas she received a henna kit and is already doing breathtaking designs with that.<br />
Sydney is in 8th grade but taking 3 high school classes. She has become an accomplished guitar player and is a regular member of the Sunday morning worship team. She loves to play the guitar and spends hours every day practicing and learning new songs. She learned basic techniques from her grandpa and uncle Jarrett but has been mainly self-taught. It's so cool to see her find something that she thrives at and loves to do. She is such a character and can manage to do 5 things at once without any trouble.<br />
Jordan is in 6th grade and officially part of the youth group. He could hardly wait to move up at church and fits right in. I don't think he would say he likes school yet, but I have been so impressed how independent he has become this year. He needs help occasionally but mostly can finish his schoolwork all on his own. He started fine tuning his skateboarding skills and is so excited to learn his new rip stick and long board. His favorite thing is to spend the day outside climbing trees and exploring. Jordan also had daddy move his weight lifting equipment (you know, since it wasn't being used much :)) to his room and is enjoying following in his dad's footsteps.<br />
Troy turned 2 this month. He is a bundle of energy and the strongest little 2 year old I have met. He often moves the furniture around in my living room or whatever house he happens to be at. If you haven't seen it, it would make you laugh. He is a rough and tough boy and some of his favorites words are "stop" (when he doesn't like what you are doing), "go" (when he wants you to go somewhere with him or go away from him), "dada" (anytime I pick up my phone he says this hoping that we are calling daddy), "mom" (when he wants something), "bubba" (Jordan loves that this was one of his first words). He also says "Mo" for Morgan and the other 2 are feverishly trying to get him to say their names :). There are a couple other words but those are his favorite. He sleeps well because he never stops moving when he is awake. So, needless to say, he keeps us all on our toes. We are so incredibly thankful for the blessing of this little ball of energy!<br />
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What a year! I love to look back and see how God has worked in our home and our family. We look forward to what the coming year will bring. I know there will be challenges that will remind us of our need for a Savior. There will be joys that will remind us of God's grace. There will be times of laughter and times of tears that will bind our family together. Whatever this year brings, we know that God is in control and we put our trust in him.<br />
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The Largaespada Family<br />
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<a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPAPgNlpXa-pB64Bs3RkrXZsDsbmLpfi64KAmAXTqZrC9Of1Ag9OGQS6ozq8z0voA/photo/AF1QipMbN5Ti8YTCObHGqNLZQi7OE11HG8xR-P0iKIBg?key=VUtSTThSUlNweUJOdGp3ZllSWkhjZmNLTmxENEF3"></a>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-37289427383496429652015-12-25T21:15:00.001-05:002015-12-25T21:15:43.413-05:00Christmas 2015<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72v8d8wKKkw/Vn301OtTspI/AAAAAAAAWKU/rdgGImHp5TY/s1600/IMG_20151225_162744.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-72v8d8wKKkw/Vn301OtTspI/AAAAAAAAWKU/rdgGImHp5TY/s640/IMG_20151225_162744.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's a hot Christmas this year! We even went north to Cory's parent's house in Georgia but it was raining for 2 days straight and then a high of 78 on Christmas Day (when the above picture was taken). But, we headed out to the park determined to get one day outside while we were here :)<br />
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It's been so nice to relax and spend time with my people without worrying about school for me or them or being called to the birth of a baby. I mean, I love what I do, but it's so nice to be with my family without thinking about anything else! One more week without school and then it's back to craziness. I'll enjoy these moments of peace and relaxation while I can.<br />
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Merry Christmas!!</div>
Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-35298405158865758542015-12-25T20:54:00.001-05:002016-03-27T22:33:45.597-04:00Midwifery School - Trimester 1<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebration lunch with my classmates after our Finals<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">This last Friday was my last class of my first semester of midwifery school. I can't even begin to tell all the things I've learned in these first few months. As comfortable as I am in the "birth world", I have never participated in any of the medical side other than observation. So, this has been a huge learning curve for me. Everything from learning how to take a blood pressure and pulse to drawing blood and learning how to operate an oxygen machine have been brand new for me. And, I have learned so much so quickly. It's weird to think how comfortable I am now sticking a needle in someone's arm when only 2 months ago I would have broken out in a sweat at the thought.<br />I also underestimated how busy I would be going to school. No matter how much Jennie tried to warn us, I still didn't have a clue of what to expect. I am interning at the birth center 2 full days a week and school is all day on Friday. Plus, I am attending 1-2 births a week almost every week. This averages out to almost 40 hours a week. I really expected it to be closer to a 20 hour week. But, there are some of my classmates that are having a hard time getting any hours so I guess I should be thankful for that part :) But, trying to get all this done at the same time as homeschooling my kids and going to our co-op 1 day a week has been challenging to say the least. And, not just challenging for me. This has brought a new level of independence and initiative to my kids that I didn't know was in them.<br />I do miss being at home and I do miss spending time with my family. Family time has become very precious and something I look forward to. Keeping the house clean and in some type of order is now almost impossible. My kids and husband are such great help and I couldn't do what I am doing without them, but there just isn't the time to get all the things done that I usually would do. There is the constant battle I struggle through of requiring my kids to be part of the team of our family and helping each other out and feeling like I am asking too much of them in order to follow my own dream. It's a constant conversation as a family and a balancing act that will continue to mold and change as the needs of everyone does the same.<br />I love learning from my midwife and I love my classmates! If there are a couple things I know for sure, the next 8 terms will challenge me to do things I didn't even know I could do, will stretch my family to new limits and will allow me to pursue a dream that I have wanted for so long. So, it's 1 term down and 8 more to go. I am so excited to see what I will learn in this next term and I am so thankful for the support of such an amazing family!</span></div>
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<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-3638069349590356652015-11-27T22:14:00.001-05:002015-11-27T22:14:42.425-05:00Thanksgiving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Every Thanksgiving, we come up with a couple fun crafts to do with all the kids (usually one that involves food and one that doesn't). This year, we made turkeys out of mason jars, whoppers, chocolate covered pretzels and construction paper. This was a hit for the messy factor and the yummy candy factor :)</div>
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The "non-food' craft was very simple and served 2 purposes. We painted clothespins for a fun game of Turkey Tag (each person has 3 clothespins attached somewhere to their clothing and the goal of the game is to be last person with any clothespins left still attached. In case your wondering, yes, this did cause skinned knees, busted lips and hurt feelings but I'm still calling it a win! :) ). We also used these clothespins to hold our place cards that were printed from online and names written in by 3 of the girls.</div>
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Morgan and Sydney are becoming quite the musicians and love to play and sing together. So, on a lazy day like today, it's the perfect time to play and sing with cousins :)</div>
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And, by the end of the day, everyone was exhausted, so we watched a favorite... FROZEN! Such a fun day with family and relaxing and yummy food!</div>
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<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-16207432500760437762015-11-01T17:53:00.000-05:002015-11-01T17:53:02.837-05:00Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My kids on Halloween. Morgan didn't dress up at all but I still made her get in the picture :) Avery is the Snapchat update (I know, she is funny), Sydney is tweedledee with her cousin, Annalise, being Tweedledum, Jordan is just a blue person and Troy is Scooby. We had a lot of fun walking around the neighborhood with friends and family. Troy and Emmie enjoyed riding in the wagon and getting candy handed to them. I think they decided this is their new favorite holiday :)</div>
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Here is a close up of Jordan. </div>
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Tweedledee and Tweedledum</div>
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<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-40169769161974633792015-11-01T17:47:00.004-05:002015-11-01T17:47:57.215-05:00Pumpkin Patch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's that time of year</div>
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In case you can't tell, that's actually a smile :) He is trying to say "cheese". Too much cuteness!</div>
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The whole crew that was there</div>
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My kiddos. Love em!</div>
Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-57914320017146992852015-11-01T17:42:00.001-05:002015-11-01T17:42:21.855-05:00My Family of 7<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are officially and legally a family of 7! We are so excited to have this sweet boy a part our family.</div>
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We know he had no idea what was going on or that anything is even different. And, we feel so blessed that is the case. One day, he will ask questions and we will have answers. One day, he might have big emotions over the impact of his adoption day. But, right now, the big emotions came from all the big people in his life. We all know the difference this means. We all know the permanency he gained and the biological family he lost. We all get it. He doesn't yet. But, one day, he will.</div>
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Right now, he is all smiles and loves being the center of attention. Right now, he feels safe and loved. Right now, he couldn't imagine anything different. We will cherish these moments. We will smile with him. We will laugh at his humor. We will clap at as his accomplishments. We will even giggle at his 2 year old fits. We will enjoy this stage and all the ones to come. </div>
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And, we will remember this day as a day that our family grew 1 person bigger. We will remember this day as the day that we all felt a little more settled and able to breath easier. </div>
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We will remember all the love and support we felt by those that walked alongside of us. We will remember that the road ahead might not be easy but it will always be worth it.</div>
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We LOVE you sweet boy and we are so glad you are part of our family!</div>
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<span id="goog_327794343"></span><span id="goog_327794344"></span><br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-32192482817579253562015-09-09T22:12:00.000-04:002015-09-10T15:11:56.781-04:00Adoption - Here and Abroad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, we finally have an official adoption date for the newest member of our family. On September 29th at 1:30 p.m., we will legally be a family of 7 :)<br />
We are so excited for the finalization of a very long process. We are also grateful that our little guy won't even skip a beat because of the age he is at. As for right now, he doesn't know anything different than us as his family.<br />
We are also extremely fortunate to not only have extended family members who have walked this road before us but also close friends that have adopted from foster care. We will and have already used these resources in helping us navigate the journey of adoption.<br />
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We are also beginning the pursuit of adoption from Haiti. A couple of months ago, my kids and I went on a mission's trip to Haiti and all of our lives were forever changed. It was impactful, empowering, heartbreaking and eye opening. We did so many things on that trip that we will never forget, but one thing that has stayed at the forefront of our conversations since we have been home is a little boy. He is 1 month younger than Troy and he captured the heart of all 5 us immediately.<br />
Since we have returned home, Cory and I have been praying and talking about him and trying to figure out what God was calling us to. Well, we have officially decided to pursue adoption from Haiti. We know the process can be anywhere from 1-3 years and we are jumping in with both feet and not any idea of the world of international adoption. We are excited, nervous, overwhelmed and at peace all at the same time. We know one of the biggest hurdles in international adoption is the cost. So, we will be trying to raise as much of the funds as we can along the way.<br />
We know that the finalization is not guaranteed and there are several hoops we will need to jump through and there will be several times along the way that God can close the door. For now, we just know we are called to be "willing". The rest of the process and the future we leave in God's hands.<br />
We also know that moving forward in this direction is crazy and doesn't make logical sense. But, if there is anything we have learned while walking with the Lord in our marriage, it is that He often (and I mean, often) calls us to do things that sound crazy. So, here we go. Jumping from a new family of 7 to a soon to be family of 8.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This sweet boy melted our hearts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who wouldn't want to hold this snuggly guy?</td></tr>
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<br />Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-73569337007188178962015-08-03T08:08:00.003-04:002015-08-03T08:08:40.495-04:00This one's just for me...It's been a year and a half since I've written on here. So many changes.<br />
I have been thoroughly enjoying my doula business. It has kept me busy and allowed our family a little extra income. It has been a big adjustment for everyone as well. We know that planning vacations is no longer something that can happen spontaneously. In order to actually go out of town, I have to be sure I do not take clients with a due date within 2 weeks before or after my vacation dates.<br />
However, last Summer, we were fortunate enough to plan the biggest vacation our family has ever done. We rented an RV with my parents and brother and drove across the country in 10 days. The main attraction was the Grand Canyon. But, we visited lots of amazing places along the way. We made memories that no one will ever forget.<br />
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Also, in March of 2014, we welcomed a new little guy into our home. He came to us at 3 months old and will officially be a member of the family around August of this year. We had no idea when we began our Foster Care journey that the first placement in our home would end up staying with us forever. We knew that this type of situation is rare and we were bracing ourselves for heartache. I have been surprised at the mixed emotions I have had in this process. Although I am overjoyed at the thought of this baby joining our family, I am saddened at his loss. I am saddened that he will officially have no legal relation to his birth parents anymore. I am saddened by all the things that his parents will miss out on. I am excited to see him grow but I know that there will be milestones along the way that I will be starkly reminded that his birth parents should be seeing this too. Adoption is a funny thing. I think it is one of the most redemptive things on this Earth and I think it is a picture of what God does for his children, but it always starts with a loss and brokenness.<br />
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As we move forward, we are not exactly sure what we will be doing. We definitely did not anticipate closing our home after only a year and a half but we sure didn't think we would be adopting so quickly. At this point, we don't have a vehicle that will hold any more children. But, we are not sure what God is calling us to. Are we done with Foster Care for now? Should we get a bigger vehicle? Are we open to adoption again in the future? Do we think our family is complete? Lots of questions and we don't know the answer. It is something we are praying about and looking for God's leading.<br />
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One more thing to throw into this mix is that I am starting Midwifery School (to become a midwife) in September and it is a 3 year long program. It will be intense and financially tight, but it is something I have wanted to do for years and will be a logical continuation of my doula work. Again, it is something that we are praying about because we know the stress it would put on our family. Going to school with kids at home is never easy and I don't want to be naive about the consequences.<br />
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Morgan will be starting to take college classes this Fall as well (dual enrolling in High School). She also will be looking for a job. Avery will be in 10th grade. Sydney in 8th and Jordan just starting middle school in 6th.<br />
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What I know for sure is that God knows what He is doing and I can trust His timing and leading. I am praying for his direction to be clear to myself and my husband and for us to be unified.Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-37394047874005307732013-11-09T13:10:00.000-05:002013-12-26T21:58:32.113-05:00Foster Care<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://www.fostercaremonth.org/GetInvolved/Toolkit/NationalCampaign/PublishingImages/logo/241x300.gif" /></div>
Our lives are about to get a lot busier. When I write that, my first thought is... "How is that possible?" As our children get older, we are pulled in so many different directions. We already have almost no nights where all six of us are home at the same time. And yet, God has placed children in Foster Care on our family's heart. Almost 2 months ago, we started attending the classes required to become foster parents. We are excited and nervous all at once.<br />
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The kids are all very excited and can't wait to have another little person to love on. Cory and I are also excited for this opportunity but we are also very aware of the heartache that we are inviting into our lives. We know the goal of foster care is reunification and that means that we will fall in love with child after child and then they will leave. We also know that no matter how well prepared we think we are, the heartbreak will still be something we are not ready for. But, I also know that is how most things in life are.<br />
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If we had any idea how difficult marriage and child rearing was, I don't know if we would have signed up so easily and readily. If I really understood the pain of child birth, would I have chosen to have my baby somewhere that pain meds were not an option? But, the cool thing to me about all these hard choices that I might not have made if I knew better is that each of them have also been WAY more rewarding than I ever could have imagined. <br />
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I never knew how much I would depend on another human being and how much teamwork it would take to get through the life I have. I never knew how much my husband would teach me about who I am and who God is. I never knew that children would stretch me to the end of myself and bring me to a new level of love I didn't understand before. I never knew how empowering and beautiful child birth could be.<br />
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And so I expect it will be with this new journey we are entering. I expect it will be so much more difficult than we can imagine now. I also expect it will bring more joy to our lives than we knew was possible. I expect we will be stretched farther than ever before. I expect that we will learn to love to a new level we've never experienced. I expect we will learn more about who we are and who God is. I expect our lives will never be the same and I expect that there will be moments we wonder why we ever made this decision. But, I also expect there will be moments where we will know without a doubt that God has called us to something so unbelievably incredible that we will feel honored to be a part of it. Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-22106963325582859882012-09-21T21:31:00.001-04:002012-09-21T21:31:06.004-04:00Summer<div><p>The entire Summer passed without one blog post from yours truly. I'm just going to say that means that we were so busy with all the fun that I didn't have time to blog:) We did have a nice Summer and the school year came too quickly. We took some trips to the beach and Aquatica, we did lots of swimming at grandmas, and Morgan recovered from a broken toe. <font color ="#000000">soon</font></p>
We just finished our fifth week of school and this year is proving to be an interesting one. Our family moved to a new homeschooling co-op after attending the same homeschool group for the last five years. It's been an adjustment for everyone but we are finally getting into a groove.
I am daily challenged to remember the privilege I have to teach my children at home. Some days, neither they nor I see it that way:) <br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5zv4X37Ilic/UF0UyeVDw6I/AAAAAAAADik/DuAPVkzp3VE/IMAG0309.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IPKlCBIWXQs/UF0U0arXGyI/AAAAAAAADis/9ilgllpaehQ/IMAG0318.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iwRaFH0qyK8/UF0U2MzXs5I/AAAAAAAADi0/jtcyALqVvsU/IMAG0206.png' /></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-74173060097489325722012-05-04T17:44:00.001-04:002012-05-04T18:26:29.824-04:00Foster Care Awareness Month<div><p>Although my family is not a Foster or Adoptive family, it is very dear to my heart. I have several cousins that have been adopted domestically and internationally. Growing up, it was always part of my life. I love adoption and I love how God has used this to bless so many families in so many ways. I also have watched friends walk this journey and have been so awe struck by the process.<br>
<a href="http://www.dearestjessica.blogspot.com">Jessica</a> is one of those friends who has invited me along for the amazing adventure. I have been so fortunate to have a friend who allowed me to be part of the details that many adoptive parents  think "non-adoptive" families don't want to know about or think they will not understand. She has allowed me to cry and laugh with her and to know about the paperwork and fingerprints. Even when I didn't understand, she was patient enough to explain.<br>
I am a doula and am extremely passionate about bringing children into this world. Jessica has allowed me to witness a different form of this by allowing me to walk beside her bringing her children into her family. The gift of adoption truly is like watching a mother give birth. <br>
You see her go through the waiting and waiting of "paper pregnancy" (a much longer gestation period). <br>
You see her read book after book to prepare for the arrival of the new life. <br>
You see her go through the pains of labor as she does visit after visit and has to continually leave her child behind. <br>
You see her overcome with the relief of birth as the judge finally says, "He/She is yours." <br>
And, you see her struggle through the postpartum blues as the reality and hardness of motherhood settles in. <br>
It's a hard journey and not one intended to walk alone. I have been more than blessed to walk this journey with Jessica. I love her and her children. I love that I am "Aunt Cassie". <br>
I love the beauty of adoption and the example it is of how God had adopted each of us. </p>
<br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XA_fmpVC3LU/T6RXgWCSihI/AAAAAAAADhg/uTOyYY5_y1c/IMG014.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7pR4srQ1A3M/T6RXg1y6QgI/AAAAAAAADho/tCcM4n7TWAA/i02917.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RJfzaMDA6ls/T6RXhYVB-iI/AAAAAAAADhw/EshdSTcoMaI/i02905.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8aclHVdRqmw/T6RXhxO2rfI/AAAAAAAADh4/I1TfbKcypGQ/i00074.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DmkH7BBt0nA/T6RXionWOwI/AAAAAAAADiA/i34PuDJdBXE/IMG055.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8FEEMdCMYDo/T6RXj7_mZjI/AAAAAAAADiI/QuG5u1fIeGo/i00707.png' /></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-76756264196612876662012-04-29T00:50:00.001-04:002012-04-29T00:50:47.760-04:00Disney.. just cause I live in Orlando doesn't mean I go every week...<div><p>But, we did yesterday! Thanks again to my awesome husband, we had a fun day starting at Animal Kingdom and ending at Magic Kingdom. It was long and exhausting but so much easier with kids old enough to walk the whole time. </p>
<br/><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MY56yvSNYLE/T5zIjzUhiqI/AAAAAAAADfQ/z1P-FsSMXAI/20120428_221529-kdcollage.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j6fsMaeD3GU/T5zIlf3yRzI/AAAAAAAADfY/YhOXiwX2Gxc/20120428_180337-kdcollage.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hl-1nNOo08w/T5zImDqpIII/AAAAAAAADfg/z15f1qtPsOg/20120428_234219-kdcollage.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-De7uxDX2SIE/T5zInx8u2oI/AAAAAAAADfo/TXm9Xd20V-o/20120428_133242-kdcollage.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-01G7XNVDvLA/T5zIoh-Q6bI/AAAAAAAADfw/GzLb7oFETtI/20120428_224854-kdcollage.png' /><br/><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N7XpDFXt994/T5zIph9FX2I/AAAAAAAADf4/LKbvCor1hi0/20120428_114129-kdcollage.png' /></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-72133708257755307892012-03-22T15:56:00.005-04:002012-03-24T17:41:35.086-04:00Sydney's 10th BirthdayLast month, my Sydney turned 10 years old. In my family, that means a "real" party (more than just the 20 family members and the option to "go" somewhere). I saw an eversave a couple months back for Rebounderz (an indoor trampoline house) for a birthday party package half off and asked Sydney if she wanted to go that route. Of course my active girl said "YES!". So, we headed to Rebounderz the Saturday before her birthday. We had a lot of fun and everyone (including the adult jumpers) was exhausted!<br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/79a658b7fda78baa.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/79a658b7fda78baa.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/f04bd729b7efa5d7.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/f04bd729b7efa5d7.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/a1373d25c8d41279.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/a1373d25c8d41279.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/3957afbd0e616fa7.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/3957afbd0e616fa7.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This was the year of football for Sydney. She has discovered her love for the game and got lots of good stuff in the football category. She also got a huge teddy bear from her sisters and some other fun gifts.<br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/dc64e108c09f81b7.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/dc64e108c09f81b7.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/da267387e2307f63.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/da267387e2307f63.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />We followed suit with the 10th birthday tradition and had a weekend away just mommy/Sydney. However, this time, she had the bonus of her cousin/aunt joining. Her cousin is turning 9 in a couple months and is in public school. Because my weekend away involves having the "talk" and her cousin has been faced with this subject at school already, she came along. We started at separate hotels so that we could have some privacy with our daughters, but quickly realized that was just silly. Those girls wanted to do everything together and actually made talking about stuff easier when they were together.<br /><br />They are both easily bored and I think they were both happy to have a friend along to do all the fun stuff with. Cory was able to hook us up with some passes to Old Town, Arabian Nights and IFly (for Sydney and I). We had a fun-filled and question filled weekend. I knew that Sydney was going to have WAY more questions than her older sisters for this weekend and she did not disappoint. We really did have a fun time and it was bitter/sweet to me that this was my last 10th birthday away with mommy. Now, I just am going to have to find other reasons to go away with my girls for the weekend: )<br /><br />We always have 1 fancy dinner out. Here we are ready for our date out!<br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/72e3143a5e6334f7.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/72e3143a5e6334f7.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/c31c3ea5836476ad.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/c31c3ea5836476ad.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/a999df19db654803.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/a999df19db654803.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/e233803884d19d9.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/e233803884d19d9.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/29368841f3aa7610.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/29368841f3aa7610.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The next day, we headed to Old Town and did some rock climbing, zip lines, carnival rides. It was a fun day!<br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/b44829a2e1708c41.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/b44829a2e1708c41.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/eb8235a6a42baecc.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/eb8235a6a42baecc.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/3312a542422a1cc7.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/3312a542422a1cc7.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/1435d556705c4656.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/1435d556705c4656.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/fc77010958826690.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/fc77010958826690.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/c9cc5cc5b91786c.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/c9cc5cc5b91786c.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/f7b2bebb25b70378.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/f7b2bebb25b70378.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We ended the night at Arabian Nights. Decent food and a very impressive show.<br /><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/86be1a9eb61764e.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/86be1a9eb61764e.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/4c27ab35fcf4fe35.jpg"> <img alt="" src="http://localhost:3572/cd72e2e6c7b3c425f92ef269ff195510/image/4c27ab35fcf4fe35.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMqkvIpcsU4/T2uGz7NOYKI/AAAAAAAADeE/Io4N4yOzy60/s1600/P1070053.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lMqkvIpcsU4/T2uGz7NOYKI/AAAAAAAADeE/Io4N4yOzy60/s320/P1070053.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722815978128957602" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOXFroYweWk/T2uG0rDIARI/AAAAAAAADeQ/xMfgXmY0ac4/s1600/P1070050.JPG"> <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JOXFroYweWk/T2uG0rDIARI/AAAAAAAADeQ/xMfgXmY0ac4/s320/P1070050.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5722815990971498770" border="0" /></a>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-22611005952071517892012-03-15T12:12:00.008-04:002012-03-15T18:24:03.144-04:00Yearly Letter (or so I call it) 2011<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PNq5N0BAms/T2JqDsB3VmI/AAAAAAAADZc/QoXxpUXNqJ4/s320/IMG_3371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720251088305084002" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 246px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oWahgiTvSA8/T2JqEDIcF9I/AAAAAAAADZk/nSrJETB8Ab8/s320/IMG_3390.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720251094506674130" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>It's March. I can hardly believe it, but it is. I try to keep up with all the balls in the air, but this blog is the one that drops. I really do like to write an annual letter. I like to look back and reflect on the year and all that God did in it. I want to be able to have a recap of my life at the end and see God's hand through it all. But, somehow it is already March and my January letter is not written. So, here goes another late, but necessary (to me) letter. If no one else reads this, it's ok.<br /><br />Last year started out hard. Really hard. My pastor of 20 years left the ministry and moved to Iowa. People that I have gone to church with my entire life (and were like family) started leaving by the bus loads. Family members were in the middle of huge crisis that spilled over to everyone. Friendships were being destroyed by sin and misunderstandings. It was just hard. There were lots of nights spent crying and praying and trying to understand.<br />But, the really cool thing is to look back at the entire year and see how God had his hand in all of it. We often have to go through extreme brokenness before we can fully realize God's healing power. This has been a year of sitting (or laying down) in the pain and brokenness and just waiting for what God was going to do. There were times that I doubted God (like he hasn't proven himself faithful to me over and over again). There were lots of times that I didn't understand and wanted answers! But, now I see how HE had plans far greater and far better than I could have asked or imagined.<br /><br />As our church went through the mire and sustained attack after attack by the enemy, God walked beside us. When we felt that didn't have the strength or numbers to carry out His plan, God gave us strength. When our hearts were broken and our souls weary, God refreshed us. When things felt hopeless, God was our hope. Praise you, Lord, for your faithfulness to me, my family, my church, your people!<br />It is incredible to see where my church is now and how God is using the people we never would have expected to lead our body. God is using the people who don't feel they deserve it to bring about revival. I see God's Spirit moving and stirring things up and I am so excited to be part of that. I cannot wait to see what he has for our future. I know "He who started a good work, will bring it to completion." I am humbled and excited that God has chosen to use me as part of His plan of redemption.<br /><br />I also have seen God bring redemption in hopeless situations where families were torn apart. It is a source of encouragement to me and praise to Him.<br /><br />Ok, now on to the boring details of the year. I just couldn't let that other stuff go without being said....<br /><br />Cory is still working with Ripley's and doing a great job! We are very thankful for how God has used this job to provide for our family. There are still struggles in this area and we continue to look for God's leading and direction, but we are thankful nonetheless. He truly does love all the weird and wacky stuff that comes his way. We also enjoy some of the perks that come along with having someone who works in the attraction industry. We have been fortunate enough to enjoy trips and outings to several places we never would have been able to afford before. Cory also continues to volunteer at church in the children's ministry. He is faithful and is always ready to serve wherever God calls him. I truly appreciate his servants heart (even when it annoys me).<br /><br />I started going through the certification process for becoming a doula in March of 2011. This has been a dream of mine for about 7 years and I have been practicing occasionally throughout that time. But, this was the year to make this dream official. It was a time consuming and rigorous process. But, I did complete my training and I am officially certified through DONA International. If you have no idea what a doula is, feel free to check out my web site at www.teamworkbirthing.com (yes, shameless plug and advertisement). It took a while for things to get rolling, but I am now working with about 1 or more births a month. I love this job! My kids are now old enough to stay home by themselves when I need to go to a woman in labor and there is nothing as great as being paid to do what you are passionate about! So, when I started this process and our mortgage modification was approved, I was able to quit my part time job at the children's resale store. I was very thankful again for how God provided that job for a time, but I was so excited to be able to come back home! My heart never left my home and I couldn't wait to be back. I'm not sure if my kids were as excited because they had received a lot of freedom and had been playing a lot of video games. I came back and brought to a screeching halt some of the craziness.<br /><br />Morgan is in 7th grade this year. She continued to take classes at Circle 2 days a week. However, now she is taking core curriculum classes instead of the "fun" stuff. But, she has done wonderful! She is such a first born, rule follower, perfectionist that I don't even have to ask her if she has completed her homework. The only problem here is that the work I assign is not as important to her as her work from Circle. But, we are getting there. She is still extremely social and usually the life of the party. She loves to be a leader and looks for any opportunity to do so.<br /><br />Avery is in 6th grade. Due to our financial situation, the younger 3 kids all stayed home full time for school. Avery was completely fine with this decision. She is still a homebody and loves to be where she is comfortable. She is officially a middle-schooler now and has been attending the Youth Group at church. She seems to like it pretty well and sticks close to her sister or the few girls she knows well. She continues to do well at gymnastics and did join the team this year and went to the <a href="http://homeschoolingfour.blogspot.com/2011/12/avery-state-competition.html">state competition</a> where she did great! Avery's favorite thing to do all day is to give hugs. She is my loving girl and is always looking for some affection. This is one of my favorite things about her. She continues to have a sensitive and soft spirit and her heart hurts when those around her are hurting.<br /><br />Sydney is in 4th grade and also home. This year, she has discovered her love for football. She loves to watch (especially GA or NE) and play. She actually has a really good throw and we are looking for a flag team to put her on. Her questions never stop. But, most of the time she walks away before they can even be answered. Or, she will ask several at the same time and you don't even know where to start. She is very inquisitive but doesn't always care to know the answer. I think sometimes she just likes to hear herself talk :) She is a very passionate person in everything in life. If I had a tenth of her energy, I would get twice the amount done in a day.<br /><br />Jordan is in 2nd grade. He is ALL boy and would love to have a brother (he actually would like for his cousin to move in with us). He loves to play with LEGOs, anything involving a super hero, swords, etc... He has mastered the art of jumping from one piece of furniture to the next so that his feet never have to touch the ground. He also made the decision this year to ask Jesus in his heart! He got his first Bible only a couple weeks ago as well. He loves it and tells me all about what he read for the day. He also has started to fine tune his wit. He enjoys listening to any adult conversation in order to add his own 2 cents worth in a way to bring about laughter. He really is a pretty funny kid and keeps me on my toes.<br /><br /><br />One of the books I have been reading lately is 1000 Gifts. This book has an amazing ability to help you change your perspective and see all the gifts that God has given you everyday, all around. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. For me, it has helped me to not take for granted the many (more than 1000) gifts God has blessed me with. It has helped me to slow down, look around and be thankful. I am thankful for all God has done over this past year and I am thankful for what He is planning to do in 2012!Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-80442867058655432542011-12-12T23:30:00.002-05:002011-12-13T00:14:45.093-05:00Avery State CompetitionAvery competed in her first State Meet this past weekend. She did FABULOUS!! She placed 1st in her division on the bars and 2nd on floor which helped her to place 2nd in overall! We are so proud and just love to watch her do what she loves.<br /><a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/d7776879cce1d192.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/d7776879cce1d192.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/ea058548b58bba91.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/ea058548b58bba91.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/4afeb834fcdcaac9.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/4afeb834fcdcaac9.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/89d8e1ddb8d21d3f.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/89d8e1ddb8d21d3f.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br />Morgan came along for the 3 hour drive there and back and the 2 hours sitting at the meet just to support her sister and keep her company. Awww, how sweet! However, she refused to let me take any pictures of her. That's ok, I am just posting this one anyway!<br /><a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/98a971f10c9b41c3.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/98a971f10c9b41c3.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/9f52d9d0406006ef.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/9f52d9d0406006ef.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/9af2a15ad0ab4a59.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:2570/04aa16fd5bc20691b6f1540b6bb9fd1f/image/9af2a15ad0ab4a59.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br />Here is a video of her on the bars!<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4S43rfR6BXg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe><br />And, here she is on floor!<br /><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UvoOKV8llyg" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" width="420"></iframe>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-19729480115366903872011-12-12T21:25:00.001-05:002011-12-12T21:53:21.180-05:00Kid Christmas Party!This year my kids wanted to throw a party for all the kids in our neighborhood. We painted sun-catchers, made Holiday door hangers decorated cookies and ate "North Pole" cupcakes. The kids all had a blast, made a mess and ate more sugar than anyone should!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL-_tEjZRTk/Tua5D4FZjPI/AAAAAAAADSc/zzupkgwalxU/s1600/P1060497.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XL-_tEjZRTk/Tua5D4FZjPI/AAAAAAAADSc/zzupkgwalxU/s320/P1060497.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9m2FVQHGvU/Tua5DisQjRI/AAAAAAAADSU/mZ5bXYY68og/s1600/P1060495.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9m2FVQHGvU/Tua5DisQjRI/AAAAAAAADSU/mZ5bXYY68og/s320/P1060495.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6W55RBzydQ/Tua5E5Hts0I/AAAAAAAADS4/qe5tbROsZT8/s1600/P1060504.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d6W55RBzydQ/Tua5E5Hts0I/AAAAAAAADS4/qe5tbROsZT8/s320/P1060504.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKKYHIzaVHI/Tua5D7Go9jI/AAAAAAAADSs/o_h7Gk-pXg0/s1600/P1060500.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKKYHIzaVHI/Tua5D7Go9jI/AAAAAAAADSs/o_h7Gk-pXg0/s320/P1060500.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_B_7UIY4zJo/Tua5GKAtyaI/AAAAAAAADTQ/ezS2O2TJ7ro/s1600/P1060508.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_B_7UIY4zJo/Tua5GKAtyaI/AAAAAAAADTQ/ezS2O2TJ7ro/s320/P1060508.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-Arzr_3aZ8/Tua5FHu2dQI/AAAAAAAADTE/lz_RPWZe5p8/s1600/P1060505.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x-Arzr_3aZ8/Tua5FHu2dQI/AAAAAAAADTE/lz_RPWZe5p8/s320/P1060505.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2OKrPLSRrk/Tua5GtHG6BI/AAAAAAAADTk/DExXkzUVhrc/s1600/P1060516.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2OKrPLSRrk/Tua5GtHG6BI/AAAAAAAADTk/DExXkzUVhrc/s320/P1060516.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMPjkUqcIA0/Tua5GRxYEhI/AAAAAAAADTY/N3iTid34HQk/s1600/P1060512.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMPjkUqcIA0/Tua5GRxYEhI/AAAAAAAADTY/N3iTid34HQk/s320/P1060512.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdV84TboMCY/Tua5IzCdBiI/AAAAAAAADUA/kkJ5sXZEX9k/s1600/P1060520.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdV84TboMCY/Tua5IzCdBiI/AAAAAAAADUA/kkJ5sXZEX9k/s320/P1060520.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThHKdpCV0nU/Tua5HsvjDvI/AAAAAAAADT0/6Avbb_7J0OQ/s1600/P1060519.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThHKdpCV0nU/Tua5HsvjDvI/AAAAAAAADT0/6Avbb_7J0OQ/s320/P1060519.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9htnOa1UMQ/Tua5J3qwSfI/AAAAAAAADUY/1kLGBhQp130/s1600/P1060533.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n9htnOa1UMQ/Tua5J3qwSfI/AAAAAAAADUY/1kLGBhQp130/s320/P1060533.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H83GkjCJlfk/Tua5JCP4pMI/AAAAAAAADUM/f_un7wRt1N8/s1600/P1060530.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H83GkjCJlfk/Tua5JCP4pMI/AAAAAAAADUM/f_un7wRt1N8/s320/P1060530.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5Hsob3GJ3c/Tua5LEq-p1I/AAAAAAAADUw/KjQ7d0XvwRk/s1600/P1060551.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-F5Hsob3GJ3c/Tua5LEq-p1I/AAAAAAAADUw/KjQ7d0XvwRk/s320/P1060551.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWUWvIzIZ2Q/Tua5KfIiH5I/AAAAAAAADUk/JVXDUSjdKyk/s1600/P1060536.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kWUWvIzIZ2Q/Tua5KfIiH5I/AAAAAAAADUk/JVXDUSjdKyk/s320/P1060536.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39wzOKN_oWI/Tua5Li7blOI/AAAAAAAADVA/rUx9xuEXvPc/s1600/P1060559.JPG"><img alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-39wzOKN_oWI/Tua5Li7blOI/AAAAAAAADVA/rUx9xuEXvPc/s320/P1060559.JPG" border="0" /></a><div style="clear:both; text-align:NONE"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-34445581190686266492011-12-12T21:14:00.000-05:002011-12-12T21:17:17.529-05:00Decorating the TreeLast week we picked out our Christmas tree and decorated. Cory was able to take a day off and we spent one complete afternoon doing the decorating tradition. In our family, you just can't decorate a tree without junk food sitting around to pick at all afternoon. We had fun and it sure does get easier to do this kind of thing as our kids get older. I don't have to stress about the ornaments breaking or stepping on lights or being electricuted. I also have given up control and just let my kids do most of the lighting and hanging of ornaments. It may not be perfect but they have so much more fun!<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okh52A3De74/Tua1lpTx55I/AAAAAAAADQY/7aZAno9nX1c/s1600/P1060437.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-okh52A3De74/Tua1lpTx55I/AAAAAAAADQY/7aZAno9nX1c/s320/P1060437.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4IM4DcuJGY/Tua1l9aMN6I/AAAAAAAADQo/e1E6fPxdUBw/s1600/P1060441.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4IM4DcuJGY/Tua1l9aMN6I/AAAAAAAADQo/e1E6fPxdUBw/s320/P1060441.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW9Fq2QrxF4/Tua1m1_GMJI/AAAAAAAADQw/sFrdOSP2el8/s1600/P1060443.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BW9Fq2QrxF4/Tua1m1_GMJI/AAAAAAAADQw/sFrdOSP2el8/s320/P1060443.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IGIBo635vY/Tua1nKbIqEI/AAAAAAAADQ8/GCOhnBnYAew/s1600/P1060448.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4IGIBo635vY/Tua1nKbIqEI/AAAAAAAADQ8/GCOhnBnYAew/s320/P1060448.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI-DVfaslhA/Tua1oDD5EYI/AAAAAAAADRI/DQOyBi9h-no/s1600/P1060459.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yI-DVfaslhA/Tua1oDD5EYI/AAAAAAAADRI/DQOyBi9h-no/s320/P1060459.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHmgjS_rSgA/Tua1oRpn0lI/AAAAAAAADRQ/BjgSwjm9vX0/s1600/P1060467.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kHmgjS_rSgA/Tua1oRpn0lI/AAAAAAAADRQ/BjgSwjm9vX0/s320/P1060467.JPG" /></a><br />There was a little bit of a war between Cory and Sydney this year... apparently they both thought "their" ornament should be the highest on the tree. Guess who won? I'll give you a hint... the taller one :) As you can see, my kids can hardly wait for Christmas time. Before we even had a tree, all those presents you see were already wrapped and tagged. And, those are just the ones that they have bought. I love to see them get excited about what they want to give instead of what they want to get.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziLh-_v2c3w/Tua1osUpKFI/AAAAAAAADRg/zweQLyYMFt0/s1600/P1060470.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ziLh-_v2c3w/Tua1osUpKFI/AAAAAAAADRg/zweQLyYMFt0/s320/P1060470.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--muMiR8VJCo/Tua1pgfRwcI/AAAAAAAADRw/lM9zcqMyhW4/s1600/P1060477.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--muMiR8VJCo/Tua1pgfRwcI/AAAAAAAADRw/lM9zcqMyhW4/s320/P1060477.JPG" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dvOrmnjglo/Tua1qxjaR1I/AAAAAAAADR8/17xQmXse_sg/s1600/P1060482.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5dvOrmnjglo/Tua1qxjaR1I/AAAAAAAADR8/17xQmXse_sg/s320/P1060482.JPG" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-56402276205688548782011-12-12T20:57:00.002-05:002011-12-12T20:59:11.233-05:00CampingWe had our first family camping trip last weekend with some friends. It was a quick trip for us because we didn't get there until Saturday morning and left first thing Sunday morning. But, we did have lots of fun and so did the kids. Jordan has been begging to go since I keep going on camping trips with my Girl Scout troop. I have already mapped out several dates to go again in the New Year.<br />This time, we decided to bring bikes for the kids. They loved it and rode all around the campground.<br /><a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/32def2e12b27680c.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/32def2e12b27680c.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/564639854985db5.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/564639854985db5.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />How many coolers does it take to feed 5 families?<br /><a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/976ec54719b00b2d.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/976ec54719b00b2d.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/751966a3e0493aa5.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/751966a3e0493aa5.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br />Nothing quite like sitting around the fire with friends and chillin'<br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/1b3ad676a0577581.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/1b3ad676a0577581.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/a472068888b4601.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/a472068888b4601.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br />This is how Sydney and Allison attempted to keep the smoke out of their face... and our little scorpion friend that the kids found in a pinecone they collected from the ground! Ewww!<br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/cd166e69738ac86a.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/cd166e69738ac86a.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/57ff013de9b97d96.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1779/16196f9ad8c1b4c91873cbcc762fa4bc/image/57ff013de9b97d96.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-50763456565215263712011-12-01T00:30:00.001-05:002011-12-01T01:50:34.033-05:00GS Camping TripLast weekend, I took my Girl Scout Troop camping for the weekend. We had a great time and here are some of the highlights...<br />The girls cooked all meals and started the fires themselves. For breakfast we made egg muffin sandwiches. We cooked the eggs in muffin tins, toasted the english muffins on the grill and added some cheese.<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c4558e5b414e8b5f.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c4558e5b414e8b5f.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/5d9b78e48b245ff0.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/5d9b78e48b245ff0.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is the finished product... They were actually very good!<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/4ff0b740b628e4cd.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/4ff0b740b628e4cd.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/3143d6399ba2dd70.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/3143d6399ba2dd70.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />They also each took turns on a team that was the Hostess for our meals and they set the table and decorated with nature :)<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c97ee0f92c5beb07.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c97ee0f92c5beb07.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/69383db77a4d11e4.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/69383db77a4d11e4.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/7beb82be3f6f8be0.jpg"></a><br /><br />Each girl also took a turn on the "clean up" crew. They all worked hard and did wonderful!<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c586035af4f5e392.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/c586035af4f5e392.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/51c57a992942272a.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/51c57a992942272a.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Reading in the cabin... and some crafts for charities.<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/b647eeec6922f991.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/b647eeec6922f991.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/593b2a38859e0561.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/593b2a38859e0561.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here are a group of girls starting the fire in the fire pit.<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/f8206b6b94b88dab.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/f8206b6b94b88dab.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/9a62478480d5517c.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/9a62478480d5517c.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />You always have to be ready to face one of these yucky guys. They have huge webs and they are the size of my hand!<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/bb266a1d97c533fd.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/bb266a1d97c533fd.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br />We also did a geo caching hunt and had to search in some strange places for those little boxes.<br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/b44cf513a85b1b92.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/b44cf513a85b1b92.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/fa25e3e1b1753ee9.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://localhost:1156/37d8716bd00ee33abef17078fa42ba2e/image/fa25e3e1b1753ee9.jpg?size=320" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It was a fun weekend... The weather was perfect.... Can't wait to do it again!Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6914171276894814434.post-11002127570095702622011-12-01T00:09:00.000-05:002011-12-01T00:13:02.278-05:00Avery's 1st Gymnastics MeetAvery competed in her first Meet a couple weeks ago. She did great and had a great time! We are so proud of her!<br />She placed 5th in the bars and she is getting ready for the state competition in 2 weeks. It's so much fun to watch her do something she loves and excels at. Looking forward to the upcoming Meet :)<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5VIt4wJxw8/TtcM1FE0fuI/AAAAAAAADHM/K_1NR7NJkvE/s1600/P1060161.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x5VIt4wJxw8/TtcM1FE0fuI/AAAAAAAADHM/K_1NR7NJkvE/s320/P1060161.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uko9bYJd-q8/TtcM1A8VfiI/AAAAAAAADHU/lHrLXjIgA04/s1600/P1060167.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uko9bYJd-q8/TtcM1A8VfiI/AAAAAAAADHU/lHrLXjIgA04/s320/P1060167.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k69toawhxSQ/TtcM1f1HZ4I/AAAAAAAADHo/WRCMqvtYWb8/s1600/P1060175.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k69toawhxSQ/TtcM1f1HZ4I/AAAAAAAADHo/WRCMqvtYWb8/s320/P1060175.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-car9A9P14OM/TtcM3Vp_dDI/AAAAAAAADHw/XD3dcWcGWdk/s1600/P1060176.JPG"><img border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-car9A9P14OM/TtcM3Vp_dDI/AAAAAAAADHw/XD3dcWcGWdk/s320/P1060176.JPG" /></a><div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'><a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /></a></div>Cassie - Homeschooling Fourhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15604648403487773900noreply@blogger.com0