Belly Acres and No School!

Ice Ice Baby!!! Well we have had 5 snow/ice days~4 last week and 1 today and there was NOTHING on the ground when I woke up...bad call by the district. Well, I don't mind because I love my kids being home with me!  I made a plan before anyone even made it down to breakfast. I couldn't take one more day of t.v. and electronics so I made a great big breakfast and had Grace sit down and do her school work for the day, because life goes on for a home schooler even when public school is closed! Then, I gathered the hubby and kids in the car and we headed for Costco for the biggest event of the day (drum roll------) I GOT A VITAMIX!  I have wanted a Vitamix for years now but finally Mr. Parsons saw the amazing things it can do! I love to cook and he loves to eat so we both win!

After Costco, we were starved so my next plan took us to the Overton Square area which we have never ventured.  It is the trendy part of town where my kids saw grown men with long hair, some wearing scarves, mixed races, etc. It lent time for conversation of these things and remembering not to judge others.  We chose Belly Acres to eat today and there are so many more places we need to test! Belly Acres is a farm to table restaurant featuring grass-fed beef with creative homemade toppings in a fun "farm" setting. bellyacres901.com

My kids favorite part was the bath room...yes I did say that.  They ran out and said "Mom, you are missing out if you don't go to the bath room here!"  There was a metal pail, like a milk pail, as the sink; and the decor in the whole restaurant is worth the trip itself. Fun was had by all and I would definitely take family and friends there on their next visit! Scored on my day keeping them away from screens! Then we came home and played Monopoly Deal, our new favorite card game addiction. It is super fun and hours (and days) faster that the classic board game.

Oh, and I can't forget we made snow sleet ice cream on our first ice day home from school...

I am ready for this winter to be gone and for God's beautiful spring signs to begin!  I can only take so many cloudy gray days before I need major therapy and S.A.D. sets in! Bring on the sunshine!

Catching up!

Today's message at church was powerful beyond description! Our previous pastor who know lives in Texas was our speaker today and he was on fire for the Lord! He told us parents (priests) that we are called to disciple our children and lead them and model what God would have us do. Moms, teach your daughters what clothing is appropriate and fathers pray with your family every day.  He said that men are strong but can be so weak when it comes to leading their household.

We completed week four of homeschooling and I am finally feeling like it's clicking. I was told by a sweet Godly friend that you have to 'un-school' before you can learn to home school. That made complete sense to me because you do not have your head down in a book for 7 hours straight in school...so I'm trying to teach that to daddy Pyro!  He is enjoying his time with Grace when he is home on a weekday.

I had open  house at the Connection last week and it helped me understand more of my part in the home school process.

5 new baby goats born at the barn...born this same day!!

Home school means More time with Mac!

A day of science: shooting rockets at the park!

FRIENDS! Build a Bear

More time to play chess with dad!

Sierra and Grace at Red Robin

And mama gets to have fun with friends at Brad Paisley concert!

Daddy daughter dance at Crosswind

What sweet times we are having. I love building and capturing these memories. It's definitely a balance you have to find on your own and that works with your family dynamics. I still struggle feeling competent with my parenting/teaching  but I know that is Satan trying to take away my joy!