handicrafts

I really think I enjoy school as much or more than the children. I love the good books and all the fine arts. Here is a look at what we made today in our handicraft time. Flower Dolls!! Too fun.

changes

Hi,
Baylie and Jack are now signed up for flag football. That will make for a busy couple of months.
We had our 6mth. post adoption visit and received the report. All went well. In 6mths. Danijela has grown 2 ". Dejan has gained 7lbs. and grown 4 ". Wow!!!! That's quite a bit.
I also wanted to share a photo with you. This was our entertainment last night. We all got a real big laugh over it. I think Charlie was just glad he could make us so happy. Too funny!! It started out as a squishy ball, but someone broke it. Big surprise. Now the children just play with the 2, flat little pieces. Here they decided to use it as a hat for Charlie. It's kind of that punk rock look, huh? Enjoy.

the school bell rings

Well, the Academy of Higher Learning, i.e. the Hannah homeschool, is officially started for this year. All went pretty well today. After morning chores, Dan's toilet training, giving the baby his cereal, starting a load of laundry and the dish washer, checking my emails, and eating breakfast; we were ready to go. Seems the teacher (me--:) ) missed a few needed items during preparation time, like pencils for instance. Oops!!! There were a couple to share, but we will have to get some this week. For the most part, we use the Charlotte Mason style. This involves short lessons, living books-books about real people or time periods, nature walks, fine arts--composer/artist study, handicrafts-useful projects, Shakespeare/Plutarch, musical instrument practice, hymn/folksong/poetry; in addition to the regular subjects. Most of the curriculum is written out for me at www.amblesideonline.org Very helpful. Then we throw in our own stuff like Bible, character study, life skills, etc. I think I enjoy our family book readings as much /or more than the children. To snuggle on the couch and read a book together or go on a nature walk and enjoy God's beautiful creations; aaahhh, good times. I will cherish these years together long after the children leave our home.
Well, it will take a bit of time to work out all the kinks,but we are off and running. I have a few more students this year to enjoy. I sure am blessed. Thank you Lord.
Here's a quote that stuck with me from one of our readings today. It was by William Carey. "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God. " I really like that.
until next time,
Vickie

Happy Birthday

We are very thankful for this day. Three years ago today, the Lord decided to bring Dejan into this world. We did not get a chance to meet him until 2008. He has been a part of our family for 6 months now. What a boy!! A smile that will melt anyone's heart. He may not say many words, but the whole family now has a new phrase in our vocabulary "ticka ticka ticka". Daily the children run around the house saying this with Dejan (Dan). He has changed so much since March. Happy Birthday Buddy!!! I cried last Christmas when we weren't able to spend it with Dejan and Danijela. This year though we have been able to celebrate all 7 children's birthdays with them. What a blessing.
Have a great week.

updates

I really enjoy reading other's daily posts, but seem to have a harder time posting myself. Let's see what is new with us. We made a trip to the old order mennonite (live like the Amish-no electricity, horse drawn carriages, etc.) community for fruits and vegetables. Jack chose the largest watermelon I have ever seen. The family we buy our beef and chickens from had been interested in our adoption process. A new map was purchased by the family to find Serbia on it. They were very interested in meeting our new children and hearing about our adventures. Many questions were asked. It was a real nice visit. They are such nice people.
Dejan is really starting to get active and show his little personality. His new talent this week has been learning to spit. Not exactly the skill I would have chosen for him to learn, but I'll take what I get. One of his favorite activities now is to stand on his high chair (which he is not supposed to do) and spit down onto the floor (which he is also not supposed to do). Although we are glad for his new abilities, it seems to get him in trouble. I will say the spitting does come in handy during tooth brushing time. No more swallowing the paste for Dejan. Yeah.
He has also begun to run and mess around more. Like most children at the developmental stage of around 1 yr. old, they fall down a lot. I know this is normal, but not a good thing whenever our 6 mth. post adoption apptmt. is next week. Most social workers do not look real positively at little boys heads being cut from falling into the stove the week before. UUgghh! For some reason Dejan is not following my rule of no injuries or bug bites until after the social worker comes.
What other interesting tidbits can I share. I opened the dryer tonight to find the family cat locked inside. Thank you Truman(3 yrs. old). No you are not in "truber" as you call it, but don't let it happen again. It is not exactly the place I would have chosen for the kitty to sleep this evening. Glad I found her shortly after she was put in there.
Danijela went with me to the city market today. She was told before exiting the van, stay with mamma and don't touch anyone. Well she accomplished the first part of the request. Upon reaching the first row of vendors, I turn around to see her holding out her hand and brushing it along everyone who walks by. NO, no no!! The rest of the time went well until the last stand I stopped at. I am speaking to the vendor, choosing my peaches and green bean amounts, paying the woman, and receiving my items. As I turn to leave after speaking to the vendor woman, I notice Danijela eating the grapes that are set out for display. Oh my !!! Yes they did look tasty, but we do not eat the people's food they set out. Needless to say, we must continue to work on how to act in public. The grape thing, not a big deal. Just a teachable moment. The whole going up to strangers and wanting attention/affection, standing close to strangers, touching strangers, etc. ; that is a problem. I know it will take time, but we must help them to overcome this. Please feel free to share ideas on how to improve this.
Well I better go. Hope you all have a great week.