Now You See Them...

Now you don't!  Hayley's Braces Liberation Day!  Woohoo!!!!

I promised Luke and Hayley when they got their expanders put in their mouths that when both of them were done with braces, we would have an "all things chewy and off limits with braces" party.   

Million dollar smile!

Another School Year Begins

So hard to believe that we are in our 4th year of homeschooling!  It brings me so much joy to be able to be with my children everyday and to watch them learn and grow.  Hannah was beyond excited to begin "real" school this year.  We are using All About Reading, AWANA Cubbies for Bible time, Handwriting without Tears, and whatever fun Math games I come up with each day.  And we read, and read and read books all day long. 

She attend Montessori Preschool and Art on Mondays when we go to our Co-op.

We started Preparing Hearts for His Glory with Hayley and Luke this year. We will study World History from Creation to the World Wars. Preparing Hearts covers our History, Bible, Geography, Science, Grammar, Spelling, Poet/Poetry Studies, and Reading.

 Hayley is in Teaching Textbooks 4 for Math, She is also taking Spanish, IEW  All Things Fun and Fascinating for writing, and a My Body class at our Co-op.

Luke has grown so much this summer.  He is gaining on me in the height department.  Not long now before he passes me right by!   He is in the Preparing Hearts guide as well as 

Teaching Textbooks 5 for math.  He is taking  IEW Ancient History for writing, Human Anatomy, and Bible Explores at our weekly Co-op.

Off to a great start!!!

Surprise Adventure

The kids worked hard all summer to show the Fruit of the Spirit.  Each time they were caught being loving, joyful, kind, patient, and peacemakers we let them put a "fruit" in the jar.  Our last day of summer before school began, we took them to Sea World to celebrate their accomplishment.  It was a hot but awesome day together as a family.

29 Palms or Bust!

To say we were proud of Chris when he was selected for Lieutenant Colonel is an understatement.  We knew that he would be screened for command and unsure as to if it would happen this year (if ever) and where command might be located.  

The news came late July while Chris was away at Seattle Fleet week that he had been selected to command and Infantry Battalion in 29 Palms, CA.  That's the desert.  The hot hot DESERT!  Although, I hear it's a dry heat and that the winters are lovely.  Ha! 

We celebrated with Chris on his HUGE accomplishment as soon as he returned home and made him a cake (the kids idea).  

What an adventure this will be for sure.  

Looking forward to see what God had in store for the Steeles in 29 Palms!  So proud of you, Chris.  You will be an incredible CO!  I love you.

Proverbs 18:24

Yep.  These ladies are so very precious to me.  One of the many reasons I love that God chose our family for this Marine Corps life.  The wonderful bonds of friendships that grow from those He  places in our path along the way.  Thankful for every moment that I have been able to spend with them.  

We had our last get together at a park here in our 'hood.  The kids ate pizza and watermelon and played a mean game of tag.  Jen, Christine, Kelly, and I laughed and prayed together one last time before J and C headed out on their next adventures.  Hard to believe I met Jen and Christine only a year ago.  That year we shared together was one that formed friendships that will last a lifetime. 

They love me, laugh with me, cry with me, encourage me, spur me on, and pray with me.   And I pray God will let all of our paths cross again one day on this side of heaven.  I love you all so much.