First Day of School 2013

What do I say?

I'm blessed that these four young girls call me Mom.

I am their teacher.

The Lord is teaching me how to teach them.

It is not easy.

Homeschooling has taught me more about my need for the power of the Holy Spirit.

I do not pretend for one minute to do this within my own strength or wisdom.

I am so thankful for God's grace and His help that He gives each day.

Our new school room! 

When we moved our furniture in the new house, we decided to put the piano and organ in the school room. Why not? I'm glad we did. By the way, God has blessed us with a new piano teacher. And Mary Ellen started lessons for the first time this year. 

This is, kinda, Mary Ellen and Molly's section of the room. 

The girls each have their own shelf for their school books. 

I've always wanted a horse-shoe table for our school room. The church had an extra one and we were able to borrow it! What a blessing! It's so nice!

Pella, Iowa - Dutch Country

From the time we visited Knoxville, Iowa, we were told about Pella, a little Dutch town. Everyone encouraged us to go. From Knoxville, there is a nice scenic route that includes alot of Red Rock Lake, the largest lake in Iowa. This picture was taken from the "Mile Long Bridge." We were headed to Pella one Friday morning for Dutch pastries. It's so worth the 15 minute drive!

Molly is enjoying doughnut holes in this picture. Behind her you can see the Jarsama Bakery Shop. The town has a nice park in the middle of town, perfect for enjoying pastries!

Everyone around here loves the Bakery's Dutch Letters. I had never had one before. I thought it was neat that on the day we came, they made them just for me! 

(Not really. But it's nice to think that! I think they always make S's.)

I wish I could figure out how to turn pictures the right way! Oh well. 

This one is still so cute, notice the Dutch Bakery in the background!

Iowa State Fair

We were blessed to be able to go to the Iowa State Fair a few weeks ago. There were 2 young couples in our church that took us and showed us the highlights of the fair.

This is a "green bean" type vine that created a tunnel for children to crawl/walk through. The girls really enjoyed it!

There was a farm experience for kids that we enjoyed participating in. 

First, kids pick seeds and plant in the ground.

You must water your seeds for them to grow!

Then you harvest your fruits and veggies!

Next, the kids took their produce to the barn or farmer's market to sell.

They milked pretend cows and received a "school" like milk carton for their basket.

After the farmers did all their work, they sold their produce to buyers and received "money." They then got to take that "money" to a little store and buy something.

Lexie and Mary Ellen bought popsicles.

Molly bought chocolate milk, go figure!

And Leah bought a potato. Yes, a potato.