Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Stay-Cation 2011!

Have you ever felt the need to just STOP and take a break? 
That is how I was feeling for sure! We are in the middle of a cold and icy winter and we really want to get away to some sun and fun, but since we I could not even imagine traveling with three little ones under 5 (oh, the strollers, car seats AND luggage, not to mention the kids:), right now, we decided to have a "stay-cation." We did a lot of fun activities throughout the week and because my mind and spirit were quiet, I was able to hear from the Lord in a very clear and direct way! 

I have been feeling extra tired lately. Beyond exhausted! With the baby waking between 7-10 times per night and loving her new 4am wake up time (for the day), I really needed some time to recharge and rejuvenate the good old spirit!!  I realize I probably won't be able to get any quality sleep any time soon{we are still nursing and co-sleeping with Ce Ce}, but I can try to control what I CAN change and that is my attitude{even when I have a banging headache/raging migraine} and my calendar and agenda for homeschool.

So, I felt prompted by the Lord to clear our plates, say "no" to our previous commitments and focus on tying heart-strings with our kiddos.  I recommend ALL homeschooling Moms and Dads take some time to re-evaluate what you are doing and how you are doing it and pray for God's guidance!! That is of utmost importance when you want to stay on the correct path. I was overloading myself and our children and needed a nice re-direction onto the Lord's path.

Here is what our stay-cation looked like--we had so much fun!!! I let the girls pick the fun activities they wanted to do and just offered some beach-themed games and learning activities each day. We even were blessed with some sunny and warmer days so  my husband cooked out on the grill (turkey burgers and turkey hot dogs and grilled tilapia!) We also read a ton of beach-related books, but I neglected to take a photo of the books--I was on vacation:)


Ce Ce, 9 months old.

 The big girls really enjoyed playing badminton with a balloon!
Chilling out on their beach towels.
 Em sorting seashells. It was a lot of fun pulling out a lot of the leftover wedding reception decorations we still have.

I LOVE Elle's lady she made--with nice breasts for nursing her baby, too:)!


 Yummy grilled tilapia with artichokes and lemon:)
Baby Ce Ce LOVES the grilled fish!


 Elle really enjoyed mixing colors and learning about the color wheel.



 The little finger paints are magical--they are no messy at all and only work on the special crayola paper that came with them. We heart them:)!!






 One of the sweetest moments I captured this week. Em reading to Ce Ce:'-)
 Elle practicing nurturing her baby. We are BIG fans of babywearing!
 Elle pulled out her computer and really had fun mastering the spelling games.


 Em had a blast spooning glass stars (sea glass) into palm tree shaped ice cube trays.
 Elle taught Em how to listen for the ocean in a sea shell.

 Our beautiful centerpiece the girls designed. 
It makes me want to head to the beach right NOW:)!!

 Play dough fun!
 Em was so creative-she made these rock into a sail boat by adding tiny paper umbrellas!


 We made our own all natural-no sugar added popsicles using organic apple juice and water. Easy peezy and the girls LOVED them:)
 We had so much fun decorating our dining room in a beach-theme!
The girls loved eating in there all week:)
We certainly enjoyed our stay-cation!
We hope you enjoyed reading along with us!
Blessings,
Aria:)

Monday, February 14, 2011

Our Valentine's Day 2011

We had a wonderful time over the past 2 weeks unfolding our new Valentine's Tradition.
Our girls really LOVED reading a daily Bible verse and sweet love note from us about one thing we love about each of them over the past 14 days!! Our focus has been on the TRUE and everlasting LOVE that only God can give. It has been a blessing for us and we hope you all have been inspired to weave the teachings of the love of God into your
Valentine's Day traditions as well!

Our Valentine's Day started out extra early so that I could get our special breakfast 
prepared before Daddy had to leave for work!

 We have been enjoying my gorgeous bouquet I received on Friday from my Sweet and loving husband:) He always promised to be "unpredictable" to me~~and he certainly delivers that quality:) He said, "everybody gets flowers ON Valentines' Day". LOL!! {Notice the little pink carnation for the girlz---they deserve to be spoiled, too}.
 I simply used small cookie cutters to make the watermelon into heart shapes.

 I tried to "fancy up" the girls oatmeal {similar to the Australian Fairy Bread we made for Australia Day}by adding sprinkles to it---but, it was a complete bust! Ha, ha. They like it  better "plain." oh well;)
 A heart shaped spinach quiche for my hubby with turkey sausage.
 Heart shaped pancakes--they were a huge hit!!

PLEASE, if you ever see my kids, do NOT tell them that syrup goes on pancakes, OK? 
They are perfectly content eating them dry, so please, don't ruin it for them, ha, ha. {Kinda like not ruining believing in Santa Claus for some kids--ok, just our secret--right?}

We had a very lovely breakfast together and sent Daddy off to work.
The girls and I had a great homeschool morning and then headed to Homeschool gym, had lunch and prepared for naps when I got the BEST SURPRISE EVER!! Daddy took off a half day, went grocery shopping and came home for naps so I COULD LAY DOWN AND TAKE A NAP ALL ALONE!!! Ahh, that man--I tell yah--I love him more every day!! It really is the little things, right? Let me tell you, I thoroughly enjoyed my nap and awoke refreshed and ready to cook a very special dinner for my loves.



 My homemade "Melting Pot" Spinach and Artichoke Fondue--yummy!!!
 Isn't this the cutest heart pasta ever? The girls LOVED it;-)!


 Chocolate Fondue for dessert.

 My hubby and I got so full on our fondue that we couldn't even eat the steak, chicken and shrimp we planned---so, we'll save it for a special dinner in a couple of days.
We had a wonderful dinner as a family!
We hope you all had a great Valentine's Day!
Here is the greatest Valentine of all from our family to yours!!
Blessings,
Aria:)


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