Big Girls in Bunkbeds

With the new baby coming, Matthew and I knew we had to rearrange the girls' sleeping arrangements.  Not knowing if we will be having a boy or girl, we decided to move Braewyn and Juliet into bunk beds.  If I am carrying a girl, the crib will remain in the girls room and three beds will not fit on the floor.  After spending an enjoyable yet grueling day (we're talking 11am until 5pm!) toting the three kids to every furniture store in our town and the next one over, we had seen LOTS of choices of bunk beds.

As is usually the case for us, we chose a set in the first store we had visited.  Nothing wrong with seeing what  is offered out there, but it just made sense to buy the one that fit our needs and happened to be pretty close to home anyway.

The beds were delivered (and assembled -- extra $60 was well worth the money!) three weeks ago now, and the girls are doing wonderfully.  After my slight panic attack that first afternoon (Will Juliet climb to the top bunk and jump off? Will she be crushed during the night when Braewyn's bunk falls on her?), it has been such a joy to see Braewyn experience more independence as her "Big Sister" role was more fully established and for Juliet to grow before our eyes into a toddler and no longer a baby.  She has such a sweet demeanor and has not left her bed once during the night.  Ok, second night in, Matthew did give her two spankings a few minutes after we put them to bed, but I praise God that these girls sleep soundly through the night once they are asleep.  Here are the pictures from our three week bunk bed  journey!

One of the MANY stores we visited. Not where we bought the beds though!

Braewyn's DREAM bed!  Sorry, we're gonna have to pass.

The girls' room before bunk bed delivery.

And the awesome new bunk beds! It smelled like a furniture store in there for about a week.

 Juliet loves the stairs but has been instructed NOT to climb them unless someone is with her.

Sweet dreams, bottom bunk little one.

Sweet dreams, top bunk big one.

 Such a big girl able to get out of bed by herself in the morning.

 Sissy and I love our new bunk beds!!

Come On, Summer Break!

According to my homeschool record book, today we finished week 30.  To meet state requirements, my children must "attend" school for 180 days which is 36 weeks.  I usually go a little over to finish up our curriculum as we've thrown random field trips in through the year.  Either way, the goal is to finish school 2-3 weeks before Baby Brooks is born.  No big nesting plans in mind.  Laying on the couch is my target!

This has been a good school year no matter the trying days filled with interruptions of doctor's appointments, disciplinary issues, and just lacking plain old get-up-and-go.  However, the year has also been invigorated by the encouragement of other moms walking the same path through life I am on.

Last spring, I attended a gathering at a woman's house who has been homeschooling for several years.  The ladies were very friendly and very informative, but for the most part the conversation was over my head.  They discussed preparing high school transcripts, upper levels electives offered through various sources, and other things involving middle and high school home school opportunities.  I liked the fellowship but needed it on my early elementary grade level.

After pondering the idea the next few months, I decided to begin my own get-together time for homeschool moms journeying this path 5 years or less.  Long story short, we began meeting in my home on the last Monday evening of each month from 6:30 pm until around 8:30 or 9:00 pm.  My contact list includes 10 ladies but our usual attendance is 3 or 4.  Makes for nice, quaint gatherings at which we really pour our hearts out on the good, bad and ugly of homeschooling.  It's been amazing how God has worked it so that each lady whom attends has something in common with each other lady!  God is so good!

As Valentine's Day approached, I thought hosting a Valentine's Day party was something I definitely wanted to offer the other moms.  Most of us grew up attending public school and remember decorating our Valentine's bag and swapping cards in class.  I knew my kids would love to do so as would the others.  It was a great afternoon with our house bursting at the seams with 7 moms and 18 kids comfortably hanging out inside!  Thanks so much for coming, C, H, K, K, K, and T, and bringing your sweet kiddos! Here are a few pictures from our fun afternoon.

 The snack area

 Decorating Valentine bags

 "Minute to Win It" game (kids had to pick up candy hearts with two pencils)

 Another view of the game

 Juliet (in red vest) watches Braewyn and Philip pick up hearts

 Let's see who can keep their balloon in the air for a minute!

 Passing out Valentines

  Everyone seemed to have a great time.  I know I did!!