Stuff

The VanEvera Family December 17-23, 2012

Well we are all still here, so it looks like the Mayans were all wrong ;)  Seriously though I do not put my faith in the anicent Mayans, my faith lies in the one true God who is the same yesterday,today, and tomorrow and who will come as a theif in the night at an hour known only by HIM!!  Now that that is off my chest, let's get on with the happenings of the week.

The girls and I worked super hard getting school wrapped up for the semester so we could start our break a day early!! They worked their little booties off and I am one proud mommy. I know I like to brag but they are my kids and I am proud of their accomplishemnts and even if they were in public school I would be just as proud! They are smart girls and work hard and should be able to be bragged on!

 Audrey and Ally both did well on their mid term asssessments, being way above grade level in reading, writing, and math!  Audrey can now read on a level G with about 45 words per minute and can write a good 5 paragraph story with a beginning, three details, and an ending, with very few errors :) She is about a midway first grader in her reading and her math is just as good!  Ally can now read on a level I with about 93 words per minute, and can also write as well as her sister! She is about that of a beginning second grader on her reading!  The ability to homeschool has given them a tremendous advantage in the early formative years of literacy, we can go at the pace that is just right for them and I can help them each indivituality with their strong and weak areas.  We are loving it! The second part of the year is only going to get better!

This seemed to be the week of doctor visits for us! Ian had an ear infection on Monday :( and an ENT check on Friday. The good news is that between Monday and Friday and his antibiotics his ears were better!!  The bad news is that his tubes have both fallen out, so if the ear infection trend continues we are looking at a second set of tubes :( I had my yearly check up today and everything was GREAT! 

We had a little Christmas party with the kids that I watch during the week and played games, made cookies, crafts, and had presents!  The kids love making crafts! I got the cutest card and sweetest surprise from my sweet little A and her family!! Oh, how I love my kids and their families!  My little sweet P got to go to the doctors office with Ian both times and was as good as gold! I am pretty lucky. I also got to visit with my newest addition, little baby C!! He is an absolute 100% cutie pie! I cannot wait to see more of him.

When I decided to stay home, God really opened up the doors for me to keep a few kids part time while still being there full time for my kids and it such a blessing in many ways. I get to teach which I love and still be able to bring in a little to help support the family.  It is wonderful and to have such amazing parents who allow me to keep their most prized possession, makes it even better!

We had our first big family Christmas this week in Calico Rock/Mountain View with part of Paul's side of the family.  We went up to his dad's house, with two of Paul's sisters, one of his brothers, and his uncle along with some inlaws and our neiece and a nephew. Robin made us a huge lunch which was delicious and we all opened presents. My kids got their first spurt of being spoiled :) Ally, Audrey, and Ian loved spending time with their cousins Adonis, and Roree as well as their Grandpa and Aunts and Uncle.

This week brings on Christmas and I am so happy that in the midst of all this craziness even my little boy knows that it is Jesus' Birthday!  Tomorrow we are making our Happy Birthday Jesus cupcakes, which is a tradition in our house. We do the whole Santa thing but we focus on the birth of Christ!  We will also be making cookies and getting Christmas dinner ready for the big day! We also have dinner with my parents where we will do gifts with my brother. On Christmas we will have our little family Christmas and then my parents will come over and we will Christmas with them and eat. Wednesday we will head up to Missouri to visit my family up there. 

I am hoping to blog about Christmas but in case I do not get around to it right away, May God Bless each one of you this Christmas Season and every day!