CHEA 2014!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again!

 

A warm and gorgeous day in sunny Anaheim.

 

Lunch at Downtown Disney.

 

Yay! The Blodgett’s were able to join us this year!

 

And guess who we ran into? Our dear friends, Jason & Erin! 

 

CHEA member and new homeschooling dad to his 6 kids, Kirk Cameron was one of the Keynote Speakers.

 

We’ve returned from another whirlwind CHEA Convention. There’s truly nothing like meeting together with other homeschoolers to be strengthened and encouraged in the godly vision we have for our families. Attending the convention each year gives us fresh perspective and insight.

Always worth our time and investment!

The girls were thrilled to have their friends with them at Children’s Convention this year. They enjoyed playing games, making crafts, participating in science projects, singing, dancing, and learning scripture. Basically, they had a blast!

CHEA 2015… Pasadena!

Memorial Day Weekend & Palm Springs Air Museum

A quick photo before we head to church.

 

Daddy (and friends), post surgery…not bad for the day after.

 

Co-sufferers.

 

The few, the proud…

 

 

The B-25 Pacific Princess.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Flower Drop!

 

3,000 red and white carnations fell from the B-25.

 

So, my risk taking husband had surgery for his collar bone break on Friday night. It was a decision he made on his own, in hopes to have a more complete recovery and ultimately, full function of his shoulder without complications or limitations going forward. Lord willing, that will be the case!

We knew we were settled in for a restful and recuperative long weekend. Praise the Lord, by Sunday, he was able to go to church and even drove.  

On Memorial Day, he felt well enough to enjoy all the holiday festivities at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The highlight was definitely the fly by Flower Drop!

May God Bless all those who have bravely served our country. We remember, we are grateful, and we honor you for your service.     

Volcano Science Project

Over the weekend, the girls finished up their earth science project with daddy.

 

Art & Science… a fun combination!

 

We didn’t have any RED paint for the lava so PINK would have to do!

 

Filling the cavity with baking powder.

 

Next comes the vinegar.

 

STAND BACK!! IT’S ABOUT TO BLOW!!!

 

OK, so it was a small eruption but nevertheless, the kids were excited!

 

Let’s do it again!!

 

Science projects make wonderful gifts for kids and we’re sure thankful for this one we received from Aunt Jen and her family. The girls learned all about volcanoes while having a blast putting it together with daddy. 

So fun!

Summer Shrimp Stir Fry

*photo via PW.
One of the things we love about summer is all the yummy fresh fruit and veggies. Right now, this quick and easy stir fry dish has been making its way into our regular rotation. 
And when I say quick, I mean QUICK. Seriously, it comes together in about 15 minutes (and that’s including the prep time!). Gotta love shrimp when it comes to fast cooking!
I love the lightness of the meal, the fresh corn, the summer veggies, and of course, all that plump and juicy shrimp.
I serve it brown rice or a rice/barley blend but noodles would be great here, too. Heck, you could even serve it on some salad greens or eat it just the way it is!
So summery, light, flavorful and colorful!
This is sure to be your next go-to summer dish. Enjoy!!
Summer Shrimp Stir-Fry
*adapted from the Pioneer Woman
Ingredients

• 1-1.5 lbs. peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp (I take the tails off)
• 1 zucchini diced or sliced
• 1 summer squash diced or sliced
• 1/2 onion sliced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes sliced
• 2 ears fresh corn, kernels sliced off
• fresh basil or parsley
• salt & pepper
• pinch of red pepper flakes
• half a lemon, squeezed over top
• 1 T butter
• 1-2 T EVOO

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic & onions. When oil/butter is hot, add shrimp and cook for 3 minutes. Remove to a plate. Do not clean skillet and DO NOT OVERCOOK SHRIMP.
Add a little more oil and heat over medium heat. Add zucchini & squash slices in a single layer and cook for one minute, tossing once. Scoot them to the edges of the pan, then add corn kernels to the middle of the pan. Cook for one minute. Add grape tomatoes, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes and toss around, then add shrimp. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, then remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and lemon squeeze.
Serve with rice, noodles, or on a platter by itself.

Spring Recital

My two darlings!

 

Sissies.

 

Because two are better than one!

 

Faith & Vivien, ready for their duet.

 

Halmoni & Hapajee arrive.

 

All the grandparents are in the house.

 

Precious friends.

 

Grace’s finale to God Bless the USA. She did so well!

 

So incredibly PROUD of our girls.

 

Their friends, Jacob & Ellie came out to support them!

 

Grace with her vocal teacher, Miss Hannah and Faith with her piano teacher, Mrs. Ainsworth.

 

Later, a fun afternoon with Halmoni & Hapajee.

 

They sure tired out the grandparents.

 

Celebrating! With ice cream cones and lots of laughter!

The girls had their Spring Recital this weekend and I’m so proud of the work they put into preparing for it. All the hard work paid off and they both had TERRIFIC recital experiences. Faith pulled off playing two duets, as well as her individual piece (that girl has a gift for memorization!).

Grace was able to play a piano duet with Faith but also put her heart and soul into singing God Bless the USA. It’s been so fun to see her blossom into a more confident vocalist with each new opportunity!

Music is a big part of our schooling for the girls. It’s required a lot of hard work but the rewards have been worth it! I’ve learned that success comes, not in playing a recital piece perfectly. Even with tons and tons of practice, mistakes can happen—mostly due to nerves. Ask me how I know. :)

Real success comes from the process; all the months of hard work leading up to the recital. The performance is simply an opportunity to bless others while celebrating their efforts and dedication.

Our only advice on recital day… HAVE FUN!!

And they sure did! They enjoyed it so much, they can’t wait for the next one!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God. ~Psalm 100:1-3