Then & Then - Messes and Masking

Facebook Memories 2018

"Dinner and a Show"

-Photos taken at lunch stop in Tennessee on our return leg of our long Eastward road-trip.

    Louisiana (Mini Family Reunion),
    Florida (beach),
    Georgia (SEA homeschool conference),
    Virginia (visit Palmieri's... "the boy" was all grown up),

    ER (skipped Kari's).

Facebook Memories 2016

"I was nominated to post a picture that makes me feel proud to be a mother (only one picture)."

Facebook Memories 2013

"Off to a good start: everyone ate and enjoyed breakfast - homemade crepes with glazed nectarines and cream. Did a load of dishes and started some laundry.

Hopefully can hold on to this motivation and momentum!"

Comments from mommy

"So far, so good! Lunch made and eaten, girls got a bath, more dishes and laundry, and baby down for a nap :)"

>> AND NOW <<

WOW!! I have NOT held on to this motivation and momentum! Oh man, this last month the house mess and piles have multiplied!

It was a busy and exciting week. I was contacted by WFAA for an interview on homeschooling. They got my name from the local Facebook group I help run. Which has exploded to over 6k members. I declined the on camera interview but consulted on topics and trends, aiding in interview questions. I also recommended someone (willing and able) to participate on camera. I assisted in her prep work as well. The live zoom interview aired 7/27 - Good Morning Texas. I all came together and homeschoolers were presented well. 😊

With much of my time and attention given to our homeschool group, daily household upkeep has been minimal. However, we continue on school making significant progress this summer.

This is all temporary as we help the flood of new homeschool parents figure things out for the impending "start of the school year". This pandemic continues to rattle people and create new norms.

We are so happy that there are things we can do to help! Reducing our public time, social distancing, mask wearing, mask making & give aways, button donations for other makers, homescool donations of items, fielding questions, creating resources, and assisting and connecting people. Doing our best to stay constructive with our energy.

Then & Now - Toddlers & Bahama's Buck's

July 28, 2016, Facebook Memory
It's official we no longer have a baby, she has grown into a curious toddler! Top examples from today: 

1) taking the paper towel from the counter unrolling it completely then shouting thru the tube.

2) grabbing her sisters full bottle of water, turned it over (holding it above the table about a foot) to watch the water fall and pour everywhere. 

3) reaching our wooden salt bowl (from the kitchen counter), either dumping or spilling it on the floor, then proceeding to play and taste it until caught.

JUST IN: #4) spilling a bag of popcorn down the stairs!

Comments from daddy

She is just a budding scientist. Observe...

#1) She wanted to perform a series of acoustical experiments around the house.

#2) She was just performing an experiment in fluid dynamics

#3) She probably wanted to make salt crystals

#4) ....wait, nope....she's just being a turd. Carry on.

NOW - LOL, I find this so funny! It's official we no longer have a baby, AGAIN. No more crib and no more diapers. Nora loves her "big girl bed". Her repeated scientist actions include wound care with plenty of band-aides and ice packs.

July 28, 2015, Facebook Memory

So excited about our first Bahamas buck's experience 

I had a strawberry guava peach smoothie! Delish! 

NOW - We still go, but get mini-sized Bahama Rama Mama's – ice cream covered in flavored shaved ice, topped with condensed milk. Current favorites: Chocolate & Cherry (G and M); Vanilla & Coconut (A and E).

E. Nobody Else's Footsteps Lead Exactly Where You're Going

Sweet Nora baby is growing strong and began her plans of conquering the world.
She is generally mild mannered, playful, and observant. Even while her top 4 center teeth are coming all at once she remains a mellow cuddler. She only had her bottom two middle teeth until a month or so ago.
She is curious and adventurous, climbing on the kitchen table and using it as her catwalk. She pushes large chairs around to reach whats she'd like to explore. We've tried many different arrangements to minimize the dangers of falls, but have shifted the focus on coaching her directly.
Her sleeping habits are wonderful! We put her down awake, and she settles in for her long afternoon nap with ease. With this development we've graduated to the same at night. She still wakes early early morning for a cuddle and nurse with mommy.
Her love of shoes has shifted from chewing on them to trying them on then to walking in any pair she can find. She has mastered the shuffle of walking in other's footwear. Some of her favorites seem to be Maryvonne's rain boots, mommy's toms, and Aunt Misty slippers.

We love getting to know you! You are your own little person, XOXO