The Bellomy Family Blog

few pics from Lauren's 5th birthday party!

2012-01-30T22:12:00.003-06:00

My Baby Girl is FIVE!!!!

we had a photo booth set up for the party, the kids tested it out before the kids came!

more pics to come....Happy Birthday Lauren!!!

Lauren and her ABC's!

2012-01-10T14:39:00.002-06:00

Lauren has been working on her ABC's since she was 3 and 1/2 years and we know them now! Our goal (well my goal) was to know them and be able to write them by 5...we made it with 9 days to spare! :) She has been very into them the last 2 months and working on them on her own. So proud of her! We will be starting Kindergarten in February...seeing how long the ABC's took, we might need a little more time for her 'first' official year of school.

Way to go Lauren!!!

Chicago Thanksgiving weekend 2011!

2012-01-05T11:47:00.005-06:00

Thanksgiving day we drove to Chicago (Dave was working in Milwaukee the following week), it was a long day, and we tried to make the most of the 2 full days we had there!

Lake Michigan (Holland/Zeeland Michigan) November 30, 2011

2012-01-05T09:46:00.006-06:00

Lake Michigan with Big Red in the background!

Nothing like playing in the sand when it's only 35/40 degrees out!

Me and Bethany! longtime friends (since our Texas days), I was even in their wedding!

My 3 kids and her little boy.

We do look forward to going back when it's warm and can really have fun in the sand!

Granny! Dec 11, 2011

2012-01-05T09:01:00.002-06:00

This is Dave's Granny and we all LOVE granny! We didn't seem to get any pics with any family members at Dave's Christmas....I can't believe I did that. But we did get a few with Granny the morning we left. She is such an amazing woman and we are so glad we have her in our lives. She is certainly a favorite of the kids too ;)

Christmas Morning...

2012-01-05T08:07:00.005-06:00

Here are a few pics from Christmas morning, we all had such a wonderful day. We had the Barber's here with us and it was such a joy! Also sorry for the lack of posts over the last 4 months, my cards were messed up and so was our blogger account. Will try to be better now that things are back!

Santa visits...

2012-01-04T22:17:00.004-06:00

We have the privilege of living next door to the town Santa...and he is very kind to come over after one of his MANY engagements and see our kids. This was the first year the kids really all liked it (well peter took a LONG time, but he did go) and this was also the first year after 3 years that Jackson said 'I think that may be Mr. Bob, but I am not sure'. Next year he will know! :)

Ireland

2011-09-21T22:41:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow I head to Ireland for a family reunion with my Dad, Stepmom and Brother. I have never met any of these relatives in Ireland, but am looking forward to meeting new people and learning more about my heritage! I am also looking forward to a little change in scenery and a break from homeschooling, cooking, watering, and all that stuff :) I am also very thankful Dave is taking off work to watch the kids for a WEEK so I can go. Don't worry they will be fine, they are also getting some fun time with Dave's mom and Granny!

Here are a few pictures from a couple towns I will be visiting..

CORK, IRELAND

Killarney, Ireland

Adare Castle

Ring of Kerry

Tralee, Ireland...Where we are staying most of the time in this little B&B

I fly into Shannon, sleeping in Tralee and going off to Dublin, Killarney and many other places during my time there. See you all when I get back!

Making Pizza with friends!

2011-09-20T09:56:00.004-05:00

We had a couple friends come over and we made PIZZA! The kids had to read the instructions and make it on their own (for the most part) it was fun and delicious!

Rolling out their dough!

Lauren playing with flour.

Jackson working hard!

time for sauce!

I saw you sneak that cheese Lauren! :)

Baking!

they turned out GREAT!!!!

Last step...EAT!!!!!

lost our first TOP tooth!

2011-09-20T09:52:00.002-05:00

This tooth has been so wiggly and it's about to come out! this has been a long 2/3 month process! Here is the LAST picture I got with it in....when he still looked like my little boy.

It's gone! He looks so different and he was SOOOO excited!!!!

Because I can...

2011-09-15T19:00:00.005-05:00

I am a huge football fan and I LOVE my college...TEXAS A&M!! After all the hoopla about the Aggies leaving the Big 12 and Baylor (BU) getting upset about it (which I can sort of understand, they will lose TONS of money), my friend sent me a link to this shirt. An Aggie made it and I have WAAAYYY too many Baylor friends to post this pic on FB, but I just love it. If I was in Texas I would buy it...but here no one would get it. Even though it is kind of mean...I really do like it...yes, I know...I shouldn't...but I DO! :) I am an Aggie through and through and will be forever! we are just one big family and we stick together!!!

first day of school pics!

2011-09-11T17:17:00.006-05:00

Best Friends!

2011-09-03T13:54:00.000-05:00

faces of Jackson during school!

2011-08-23T16:20:00.001-05:00

What a goofball I have!

indoor picnic!

2011-08-20T16:59:00.002-05:00

kids indoor picnic this afternoon!

sweet friends!

2011-08-19T13:39:00.002-05:00

I am slowly updating pics from the summer on here....Here are a few with our friend/cousin Abbie! Jennifer and I have been friends since high school and then became college roommates and then on to be each other's maid of honor....I think of her as my sister! Anyways, I love her and her sweet family and I miss them tons! someone needs to move up here! :)

Jackson's Baptism

2011-08-16T13:03:00.004-05:00

Jackson became a believer a few months ago (in fact we aren't sure when, when it all came up he said he already been a believer and loved Jesus a long time ago and after a trip to TX, there was no denying his feelings for our Lord.), and he couldn't wait to get baptized! We kept telling him we had to plan it in advance in case family wanted to come and we were so thrilled with how everything went. The most special part was that Dave got to baptize Jackson. He gave a quick heartfelt few words with a little humor of course. It was so wonderful and I know that it blessed Dave so much to do that with our firstborn son.

Then we had a nice cookout with some friends and family at the house after the service. Considering it has been over 100 degrees for around 45 days, the break in heat (just 2 days before!) and nice breeze made for a perfect meal outside! It really was a wonderful day!

family in town!

2011-08-15T16:31:00.002-05:00

This past weekend Jackson was baptized and it was a very special weekend!

Paw Paw, Mam Maw, Grand Daddy and Granny all came in for the special occasion.

Roger and Judy were also a part of the special weekend, they are family to us as well! We had a great weekend and another post to come about the actual baptism soon!

cousins

2011-08-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

love all these guys!

Mam-Maw with everyone!

Jackson's new friend!

2011-08-01T22:22:00.002-05:00

Let me introduce our new resident, Gill Crawler.

We found him eating our tomatoes...and now he is our next project and hopefully get to see him turn into a butterfly/moth.

Jackson really really loves this guy and got VERY emotional (3 times today)that he will not be able to pick him up and play with him once he starts the process to change to a moth. jackson probably sat outside with him for at least 1 hour today! he LOVES him!

Happy 32nd Birthday!

2011-08-01T11:10:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Dave!!!

slip n slide 2011!

2011-08-01T10:40:00.003-05:00

first day of ballet!

2011-08-01T10:28:00.002-05:00

it was such a big day! here she is with her friend, Drew.

updated pics of the garden!

2011-08-01T10:17:00.002-05:00

First Zucchini

the entire garden

squash bugs that we were really fighting...I think we are winning since we now have our first squash!

iphone

2011-06-22T16:25:00.004-05:00

here are a few pics from my iphone from our 2.5 week trip to texas

planting the garden

2011-06-22T16:16:00.002-05:00

While my dad was here we decided to plant our garden....I will post a pic soon of how it's looking now, this was back in May.

a few pics from Mother's day!

2011-05-11T08:28:00.002-05:00

Peter was in NO mood for pictures!

Kindergarten...check!

2011-05-09T11:06:00.003-05:00

Jackson, now officially finished with Kindergarten!

sweet Lauren

2011-04-19T12:23:00.004-05:00

Lauren had her BIG SCHOOL PROGRAM today!! I am so proud of my big girl!

Here she is in her program!!! She did great!!!

She had so much fun!

Her great teacher and our good friend, Brenda.

Anna and Jakin were AWESOME!!!

Such sweet girls and friends!

Best Buddies!!!

My three little sweeties!!!

recent pics of the boys...

2011-04-19T11:22:00.005-05:00

Jackson had a little Kung Fu Panda dinner party Saturday...these were a few of our practice pictures for his cake. (more pics to come!)

Peter 2 years old (25 months)

Jackson a few days shy of SIX!

Vicki Dees...

2011-03-14T09:37:00.008-05:00

Me and Vicki October 2010

Me and Vicki Fall 2008

This morning I found out some news...news that I had been waiting to hear for a week or so, but didn't want to hear at the same time. A good friend went to be with the Lord early this morning. Vicki was certainly like no other woman I had ever met before...and I mean that in the best way possible! When I first met her I thought she looked identical to my Aunt (who was also an amazing woman and there was no one like her!) that passed away while I was in college....so my first few thoughts of Vicki involved lots of tears. It's amazing that she was just so similar to my aunt, played the piano, teacher, loved children, RED hair, love to sing hymns. Then she dyed her hair blonde and I could get through a service without crying again :) She did go back to red, but it wasn't hard that time! Then I joined her Sunday School class, WHAT A CLASS! But at first I thought (remember Vicki was different) who cries during a Sunday School lesson? Often Vicki would get so emotional about her love for God and I have to admit it was contagious! She opened my eyes and God opened my heart so much through her. Her love for our Heavenly Father was BEAUTIFUL! I loved being in Vicki's class, though I had seasons when I was there every week for months and then missed for months due to having babies/sick kids/youth and I really really missed those mornings. Then after that we started volunteering with the youth and we met at the Dees' house and that was GREAT! we got to spend every Sunday evening with them for almost a year! It was a sweet sweet time...she loved on my new baby girl and hugged her, smiled and cooed with her every Sunday. It meant so much that she would play with her (esp since I was one tired exhausted momma, trying to do too many things at one time with two small kids....which I still have a problem with except it's 3 kids). I wish I had taken more time to get to know her better, but my life was pretty nuts and I missed out on much I am sure. Anyways....fast forward a couple years and she had a terrible diagnosis of cancer(which my aunt also died from at a young age), but you wouldn't have known it was terrible by her spirit. It was a time to grow even closer to our Lord and to minister to others! See she was different! you heard right....during her illness she spent her time speaking to women about how good the Lord was! and about how good He was to her. Oh I defiantly have been inspired, touched, blessed by this woman. I am teary again as our relationships ends, but this time it's more of a symbol of just feeling richly blessed by my Lord and thankful she is where she has always longed to be! She was 'born to be eternal"- a quote by Vicki Dees during her last few days and she was!

Thank you Lord for her life and letting me see YOU in her! Please comfort Kerwin and the rest of her wonderful family during this time. I know they are rejoicing over Viki being home, but I know that it will be still be hard some days....she is irreplaceable!

here is a link to her blog so you can read more about her beautiful journey. I will miss her sweet spirit and beautiful smile so much already.

www.vickidees.blogspot.com

Peter is TWO!?!?

2011-03-08T09:21:00.005-06:00

We had a fun sports ball themed party, he loved it!

my big TWO year old!

playing ball!

High Five!

Construction work with Cooper...so appropriate! (his Dad is apart of DBC!)

Rarrrr! he loved his tiger light! and roared at everyone with it!

learning to catch with Jamey! yea!!!

the three of us!

Peter had is tongue out all day for some reason...so we joined in!

eating his own cake!

the crew!

best buds!!!

Lauren turns 4!

2011-03-08T08:49:00.004-06:00

I have tried posting pics from her birthday party several times....but for some reason they wouldn't post. Today was my day I guess! We had a GREAT celebration and I can't believe she is FOUR!!! Happy Birthday Lauren!

sweet pics of my little girl!

homemade decorations!

Mommy's first homemade birthday cake! Lauren loved it!

Our sweet family!

So glad Paw Paw and Zan Zan could come!

most of the kids!

Lauren with Lauren and Anna!

More of the crew!

my big 4 year old!

With Roger and Judy...we love them so much!

Oh my! love it!

One of my Favorites!

2011-03-05T09:13:00.000-06:00

This is one of my favorite comfort food casseroles...certainly not calorie free! :) Hope you all enjoy, we love it!

1 (16 ounce) package spaghetti (I like angel hair)
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 (26 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce (I love Prego)
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (I never use this, but I am sure it would be good....there is plenty of flavor in the sauce)
2 eggs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
5 tablespoons butter, melted
2 cups small curd cottage cheese
4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the spaghetti sauce and seasoned salt; set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, Parmesan cheese and butter. Drain spaghetti; add to egg mixture and toss to coat.
Place half of the spaghetti mixture in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking dish. Top with half of the cottage cheese, meat sauce and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers. Cover and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes. Uncover; bake 20-25 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

*this is also a GREAT dish to make 24 hours before cooking....just store in fridge! perfect for entertaining!

they grew! 100 days!

2011-02-22T21:54:00.004-06:00

Randomly we decided to grow some seeds in baggies about 10 days ago and oh my, Jackson has LOVED this! The pictures are the true joy he expressed when opening the seeds to check on them! no posing at all! I am really starting to think I might have a little scientist on my hands! Which will be hard if we home-school forever since neither Dave nor I excel in science. Jackson loves nature, animals, math and science and we aren't even 6 years old yet! Tonight for a new movie on netflix he picked a documentary about big cats in Africa. He and Lauren both loved it (even the part where they talking about eating the animals they caught...they both tell me it's just the way it is!).

Today we also celebrated our official 100th day of school....even though we are closer to 115/120, we just didn't mark it everyday. when we started this counting journey our fist day I didn't know if I could even make it to the hundreds column in our notebook...and here we are...and that is ALL GOD! Here are few things we have accomplished so far...

-Adding (10 and 10's)

-counting money

-reading beginner books, phonics on all letters

-level 2 of Hooked on Phonics

-almost finished writing a simple book about Jackson

-doing well at handwriting

-learning about nature (he is really into bids now and learning how to identify them)

-working on wood projects

-thinking about the big pictures in life

-reading the Little House on the Prairie Series, he LOVES the adventures they go on! We are on book 3 now...and I love it too!

I truly love homeschooling as tiring as it is....I do look forward to the days when there are no babies and can really focus on the school, some days it's VERY hard to get past the everyday stuff and do school. We have been doing some sort of school since Jackson was 3, he was just ready for something more and we just started and it's so neat to see things we started 3 years ago come into play and what a blessing it is that I get to see all this happen!

kids in snow! Feb 5 2011

2011-02-18T11:45:00.001-06:00

images today...

2011-02-04T22:17:00.003-06:00

more bird pics...

2011-02-03T11:09:00.002-06:00

these might be the same birds as the other day, but I got better pics today. Can't wait to find out what they are for jackson's nature book! we will do that this afternoon!

My snow day...

2011-02-01T21:14:00.006-06:00

Well we didn't make it out the door but for a minute and the kids didn't play in the snow, but we still had a great day! it is sooo cold and normally we would have gone out, but between lots of cooking, dave working from home, washing dogs, naps, having to find the winter clothes, schoolwork and just being tired we didn't go out.

I did play with my new camera lens, which made me really eager to get outside and play more with it. I also would like to take a photography class, but have no clue when I would sneak that in. I threw some birdseed on the porch (saw a friend had done that) and watch the birds come. Jackson LOVED watching the birds. Tomorrow we will go back and identify the birds and put them in his nature notebook. here are some of the pics I got from outside today (and a few other things)....

his reaction to the birds!

checking snow levels! he got 6 and 7....so we will say 6.5 inches! but it's still snowing as I write this...I bet it's 7ish now!

Peter loved to watch the birds and snow!

the best blizzard shot we got!

sunset....the sun came out for just a few minutes!

I would love to say he liked to watch the snow, but he just watched Dave...he loves his Daddy!

Roller Rink...2011!

2011-01-25T22:56:00.004-06:00

Well Jackson has been doing a lot of reading (well I read 95% still) and we said once he filled a reading requirement we would go do something fun. Well he filled it 2 months ago at the beginning of Dave's crazy work schedule and the holidays...but we didn't forget!

Saturday, the morning after Lauren's 4th birthday party (post to come), we all got in the car and headed to Fayetteville....to the disco light, fun tunes and ROLLER SKATES! I mean really are Dave and I actually going to get on them??? it's been a LONG time. but then we realized we all have to! can't send all three kids out with no experience and no hand to hold. yep, ALL FIVE of us did it...it was an adventure to say the least! :)

So how did it go?? Well at first Jackson was very upset (he is a perfectionist) and just couldn't get it. He is almost in tears, very sad about this reward activity. But by the end (2.5 hours later and Dave pushing him out there) he had improved a LOT and was asking to come EVERY Saturday. Lauren never really liked it, but did smile some! :) she would NOT let go of either of us! Then there is Peter, he ROCKED it! He would let go, in fact he waved me away the last hour! if he fell he laughed (cried a couple times) and got back up and tried again. He just loved it and by the end he really was doing great! My baby isn't a baby anymore and this event with all the kids was surreal. no one to hold, everyone participating, crazy! oh and my not so baby anymore turns TWO next month!

My BIG boy! Roller skating for the FIRST time!

Peter had so much fun!

WOW....all my kids are so big now!

Lauren didn't frown the entire time...see picture below...

there is the smile....see she did have some fun....poor thing just didn't love this activity, but stuck with it even while getting a blister!

Peter really was the youngest skater there...pacifier and all! :)

the coolest helpers to learn to skate!

more Peter words...again...

2011-01-25T10:39:00.009-06:00

Everytime I post on here, Peter starts saying more words and then I get on here to write them and I forget the words...

eye

nose

I want up

rrrrr (car making noise)

book

hot (we have a wood stove to heat our house...so he really knows that word!)

baby

mommy (but I am usually momma)

trash

Peter has such a great personality. He is still very much an observer and very clingy with a few people....but so happy! He is also a little OCD....VERY into washing his hands, putting things away, sweep and loves to throw the trash out! I am letting him do all these things! He also has 2 of his two year molars....oh so fun! lets just says we have been extra clingy the last month or so!

One of our friends (who played football for the Razorbacks) told us that Peter was going to play football...and I have been saying that too since he was a baby. He just has a big chest, short legs, big head...just always looked like a football player. so now I have to start praying that he doesn't want to play football! :) my next post we talk of his newest skill! :)

first snow 2011! (Jan 11)

2011-01-17T10:21:00.004-06:00

bad blogger...

2011-01-17T09:42:00.005-06:00

I have to admit, I just have a hard time getting motivated to sit on here and update...I will try to do better. remember I have 3 very young kids, a hubby who has only been home on weekends for almost 2.5 months and I am just tired! I really want to do better, because this blog is what I have to remember what's going on in our lives....so I must do more of it!

a few more words peter is saying....

trash

wash hands

show

muwah (kisses)

Daddy -with a emphasis on the 'y' high pitched! love it!

dog

poo poo

he still doesn't say the words more or all done, but very good at signing them.

In other news...LAUREN TURNS FOUR THIS WEEK! where did the time go??? we started this blog right before she was born! I just can't believe it...I even got teary dropping her off at preschool last week. She has such a FUN personality. In fact that's all they tell me at her school....I hope she doing okay in other areas! :) I think we are finally getting past the screaming stage (it's not over, but much better) and fits, and obeying better. (we still annoy the brothers, but I guess thats her job). love my little girl so much!

Jackson is doing great at school. Currently we are in the process of writing a book about himself, learning to read, working on hand writing and math. He doesn't love school all the time but who does? we are learning tons about nature and he is very into animals. We are reading the little house on the prairie books and he and I both love them! we are about to start book 3. he is becoming more and more independent and loves to take care of his baby brother (not his sister though, she is a little to strong willed!) I love my big boy....he turns 6 in April!!!

Well there is a short update for all my loyal readers....more to come...i hope!

few more words... and other stuff

2010-11-06T10:43:00.005-05:00

my cute little guy! don't why the binoculars are by his ears...but he sure is happy! :)

few more words...

bye

eesse (please)

I wan tha (i want that, while pointing)

once again I thought i had a few more....but I guess not.

OTHER STUFF

Last night we pulled up to Chili's, we were all going to share a dessert...Lauren goes 'ohhh, I love this place with the pickle!' ;) Lauren really is a FUNNY girl...I think about writing the funny stuff she says, but I usually forget...so I am going to try to get better at it. One other thing she loves to talk about is tooting...oh my and in the WORST places! Lauren is LOVING pre school! which I am glad, I can tell she is learning how to play better because I can see a change at home (sometimes) when she is playing with her brothers.

Jackson has lost TWO teeth! will post pics of notes and toothless pics soon, just have to get the batteries charged on the camera. Jackson is also doing great in school. We are learning to read and just finished level 1 for Kindergarten (Hooked on Phonics, 2 levels per grade), we are counting money, working on writing, exploring the outside, making a few crafts, and about to start subtraction (he LOVES addition)! We are also reading the Little House on the Prairie series...FABULOUS! we both are enjoying it. I think we are on course, but since this is my first time I really don't know.

this was a random post and I didn't even got to the stuff I planned to write about (halloween, parties, weight loss, kids eating foods and more!) but I have three crazy kids playing upstairs with their daddy and I have to get cooking! We are really trying to get the kids to eat better....so tonight we are having a thanksgiving dinner to start being familiar with the foods, so we will be ready by Turkey day!

Words Peter Says...

2010-10-27T23:56:00.004-05:00

I have not been good about jotting things down since Peter turned 1(he is now TWENTY months!)...that is when he started crawling and my life became a LOT more exciting! He isn't saying much....but here is our list so far...

Mama

Dada

tha (that)

up (to get out of his chair)

ball

brmm, brmmm (car sound)

uice (juice)

NO (he has been saying this one a while)

dog

gosh I thought there were a few more, but Dave and I can't think of anything. Poor guy has been fussing more then talking....he has three bumps on his forehead, and a scratched up nose. Plus he has begun throwing fits due to me telling him 'no' for standing in chairs about 20 times a day, don't stand on the edge of the couch, don't go OUT the doors and so on and so on. He is still my cutie and loves a good snuggle...even though they are becoming fewer and fewer, I will take what I can get! Love my sweet Peter!!

Homeschooling...

2010-10-18T21:19:00.004-05:00

I haven't gotten to write about homeschooling yet...so I will try to start writing about what we are doing. I should take some pics also on some of our projects, I will add that to my to do list!

First I want to talk about why we decided to homeschool....for this year. We are taking homeschooling year by year, we might be done after this year, or go on for 5-10 more years. We also thought Kindergarten was a great option as well and even had him registered. We pulled him out 5 days before the deadline!

-My mom had cancer about 5/6 years ago....she has never fully recovered. She has a permanent feeding tube, a saliva sucker, can't swallow a thing. She has lost so much weight there is no more to lose. she is very weak and can barely walk these days. My stepfather died 2 years ago, and she went into a new state of depression. Although when I went home last Sept it was the best I had seen her in 2 years.We took on her first trip out of the house in NINE months! I wanted to have flexibility over the next year or two in case she were to get worse. My brother, even though he lives right next to her, works full time and can't quit his job if she needs more. My brother has done SOOO much for my mom and I want to be ready to help my mom if she needs something. If Jackson is in school I can't just go to Texas for a month if I need to go help.

-Dave doesn't have vacation whenever he wants. Although we can kind of have an idea of when we might be able to take a few days, really our schedule is based or when projects start and end. His last project ended the first week of September, we had one week off before the next phase...that's just the time he had. So it will be nice to have a little more flexibility to go to Texas to see the family as a family.

-I started teaching Jackson when he was three how to recognize his ABC's, nature walks. At 4 we really learned how to write all the letters and start working on sounds. When he turned 5 he started getting into math and spelling words...it has been so great to watch him learn and it's great to watch it continue this year into reading, memorizing Bible verses, harder math, you know 12+3, not 2+3 :) . I love watching it click in his mind. To see him figure out a word he has never read and the joy in his face when he GETS it is so great!!! So it's really wonderful to be a part of this! We like knowing what he is learning and being an active part in that.

-I really like the Charlotte Mason homeschooling ways. I don't follow it exactly, they say you don't even formally teach until 6, well Jackson is VERY ready, so we are going pretty full force. I do use some workbooks (they aren't too into them), I do have 2 small children so I have to have things for him to work on. But I really love reading the living books and all the outdoor learning. Now it might be hard in the winter to have a lot of outside time, but we will worry about that when we get there. I wish I had had this type of learning growing up, I think I would have done much better in school. You don't just memorize facts, but you learn them in story form, which makes it much easier to remember! The nice thing about Charlotte Mason (CM) is that it also really emphasizes good habits for children and how to really learn to listen, be obedient, do their best at all times, learn the Bible and really just learn about the world (just to name a few).

-The town where I live has a GREAT support group for homeschooling. Jackson even has his second field trip this week! He has plenty of opportunities to do things with other kids...in fact 3 of my neighbors homeschool! I LOVE having my boy around with me a little longer, he is such a huge blessing to me and to his brother and sister!

These are most of our main reasons and I hope this all makes sense. We love homeschooling and would be happy to do it a few more years, but if Jackson goes to school next year that would be okay too. We know that he could be a blessing to many others and we just want to be obedient to what God is calling us to do!

this is what I have been doing...

2010-10-08T20:02:00.002-05:00

Getting ready for a HUGE multi-family yard sale!!! and TODAY was the day (well tomorrow too!) Today we did great and had a blast...hope tomorrow goes as well!

setting up at 6am

the sun is up! ready for the fun to begin!

the kids at their cookie/lemonade stand! they made 20 bucks at their table! and that doesn't even include the things they put in the yard sale! the grand total was 33.50! No more pics after this point....we were too busy and tired :)

Lost our first tooth!

2010-09-21T22:41:00.002-05:00

We have our first lose tooth!!!! bottom with a little red around it. (Sept 2nd)

Our Kindergarten Picture...which I rushed to take before the tooth fell out!

good thing, he yanked that tooth out the next day! :) Where did my baby go??? We still haven't given the tooth to the tooth fairy, he just isn't ready yet...maybe sometime soon!

Dave's Hard Work!

2010-09-18T13:56:00.002-05:00

Today Dave power washed the front porch, all the outside toys, chairs and tables! It was long overdue but I am so excited about how great it now looks. It has been such an unusually hot summer and we didn't get to use our porch at all and it just got really gross. we are now ready for fall and to entertain many out there!

thank you sweetie for working on your Saturday!!! it looks GREAT!!!

Lauren's first day of Pre-K!

2010-09-17T17:25:00.003-05:00

Here we are all ready to go!!! it was dark and pouring, but we were all super excited!

she has a very silly personality!

where did my baby girl go???

finding her cubbie!

Finding Mrs. Brenda, her AWESOME teacher and our former neighbor!

Still all smiles as I picked her up! She had a GREAT first day!!!

video..

2010-08-11T12:37:00.004-05:00

https://www.me.com/gallery/#home

here is a link to two videos...one is from 4th of july the other is jackson reading his first book!

we are on week one of homeschooling....maybe i will write about it sometime this week. i can't believe i haven't put anything on here in so long! will post pics from what i have been working on soon!

hope the link works!!!!

Sweet Peter!

2010-06-18T22:24:00.002-05:00

Peter Trying to Walk!

2010-06-18T22:19:00.002-05:00

Peter walked with the grocery cart!! he hasn't really tried again, but he is working on it. he just doesn't like to use his legs at all!

they rode the tractor!!!

2010-06-12T16:00:00.003-05:00

We have been watching the bunkers on their tractors for probably over a year now...maybe even 2 year and both kids have always been WAY too scared to get on it. well yesterday Donnie was working all day on it and I asked the kids around 4 if they would like to ride and they did! I really didn't think Lauren would get on, but she loved it!

I am so thankful to have such great neighbors moving in, they are all so nice and they love my kids!

jackson helped load it with dirt and trash....he is a good worker!

glimpse into our summer....

2010-06-02T10:45:00.002-05:00

Many of you may not know this, but I really wish I was a photographer...I have loved taking pics since I was in high school. but have never taken the time to get really into it. but this summer I will be documenting what's going on next door, a house being built! we bought this table so the kids could watch and the workers could have a place to sit and rest (they are our friends). we are so excited about getting to watch the house go up and I really really need to go order a tool kit for the kids, they think they are going to be building the house too :)

realted....for sure!

2010-06-02T10:20:00.001-05:00

Peter likes donuts!!! :)

we all know I love my blue bell!

Lauren loves her chocolate chips!!! :)

Hanging out with the Williams and Butchers!

2010-05-21T16:09:00.004-05:00

This weekend Jennifer, Abbie and the Williams came to NWA! They were here to visit other family members and I am so glad they were able to spend some time with us!

ALL THE KIDS!

playing checkers with Mr. Williams

before we know it these kids will be running off and we won't even get a picture with us and the kids...i miss my Jen and Abbie :)

the Williams and all the kids

Aunt Jen loves my kids and they love her :)

Rainy Day Fun!!!

2010-05-19T15:57:00.004-05:00

we really do have fun when we stay in all day....we stayed extra busy with activities today!

Puzzles....

chase/hide from the camera!

the only good one...I only caught them on the camera a few times :)

almost got a pic of their faces

I have about 20 of this shot!

I took a pic of the flowers dave sent me this week...since I had the camera out anyways. he is so sweet :)

eating of course!

watercolors!

egg chair fun!!!! peter got in all by himself today...he is getting so big!

all the stuffed animals...and Peter!!!

where is peter???

there he is!

ring pop candy that turns your mouth blue!

all in all we had a great rainy day! soon we are off (hopefully the rain will hold off) and we are getting a mattress for the new BUNK BED coming in!!! the kids are going to be sooo excited!

Lauren's 3rd birthday (very late!)

2010-05-14T21:09:00.003-05:00

Well I realized the other day I never put pictures up from Lauren's birthday party. My computer died around the same time as her birthday, so I never got her pics on my current computer. So here we go! BTW I got these from our phanfare site, so they are pretty big.

*some of these pics were way to big, if you click on some of them you can see the entire photo. I will have to work on this.*

the big THREE year old!!!

Lauren and some of her friends!

Her Super CUTE cake! it looked just like the invite!

A lot of the party guests...it was such a fun party!

Where did my baby girl go??? She is starting pre school in September....well that's assuming we learn how to use the potty...hard core training is starting soon!

Lauren and Anna about to open presents!

Getting ready to play Pin the Crown on the princess!

Here is a pic of the entire family! we all had such a great time at her party!

mother's day...

2010-05-10T14:26:00.003-05:00

I had a great Mother's Day with all my kids!!! we also had a great lunch with the Barbers, but I forgot to get out the camera. here are a couple pics :)

the one picture that was sort-of decent. it's getting harder and harder to get a picture with all the kids.

me and sweet husband :)

Tuesday's with the Matchell's!

2010-05-06T19:19:00.003-05:00

For the past few months Christine and I have been hanging out every Tuesday (and other days) and it is one of our favorite days of the week! The kids have a blast and have grown closer and closer every week. Christine and I have also had a wonderful time drinking coffee, talking about coupons, kids, life, eating something GF and just giving each other support with all of our combined SIX kids. Peter thinks of Christine as Mom #2...sometimes #1 because when Christine gets here he doesn't want me anymore! what is that all about?!?!?! actually I get it...she is pretty awesome and why wouldn't he want to be with Christine?

I can't believe that this family is going to be moving to Bentonville (please don't go!) in the coming months. I have even been the crazy friend to even try and HELP them sell their house. (they only live a 2/3 min walk away, maybe 5 with kids) We have even decided to be families that grill out one night a week together (husbands included for this event) and just hang out on these nice summer nights. (BTW we had an awesome dinner last night of burgers, grilled squash, sweet potato fries, red potatoes) I am sure that there are more exciting things to come before they go! That is almost an advertisement to get you to move into their house and be our neighbors...we need someone that will want to hang out with the Bellomy's!!!

here are a few pics from a recent play date and Peter's dedication. love those Matchell's!!!

very late pics of Jackson's Pirate Party!

2010-05-02T21:44:00.005-05:00

Jackson's 5th Birthday party!!

All ready to party and have a great time!

yea for Pirates parties!

bouncy houses are so much fun!

Time for a treasure hunt!

off they go

they found a map!

off to find the treasure!

found it....it was sooo much fun!

cake time

we didn't do very well with getting a family pic!

some good friends, Jakin and Max

present time....so many friends gave so many nice things!

party is over...time to really play!

Brian Matchell had fun too!

Jakin flying high!

Peter and his pirate pants!

Peter's first hair cut!

2010-04-28T16:48:00.002-05:00

We are taking family pictures this Saturday and we decided to cut Peter's hair....which I wasn't ready to do, but it looked pretty sloppy. It was hard, but he sure is a cutie! :)

My big FIVE year old!

2010-04-22T21:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight I am posting a few pics from the BIG day!!! I can't believe I have a five year old son. I am in my early 30's with a five year old, three year old and a one year old...how did it all happen so fast? I can't write too much about all this, I have been a bit emotional about this, okay VERY emotional. I got teary in my meeting with Jackson's preschool teacher about him being ready for kindergarten. Even Jackson told me when I was upset the other day (okay I was crying a little) about him being 5 that he said 'mommy I can stay home and you can be my teacher'...I told him he could go to school and mommy would be okay! I only have a few more months to have my sweet son all the time. I know there are going to be some pros to this....Jackson does talk non stop all day long. Lauren and Peter need more mommy time and I really want to start working on 'school' with Lauren. I love my Jackson, but I am also eager to get know the other kids even better!!

Aggie Muster 2010

2010-04-21T23:11:00.003-05:00

Tonight we went to Muster, an Aggie tradition that is very special to Aggies all over the world. We brought along Kerwin and Vicki Dees to let them get a glimpse into our background. Kerwin has been making fun of the Aggies since we met them....so as soon I got the invite I called the Dees and they accepted our offer to come. We had a great evening and by the end Kerwin wanted to know about getting a second degree from A&M :) I can already tell he would like to bleed Maroon...if I can get him to a football game I know he will change!

Kerwin doing the Aggie War Hymn...see he has a big smile (either he is really enjoying it, or smiling because he thinks we are nuts :) )

Here is a pic of the Aggies from Siloam!

tonight's converstaion

2010-03-28T22:24:00.004-05:00

tonight's conversation with the kids...

we were coming back from a friends house and this was our conversation...

Dave- Did I hear you guys talk about God and Jesus to your friends?

Lauren-God and Jesus...yeah

Jackson - no we didn't

Dave-what did you talk about?

Jackson - Jesus died, he got hurt and died

Lauren - Jesus died?

Jackson - yes, Jesus died and he came back to life, he died for us

Lauren - we have medicine we can help Jesus

Jackson - they didn't have medicine back then Lauren

Lauren - but we have medicine now and can help Jesus

Jackson - Lauren it's too late for medicine, it can't help him now

Lauren - (starting to get upset) but we can help Jesus!

Jackson - Jesus died for us Lauren and he came back to life and that place is magical

i love kids!!! :)

Still don't have a clue what they really talked about tonight...but I sure enjoyed our talk!

Dad and Suzanne come to visit...

2010-03-08T09:00:00.005-06:00

Dad and Suzanne came in for a quick visit for Peter's first birthday and we had so much fun with them! Jackson and Lauren had really been missing them, it had had been about a year since they had been up here, so they made sure they played 24/7 with them! :) Of course we have seen them in TX some, but not as much as we would like :(

Games...they played LOTS of games!

Trying to help Peter crawl.

pic with the grandkids.

at church together!

bonding with sweet Peter

Lauren had to get in on the bonding time too!

This was what jackson drew when he got home from school (they left for TX after he went to school. He and his Paw Paw going out for ice cream together....he really really loves his Paw Paw!

Sweet Peter is ONE!

2010-02-28T22:08:00.005-06:00

Happy FIRST Birthday Peter!!

Playing outside...again!!

2010-02-20T09:41:00.002-06:00

It finally warmed up some and the kids could play outside. we have been waiting to go outside for about 3 months! Elenna was over for a little while today and we pulled out the bubbles.

Lauren dumped all her bubble juice in the first minute....then she went to chasing bubbles.

working hard!

first time to watch them...he loved it and giggled a TON!

sorry...

2010-02-17T15:00:00.001-06:00

Sorry for the lack of posts...but we have all been under the weather for the past two weeks....I hope to get things up here soon! :)

Jackson writing..

2010-01-15T22:19:00.004-06:00

Jackson loves to have homework at home. So we have a few workbooks to practice lots of different things. But yesterday he really wanted to work on writing 3 and 4 letter words. So I wrote a bunch of words on paper and he copied them. He loved doing this!

then I wrote a FIVE letter word! he was very unsure about copying this word. He asked me 'mom do you really think I can do it??' I told him he could and then he did it. You would have thought he was king of the mountain! it so much fun to see them learn and grow!

2010-01-13T09:38:00.002-06:00

Here are a few pics from our tuesday...

Lauren is LOVING puzzles and she can do it all by herself! we are hoping to get a couple more for her birthday.

another day inside all day....luckily they all get along really well!

Lauren looks so much older in this pic....she is becoming a little girl :( and :)

btw...

2010-01-09T11:26:00.002-06:00

It's TEN days until Lauren turns THREE!!!! :)

staying inside for a WEEK!

2010-01-09T09:41:00.007-06:00

this week has been a very frigid week....literally! it has been in the negatives with wind chills...this morning when we got up the temperature was ONE! needless to say we have hardly been out at all this week....maybe 5 hours out of 5/6 days! we have had a really wonderful week and I look forward to the next cold week. We didn't even get to do all of our inside activities...so we are ready for the next time! here are a few of the things we have been doing....

cooking (we have made 2 new recipes this weeks)

lots of eating (and smiling!)

learning to build legos

building little people worlds

reading

playing with the puppies (A LOT)

changing toy diapers

more little people

learning to cut food with a knife

LOTS OF THIS!

for this....it kept our house nice and warm, esp when we were -10 degrees! :)

kid pics

2010-01-05T21:05:00.003-06:00

Lauren and Oliva! it was so good to see them last night! (oh and Dora too)

look at those teeth coming in...happy guy!

our first lego build!

smiled for the camera as soon as I picked up the camera!

Snow Fun

2010-01-05T09:15:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T15:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to everyone! May God Bless all of you today and in the year to come!

pictures of the house all ready for santa!

2009-12-23T09:43:00.003-06:00

2009-12-22T22:57:00.002-06:00

CUTE VIDEO OF PETER!!!

i haven't figured out how to put the actual video on here, but I will tomorrow...or get Dave to :)

our little boy LOVES to eat! Here he is trying spaghetti and loves it. I have been teaching him the sign for more and it looks like her is starting to get it...we

will see in future weeks I'm sure. Have fun watching it!

recent photos...

2009-12-22T09:52:00.003-06:00

the last week of November we took some family pictures with my friend Jonna....I did some of my own before she got there....here is a few of them. I will post a few more soon!

CT Results

2009-12-19T23:17:00.002-06:00

We got the ALL CLEAR! nothing to worry about....it's just a big head! :) he still needs a helmet...hopefully we get in with that doctor this week. thanks for all the prayers folks!

Keep Peter in your prayers...

2009-12-17T22:15:00.003-06:00

Peter is getting a CT scan Friday morning at 8:30....so if you are reading this say a little prayer for him. He is getting the scan for 2 reasons. 1-he has a mis-shaped head, so they need the pics for a helmet and 2-his head is very large (97th percent) and they just want to double check it. The Dr. didn't give us any reason to be concerned and said that he might have some fluid in his forehead and that was a normal thing, but we need to check it out. thanks so much for all your support! (this is a pic from his 9 month photos I took...I will post more soon!)

more random pics...

2009-12-17T09:42:00.001-06:00

kids in their sibling shirts!

thanksgiving day games

Happy 1st Thanksgiving Peter!

i just love him!

group pic from our trip to Branson with the Barber's!

a few recent pics...

2009-12-16T22:38:00.005-06:00

Peter meeting Santa (did you know that the north pole happens to be right next door?? this is our wonderful neighbor, Bob, who came over during our christmas party!)

Jackson not meeting Santa....although he met him last year and did great!

Lauren VERY excited to meet Santa!

House all ready for the holidays...

the kids stockings on our texas stars

such a serious guy!

so excited about his first Christmas!

the MOST ADORABLE place!

2009-11-10T09:15:00.004-06:00

We stayed at the cutest place ever while in Branson last week....it was the Stormy Point Villag. All the houses are different colors, bright and look like little cottages from New England. It really was wonderful. Jackson sat in the rocking chair on the back porch for 10 minutes before we left because he did not want to leave. it really was a great trip, exactly what we needed to rest and recharge!

the neighborhood

the main building with the indoor pool, shop, restaurant and lighthouse you can go to the top of.

see the little green drive through on the bottom right?? seriously this picture does not even come close to showing how cute it was!

our little green/purple cottage!

our room! huge! we had two rooms and a bath upstairs (for our family) and there was another bedroom and bath downstairs.

kids room!

a FULL kitchen...which we used a lot!

everything we needed was right there!

nautical theme and all!

more pics to come.....

Halloween again...

2009-11-10T08:03:00.002-06:00

here are a couple pics from halloween day...

here they are at the church getting ready for trunk or treat

going door to door...

my cute little pumpkin!

jackson is really into he and peter wearing matching shirts! I love that he is into this right now....it's so fun and cute!

jackson is SOOOO proud of his baby brother!

Halloween Part II

2009-10-30T18:35:00.004-05:00

Today we went to downtown Siloam to trick or treat. All the wonderful local shops downtown give out candy and it was a lot of fun. Even though it was chilly we had a good time! this was our first year to go downtown...I'm sure it's not the last :)

Amanda, Matt and Isaiah at their store!

the kids really had a great time...and it was fun to see friends all dressed up!

halloween has begun...

2009-10-29T17:32:00.002-05:00

well we started celebrating Halloween 3 days early. Today was the library party. we had such a great time!!! Lauren is a princess, Peter a pumpkin and Jackson is spider man. Peter did not wear the costume to the library, it was way tooo hot!

with our friends! (the Cook girls)

A Halloween parade in the library!

group picture with Mrs. Laura and all the kids!

Peter is 8 months!

2009-10-28T19:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Peter turned 8 months!!! With every kid it goes by faster and faster!

Here are a few things that keep him happy....

-jackson makes him laugh the most!

-he loves lauren, but is a little scared of her at times :)

-eats all day long

-his giraffe

-his buddies Parker and Ian!

-and today we can add sweet potatoes!!!

love you sweet peter!

preview of fall pics....still editing!

2009-10-26T10:21:00.003-05:00

few pics from the wedding...

2009-10-21T11:17:00.002-05:00

Jackson, Lauren and Dave were in a wedding the first weekend in October. We gladly welcomed our new sister-in-law, Christy Bellomy into the family!

fun times were had by all!!!!

carrots anyone?

2009-10-19T10:27:00.003-05:00

as many of you know, my other 2 kids really didn't care for baby food too much. Jackson didn't eat ANY....Lauren ate a few different things, but I have been determined to get Peter to eat and we are working really hard. he did hate all things green, but he likes cereal, squash and today we tried carrots and I considered it a success! he is such a happy guy and I am glad he opens his mouth for food even though he spits half of it back out :)

going to h-town!

2009-09-24T09:51:00.005-05:00

we are heading back to Houston on Saturday...Dave has some work down there and his brother is getting married. we are all a part of the wedding...except Peter...he is on his own :) We are so thrilled for Dwayne and Christy! this has been a very busy few weeks, so am hoping for some down time in Houston. probably not going to happen, but maybe. We plan on spending some good time with my brother since he has some free time right now. I am thinking children's museum, shopping, mexican food, zoo and much much more! Here are some more pics on trying to get everyone updated on the Bellomy household...

Peter testing the swing!

At the Zoo with Aunt Jen...she is due very very soon! :)

My dad came to visit and we had so much fun!

I turned 30...this is my big day with my kids

which means dave also turned 30...here we are celebrating his big day!

Dave's family also came to town for a few days to visit!

Peter's first trip to the pool!!

wow...long time!

2009-09-22T14:12:00.005-05:00

it has been such a long time since I posted. the last time I blogged was the week dave came home after not being around for 4 months! now dave is about to leave again till the end of the year. he will be around on the weekends, but he will have a lot of work to do in a short amount of time. here are a few recent pics of the family...hope to get back into a blogging routine soon!

Peter is starting to sit up! He will be 7 months this week!!!

tried peas....didn't go so well :(

jackson has gone back to Preschool!

Jackson and Lauren sleep in the same bed most nights!

Lauren got a flower girl dress!

Saw Uncle Wayne

sweet Peter!

Peter is 5 months...well yesterday! :)

2009-07-28T15:06:00.003-05:00

Peter is such a big boy! He sleeps all night, loves to smile at Lauren and Jackson, is a professional bubble maker and always has his mouth open...at least for pictures!!! he can almost roll over, we aren't letting him try too much becuase dave will be back on Wed so we want to wait for him to get home! He loves his swing and to grab at his toys! we are sooo blessed by him!

Jackson getting married...

2009-07-18T17:57:00.002-05:00

Tonight at dinner jackson and I are talking and all of the sudden he says he wants to marry me...how sweet! but I told him I was already married to Daddy and that I couldn't marry him. So I said he would have to find another girl to marry. I asked him about Anna and he said, no, he didn't want to marry her anymore (he asked her dad if he could marry her about 5 months ago, which was hilarious to watch when he asked Brian that) then he said, I know who I want to marry! I said who? then he said I can't remember her name, but i love her very much and she is my friend. Then I started saying some names and it was Emily! :) He was like I can't believe I forgot her name, I want to marry her!so cute!

then he went on to tell me all the things that are at a wedding...marshmellows, blueberries, grass, sidewalk, water fountain, lots of people, popsicles and a the best thing of all a big firetruck! sounds like a great time to me!!!

I love my little boy!

2009-07-15T15:19:00.001-05:00

fun thing a friend found!

2009-07-12T23:17:00.001-05:00

make your own wordle!

trip to Texas...

2009-07-07T21:40:00.007-05:00

We had an unexpected trip to Texas in June (family emergency...things are still tense, but better) and we tried to have a little fun while we were down there.

Hanging out with Paw Paw!

Jackson must have enjoyed this!

yep, that says 107....it was really 104, but the real feel was 110!

Peter had his first trip to the pool, he LOVED it!!! he was soo happy!

Uncle Wayne is so cool and so much fun!

Peter is such a blessing to our family! I love to see him smile!

Lauren is loving the water this year!

my kids looked out of it, but it was way past bedtime and they didn't want to take a picture with their cousins, Ethan and Taylor.

Dinner with Grandmother Bellomy

at Lupe Tortilla...the best resturant! Lauren loved this horse!

Peter has his mouth open all the time...so cute!

Freebirds with my brother, Justin!

Dave had to get some swim time with Peter too!

We didn't get to do a whole lot of exciting things, but we had some good family time.

It's always nice to go to Houston and if you think about it keep Dave's Aunt and Uncle in your prayers. They were in a serious car accident and hie Uncle is still in the hospital. He should recover, but it will take a while. thanks.

Fun making Pizza!

2009-07-06T23:54:00.005-05:00

tonight we made homemade pizza and I had two great helpers!!! it was so much fun!

taking turns...gotta love the faces they are making while not getting to use the roller!

Lauren and Jackson both working so hard!

dave walked in right in time to shread cheese!

Jackson was SOOOO proud! he usually doesn't want to eat my pizza, but i think since he made it, he was eager to eat it! and he ate almost 2 slices!

this is all Lauren would do when i said to show me her pizza...we had to just take it away, she was way too into the cheese!

Lauren looks like she is doing something she shouldn't be doing and Jackson is having fun! :)