School Bus Cake

Kiahna's school bus cake...it means she is officially starting kindergarten. Why the school bus since we are home-schooled? Well, many years ago, my mom made each of us a school bus cake for our first year of public school (I really did get to ride the bus). The school bus cake became a right-of-passage, and a milestone to look forward to. I thought the tradition was a great one, so I started it with each our kids. Aliya was the only one who did not actually have a school bus on her cake because I couldn't find one, and I wasn't feeling confident enough in my cake decorating skills to create/draw a school bus. She still had a school-themed cake, which is the main point.

Along with the fabulous cake, the prepartory student also gets his/her own official backpack with a few school supplies. Kiahna specifically requested a Bible, so she got two--a "real" one and a picture one. Of course, all the other students also got a back-to-school treat, because when it's a school party, it's a PARTY!!!

This year Niah starts high school--another big milestone. She is looking forward to playing volleyball, and she also wants to learn to play the piano. I am keeping my eyes out for lessons...or maybe I will attempt to teach the piano myself. We have a great year ahead of us! This is the beginning of our 5th year...

Adventures in Reading

Today we had our first Adventures in Reading Book Club presentation. Some of you may remember that Niah participated in a reading club years ago--in fact, that was our during our first year of homeschooling.  We attended one meeting, and then we ended up moving to Arkansas for a few months.  By the time we came back, the club was no longer meeting.

By then, however, I had already fallen in love with the whole concept.  I loved the idea of kids sharing a book that they loved, in front of a group of peers that WERE NOT GOING TO MAKE FUN OF THEM.  I kept the passion for a book club kindled over the years, and this year (thanks to a friend willing to join with me) we let the dream blaze again.

Since I was hosting this first event, I had to get up in front of everyone and speak.  It's not easy.  I felt the kids' pain!  Of course, I thought they each did a great job.  Niah presented like a star.  Aliya stepped right up there despite being nervous.  Kiahna needed a little help, but she did great.  Even Isaiah showed us his favorite book.  It was wonderful, and they all walked away with a little more confidence that they can stand in front of people and survive.

The club meets once a month during each month of the school year except for December.  The kids are nervous, I'm nervous, but we are pressing forward because in the end, it really is fun AND good for us. Let the reading adventures continue...

Camouflaged Composting Pot

Some of you have asked how my recent composting efforts have been going. Well...I am truly amazed! Hard to believe, but it really works. Just add some organic scraps (hold the meat and dairy!), add some dry leaves or grass clippings, provide a little access to some oxygen and sunshine, and VOILA!! Within a short period of time (1-3 weeks, depending on what I have put in), the scraps are transformed into a soil-type product.  It's another confirmation that God actually knows what He is doing!

About 1-2 times a week, I stir the pot and add any new scraps if I have some--which I always do. Because we live in an apartment, and because they have rules/regulations on what can be on our porch and what can not, I decided to go with the ceramic pots. I am able to hide the composting items inside the pot, and the herbs planted in the shallow dish provides the exact camouflage I need! Nobody except for my family knows what's actually cooking on my porch!