BSF - Revelation

It has been 12 years since I attended my first BSF Welcome class. I can't begin to share how much this study has changed my life and taught me about God and His Word. This year, they are launching a brand new study of Revelation. Classes around the world have waiting lists as thousands of men and women are desiring to study the Bible. We are fortunate that BSF offers a preschool program during their daytime classes, and a school age program during the evening classes. Dayna is able to attend the men's class with Dan while I take Annie with me - together the four of us are studying the same lessons (at an age appropriate level, though I confess, the kids' lessons help me understand mine a lot better!)

I may have been just a little overzealous and started completing my lessons as soon as they were available online.

I can't wait to discover what God has for me to learn this year.

Mommy and Annie Time

"Just Mommy and Annie?" While I try to make sure I spend individual time with each of my girls, it seems to be a fun and exciting concept every time Annie and I have some time together. Since life started to get really crazy in the middle of the month, I tried to fit as many "Mommy and Annie" days as I could early in September.

We would walk Dayna to school and stop for a hot chocolate on the way home. We would work on her letters and go on letter hunts downtown. Piano lessons together were an absolute hoot! She is really growing up into a delightfully funny little lady.

Last weekend, the two of us took advantage of a Friday evening and went out for milkshakes and a trip to the bookstore where she got a new book that quickly became a favorite. I think in the last six days, it is already starting to get worn. Annie picked her own clothes and even brought her baby Lotte along with us on our date.

Sure love this spunky girl!

Fifth Grade Friends

It's hard to believe these girls are already in fifth grade. I see them at school, and their legs are getting so long. They tower over the other kids at school. And they seem to just get sweeter with time.

Dayna's teacher sent me a picture a few days into the school year of the girls hard at work. I giggle, because when I was a fifth grader, I was teased for leaning close to my work when I was writing. It was the best way to shut out the distractions. As we laughingly say around here, "it must be genetic."

Later in the week, Dayna's friend came over for a sleepover. I caught them snuggled in their sleeping bags reading, because MaKaylee insisted on finishing their 30 minutes of reading before they could start a movie.

I love that Dayna has a friend who makes her want to be a better person.

Just last weekend, Dayna went to cheer on MaKaylee and her volleyball team while MaKaylee's little sister came here to play with Annie. Sure glad to see another set of Kassebaum/Wilson girls becoming friends!

Cinch Bag

I bought this fabric a year ago when Annie started dance class. Today, she blessed me with a good nap, allowing me time to pick up a long-neglected project.

I followed this tutorial:

http://www.momtastic.com/diy/106558-diy-how-to-make-a-drawstring-backpack/

I did line the bag (I had extra fabric, and since it was a basic cotton, I figured it couldn't hurt.) All in all, it took me less than an hour. And she's thrilled with her new ballet bag!

A Princess Party

We thought we were in the clear when Dayna showed no interest in princesses. Then we met Annie. Princess personified. She has been talking about an Elsa party for so long, we really had no choice but to have one! It was a fun day, with two of her friends. All the girls wore princess dresses, hunted for snowflakes, pinned the nose on Olaf, had a messy backyard snowball fight and played "Do you want to build a snowman?" with shaving cream and corn starch. I think she had fun!

Mulan even came to our party

Do you want to build a snowman?

Princess trio

In their natural element

snowball fight

The winning princesses

The losing grown-ups

Small Town Parades

While I'm thinking of "nerd fiction," we recently had a parade in our little corner of the world. The 501st Legion invaded our town - and the bad guys seemed to outnumber the good.

Science Fiction?

I had the opportunity to cover a week of classes for a friend who got called to jury duty at the beginning of the year. It was a long week - for all of us! It was also a great provision from God, as August sub dates can be hard to come by, and the extra income is definitely appreciated.

One day, we were discussing genres of fiction (fantasy, realistic fiction, folk tales and such.) The class was trying to guess the genre, when I shared this one: "My husband enjoys this. It's futuristic, often takes place in space or involves time travel."

After a long pause, a tentative hand went in the air as the student guessed, "Nerd fiction?"

Nailed it!