J Term

Our church has a J term for Sunday school. How strange. Can I name this feeling of middle of the yearness of homeschooling J term? Wally and I, well, maybe I should say, I am contemplating what we should pursue next year in the schooling realm. I have loved homeschooling, and I want to do it. But daily I see my sinful attitudes coming out in the most dreadful ways, and I don't want to ruin my children's ability to learn freely b/c of worry about my personal baggage. Wally says this is NOT a good reason to pursue charter schools again, but I'm not so sure. He's convinced that this year has proven that this is what is best, which, I must say, is encouraging...I mean how discouraging would it be if he thought it was abysmal? I am convinced an important and overlooked aspect of education is relational, buuut if I can't model it well, what then? I know many would say that modeling repentance and forgiveness is very important, but realistically, their going to get it the rest of the time they are with me. Why should they have to suffer through it 24/7? Such have been my thoughts lately.

Ok. Time to lighten up.

Isn't he just adorable? Corwin has taken to wearing hats on a regular basis.

Totally fun playdoh time. Thank you so much Elizabeth and Abby for the wonderful homemade playdoh! We LOVE it, although I am always tempted to make gingerbread cookies every time we open it b/c it smells so good. Rhianwen even made "moon-tracks" with the little Playmobile people. I love how I see them incorporate little things from our school studies when they play. It's so encouraging and makes me feel even if I am not super creative, they cover that area just fine without me.

Case in point? I may need to be concerned.

Nah. No need for concern. He's just learning a new culture and language...that always comes with a little identity crisis, right?

Along with cutting....

And....teamwork?

So thrilled to get a dance outfit for Mari-Grace in the mail from Grandmama today!

Some funny things from the Tinsley 3:

Rhainwen recieved post-it notes for Christmas from Grandaddy and Grandmama (I think). Wally told her they were used to write reminders. So Rhianwen drew a rainbow on one because "a rainbow reminds me of how God said He would never flood the earth again".

When told a unit of time, such as "It'll be in around 15 minutes." Rhianwen will say, "How many seconds is that?". I overheard her telling a story to herself (something she does nearly all of the time), "She was so happy that she hugged her parents for 33 minutes and kissed them 10x." Yeah, we haven't gotten to time in our math yet. That's my excuse....

Corwin is talking more and more. He loves saying "Moe" for yes or more. So if you ask him if he wants to go outside, and he says "Moe", he means yes. He's pooping and peeing in the potty on occasion. He often says "Yes, m" when I reprimand him which just melts my heart.

Alden is a little mischeivous one. He often thinks he has the most convincing arguments and excuses:
Wally: Do you understand?
Alden: Yes sir.
Wally: What did I say?
Alden: Ah....I understand you, but I did not hear you.

Last night 8:30pm:
Alden: Mommy, Rhianwen is keeping me awake because she is calling for you.
Me: Why is she calling for me?
Alden: Because I am making noise.
Me: What kind of noise?
Alden: Snoring...(sees my look of disapproval)...Daddy said I could snore!!! He said it was ok!
Me: It is not ok to snore. Go back to bed and be quiet.

Later, this account is relayed to Wally.

Wally: At supper time, Alden asked what if they were still awake at 8:30pm, and I said they'd better be snoring by then.

Sure you don't want to come for a visit? ;0)

Christmas in Review

So, I doubt if anyone wants to read or look at our Christmas right now, but how can you resist such cuteness? If you are like me, you get to the New Year and don't look back, but I have to document it. Besides it was very fun. It's so much easier having a toddler than an infant at Christmas time, and we fit in many fun activities this time. It's also easier to be well, so we actually were able to go to my family's for Christmas instead of being stuck at home with the stomach bug or some such thing.



We made our annual Christmas cookies. Corwin LOVED it. It was challenging keeping up with his pace especially as he cut the cookies. Each year I get a little better at letting it transpire with more enjoyment.

Thankfully Wally got involved with the decorating. 100% more enjoyable.

Corwin was a taskmaster. We had decided to decorate some before the kids went to bed and then the rest after they were asleep, but Corwin insisted on finishing them all off. So, we humored him. He loved decorating even more than baking them. Can you see why?


Corwin was a very eager Jesse-tree participant this year. This is MY favorite Christmas activity. Such a blessing to be reminded of promises fulfilled.

Sitting by the fire sipping cocoa. Yes, I know it's grainy, but I like it :)

Christmas Eve we finally went to our Christmas Eve service. I've been trying to get to this thing for years, and am so glad we made it! I love singing Christmas carols with a huge group of people in a beautiful place with great music.


Christmas morning, we read the Christmas story, opened stockings, then acted out the Christmas nativity. Corwin was a wiseman, and when we said that they brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh, Corwee proudly presented his goldfish to baby Jesus (seriously, he made the word connection b/t gold and goldfish). SO funny!


Happy birthday dear Jesus! Every time Corwin sees a candle he says, "Happyyyy! Happyyyy!" in a singsongy voice and tries to blow it out if it is lit. This proved to be a point of contention for NannyKim's advent wreath. We got a lot of laughs out of it even if Corwee didn't get it.


Rhianwen's "favorite" Christmas gift was a Barbie and Ken family. Alden went "shopping" out of my antique collection and gave her these.


Thank you Aunt Jaime and Uncle Averett! You have no idea the adventures these gnomes go on...despite our best efforts to protect them. Thanks to all of our family for the many thoughtful and useful gifts. We are in the process of thank you notes. It may take all year, but you are remembered daily as we use them.

Alden's "favorite" gift.

Corwee in his wheelbarrow.

Alden on his bike. I really think if we took those training wheels off, he'd have it in no time. I know my friend Leslie would say we should never have put them on there...I kind of agree ;0)

Thrilled to have his own big boy swing.

Made it in time for Christmas dinner. Yeah, I look shell-shocked.

Is this not hilarious? I gave Christopher and ocarina for Christmas, I kind of regret it b/c I think I want it...but I am trying my hand at harmonica now. Got Jesus Loves Me down anyway...watch out world!

Grandpa is SO much fun.

Skipping rocks. Grandpa has always been the best.

A bitingly cold day at the beach, but, as you can see, they still have smiles on their faces (not because they are frozen).


See? She's moving. The kids had a blast running through pigeons. Corwin was amazed he could get so close to them.

I also was able to briefly see a few good friends. It's wonderful to have a full life, but sometimes I wish there was more time to spend with people! All in all, a wonderful Christmas full of family and Christ.