Opening Day at the ice terrace~Crown Center

Who in the world gets up at 4 AM in order to drive a bunch of kids to the ice rink? Apparently tons of parents so I don't really feel like I am the only one who has lost my sanity!

Hot chocolate and bagels... Frost in the air... the zamboni machine... and the slicing of ice beneath a metal runner...

Christmas music broadcast live... a TV channel or 3... Oh how we love Kansas City traditions! A winter season just wouldn't be the same without ice skating at crown center!

We had a fantastic time, met up with several other families we knew (but didn't know were attending) and froze all of our fleshy parts while listening the the joy and laughter of children.

Staying upright on the skates we a little harder for some. Ahem, Blake!

Others thought it cruel and unusual punishment to be freezing this early in the morning AND getting blisters!

Some were just plain thrilled and enjoyed the experience to the fullest.

None caring if make up was applied. There is no way to prevent a red nose!

Some skate around and ask "Have you fallen yet?"

Good thing there is lighting in this place... cause it sure is dark outside.

Friends bond... and build new memories.

Others are constantly checking out the cute boys...

If you get bored you can always talk about what everyone is wearing.

You can talk... Until big brother comes around.

Seniors giggle while playing tricks on boys

And eventually persistence pays off and I get a mug shot with out hands in the face

As we go round and round... we believe we are making this world a better place

Twenty Days of Thanksgiving

Day 16
Today I am thankful for my freedom. Both my freedom in Christ and my freedom as an American. I am thankful for my nieces, nephews, uncles and brothers whom lay down their lives for MY freedom. I am thankful for each and every one of my friends, who have given up their lives so that I may enjoy mine. I am thankful for years and generations of men who have fought for this countries liberties... For the lives lost.

I am thankful for my Lord... Who gives me many liberties and freedom. Freedom from bondage, depression, hate, ungratefulness... And has given me SO much in my life to celebrate.

I am thankful for my freedom to home school my children. Free to choose what I feel is best for them. Freedom to teach the word... and morals.

Thank you Lord for all of my many blessings!

Twenty Days of Thanksgiving

Day 17
I am so very thankful for the  small things in life. For the cords of wood we have dried and stacked, waiting by the back door for those long winter nights in front of the fire. I am thankful for the sets of SKIP-BO cards we have, that bring us many nights of family fun and laughter. I am thankful for the food we have in our kitchen, and the ability to be able to cook it.
I am thankful for the holly bushes that I trim every year at Christmas time. Their berries bring so much beauty inside my house. I am thankful for the scarecrows that line my flower gardens... and thankful that one of my children remembered how much I loved them.
I am thankful I have a pillow to lay my head on each and every night.

Thank you Lord for all of my many blessings!

A little Culture anyone?

Off to the Symphony

To be honest, I had a fantastic time at the symphony! I was a little leery about taking the kids because they  have never been exposed before. I am so glad that we went!
The program was wonderful and geared for the kids to enjoy. After the show we were able to meet with and talk with 3 of the musicians. Two of the three have home school families! What a blessing!

So here are a few of our pictures. No flash photography or any form of video recording is allowed. Therefore my pictures are not the best!

Aaron, Hali, Blake and Abby.

Blake and Suzie

Suzie and Chrissy swapping stories while we waited to be taken upstairs.

We received such favor! We had center seats in the Lounge. These tickets are a small fortune! I have NEVER been able to sit in this area!

  Aaron... with out a tie.

Blake

Abby... she was SO excited about this show!

Aaron and Antwon. They were on their best behaviors!

Warming up....

And lastly.... a very rare picture of ME!

Louis and Clark at the Discovery Center

For many years now, I have been taking the kids to participate in Louis & Clark expedition activities. We are really steeped in that part of history here in Missouri.
This particular event lasted for 4 hours and we switched classes every 25 minutes. I will have to stay it was one of the better classes that the kids have taken through the Department of Conservation. Because I have a ton of pictures I want to share I will not be commenting on all of them. If you have a question though, I will be happy to answer them!

1/2 size replica of the boat that was used.

Hali checking out gear

These beads would have been used for trading with the Indians. The prices are on the side and Blue was the most sought after.

The medals were given to Indian Chiefs as sign of friendship. The large one for the main Chief and the smaller one for the lesser chief.

Making Seed Pods

All of these flowers were included in our seed pods.

Wild edibles class.

Sumac makes a tea or Kool-Aid type of drink. We thought it needed some sugar.

These are called Paw-Paws and once they are ripe they taste sweeter than a banana.

The American Chestnut is extinct.

Persimmons 

We learned how to boil the walnuts and make ink out of them.

Dugout classes. We made mini canoes to take home.

Abby working the draw saw

Bison Class

Quill Writing Class

Next came Mammals of Discovery

Armidillo

Badger

Coon

Skunk

Fox

Otter

Cayote

Puma

Black Bear paw

Black bear

Next came games of Louis & Clark... and American Indians

I love this game. It's called grace.

Our local historian

And the rest of these are for Chelita~

 

What a beauty!