Happy Halloween!!

Soccer Star!

Jacob finished up his soccer season strong with his last game on Friday. He was so proud to receive his trophy at the pizza party on Saturday. The coach paid him a great compliment as Jacob came up- he called J the best listener on the team. It was a tough season- we had to play a lot of teams that were older and more experienced. But, the SHARKS never lost hope. They never gave up and always tried their best! What more can you ask for?!

Homeschooling Update

So, we've come to a new decision about Jacob's schooling- we've decided to continue homeschooling him, but drop some of the curriculum until next year. So, basically we are not calling him a Kindergartner until next year. Next fall he will be enrolled with our charter school as a Kindergartner.

It is a hard choice because of his advanced skills. Is it better for him to be a young Kindergartner now, but closer academically to others in his grade, or to wait a year to be the same age as his peers, but years passed them academically?

He's been doing great with our school time. I didn't feel like I was pushing him too much. He wasn't have a hard time sitting still or doing the work. But I couldn't stop wondering and worrying that it wasn't the right thing to do. Maybe he should have one more year to just be a kid- to play and build, and do art, and read just for fun. So, that's what we're doing!

Apple Hill

We went on our second trip up to Apple Hill today. The weather was awesome, the kids had a blast, and we picked up 3 pumpkins, but no apple pie! Here are some pictures from this year!







And one from last year:

Babbling

Here's a cute video of Meigan talking away!

School Papers and More

Here are some of Jacob's school papers he wanted to show off. He is doing 1st grade math- adding single digit numbers, writing short sentences, reading short chapter books (Henry and Mudge, Stuart Little, Arthur), and doing a great job in all subjects. He loves writing little notes all the time- One morning he came up with the green post-it (it says, "SuperDog.Com") - I guess it's a sign of the times!

Cutest Girls Ever- in the Whole World- of all time!

Here are the little Quayle princesses having a blast at the park this week! Aren't they sooo adorable!

Aunt Janna and Apple Hill

So, it's been a couple of weeks, and I guess I'm behind in my posting, but our favorite Aunt was here! Janna came to visit for a few days and we had so much fun. She came with us up to Apple Hill where you can see that Jacob caught his first fish on his own. It cost me about $20 because they charge $6 per pound up there!

Not So Magic Glue

So, Jacob's magic finger turned out to be not so magic after all. He tripped on the threshold today and took a spill breaking open the dermabond glue job on his finger. So, we took a trip back to the doctor. She couldn't glue it again because it might trap germs inside, so she left it open and had it wrapped up really well in bandages. I have to check it for infection and re-do the dressing every day. *sigh*
Here he is now:

Pictures from Yesterday

Here are the pictures from yesterday- the glued together finger and then the fair pics.







Here are the pictures from yesterday- the glued together finger and then the fair pics.

Glued back together in the ER

So our calm morning at home ended abruptly today when I heard a piercing scream from Jacob which I knew instantly meant he was hurt. He had been out "helping" Grandpa with some yardwork- shoveling dirt for some planting Papa was doing. While Grandpa was putting topsoil on, Jacob was making a fort with all of Jeff's coolers on the deck. Grandpa continued planting and put the pruning shears down on the deck. Jacob picked them up and chopped open his pinky finger. It was ugly- blood pouring out all over. I could hardly bandage it because it was bleeding so much and the cut was on the tip which was an akward place to bandage.
So we weren't sure if it needed stitches, so I took him in to the urgent care at Kaiser Morse Hospital. It was a long 2.5 hour wait, but I'm glad we did. The Dr. soaked his finger in a saline/iodine mix. When it came out it looked so much better. The doctor said she had good news- Jacob didn't need stitches because she could use glue! What?
"Dermabond" to the rescue! So, she took out a superglue looking bottle and applied 3 coats. His finger is almost good as new! I've never seen anything like it. So, Jacob was glued back together and sent on his way.
We came home and followed through with our plans to go to the State Fair and had a great time. I'll post some pics maybe tomorrow.
Thank you, Dermabond!

First day of Kindergarten!!

Today was our first day of Homeschool Kindergarten. Jacob awoke to a fun back-to-school balloon and special first-day cookies. Jacob did a great job today. We did about an hour of school. He breezed right through the work and mostly stayed in his chair.
We are doing Scholastic Reading, McGraw-Hill Math, Kindergarten Standards for Science and Social Studies, and a Bible program called Discipleland- Old Testament Heroes. Jacob loves superheroes, so he really likes that one!
Today went by very smoothly and I'm excited to keep going!
Here's Jacob's first school paper- he was asked what his favorite season was and why.

Potty Training Yays and Woes

Keilani is doing a great job keeping her diapers and undies dry during the day. She is such a big girl!

But wait, it couldn't be so easy could it? No, there's more to the story. Our pretty princess has developed a nasty habit. It goes right along with her general messiness and love of gooshy mucky things. She sticks her hands in her dinner plates, she sticks her hands in mud, she sticks her hand in glue and paint. So doesn't it just follow to stick her hands in her stinky diaper? 4 times now we have had the wonderful surprise of cleaning up that mess. DISGUSTING! *ahh parenthood*

So, any great suggestions for hurrying the process of getting a child to do their business in the toilet?

The Sharks!

Jacob started his first year of "real" soccer on an under-6 team this year- The Sharks. He has a lot of fun and is pretty good at dribbling. He's very fast and he's scored a couple of goals at practice. His first game is next Saturday.

Camping at Sly Park

We had a great time camping at Jenkinson Lake this week. G-ma came too which was great. Our ratio of adults to kids was 3:3! The kids had a blast. They roasted marshmallows, made dirt castles, went on "hikes", and road down the hill on their bikes. Every time we turned around Keilani was brown with dirt again. She has a special talent for getting messy!

A visit from our good friends

The last 3 days we've had special visitors, our good friends the Backlunds. We sure had a great time with them. We love them so much! Jacob was crying when it was time for them to leave. I've never seem him so melancholy as he was this afternoon. It was heartbreaking!

The kids had a great time swimming and playing and going on a special trip to Fairytale Town (or as my kids call it, "Humpty Dumpty.") Trish and I had a nice mom's night out and went to Q'bole in Folsom for dinner and then to Color Me Mine for a bit of fun.

The Backlunds are such good friends of ours and we really look up to them as an example of a Godly family. They challenge us by living out their faith in their little daily happenings. (Like when they were at our house they modeled Jesus' servant heart by doing our dishes.) I hope that our family can be a witness to our friends too!

Why we are homeschooling.

In a few weeks we will begin a new adventure- homeschooling Jacob. Many people have asked us why we are choosing to homeschool. I don't think I've given a great answer to anyone and I think it's time I do. I wanted to be able to explain myself better, so I've been praying and thinking and reading. So here goes.
As I we started realizing that Jacob has unique academic talents (reading at 2), we we had to consider this question: What will be the best education for our son? And as I pondered this question, I was brought to a new question- What does God want for the education of our children?
I know that God has uniquely gifted each child and I believe he wants us to develop those talents. I know that the things that God's values are not the same things that the world values. I also know that God has made some specific commandments in raising children. One of those is Deuteronomy 11:18-19 which says, "You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
I believe that the most important thing to teach our children is God's word and his values. As a former public school teacher I know absolutely that these are not taught in public school. And I am really not sure that we would have enough time in a day to make-up what is lacking in a public school classroom if they are there 6 hours a day (+ ?? hours of getting ready, transporting them back and forth, eating, bathing, and homework). I also know that there are values and influences in a public school that I don't want my kids taught. It's not about evolution and homosexuality. It's teaching them to let other's go first, forgiveness, loving our enemies, etc. etc...
One thing that really impacted me was Jacob's preschool at First Covenant Church. What I loved about it was that they didn't just have a Bible story time. They talked about God throughout the day. While the kids were outside fascinated with a butterfly, the teacher engaged them in a conversation about how God made it able to fly. When a boy was crying because he lost his teddy bear, the class stopped to pray for him. That was an "Aha!" moment for me. This is what the Deuteronomy passage is all about.
Will we homeschool them through high school? I don't know. We will take it one day at a time and continue praying about it. We will reevaluate every year. We do want to make sure the kids can get into a university if they want to. It will just depend on the schools and on each child. They are all different with different needs, talents, and feelings.
Please support us in our decision to homeschool by praying for us and encouraging us and keep the playdates coming!

Happy 4th of July! Hooray for Summer!

We had a great time for the 4th this year. Jeff worked 2 events and we attended both- the 20th annual Carmichael Parade in the morning and the Carnival/ Fireworks show at Sunrise Mall. Jeff spent a few hours at home with us in between which was nice. We did not get to visit with him at either event- he was too busy which is good! After the parade, the kids napped and then we had a little BBQ with Grandpa and Grandma Quayle as well as Granny Parkinson. The kids had fun playing in the sprinklers after dinner. Then I put the girls to bed and Granny and I took Jacob to the carnival and Fireworks show in Citrus Heights. It was perfect because you watch from the parking lot by your car. Jacob isn't a fan of the loudest booms, so he watched the finale from inside the car and was happy instead of scared. Today we swam in our NEW pool and did some fireworks in the street. Jacob really liked the "snakes" because they looked more like something out of a toilet. Silly boy.

9 Years Strong!

June 26, 1999- a very young couple full of energy and optimism got married. They had known each other for 6 years, since they were just 16 years old! Some people worried that it wouldn't last, that it was just infatuation.

June 26, 2008- That cute couple is us, and we just celebrated our 9th anniversary! Still in love (though a more mature love), we have survived many ups and downs, but never questioned our decision to marry. We are Blessed beyond belief with 3 gorgeous kids, a beautiful house, successful jobs, and wonderful family and friends. Thank you to those of you who have supported us and believed in us.

Our marriage is strong and happy. It is built on love. Our love for each other and God's love for us. And God has helped us by teaching us that a healthy relationship is not 50/50, but 100/100. We are here to help, encourage, and serve each other, not be served. Not to say that we live in perfect harmony every day, but when we do come on hard times we remember God's truths and we try our best to live them out in our marriage.

To celebrate our anniversary, Jeff and I (and Meigan) spent 2 days in Monterey. It was a nice break and we had a good time. Thanks Mom and Dad for watching J and K!

Here's to many more years together!!

Summer Visits

We've been having a nice summer so far. Aside from the endless sprinkler runs in the backyard, we have visited with lots of friends and family. Granny Parkinson comes down from Lincoln about once a week, Poppy Reese came down for father's day, and last week we went to visit Great Grandma Lulu in West Sac. We've also made a few trips to see our buddy Drew and his family at Stanford Hospital. Thankfully, he was released to a hotel in Palo Alto on Friday and hopefully will be home soon!

The kids have had fun hanging out with friends, going to local parks and activities including a couple of spray parks, Fairytale Town, and the Sacramento Zoo. Jacob also got a special invitation to "Bounce U" with a girl from preschool! More fun to come with Summer Preschool, VBS, and a visit from The Backlunds!

We love Daddy!

Dear Daddy,
I love you way up to heaven and back. I like when you rough house with me. I like when you are silly and read me "The Belly Book." You are so awesome. I love you so much."
Love,
Jacob


Dear Daddy,
Happy Father's Day! I love you, Daddy. I like when you read to me."
Love,
Keilani



Dear Daddy,
Dada! Ooooooo!
Love,
Meigan


Dear Jeff,
You are the most wonderful father and husband. Thank you for working so hard to provide for us- I can't believe you chose to work today (carrying the burden of MY dental issues.) I love how you play with the kids and bring joy and laughter to our home. You are always willing to help me when I ask. I praise God for giving me such a strong, loyal, and loving husband!
Love,
Faye

Kei Kei says thank you to Grandma Tutu

Kei Kei says thank you to Grandma Tutu

Happy Birthday to you, Keilani Mei!

Happy Birthday, Keilani!! 2 Years Old

Keilani turned 2 on Wednesday. She had a fun day. She woke up to pink balloons all around her room. When she came out she found a whole room full of presents from Grandma and Grandpa Quayle including a huge doll house which she loves. We ate a special breakfast. While Jacob was at preschool, Jeff and I took Keilani to Build-A-Bear at the mall. She chose an elephant. She helped stuff it, put in a heart, and create a special message button with an elephant noise. Keilani chose a pink dress for her elephant. Next, we took "Floppy" with us to eat lunch. Later on we ate pizza and had a Minnie Mouse cake and ice cream. She opened more presents and went to bed with a smile. Keilani says thank you to her Aunt Judy, Tutu, Elijah and Alia, Grandpa and Grandma Quayle, and Jacob for the gifts you gave.

Keilani Mei

J's Swim Lesson- Freestyle

Baby Mei Mei

Drew's Dogs

This is a special post for Jacob's buddy Drew. He's in the hospital right now missing his puppies whom we are dogsitting. Bandit and Bibby miss him so much- here they are to say "Hi Drew! We can't wait to play ball with you and lick you!"