Read Aloud Time with Mock Milkshakes

Today was school as usual. At around 2:45, we have read aloud time. We always get something good to drink or a snack, and gather around and I read to the kids. It's my favorite part of our day. Right now we are reading 10 P's in a Pod. It is a true story about a homeschooling family of 10, who also happened to be travelling evangelists. We are really enjoying it.

Some days during read aloud time, we drink hot tea or lattes (but don't tell Ralph's mom). Or it could just be fruit, or popcorn, or occasionally cookies. Today I made the kids chocolate mock milkshakes. Here is our recipe:

Mock Milkshakes

1 can of evaporated milk, not fat free (you need a little fat or it won't be smooth and creamy like a milkshake)

About 3 1/2 - 4 cups ice cubes

1/2 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla, optional

Either chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, strawberry syrup, or whatever other flavor you like

Put all into blender, blend until smooth. Make sure you blend a good long time.

I don't measure the syrup, just put in a nice big squirt, to taste.

This makes about 4 servings.

Spring Tea

Here is the picture from our ladies Spring Tea.

The back row is Cara, Samantha, Lynn, and me.

The front is Rebecca, my mom, and Ralph's mom.

Clown

Ok, I tried to resist. I know how it will kill his father for me to post this picture. But I can't help it. So here goes. The other day, Jackson came out to us dressed like this:

(Yes, that is his sister's swimsuit.)

Then this morning he put on a "purse hat".

Two-year-olds are so much fun!! And I really mean that, I love two-year-olds. Who needs television? We can just have Jackson entertain us.

Two thought provoking quotes by J.C. Ryle

"...He that has trained his children for heaven, rather than for earth,-for God, rather than for man, -- he is the parent that will be called wise at last."

~

"In every step you take about them, in every plan, and scheme, and arrangement that concerns them, do not leave out that mighty question,

"'How will this affect their souls?'"

~~J.C. Ryle~~

Tummy Trouble....

We have some sort of virus going though the house. It started last weekend, and it keeps on going. So today, instead of the usual school, we are just having a reading day. I'm hoping everyone is well soon. In the meantime, it warms my heart to see them snuggled up on the couch reading together.

Three things I'm thankful for today are:

vanilla caramel lattes,

indoor plumbing,

and my husband who works so hard for us.

Three things I'm praying for today are:

my brother Scott and his wife Lynn (job and house),

everyone to get well,

and Danny to get through these next 2 1/2 weeks of school,

especially his three finals on May 19th.