As we get ready to embark on year two of homeschooling, I wanted to take some time to reflect on our first year and the journey to homeschooling for our family. I wanted to remember our story because I want to share it with our kids, and the best way for me to remember anything these days is to write it down! That 'pregnancy brain' turned into 'mom brain'. Also, I'm a sucker for a good story and sweet details. :) I grew up in a household where we were sent to public school. I rode the school bus. My mom even became a school bus driver when I was in middle school so she could be home with us during the summers. I LOVED school! My grandmother was a school librarian! At one time, I wanted to be a Kindergarten teacher! I would get so excited about going back to school-- meeting my new teacher(s), getting new school supplies, picking out new clothes, and seeing my friends. I was fortunate and had so many great teachers- I can't think of a single teacher who wasn...

A little more than a week ago, Brent called me to let me know that he'd won tickets to a Memphis Redbirds (a local baseball team for those of you not in this area) game. As soon as he told me, my heart began racing as I thought about trying to find someone to watch our two little ones. We've only had close friends or family watch our kids when we've gone on a date. And the amount of times we've been on a date by ourselves since having kids can be tallied on one hand. In October 2011, Brent's parents stayed with Ella for a short while so we could walk over to the library while they were visiting us at our apartment in Collierville; in February 2012, my mom watched Ella while she was visiting us so we could see a movie; in March 2012, the Linsenbiglers watched Ella while we went to a Brad Paisley concert in Knoxville; and in May 2013, Brent's parents and sister stayed with Ella and Owen so we could go on a date to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We've had our k...

Today marks the first 'milestone anniversary' that Brent and I have shared as husband and wife. Five years ago, I married the love of my life. Five years!? It seems like yesterday and an eternity all at the same time. I've been reminiscing and thinking on our day this morning. I've been telling Ella stories of the day while showing her our wedding pictures. (Owen's napping). Ella keeps pointing out all of our family members and calling them by name. One of the sweetest moments was when we came across a picture of us dancing on the porch of the L&N, and Ella said, "Mommy and Daddy dancin'!" I wish you could hear the way she said "dancin'." Our wedding day was one of the best days of my life. I know you're probably thinking that everyone says that, but it truly was like a dream. I would love to have the opportunity to relive that day just as it happened. We were married in the JBC chapel, significant because we met on campus and h...