In Houston Autumn means a different thing than say, Michigan. It has cooled off somewhat and we have finally had enough rain that we have fall flowers. Yesterday, I had need of beauty and went around and took pictures of the different flowers in bloom right now.
On the porch
a flowering bush
A study in purples
Then some reds and pinks
Sometimes I need to realize through pictures the absolutely beautiful world that Heavenly Father has given us.
This blog is particularly for Kathie who wanted to see the finished process. For 1 1/2 years I have home schooled Nathan and Mandy. We were holding it in the dining area off the kitchen. It was convenient to the kitchen or to the laundry room (if I needed to do wash) but it was always out and our dining area looked like school all of the time. Going around the house I had a problem finding a better area and we finally came up with the small room at the top of the stairs. It was really useless space, too small for a room and to big for a hall. We moved two large bookcases up the stairs and then I needed to find a table or desk that would fit in the space. Nathan and Mandy both have desks in their rooms but Nathan's was too big and Mandy wouldn't work so I looked and looked for a table that I could put sideways and they could sit facing each other. Unfortunately, it had to be a rather unusual size and I couldn't find anything. I ended up buying two desks and putting them together. The following pictures are the process of putting together these "simple" desks.
The putting together of Nathan's desk. I allowed them input into the color or their desks and Nathan's is silver and natural wood and Mandy's is pink and while, of course.
While I was putting together the desks the kids used the Styrofoam pieces as a racing course.
and now fast forward to school starting. The bookcase on the right has Mandy's stuff
and the bookcase on the left has Nathan's stuff plus each desk has two drawers (you can't see here) and they have their pencils, erasers, etc. and it makes it easier to keep up with.
Today we worked on Science and put together an aquarium with Triop eggs to hatch. We will watch them grow (hopefully) and keep a journal on how many have grown and how long they survive.
Putting in the sand (together). 
The triop box. They are a type of shrimp that are millions of years old.
Putting in the distilled water. We must be very careful!
Dropping in the eggs - they both had to have a turn, how do you divide triop eggs in equal parts? Anyway, they both made notes in their science notebooks and we will be following them - if they survive.
Birthdays always remind us of how fast time flies by. Mandy was 2, almost 3 when we first saw her in Urumqi and now she is six! Her birthday was Friday and we had a small party with the four of us and then today she had a circus birthday party. She was very excited about her birthday this year and she had a great time.
Mandy as a toddler and Mandy today.
Mandy has developed an interest in the drums. You notice she has an electric drum on the floor and hitting a drum in front of her. Now for her party. Opening her present from Kathie. She loves the art supplies, thank you.
Nathan and Mandy were having fun. She tried to give him a hug and it embarrassed him.
A friend named Cole came and made balloon animals and flowers for the party. Here is Mandy and her flower crown.
Becca doing clown make up for Mandy and Abri patiently waiting..
Elizabeth and Mandy at the party.
Abri Miller gave Mandy her second webkin. If you do not know what that is, ask a child.
Mandy and her cake. It turned out very cute with a circus tent and animals marching around the cake. Mandy loved her cake.
Lizzy and Mandy with head gear. Large, large balloon crown. On the first hit the pinata came down but didn't break and so we tried to break it open on the ground. Here Jessi is trying to clobber it.
Sammi tried to bust it.
Becca tried her hand and finally Nathan who was trying to stay away from girls with a base ball bat split it open. Candy for all! We all had a good time and celebrated the birth and a wonderful girl. Once again - Happy Birthday, Mandy!
