Happy Birthday Edison!

We celebrated Edison Lee's birthday on Saturday, November 22. He is really two years old! My, how time flies. Edison is into everything the big boys are into. He loves tractors, balls, cars and trucks, and whatever else Evan and Ethan play. He and Ethan are really starting to bond. We had hoped this phase would come, seeing as they are just a few weeks over a year apart in age. Edison had a great birthday here at our house. We had family over and the kids just loved entertaining everyone. Edison especially liked the raw carrots from the veggie tray - he ate his and helped himself to some from everyone else's plate! He was a typical little boy at opening presents. He would toss the clothes for the loot at the bottom of the bags - TOYS! There was so much food we couldn't keep all the leftovers and sent some home with various people. It was fun to have a bunch of people in the house. It got us motivated to finish some projects in the weeks before the party. There is still so much left to do, but we have a good start on getting things ready for the new addition!

A few words about Edison...he is our little moody red head with a big heart and temper! He gets frustrated becuse he cannot always express himself with words but each new day brings him further in his vocabulary. We are learning to NOT judge each child against any other as far as milestones go. They all develop so differently and at such different paces. Edison is full of energy and is a very fast runner and climber. He loves the outdoors. He wants to be in the middle of everything. We are working on transitioning him into Ethan's room. He's not quite ready to part with his baby bed. He loves it. Good thing we have 2! He loves wearing his boots. He loves bathtime with his brothers. He can be very affectionate and cuddly when he wants to. He loves apples, raisins, peanuts, bananas, raw carrots, pretzels, and strawberry-flavored milk. We are so blessed and grateful that God surprised us with such a marvelous gift in Edison. We can't imagine life without him. Love you, Edison!

Proof that carrots were not safe around the bday boy on this day!

No carrot was safe: not on a plate or in a pie,
nor down low or even hi!

It was a tough day . . . with nothing to eat. :)

Happy Birthday Ethan!

Yesterday was Ethan's third birthday. I can't believe it's been three years! Ethan is such a joy in our lives. He definitely keeps us on our toes. He is the most talkative, busiest, most inquisitive, full of life child I have ever met. His birthday has been all about Lightning McQueen and Cars. We went to Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday night with Nana and Pa to celebrate - BIG MISTAKE. Warning - Do not, whatever you do, go to Chuck E. Cheese on a Saturday evening. Even if your life depends on it! Avoid this place at all costs unless you plan on going on Monday through Thursday. I'm still not over the experience myself. The important thing was that Ethan had a blast. In fact, a few of us enjoyed ourselves, mostly children. Yesterday we had chili and cupcakes, Lightning McQueen cupcakes to be exact. His big party will be at his cousin Shawn's house on this Friday evening. What has Ethan requested for gifts - CARS! On a serious note, Daddy and I are most thankful to our gracious and merciful Heavenly Father for the gift of Ethan. Children are truly a blessing, one of God's good gifts. Even though Ethan runs on all cylinders all the time, we couldn't imagine our family without him. He is a vital part of this home, and he is loved by all who encounter him. Emma, Evan, and Edison (and I'm sure Emerson, too) love their brother and wish hime a very Happy Birthday with many more fun days to come!

Ethan, Edison, and Daddy playing a game

One Cute Kid

I've been meaning to introduce everyone to my newest nephew. I have to say he is one cute kid! Meet Joseph Roswell Harris, son of my brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Cheryl. Needless to say, he has plenty of fans at this house! His cousins are in love with him! He has a mess of boys over here that are ready to play anytime. We joke that we are going to start a gang in the neighborhood, seeing as Joseph only lives about 20 seconds away. Watch out world!

These pics were taken back on October 5th, so he has grown considerably since then. I promise you'll be seeing more of this little guy as he becomes a big part of our family! Enjoy his cuteness!

Science Class - Mockingbird

The second bird we studied was the mockingbird. Emma and Evan found out that it is the state bird of Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. The mockingbird is a famous singer, able to imitate over 30 different other kinds of birds (36, to be exact!), as well as cats, dogs, cars, and people. It is helpful to man because it eats many harmful insects. The mockingbird is found in both North and South America. It is often seen around farms, villages, and city parks.

Emma's Mockingbird

Evan's Mockingbird

Happy Birthday Nana!

Yesterday was Nana's 55th birthday. We are celebrating with her and the whole family tonight, but last night Emma and I had time with her. We actually started out Christmas shopping last night! I have to get it ALL done soon before I am waddling around and my feet start to swell - HAHA! We had a girls night out, just the 3 of of us. Emma and I decided to take Nana out to dinner before shopping, so we went to Applebee's for a birthday celebration. It was really fun to relax and have a meal cooked for us. The wait staff even sang "Happy Birthday" to Nana, just a tad off key. We are so very thankful that God has given Nana 55 blessed years. May He continue to give her health and happiness! We love you, Nana, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Science Class - Robin

One of the favorite things that Emma does in school is her science curriculum. This year, among other things, she is studying the 25 birds that represent each state in the USA. Our children love birds, so this has been a perfect study. Each week we study one bird. Emma gets to draw that bird in her bird notebook. She also writes the state or states the bird represents and interesting facts about the bird. Evan, who loves to draw and color as much as Emma, started drawing the birds for his very own bird notebook. I thought it might be fun to share their drawings with everyone each week.

The first bird we studied was the robin. The robin is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It is found all across North America. The song that the robin sings is "cheer-up, cheerily." Robins like people and like bathing. The male has a gray back and a bright reddish breast, while the female, as with most females in the animal world, is not as brightly colored. (Emma thinks this is totally unfair and believes females should be more beautiful!) The young have speckled breasts. The robin is a medium-sized bird, about ten inches long.

Emma's Robin

Evan's Robin

Fall is HERE - Pear Tart

Michael and I made supper last night for a friend at the KBC that just had their 1st baby (HI Brandon, Crystal, and baby Sawyer - go take a nap!). I tried a new recipe out of Parents magazine for a Pear Tart. We didn't get to taste it, but it looked pretty. I am going to make one tomorrow with apples and cinnamon instead of pears and nutmeg. It will be for us! Here is the recipe...

Pinwheel Pear Tart

¼ cup sugar

1 TBSP all-purpose flour

1 tsp. finely grated lemon peel

¼ tsp. nutmeg

3 pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced (I only needed 2)

1 rolled refrigerated unbaked pie crust

Milk

Coarse or granulated sugar

Dried cherry (I left this off)

- Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

- In a large bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, lemon peel, and nutmeg. Add pears and toss to coat. (I used a ziplock baggie to toss and coat)

- Unroll the pie crust on the baking sheet. Arrange pears in a pinwheel shape in the center of the crust, leaving a 1½-inch border of dough exposed. Moving in an clockwise direction, fold the dough toward the center, pleating as necessary. When you're finished, the opening with the pears should measure about 5 inches wide (mine measured about 7 inches). Brush the pastry with milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar (I used plain granulated).

- Bake tart for about 40 minutes, or until pastry is golden and pears are tender. Place the dried cherry in the middle of the pinwheel. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

Like I said before, I am substituting the pears and nutmeg for apples and cinnamon in my next attempt. This tart makes your whole kitchen smell like autumn. Who's not ready for pumpkins, beautiful falling leaves, crisp air, and hayrides?

It's a boy

To no one's surprise, our little "E" is a boy. While we know Emerson is his first name, the middle name is yet to be determined. Please pray for continued health for both Emerson and Mommy as we still have four more months to go. We want a healthy bouncing baby "E5" in January!

Finally, the Disney photos are ready

We have our vacation photos posted up on Picasa. Check out the link below and browse at your convenience. It was fun going through all of them to pick which ones to share, but it sure did take a long time. Enjoy!

Click here for our vacation pictures.

It has been a BUSY week

I apologize for not having the Disney photos posted yet, but there are so many pictures that they need to be sifted through so that only the best are shared. I don't think you guys want to view 400 pictures and over 300 videos . . . do you? Well, with riding lessons, soccer practice, all of us feeling sick, time has felt like it was stolen this week. I promise there will be a link to the photos soon. Posted by Daddy.

Almost Home

Even though the trip has been great, everyone is tired. The week ahead looks busy with school, riding lessons, soccer, dr. appointments, work, and more . . . but hopefully there will be time to post some pictures from the trip. For now, here is a tired princess and a tired pirate!

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Fri: Magic Kingdom

Today we are ending vacation with a bang. Cinderella's Royal Table breakfast was of course "magical." More will follow about that, but for now, here is a picture of Emma and Evan after their make-overs in the Cinderella Castle for the halloween party. They had a blast!
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Thur: Hollywood Studios

Well, the day started in Hawaii, but ended up in New York! We stopped off in San Francisco and witnessed Mickey's Fantasmic dream, but the new Toy Story Mania ride was the clear fave! Pictures to come.
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Wed: Epcot

The day started with a royal treat. The Royal Hendricks Family enjoyed breakfast with Aurora, Jasmine, Mary Poppins, Snow White and of course Bell. Our cheeks were sore from smiling!
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Tuesday: Animal Kingdom

Today was our day at Animal Kingdom and it was great. Kali River Rapids had all four of us soaked when finished, but it was a great way to cool off. Nothing topped the Lion King broadway show though . . . man was it awesome! We headed to the Contemporary Resort for dinner at Chef Mickey's. Em and Ev loved the food AND the characters. We ate with Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy. Even Daddy had his picture taken with his fav . . . Goofy!
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Snacks - Disney Style

We just took a break from swimming at the Pop Century's "Hippie Dippie" pool for our first of many free Disney snacks this week. I'm sure there will be more picures of Disney Dining to come this week.
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On the Road Again

Our Disney trip has finally begun! Everyone is very excited and ready to see old friends again. We will be in Tampa for two nights before checking in at WDW, so pray all traveling ends safe. We just left the Florida Welcome Center . . . Mmm, free orange juice!
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Dentist Day

This morning we made a trip to the dentist. Everyone was very obedient, and all three kids had great check-ups. NO CAVITIES! Edison was the only one not to have an appointment, but he did get to sit in the chair and get used to the process. Emma got xrays. Emma and Evan got fluoride treatments, and Ethan picked orange toothpaste for his polishing. They even got to keep their sunglasses! It was a good visit.

Who said monkeys can't swim?

The removal of his training wheels on the pavement has inspired the removal of his swimmies in the water. Today was Evan's first successful swim across the pool, however it was not his last. I think he made somewhere in the neighborhood of 8 or 9 trips by the time we got out. Way to to Ev, you are growing up way too fast!

What a Difference 638 Days Makes

Edison Lee then. (November 2006)



Edison Lee now. (August 2008)


PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.


Enough said.

Soccer Evaluation Day

Evan had his soccer assessment just now and little brother was inspired to where "his" soccer shoes. In a few years, we may have our own Hendricks Soccer team!
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How does a home schooler change a light bulb?

First, mom checks three books on electricity out of the library, then the kids make models of light bulbs, read a biography of Thomas Edison and do a skit based on his life. Next, everyone studies the history of lighting methods, wrapping up with dipping their own candles. Next, everyone takes a trip to the store where they compare types of light bulbs as well as prices and figure out how much change they'll get if they buy two bulbs for $1.99 and pay with a five-dollar bill. On the way home, a discussion develops over the history of money and also Abraham Lincoln, as his picture is on the five-dollar bill. Finally, after building a homemade ladder out of branches dragged from the woods, the light bulb is installed. And there is light.

Farmer Boy

For those of you that do not know, our Ethan is a big farmer boy! This little one eats, drinks, sleeps, and breathes John Deere. He is happiest in or on a tractor, whether big or small. He had the opportunity yesterday to bale hay (one of his very favorite pastimes) with Pa. In a good eight or ten years, Michael will not have any outdoor chores of his own! (I don't think he will mind!)

Look Mom, Two Wheels!

Tonight Evan asked Daddy to take the training wheels off his bike. This is a BIG DEAL for Evan. We live on a cul-de sac, so there is a great grassy circle for two-wheeled practice. Evan did fantastic for his first try. It won't be long before he'll be a pro!

Fun in the Sun

One of the benefits of homeschooling is the freedom to schedule your own day around whatever is going on at the time. Today was a beautiful day here in Elk Creek. I took advantage of the morning to school, do laundry, clean, and get lunch. By 1:30 pm, Edison was down for a nap and I was applying sunscreen to 3 excited little fish. We swam all afternoon. I guess you could call it RECESS! I think the PE teacher here is much cooler than any I've ever had, if I do say so myself! Everyone say cheese!

Art Class

Today we had Art class at Soli Deo Gloria Academy (that would be the name of our homeschool). Emma and Evan made homemade playdough. All four enjoyed squishing and shaping the warm, extra soft dough. This recipe is very simple and stores easily in a ziplock bag. It wasn't too messy, either! Next week's project is Chocolate Pudding Fingerpainting! YUMMO!

(Soli Deo Gloria is a latin term for glory to God alone.)

The Silver Screen

Today we took a little morning "break" from school to go to The Great Escape movie theater in Shelbyville for the last free movie of the summer, Horton Hears a Who. Daddy was able to go with us. What a treat! Ethan got to experience his first theater movie, and he was glued! (Don't fret, Emma and Evan worked hard all afternoon making up their schoolwork they missed this morning.)

Napping

It's a hard life, but somebody's gotta do it!

TOADtastic!

I was being totally honest when I said that these kids LOVE critters! Poor Toad!

Evan loves little Toad



Ethan has a turn



Edison and Nana just can't get enough - don't squeeze, Edison!



Cozy Toad



Smile little guy, just like Edison!



I sure hope the poor creature survived the Hendricks Boys!

Lil' E - Still Being Knit Together

The newest addition to our family is Lil' E. Yes, I am 15 weeks pregnant with another little Hendricks! We don't know much yet about this little one, except he/she becomes difficult when the doctor wants to find a heartbeat. This child comes after 2 miscarriages in a row within 3 months of each other. That I am this far along is a blessing to me. Lil' E has been prayed for, prayed about, prayed over, etc. I am healthy and everything is going well in this preganacy. We should find out whether the baby is a boy or a girl on September 8th. (Our guess is boy - can you figure out why?) Check back for the big news! I am due in January. Please pray that God would continue to sustain this little one. Children are such beautiful gifts from Him, and He has chosen to give to our family abundantly. We can't wait for everyone to meet Lil' E!

Edison - Toddler

Edison Lee is my 1 yr. old toddler. He is learning and discovering God's world around him every day! He gets excited over the littlest things, like a butterfly or a bird. He is starting to talk, little by little. He likes to dance when you sing to him. He knows all his body parts now, including toes, eyes, hair, nose, teeth, and ears. He can tell you when his milk is "all gone." Edison likes to eat crayons, which limits his coloring time! He likes to do everything he can for himself, especially feeding himself - YUCK! He is a mess-maker, but his determination shines through even in his messes.

Edison loves anything that Ethan and Evan like. He loves his blankets, both of them. He loves the pool, almost too much! He likes to jump in the pool and go under the water. His legs immediately start kicking when he is in the pool with Daddy. He will be a fish like the others! He loves being outside. He shares the love of all things critter. Everyone knows that didn't come from Mommy! He is a redhead in the truest sense of the word - TEMPER. He is strong-willed and just plain strong. He was definitely given to us to sanctify us! But he is a miracle - a true miracle from God - and a joy. His passion is huge. God broke the mold when He made Edison!

Ethan - Preschool

Ethan Bailey is my 2 yr. old that wants to be just like the big kids! He thinks that he is in school, too. I plan to start an all-inclusive preschool workbook with him in September. Ethan is very smart and picks up on everything. His favorite question is, "WHY?" He knows his ABC song and likes to count things. He knows the first 6 catechism questions and answers, starting with "Who made you?" "God did!" He likes to sing "Trust and Obey," and, "The B-I-B-L-E."

Ethan is a true farm boy. He loves everything John Deere. He loves to bale hay and cut the grass. He also likes to swim in the pool. He is not afraid of anything! He loves bugs, turtles, frogs, and lizards just like his big brother. Ethan loves the outdoors. He also loves Lightning McQueen and Buzz Lightyear! He is full of life. His personality is almost bigger than life. He is charasmatic and charming - very charming! Ethan is determined and a do-it-yourselfer. He potty trained in literally 24 hours! Praise God! He is a very affectionate and warm. God has blessed us abundantly with his life!

Evan - Kindergarten

Evan Michael is my 5 yr. old big man on campus! He is very enthusiastic about school, and gets very sad when we are finished for the day. I believe he would work for hours and hours in his workbooks! There is a sparkle in his eyes when he is learning. He is so excited about learning to read and work math problems this year like his hero, Emma! His curriculum consists of math, phonics, drill, reading practice, Bible, history, science, handwriting and art courses. Evan especially loves to color and learn about animals in his Nature Reader. His penmanship has improved since May, and he loves to write his name at the top of his workbook pages. This year will prove to be a big year for Evan.

Evan loves to swim. He is very close to swimming without assistance. He loves bugs, turtles, and lizards. He has shown promising talent in soccer. He has played on an Upward Soccer team for 2 years now. We plan on him continuing this sport as long as it is beneficial to his character. Evan is extremely fast and flexible. He loves jumping and flipping. He is a hero to his little brothers. He is pretty shy outside of the family, but we have noticed him coming out of his shell a little at church lately. Evan is a snuggle bunny and loves affection from Daddy and Mommy. His prayers are especially heartwarming. Evan is another precious gift from God!