A Good Day

February 4, 2015January 19, 2016 amandasexton2 Comments

We stopped at the Fort Worth Zoo to see the lions, Samuel’s favorite.

We drove through Big D headed to Granny’s. Frank Sinatra played on the stereo. We met Pa Glen and Amma for dinner before the party.

Granny (Gigi, the greats call her) celebrated her 85th birthday. So happy to be with her on this special day.

The great grands had a blast seeing each other and catching up…what a beautiful bunch of kiddos.

books · homeschooling · kids · learning · play · winter

January Preschool

January 8, 2015January 19, 2016 amandasextonLeave a comment

Snowflake Bentley

Make coffee filter snowflakes.

Make a snowflake from Borax.

View Caltech’s snowflake gallery.

Learn the snowflake song by Jean Warren.

Cotton-Ball counting.

The Quiltmaker’s Gift

Have a tea party and serve Blueberry muffins and Ceylon tea.

Make bird feeder pine cones.

Learn the Seven Continents song.

Make a paper patch quilt and practice shape recognition.

Learn the meanings of the words: greedy and generosity.

Stone Soup

Cut and glue vegetables from magazines onto a cut out soup pot.

Practice the names of vegetables.

Help make a pot of soup with mommy.

Play which onion is bigger.

Practice setting the table properly.

Field Trip Ideas: Ice Skating, Quilt Shop, Kitchen Store

family · fun · kids · play · seasons

Birthday Season

December 15, 2014January 19, 2016 amandasextonLeave a comment

August- Samuel- Age 1

Blue icing cupcakes and a simple evening with just us. Birthdays at this age are always spent at home with good food and cake!

November- Sophia- Age 9

Strawberry cake and a sleepover. Sophia got a a real bow, and she loved it.

December- Caroline- Age 13

Chocolate cake and a dance party. 30+ of her friends and family cut a rug in our shop. Bonfire and Nacho bar. It was a big one for the new teenager in the house. See was gifted a harp from her Amma and Pa Glen.

Birthday season at the Sexton House.

Christmas · family · fun · Nativity · play · winter

Fort Worth Christmas

December 15, 2014January 19, 2016 amandasexton1 Comment

Christmas in the City of Cowboys and Culture.

family · fun · kids · play

A Birthday Bow

December 4, 2014January 19, 2016 amandasextonLeave a comment

Sophia always gets two birthday parties. One at home and one at Amma and Pa Glen’s house the day after Thanksgiving. She had a great time learning to shoot her new bow from Pa Glen. Her ninth birthday was special…growing up way too fast! We are impressed with Sophia’s ability to hit the bullseye.

fall · family · friendship · fun · http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post · kids · play · seasons

Happy Halloween..in all it’s gory!

October 31, 2014January 19, 2016 amandasexton1 Comment

Hope everyone has a safe and fantastic Halloween. Don’t eat too much candy!

Fun Fact:

My favorite candy treat is a Butterfinger. I steal all of them out of the trick-or-treat bags every year.

cooking · family · fun · home tour · kids · play · projects

A DIY Play Kitchen

October 28, 2014January 19, 2016 amandasexton2 Comments

My girls outgrew the store bought play kitchens long before they outgrew playing house. Our solution: a DIY play kitchen. I wish I had detailed instructions, but a quick search on the web will give you all the information/instructions you will need to complete this project in time for Christmas. If you are looking for a wonderful gift for a special girl…look no further. My daughters have enjoyed hours upon hours of fun in this playroom. I love to watch my kids get lost in play.

Speaking of playrooms…when it came to making a decision of what to do with the one extra room in the house…a school room, a playroom, or an office…we chose playroom. I have never regretted that decision. We filled it with baby dolls and accessories , dress up clothes, play kitchen toys, and a grocery store. My parents made the little spool table and chairs a few years back. The girls hand painted it. They also painted a computer screen for their store using a cardboard box. The refrigerator is full of realistic play food, the cabinets are stocked with pantry items and dishes. The girls each have an apron. I bought them a small ironing board and gave them an old iron of mine after cutting the cord. An old vacuum cleaner (my favorite Oreck), telephones, junk mail, and play money make the imagination play endless. I just love the miniature appliances. I’ve been served a many gourmet meal from this kitchen.

Our favorite kitchen toys are from Green Toys. They are high quality and realistic…making play fun.

This room is a screened in porch with an outside entrance, and this makes it easy for our neighbors’ daughter to pop in just to play. Sometimes I only know we have company because I hear the sounds from the playroom. Funny. The time and money we have spent in this room is well worth it… and it continues to be a delight for my little ones.

Here is a great site to visit to get inspiration and/or instructions to make your own play kitchen. Just click through all three pieces for instructions for an entire kitchen.

Ana White

or visit this fantastic board on Pinterest

DIY Play Kitchens and Work Benches

cooking · faith · family · food · Orthodoxy · parenting · play · seasons

Glorify Him!

December 24, 2013January 19, 2016 amandasexton3 Comments

I am standing in my kitchen cooking up a storm. The presents are all wrapped. Kiddos are watching Christmas movies and singing Christmas carols. The house smells amazing. We made it! We made it to Christmas Eve, and every year I am amazed.

After a lack luster first few weeks, I have found my Christmas spirit. The days of humbug made me appreciate traditions. When I was less than enthusiastic about the season I still had our family traditions to keep me from missing Christmas. And as we kept the traditions I slowly found my groove.

Mamas have this wonderful gift…we can make Christmas amazing for our families in the little things we do, in the smile we wear, in the tune we hum, in the giggles, and snuggles, and the sugary treats. A mom has this energy, and it is infectious. Food and festivities. I love serving up scrumptious dishes with a side of I love you.

Christmas is a time of hospitality for me. As I clean, shop, cook, wrap, and prepare I try to invite a spirit of comfort and warmth into our home. I have found that the warmth comes from my heart and not in orchestrating a perfect Christmas. I just love my family and friends.

Christ is coming, along with friends and family. We are family. May our homes and hearts make a place for the Savior, and may we welcome everyone with warmth and joy.

Christ is Born…Glorify Him!

I glory in His presence, He has brought tidings of great comfort and joy. Christ is in our midst He is and ever shall be.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

On the Menu

Dinner

Honey Glazed Ham

Mashed Potatoes

Almond Green Beans
Salad

Yeast Rolls

Tea

Desserts

Martha Washington Candies

Pecan Pralines

Almond Toffee

Craisin and White Chocolate Cookies

Ranger Cookies

fall · play · seasons

Giving Thanks

November 25, 2013January 19, 2016 amandasextonLeave a comment

Today I just wanted to say thank you for reading and sharing here with me.
I have a big list of to-do’s this week, what fun!… and that means no time for blogging. I hope to be back sometime next week.

I love Thanksgiving! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday.
Blessings to you and yours,
Mandy