Thursday, January 31, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 31, 2019 at 07:12PM


In 9 days this guy will be one. ONE! 😭 How?? #holdme #fastestyearyet #imnotcryingyourecrying #fentonleo

Instagram Pic: January 31, 2019 at 11:13AM


It may be -14 out right now, but it’s warmer than yesterday (and getting warmer!πŸ™Œ) and this light is glorious. 🌞 Plus, we plan to snuggle up under blankets and read most the day instead of doing school for a homeschool “snow day.” #snowday #seethegood #homeschooldays ❄️

Monday, January 28, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 28, 2019 at 11:40AM


Homeschool days can be really hard with a 3rd grader, 1st grader, preschooler, toddler and then an 11 month old crawling, climbing, getting into EVERYTHING, and wanting to be held always. But then I catch these little moments and it makes the hard days not as hard. Getting to watch these five doing life together and seeing how much they love each other is pretty much the best thing ever. #theranembunch #ranemschoolhouse #homeschool #homeschoollife #wildandfreechildren

Friday, January 25, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 25, 2019 at 03:05PM


The other day TWO of my children asked if I was pregnant because, let’s face it, I’ve been pregnant a lot during each of their lifetimes and my belly is not what it used to be before kids and pregnancies. For the record I am NOT currently pregnant. πŸ˜‚ But I made a point to tell them that my belly and my whole body is different than it was when I was 20 because it was used to house and grow and nurture five little babies. And you know what? I don’t want it to look like it did when I was 20 because this current body has done some amazing things and it shows, as it should. God gave me this body to sustain life, to love others, to do good things, to be used. I want my kids to know that I am thankful for the body God gave me, ALL THE TIME. When my tummy is flat, when my tummy is round, and even when my tummy is extra squishy. And if I want my children to see their bodies as good despite the flaws that we all have then I need to show them that I see my body as good no matter the size, despite the stretch marks, and because it can be used as an instrument for His glory every day in all that I do.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 20, 2019 at 01:25PM


A study of shadows. πŸŽπŸŒπŸ“πŸŽ¨ #ranemschoolhouse

Friday, January 18, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 18, 2019 at 10:41PM


I love this girl and her love of a good ol’ sink bath. πŸ’œ πŸ›

Instagram Pic: January 18, 2019 at 03:53PM


It was a mandatory second cup of coffee day since a little 11 month old kept us up most of the night and then refused to nap today. ☕️😴

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 16, 2019 at 02:23PM


One of my absolute favorite things about homeschooling is being able to pick out books for the kids to read and for us to read together as a family. This year has been so fun to see Declan really grow in his reading skills and start to read some longer books. I love seeing his face light up as he reads, watch him laugh at the funny parts, and want to keep going to get to the best parts. . . . #raisingreaders #homeschool #homeschoollife #ranemschoolhouse #wildandfreechildren #declanjamesranem #declanandpuppy

Thursday, January 10, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 10, 2019 at 02:20PM


When you’re five, you get mom all to yourself because the little siblings are sleeping and the big siblings are at co-op, and you get to lick all the chocolate coated things without sharing when mom makes brownies. Couldn’t get a whole lot better for this guy. πŸ˜„πŸ˜‹

Instagram Pic: January 10, 2019 at 12:45PM


I went to the kitchen to make lunch leaving Astrid and Fenton to play in the living room. Two minutes later I hear some giggling but mostly quiet, too quiet. So I went to check on him and the gate was somehow left open and he’s up at the top of the stairs, grinning and as proud of himself as a boy can be. 🀦🏻‍♀️ #nothingissafe #onthemove #11months #fentonleo

Instagram Pic: January 10, 2019 at 12:21PM


Today I’m thankful for the sunshine streaming through our windows even though it’s a frigid 20° outside. 🌞

Monday, January 7, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 07, 2019 at 05:37PM


This guy + his perfect little lips 😍😍

Instagram Pic: January 07, 2019 at 04:54PM


Hot cocoa and a book about Leif Erikson after quiet time today. Not pictured is Fenton having his post-quiet timeπŸ₯›while I read (and continuously bat his hands away from the book). #homeschoollife #ranemschoolhouse

Friday, January 4, 2019

Instagram Pic: January 04, 2019 at 03:22PM


It’s that time of year. When I feel the need to declutter and go through all the drawers, cupboards, and closets and clear out the things we don’t need or use so there’s more breathing space around here. πŸ’« Does anyone else feel the urge to clean and purge with the beginning of a new year?