PreSchool at Home: Update

It's been a while since I've shared some of our PreSchool activities. In an effort to get into a really good routine I have been trying to simplify our schedule. Now that Sav is going to a Preschool class once a week I have been using what she's learning in class to guide what we do at home. We still do our own activities but I really try to reinforce the lessons she learns in school.

My main focus with her right now is reading and phonics. We've been spending the majority of our "learning" time on that. We had been doing letters and phonics for a while but I didn't really know how to take the next step to help her start learning to read. Her teacher suggested that I try Starfall. I had heard of Starfall before but never really looked into it. Sav loved the site.

This month we are working on the short "a" sound. At first, I couldn't tell if she was really reading or if she had memorized the book from reading it so much. When my husband came home from work I had her read it to him to see if she could do it and I was very surprised that she could read it to him with a little help from me. She was also very proud of herself.

Today we did our reading in the morning (after I realized a planned trip to the zoo wasn't happening) and some pumpkin painting in the afternoon.

 

So slowly but surely we are settling into a routine that I am happy with. Can't lie. Cutting out a lot of play dates and moving dance to the evening has given me more time to spend with her. I have also been able to get so much more done around the house. These past few weeks have been really great. Anyone using Starfall? How do you like it?

Fall Family Photos 2013

As promised here are some of the images from our Fall family photo shoot. I am in love with these pictures. If you are in the San Antonio area and need a good family photographer I highly recommend Crystal Claire Photography. She is great with kids and I really feel like we got a lot for our money.

I love that Baby M was yawning and checking out the sites! As Kevin Hart would say, "We look good as a unit!" LOL! 

And one with my love...

And one of the littles...

There were so many great shots from our session. Pretty sure that file has been open on our computer since we got our pictures back. I had the hardest time trying to find something for all of us to wear. I'm really happy with the outcome. How often does your family have pictures made? 

Face to Face Fridays: Super Mom Tag Edition

Happy Friday! This week I am linking up with The Real Housewife of Caroline County for the Super Mom tag on YouTube. Since I do a video every Friday I was very happy to join this link up and meet some other Moms. 

Share your video posts with me! I love watching them and hearing about what's going on with every one. Please grab the button or mention the link up in your videos going forward. I really want to get the word out about this link up. I want to see some more pretty faces around here and I know some of y'all "working" on a video, LOL! 

Have a great weekend!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.TheChicSAHM.com" title="The Chic Stay at Home Mom"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqye_m5a_WD3_e2N7Cb0tiaJTQsLjizzUtiEvwKSl3DhWJWTSHQnSvp0I4qHmXhEAK4jG17oS59eFTkOEZ5fZ4gBsNEG_bHXOGjaTQ8xtuuvPpzMcQ-vqZTmxg2YdqDvgESvS5eFn5pE/s1600/Blog+Hop+Pic.jpg" alt="The Chic Stay at Home Mom" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Chic Link Up: #AskAwayFriday

This week I am linking up with Penny from The Real Housewife of Caroline County for #AskAwayFriday. In this hop bloggers swap questions to learn more about each other. Hopefully you all will learn a little bit more about me. Thanks again, for being my blogger buddy this week Penny!

1.  If you could be any age again what would it be and why?

If I could be any age again it would have to be 19. I wasn't as smart as I should have been back then. If given the opportunity to go back and do that year over I would.

2.  Would you rather trade intelligence for looks or looks for intelligence?

As I tell my daughter all the time...Feel free to share my quote.

3.  Can you impersonate anyone famous?
I do a pretty good Whitley Gilbert (from A Different World) and Abby Donovan (from Ray Donovan impression.

4.  What's your most expensive piece of clothing?
I have a couple pair of jeans that cost a pretty penny. I also have a ball gown that I used during my Mary Kay days.

5.  Have you actually ever had a surprise party that was an actual surprise?
No.

6.  How many texts do you receive on an average day?
It depends. It can range anywhere from 0-50. More than that if I'm chatting with my girlfriends during the day.

7.  What's the peak of your day every day?
When my husband gets home from work.

8.  If you could swap genders for a day what would you do?
That's an easy one. Work out and sleep.

9.  What was your greatest day ever?
If we're not considering births or wedding days then I would have to say my college graduation. I will always remember how I proud I was for earning my degree and working two jobs during school.

10.  What's been the hardest thing to give up in becoming a parent?
Free time. I knew I wouldn't have as much free time but I had no idea I'd barely have any at all. I'm pretty sure I could fill every day with errands and list of to-do's. I'm getting better about carving out some me time though.

San Antonio: Holiday Ole Market 2013

Last night was so much FUN! I haven't had good girlfriend time like that in a very long time. It's so nice to get out without your kids and husband every now and then. I want to thank Tyesha from Diary of a Chic Mommy for being my date last night for Holiday Ole Market 2013.

Here is a recap of the event. Sorry the pics are a little blurry. These were done with my phone and I can not seem to locate the USB cord for our actual camera so these will have to do for now. Sigh. Blogger problems. In the process of ordering a new cord right now...

Last night I wore some black high waist skinny jeans, a peplum top with leather shoulder detail and my new booties. Loved my look! 

There was SO MUCH jewelry at Holiday Ole Market. I have more jewelry shots on my big girl camera but you already know that story...

I want to shout out Julie's Boutique! They are a Charlotte, NC based store. Since I am a girl from the Queen City I was beyond excited to see them at Holiday Ole Market. Their stuff was super cute and well priced. The girls working their booth were super sweet too. All of my Charlotte girls should check them out. They're located off Park Rd. Happy Shopping!

Loved these pants from Julie's Boutique...

These ladies were giving out glasses of Smirnoff's new limited edition Peach Bellini. Yum. Get some.

Soo tasty...

Tyesha and I both agreed that the highlight of our night was this frozen slushie wine. Frappe Vino was the bomb. (Do people still say that?) That's the only way I can think to describe it. It's super easy to make and is delicious. 

Now that you've got your drinks together the next thing you'll need is a good snack. Alamo Seasoning had the yummiest dips. I purchased the spicy jalapeño dip. Can't wait to try it during my me time!

These bundt cakes were so good there barely any left by the time we made it to this booth. I tried the red velvet cake. Amazing.

Here we are on the way home. I had an amazing time. Get a group of your girls together and check out Holiday Ole Market. The market will be at the Freeman Coliseum until October 5, 2013. Do not miss out! There was everything from apparel and jewelry to novelty gifts and holiday decor. 

Ladies: This Video is a MUST SEE!

A friend of mine loves me enough that she shared this video with me. After viewing it I knew I had to pass it along. This is a message and reminder for all of us.

What did you think? Spread this love to a woman in your life. You never know who might need to be told that they are worth it and more than enough.

San Antonio: Holiday Ole Market

If you live in the San Antonio area then you may have heard about Holiday Ole Market. Here is a little snippet about the event from the Junior Leaugue of San Antonio's website.

"Find unique, boutique-like SHOPPING with premiere merchants offering apparel, jewelry, children's items, home goods and original holiday items. Experience a wide array of ENTERTAINMENT options including great food, music, auctions, and much more! Net proceeds from Holiday Ole Market benefit the community programs and projects of the Junior League of San Antonio, Inc."

I'll be attending the bloggers sneak peek for this event on Wednesday. Be sure to check back here Thursday for a post all about Holiday Ole Market and what you can expect. I am beyond excited! Interested in going? Enter below for your chance to win a ticket. The giveaway will end THIS Wednesday. It's a short entry period and I'll announce the winner on Thursday! Good Luck and as always, Happy Shopping!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway