So, I got all our meals taken care of on Saturday for this coming week. I did lots of freezer meals and meal prep so hopefully things will go well in the food department. Mark and I are trying not to eat out for a couple of months so we can do some other things financially and since food is my responsibility around here I am well, trying. Cooking every meal from scratch is hard when you are in the car most of the day, but the more you do it the easier it becomes. It is just figuring out what works best for you.
My other main responsibility around here is mothering and school. Which right now involves my van -a lot. This week alone is Scouts, three co-op classes, a school meeting, piano lessons, youth choir, youth small groups, and a big grocery trip on Friday. And then you have the actual teaching and child-follow through and its 4:30 before you know it and everyone is saying, "I'm hungry, what's for supper?"
I wanted to share this recipe for you because it is so easy and sooooo good. They are pretty also-would be sweet for Valentine's Day or a girl's baby shower.
Cherry Fluff Cups
(totally made up this name bc I don't know the real name or where I got the recipe from. I made a double batch Saturday for us to have throughout this week)
1 can cherry pie filling
1 can condensed milk
1 container whipped topping
Mix it all together and it turns a pretty pink color. Freeze in cupcake liners or a regular baking pan until frozen. That's it! So yummy!
Abbie and I also said that you could probably do blueberry pie filling if it was a shower for a boy. And I'm thinking that peach would be delicious also.
Off to Algebra! What are you doing today?
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Homeschool. Show all posts
Monday, February 10, 2014
Friday, May 17, 2013
He Did It....
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Tuesday, April 2, 2013
The Toil and Burden of Being Six....
Last night James, Abbie, and I were riding home from a Heritage Girl Meetings. James and Abbie were chatting in the backseat and I heard James say,
"Abbie, do you remember when I was four?"
She replied that yes she did.
He then said,
"Yeah.... that was a great life."
I guess all the phonics at age six are taking their toil on him.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Signs of Spring....
Even though Easter Day itself was not very springy around here we have been seeing little signs of spring here and there. A couple of days this week were delightful, but then a couple of days of the same week were so cold I thought I was going to have to go back into hibernation with my electric throw and pjs. Well, I do that anyway every night, but I have been making myself get dressed during the day. Cold or not. Except for Thursday when I had some kind of bug and I stayed on the couch and froze all day and felt bad. And then Friday-I was fine. Maybe I just needed the sleep.
But oh my stinkin goodness I sound like I am 82 years old telling you about my sciatica.
Sorry.
Anyhoos.....
Spring is springing slowly but surely here in Alabama...
I don't know who took this picture, but I found it this morning and love it. Its Matt trying his best to finish his math book so he can be released for the summer. Spring is hard for a 13 year old outside boy. He has to do it, but the outside is calling. And no, he does not have a vision problem, we have had it checked. This is just how he works. And yes, all that mess around him-just keeping it real for all you internet peeps. We live in this house all day long and it shows.
We got Scruffy the Wonder Cat this time last spring. She is all grown up now, but still the most sweetest little thing ever. Seriously, Abbie and I are a little ga-ga over the cat. We might even pretend its the grandbaby every once in awhile and pass it back and forth. And coo and talk to it like its a baby. And say, "Go back to Mama now, or Go Back to Grandmama now." But we haven't told anyone else about it. Its our little secret--that we like the cat so much. And the girl above, I really like her. And her hair. She has dream-hair. Sigh...
Matt found baby birds in our goat barn this past week.
Here you can see the nest tucked behind that green bowl on the shelf. See those calf feeders? Maybe one day?
Abbie got busy Saturday night doing this tablescape for us. I can't wait to see her home when she is grown. She is so colorful and creative. And yes, the frugal side of me had a hard time letting go of the eggs to be used for decoration. "Its only once a year, its only once a year." Repeat and repeat.
MamaHen and her growing chicks. I love this picture, especially of Matthew. First of all, he has his arm around me. Very rare. He is not a touchy-feely person. At all. Even as a baby. He just wanted you to put him down and leave him alone and he was happy. But he has his arm around me and he is smiling. And something about his smile reminds me of my daddy so much. And he wore the shirt Nana!
Matt and Pappa Rooster built these strawberry bed gutter things this weekend. Mark saw it online somewhere and they got busy and got it done. We (and I mean Matthew by we), transplanted shoots from our old bed into another raised bed, and then we ordered 25 more plants for the gutters. If they all make it we should have strawberries running out of our happy happy ears! So thankful for a smart husband who like to create and make neat things for our family.
Beatrice and Moose are begging for attention here. They get offended if you are out in the yard and don't give them their proper dues and respect. They can sure make a racket when they don't get what they want. It's like having a perpetual 15 month old who knows what they want but can't say the words yet. And all they know to do is cry and whine. And they are spoiled rotten also. Just saying.
But oh my stinkin goodness I sound like I am 82 years old telling you about my sciatica.
Sorry.
Anyhoos.....
Spring is springing slowly but surely here in Alabama...
Beatrice and Moose are begging for attention here. They get offended if you are out in the yard and don't give them their proper dues and respect. They can sure make a racket when they don't get what they want. It's like having a perpetual 15 month old who knows what they want but can't say the words yet. And all they know to do is cry and whine. And they are spoiled rotten also. Just saying.
Friday, March 1, 2013
Mothering-in a nutshell...
You wake up. You mother. You get really tired. You press on. And you sleep. Repeat.
That is the way it has felt lately. Lots of mothering been going on here this week.
Oh, but what a good repetitive boring wonderful heartbreaking joy-building thing it is!
School with James has been hard this week. He can be quite stubborn and it is all fixated on his reading right now. Listen, if any of you asked advice about teaching your child to read-I would be your woman.
I would say, "Put the phonics books away, send him outside, read TO him lots of books he is interested in, don't worry. Pick up the books when he is 7 or 8 and then he will soar."
And that is exactly what I did with one of my sons. And it worked. Perfectly.
But this child. Oh my goodness. He wants to KNOW how to read, he just doesn't want to take the time to LEARN how to read. And he is very clever. And he knows how to get to my mind and heart-strings. I am having to pull out the tough momma card with him in school and it is exhausting. Yesterday his eyes wouldn't work and his fingers were too tired to hold the pencil and oh, the tears started to flow. After a little applied discipline it was amazing how those eyes woke up and he wasn't so tired anymore.
We are going to try something new starting today. His school time has always been after lunch. I would take care of all the big kid's school in the morning and then do school with him after lunch. He had the morning to play outside or spend time with Granny. Well, now I am changing it to his school first and he can't play until he gets his school done. We'll see how it goes.
And if that doesn't work I will try something else. And then something else
That's what being a momma is all about-loving them enough to keep on trying something else. And to keep on doing the same ole same ole each day in and out. Because when your little one brings you wild flowers or draws you that special picture or gives you a wet sloppy kiss it is worth it. Every mom knows this-we just need to keep telling each other that.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend-it going to be a cold one here. I predict lots of snuggles, reading, and time on the couch with my electric throw. :)
That is the way it has felt lately. Lots of mothering been going on here this week.
Oh, but what a good repetitive boring wonderful heartbreaking joy-building thing it is!
School with James has been hard this week. He can be quite stubborn and it is all fixated on his reading right now. Listen, if any of you asked advice about teaching your child to read-I would be your woman.
I would say, "Put the phonics books away, send him outside, read TO him lots of books he is interested in, don't worry. Pick up the books when he is 7 or 8 and then he will soar."
And that is exactly what I did with one of my sons. And it worked. Perfectly.
But this child. Oh my goodness. He wants to KNOW how to read, he just doesn't want to take the time to LEARN how to read. And he is very clever. And he knows how to get to my mind and heart-strings. I am having to pull out the tough momma card with him in school and it is exhausting. Yesterday his eyes wouldn't work and his fingers were too tired to hold the pencil and oh, the tears started to flow. After a little applied discipline it was amazing how those eyes woke up and he wasn't so tired anymore.
We are going to try something new starting today. His school time has always been after lunch. I would take care of all the big kid's school in the morning and then do school with him after lunch. He had the morning to play outside or spend time with Granny. Well, now I am changing it to his school first and he can't play until he gets his school done. We'll see how it goes.
And if that doesn't work I will try something else. And then something else
That's what being a momma is all about-loving them enough to keep on trying something else. And to keep on doing the same ole same ole each day in and out. Because when your little one brings you wild flowers or draws you that special picture or gives you a wet sloppy kiss it is worth it. Every mom knows this-we just need to keep telling each other that.
Hope you have a wonderful weekend-it going to be a cold one here. I predict lots of snuggles, reading, and time on the couch with my electric throw. :)
Monday, January 21, 2013
Warm Cookies....oh yum...
Last week in the midst of the crazy Abbie, James, and I went on a field trip with the Hixons and the Hurleys. It was nice to do something fun that also counts as school. We went to Bud's Best Cookies, and if you are local I would highly recommend it big-time. It is very short and very sweet and perfect for the K-5 till about 4th grade crowd. Abbie is in 6th grade, but it afforded her an opportunity to socialize so she was a happy girl.
As we walked in we were handed hair nets to wear and James could not believe his good fortune to get to wear it AND keep it. After it was over I gave him mine and you would have thought I had given him the moon. The things children like :). He has played and played with those hair nets.
Abbie was excited about the whole thing, especially the warm vanilla wafers they hand out in the middle of the tour.
As we left she said, "Now that is a field trip! Riding around in a train inside and getting cookies! Much better than standing out in a hot pasture learning about history!" (Referring to a Civil War history thing we went to in the fall).
She cracks me up. Thank you Janet for arranging all it for us.
As we walked in we were handed hair nets to wear and James could not believe his good fortune to get to wear it AND keep it. After it was over I gave him mine and you would have thought I had given him the moon. The things children like :). He has played and played with those hair nets.
As we left she said, "Now that is a field trip! Riding around in a train inside and getting cookies! Much better than standing out in a hot pasture learning about history!" (Referring to a Civil War history thing we went to in the fall).
She cracks me up. Thank you Janet for arranging all it for us.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Out of Trouble....
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
An Insight Into the Thought Processes of Twelve Year Old Boys....
For history this week we are watching Ken Burns documentary series on The Civil War. I am delighted to be watching it again (I remember watching it in high school) and am so enjoying the pictures, the music, and most of all listening to Shelby Foote's wonderful Southern accent.
Anyways, the kids are not so delighted to be watching it, but I know it is good for them and it can teach them more in a week than I could in a year so we are watching it in small increments each day.
Today we heard about the soldier who wrote the beautiful touching letter to his wife Sarah and him knowing it could very well be the last thing he would ever say to her. If you haven't heard this letter track it down or watch the documentary yourself because the letter itself is a literary piece of art.
My tears fell as we watched and then the narrator explained that the soldier died a week later in the Battle of Bull Run.
As it ended we sat in silence just taking it all in.
Matt looks around and says nonchantantely, "Well, at least he could write a good letter."
And the moment was gone.
And that my friends, is how a twelve year boy thinks.
Anyways, the kids are not so delighted to be watching it, but I know it is good for them and it can teach them more in a week than I could in a year so we are watching it in small increments each day.
Today we heard about the soldier who wrote the beautiful touching letter to his wife Sarah and him knowing it could very well be the last thing he would ever say to her. If you haven't heard this letter track it down or watch the documentary yourself because the letter itself is a literary piece of art.
My tears fell as we watched and then the narrator explained that the soldier died a week later in the Battle of Bull Run.
As it ended we sat in silence just taking it all in.
Matt looks around and says nonchantantely, "Well, at least he could write a good letter."
And the moment was gone.
And that my friends, is how a twelve year boy thinks.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
The Novel about Curriculum...
Well, I'm a little late to the curriculum game (imagine that), but I always enjoy reading other's curriculum choices for the year, so I thought I would put mine out there also.
I have never had the problem of choosing curriculum for the year like I did this year. In April I was sure I knew exactly what everyone needed, but then through the summer I began to have some serious doubts. I hemmed and hawed and finally got everything ordered in August.
As homeschooling moms know-the great thing about homeschool curriculum is all the choices-and the worst thing about curriculum is all the choices! :)
This year I have a 9th grader, a 7th and 6th grader, and a K5er.
9th Grade
Science-Apologia Biology I-we love Apologia around here
Math-Algebra I. Tyler is finishing up his Rod and Staff Intro to Algebra and when he is through with that he will start on Teaching Textbooks Algebra I.
Bible-Sonlight's Bible Study Sampler recommended for 9th grade. I wanted something where he was in the Bible each day and this fits the bill, but I think it is a little light for high school. Sonlight also recommends several theology books to read throughout the year such as The Case for Christ. He does Scripture memory with the family each morning and is involved in a once a week Discipleship group and Sunday School.
Language Arts-Sonlight (literature and creative writing, He will also be memorizing several Scripture passages and famous speeches throughout the year)
Elective-Robotics. He joined a Robotics club at a local high school this year and this will count as a 1/2 elective credit (70 hours).
History-Sonlight's American History.
He is also involved heavily with Boys Scouts.
7th Grade
Science-Abeka Physical Science
Math-Abeka
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I. We also do Scripture memorization in the morning and he will be involved in a Discipleship group and is involved in Sunday School. Again, I believe the Christian Studies I is light for his age group, but I am probably going to think that across the board because I think that is the most important thing I can be teaching them. I am trying to think slow and steady though. Matt, Abbie, and I meet on Friday mornings to discuss this past week's work in their book.
Language Arts-Chrisitian Light Education - this is new to us and so far so good. Straightforward and to the point and no extra stuff that Matt hates. This also includes his spelling which is a special focus for him this year. (oh my) He is also going to be doing lots more writing this year. I put together a little writing curriculum myself that he will be working on. He is still working on cursive, and he practices in the Classically Cursive book by Veritas Press.
History-Story of the World Book 4-The Modern Age. We read together every morning and I check out several books from the library on the subject we are discussing. Some they read themselves and some I read out loud to them. Right now we are just starting the Civil War and I think it is all so interesting about states rights vs the slavery question. The kids-not so much. We also do map work once or twice a week and play Geography Quiz almost every morning. The competition can be fierce some days and other days they just stare blankly.
He is also involved in Boy Scouts and Animal Care. He takes his Animal Care very seriously and I would put him up against just about anyone for animal care knowledge. He reads voraciously about it. If you have an animal question-just ask Matt.
6th Grade
Science-Christian Light Education Light Unit
Math-She is doing Khan Academy right now, but at the end of this month she is switching to Rod and Staff math.
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I (see above).
Language Arts-Christian Light Education. This includes grammar and spelling. She will also be doing the writing curriculum I put together after she finishes The American Girl Writing Workshop book I found for FREE at 2cd and Charles. She loves it! She is also doing Classically Cursive by Veritas Press.
History-Same as the 7th grader
Abbie is also involved heavily with American Heritage Girls, and children's choir at church.
K5
History-he listens in on Story of the World 4
Reading/Writing/Phonics-Abeka
Math-Rod and Staff (love their early years stuff!)
Extra units-We just finished an Ocean Unit I made up a long time ago for the older kids, and we just started a Weather unit. We read books and do little activities to go along with what we are learning. Ten years ago Rebekah, my friend Corla, and I made all these up ourselves. Now they are everywhere on the internet and you can just print out whole units at one time. Wow, that sounds like I am a really old women,doesn't it?
Some units we will be doing are Pilgrims/Indians/Thanksgiving, The 6 Days of Creation, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Christmas Around the World, etc... Just fun Kindergarten stuff.
Bible-we are reading through An Illustrated Children's Bible and doing ABC Scripture memory. This has gone over much better than I ever thought it would. He reminds me to do this and yesterday he begged for one more Bible Story. Of course I obliged, but it might have just have been a ruse to get out of phonics. So far this has been a big waste of his playtime. Although yesterday he blended two letters on his own and those little eyes just lit up when he realized what he had done! I called all the other kids in and they cheered him on and we visited Granny upstairs to tell her. Unfortunately he will most likely expect that kind of response whenever he does anything new from now on. He loves attention.
So there ya go. Now I will go take a nap after typing all this. :)
I have never had the problem of choosing curriculum for the year like I did this year. In April I was sure I knew exactly what everyone needed, but then through the summer I began to have some serious doubts. I hemmed and hawed and finally got everything ordered in August.
As homeschooling moms know-the great thing about homeschool curriculum is all the choices-and the worst thing about curriculum is all the choices! :)
This year I have a 9th grader, a 7th and 6th grader, and a K5er.
9th Grade
Science-Apologia Biology I-we love Apologia around here
Math-Algebra I. Tyler is finishing up his Rod and Staff Intro to Algebra and when he is through with that he will start on Teaching Textbooks Algebra I.
Bible-Sonlight's Bible Study Sampler recommended for 9th grade. I wanted something where he was in the Bible each day and this fits the bill, but I think it is a little light for high school. Sonlight also recommends several theology books to read throughout the year such as The Case for Christ. He does Scripture memory with the family each morning and is involved in a once a week Discipleship group and Sunday School.
Language Arts-Sonlight (literature and creative writing, He will also be memorizing several Scripture passages and famous speeches throughout the year)
Elective-Robotics. He joined a Robotics club at a local high school this year and this will count as a 1/2 elective credit (70 hours).
History-Sonlight's American History.
He is also involved heavily with Boys Scouts.
7th Grade
Science-Abeka Physical Science
Math-Abeka
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I. We also do Scripture memorization in the morning and he will be involved in a Discipleship group and is involved in Sunday School. Again, I believe the Christian Studies I is light for his age group, but I am probably going to think that across the board because I think that is the most important thing I can be teaching them. I am trying to think slow and steady though. Matt, Abbie, and I meet on Friday mornings to discuss this past week's work in their book.
Language Arts-Chrisitian Light Education - this is new to us and so far so good. Straightforward and to the point and no extra stuff that Matt hates. This also includes his spelling which is a special focus for him this year. (oh my) He is also going to be doing lots more writing this year. I put together a little writing curriculum myself that he will be working on. He is still working on cursive, and he practices in the Classically Cursive book by Veritas Press.
History-Story of the World Book 4-The Modern Age. We read together every morning and I check out several books from the library on the subject we are discussing. Some they read themselves and some I read out loud to them. Right now we are just starting the Civil War and I think it is all so interesting about states rights vs the slavery question. The kids-not so much. We also do map work once or twice a week and play Geography Quiz almost every morning. The competition can be fierce some days and other days they just stare blankly.
He is also involved in Boy Scouts and Animal Care. He takes his Animal Care very seriously and I would put him up against just about anyone for animal care knowledge. He reads voraciously about it. If you have an animal question-just ask Matt.
6th Grade
Science-Christian Light Education Light Unit
Math-She is doing Khan Academy right now, but at the end of this month she is switching to Rod and Staff math.
Bible-Memoria Press Christian Studies I (see above).
Language Arts-Christian Light Education. This includes grammar and spelling. She will also be doing the writing curriculum I put together after she finishes The American Girl Writing Workshop book I found for FREE at 2cd and Charles. She loves it! She is also doing Classically Cursive by Veritas Press.
History-Same as the 7th grader
Abbie is also involved heavily with American Heritage Girls, and children's choir at church.
K5
History-he listens in on Story of the World 4
Reading/Writing/Phonics-Abeka
Math-Rod and Staff (love their early years stuff!)
Extra units-We just finished an Ocean Unit I made up a long time ago for the older kids, and we just started a Weather unit. We read books and do little activities to go along with what we are learning. Ten years ago Rebekah, my friend Corla, and I made all these up ourselves. Now they are everywhere on the internet and you can just print out whole units at one time. Wow, that sounds like I am a really old women,doesn't it?
Some units we will be doing are Pilgrims/Indians/Thanksgiving, The 6 Days of Creation, Community Helpers, Dinosaurs, Christmas Around the World, etc... Just fun Kindergarten stuff.
Bible-we are reading through An Illustrated Children's Bible and doing ABC Scripture memory. This has gone over much better than I ever thought it would. He reminds me to do this and yesterday he begged for one more Bible Story. Of course I obliged, but it might have just have been a ruse to get out of phonics. So far this has been a big waste of his playtime. Although yesterday he blended two letters on his own and those little eyes just lit up when he realized what he had done! I called all the other kids in and they cheered him on and we visited Granny upstairs to tell her. Unfortunately he will most likely expect that kind of response whenever he does anything new from now on. He loves attention.
So there ya go. Now I will go take a nap after typing all this. :)
Monday, August 27, 2012
Deep Breath...
Today we start school. With all the children. Not just one, or two, or three, but all four. I know all you seasoned high school moms are saying, "hmp! no big deal." Yeah, yeah, yeah. :) I've been up since 2:30. Can't sleep. That means I will crash around 1:00, right when I need to be covering Mathematics with Matt. That's what my mental schedule tells me. I am seasoned enough to know NOT to write down a minute by minute schedule until AFTER the first day. That will just end in tears for all of us.
I know it will be okay, it has been for the past nine years. I just feel very unprepared.
I did do lots of preparation this weekend, and all of our books except for three are here, and they should arrive today. All of the kids notebooks and boxes are filled and today will just be a day of history and going over things and what is expected with each child. Except for James, who is an old pro-being one week in. He actually asked to do Kindergarten Saturday. He wanted to do some hard math and some science. I declined, but we did sit on the swing and read books together.
Okay, here we go. Less of me and more of Jesus. I am going to keep saying that today, along with the advice from Elisabeth Elliot, "Just do the next thing."
"Less of me, less of me, less of me...."
I know it will be okay, it has been for the past nine years. I just feel very unprepared.
I did do lots of preparation this weekend, and all of our books except for three are here, and they should arrive today. All of the kids notebooks and boxes are filled and today will just be a day of history and going over things and what is expected with each child. Except for James, who is an old pro-being one week in. He actually asked to do Kindergarten Saturday. He wanted to do some hard math and some science. I declined, but we did sit on the swing and read books together.
Okay, here we go. Less of me and more of Jesus. I am going to keep saying that today, along with the advice from Elisabeth Elliot, "Just do the next thing."
"Less of me, less of me, less of me...."
Friday, August 24, 2012
This & That...
~Yesterday my sissy, Jill, and I got to do something we have been waiting to do for 15 years years. Really!
Jill and I, with my sweet Momma, and Abbie-girl watched the Anne of Green Gables movie together. To some of you that may not seem like a big deal, but it was to us. Jill and I love the books and we have been waiting to share them with Abbie. I don't know what we would have done if she had not liked it also.
Jill actually bought the Anne movies before Tyler was born in anticipation of him being a girl and in anticipation of sharing it with her. Of course Tyler was a boy and then Matt, another boy came along, and then finally we got our Abbie-girl. And we love our boys, but it's pretty special having one girl all to ourselves.
~James is taking to Kindergarten very well and wanted to know since he was doing homeschool now did he have to go back to church. He was disappointed to realize that yes indeed he was going to have to keep going to church. James is not a fan of big church. He behaves in big church, but he does not want to.
~Oh my stinkin goodness, the big kid's school starts Monday and I feel very unprepared. Guess what I'll be doing tomorrow?
~Freezer Friday-I froze 4 quarts of lima beans, but I shelled lots more and we ate those fresh. Mark discovered how good the jalapeno jelly is and requested many more jars. Guess I will be getting on that next week, along with pears and more lima beans. Very thankful for the work to do though. I love feeding my family good things.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
It Happened...
Well, it happened.
My teeny-tiny newborn baby started Kindergarten yesterday.
I didn't cry, but I almost did when I prayed with him before we started school and I became aware once more of the awesome responsibility it is to raise these children in the fear and nurturing of the Lord. We have a long 13 years before us, but I know it will be worth it in the end.
And I know that at the end of those 13 years I will truly be able to say that the years were short indeed.
My teeny-tiny newborn baby started Kindergarten yesterday.
I didn't cry, but I almost did when I prayed with him before we started school and I became aware once more of the awesome responsibility it is to raise these children in the fear and nurturing of the Lord. We have a long 13 years before us, but I know it will be worth it in the end.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
So, so true...
It's been that kind of month. May is wearing me down. Only two more days of school though. And then a five week break. Am I allowed to sleep for those five weeks?
~I got some new fancy running shoes and am still trying to get out on a regular basis. It has been very hit and miss, but when I don't do it I miss it so I think that is progress.
~I am in that want to overhaul the whole house and paint and move furniture and clean like crazy mindset.
Unfortunely my body is in the oh, just sit around and read and rest and recover from schooling three children for nine months and does anyone really want supper anyway, its so hot....let's just eat cereal bodyset.
~Our garden is growing and the berries are turning. Which means it is about to get very busy around here. Wait, its already busy around here.
Hmmm....
***Not sure why the post is in two different colors.
***Not sure why the post is in two different colors.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
~Ow, Ow, Ow, Ow...... Abbie and I did 30 minutes of Pilates yesterday and it chewed me up and spit me out and then ran over me. Of course Abbie is bouncing around like nothing happened. The joy of being 10 and in wonderful shape I guess....
We are going to attempt it again this afternoon. If you don't hear from me for a couple of days you will know why. If I never post again its because my fingers still aren't working. Yes, even my fingers were sore.
~I made this recipe last night and delicisio!!!! Of course I make a delicious recipe right after I worked like a mad dog doing exercise. Very hard to not give in to seconds, or thirds.... I'm just gonna be my bossy self and tell you that you need to try it!
~If I survive my second round of Pilates I plan on making strawberry jam this afternoon. Yum...
~This momma is longing for spring break. We are taking ours the second week of April after the boys complete their SATs. I have some closets that need cleaning out terribly bad . Yep, that's what I am looking forward to.
~Anyone else out there getting a little scared about their children starting high school next year? Oh, the decisions and all the questions.....
We are going to attempt it again this afternoon. If you don't hear from me for a couple of days you will know why. If I never post again its because my fingers still aren't working. Yes, even my fingers were sore.
~I made this recipe last night and delicisio!!!! Of course I make a delicious recipe right after I worked like a mad dog doing exercise. Very hard to not give in to seconds, or thirds.... I'm just gonna be my bossy self and tell you that you need to try it!
Source: theenchantedcook.blogspot.com via Cathy on Pinterest
~If I survive my second round of Pilates I plan on making strawberry jam this afternoon. Yum...
~This momma is longing for spring break. We are taking ours the second week of April after the boys complete their SATs. I have some closets that need cleaning out terribly bad . Yep, that's what I am looking forward to.
~Anyone else out there getting a little scared about their children starting high school next year? Oh, the decisions and all the questions.....
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
S.O.S.?????
Do any readers that are homeschooling moms have any input into Christian Light Education LightPacks?
I am looking into it for a couple of children and was wondering what your thoughts were. I don't know of anyone personally that uses it. Do you?
I am looking into it for a couple of children and was wondering what your thoughts were. I don't know of anyone personally that uses it. Do you?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
If You Give A MamaHen A Sharpie....
Betty, from Little Farm in the Big City, has the cutest little meme (I guess that it is what it is) going and I asked if I could participate. She kindly said yes, but before you read mine, you need to go read hers first. Go ahead. Its really really funny and good.
Told ya.
So now I present to you my version. Which I worked and worked on and never could even get close to Betty's. Oh well.
If You Give A MamaHen A Sharpie:
If you give a MamaHen a Sharpie she will sit and look at that lovely pointed little tip which has never been marred and pushed into a piece of paper till it is a distant memory of the tip it once was...
After looking at the tip for awhile she will decide something needs labeling..
The whole schoolroom hallway (yep, I don't have a room, I have a hallway) ! Yes! The whole school hallway! If you're gonna label you might as well label big, right?
So she proceeds to pull everything out of the shelves and cabinets and decides that she needs to arrange all the books and papers by child, grade, and all the things that she is going to save for James. They all need to be labeled in cute little bins with matching labels. Because if they are going to be pushed to the back of the cabinet never to be seen again until James is about two years past the appropriate age to use them then they need to be in cute labeled bins.
So MamaHen leaves the scattered disorganized mess and loads up the children to "run to Target" to find some cute little bins. While there she remembers she needs milk, bread, toilet paper, and good grief, a Caramello bar would help me have the energy to finish the job at home, right?
She comes home with her cute bins and sits down in the middle of the mess and looks around in despair. She realizes she can't finish this big job before it is time to cook supper. And she starts sneezing ferociously because of all the dust that has been stirred up. And a heavy feeling starts to permeate her being as all the guilt feelings she has about not being a good housekeeper start to weigh upon her spirit.
And she calls Rebekah who reminds her she is doing the best she can and that is all she can do and that I will never get these times back with my children and I need to focus on them and all that stuff she says to cheer me up. And I start to think about the grace of God and I remember that song we sang in church and maybe I need to look it up on YouTube and then I will feel better.
Two hours later (ahem), Mark calls to say he is on his way home and I run back to the bins. I decide that really, they don't HAVE to be labeled by grade and child, and maybe I could just put the books back in the bins and do a "deep sort" later.
I get them in the bins and reach for my Sharpie to add the pretty little label and it is nowhere to be found. Upon further interrogation it is realized my Sharpie has been being used by the five year old all day to decorate Sadie the Dog. And the pretty little tip is marred beyond use.
And I vow never to start a big project again.
Until next time when the Siren Song of the Sharpie pulls me over to that aisle in WalMart.
Told ya.
So now I present to you my version. Which I worked and worked on and never could even get close to Betty's. Oh well.
If You Give A MamaHen A Sharpie:
If you give a MamaHen a Sharpie she will sit and look at that lovely pointed little tip which has never been marred and pushed into a piece of paper till it is a distant memory of the tip it once was...
After looking at the tip for awhile she will decide something needs labeling..
The whole schoolroom hallway (yep, I don't have a room, I have a hallway) ! Yes! The whole school hallway! If you're gonna label you might as well label big, right?
So she proceeds to pull everything out of the shelves and cabinets and decides that she needs to arrange all the books and papers by child, grade, and all the things that she is going to save for James. They all need to be labeled in cute little bins with matching labels. Because if they are going to be pushed to the back of the cabinet never to be seen again until James is about two years past the appropriate age to use them then they need to be in cute labeled bins.
So MamaHen leaves the scattered disorganized mess and loads up the children to "run to Target" to find some cute little bins. While there she remembers she needs milk, bread, toilet paper, and good grief, a Caramello bar would help me have the energy to finish the job at home, right?
She comes home with her cute bins and sits down in the middle of the mess and looks around in despair. She realizes she can't finish this big job before it is time to cook supper. And she starts sneezing ferociously because of all the dust that has been stirred up. And a heavy feeling starts to permeate her being as all the guilt feelings she has about not being a good housekeeper start to weigh upon her spirit.
And she calls Rebekah who reminds her she is doing the best she can and that is all she can do and that I will never get these times back with my children and I need to focus on them and all that stuff she says to cheer me up. And I start to think about the grace of God and I remember that song we sang in church and maybe I need to look it up on YouTube and then I will feel better.
Two hours later (ahem), Mark calls to say he is on his way home and I run back to the bins. I decide that really, they don't HAVE to be labeled by grade and child, and maybe I could just put the books back in the bins and do a "deep sort" later.
I get them in the bins and reach for my Sharpie to add the pretty little label and it is nowhere to be found. Upon further interrogation it is realized my Sharpie has been being used by the five year old all day to decorate Sadie the Dog. And the pretty little tip is marred beyond use.
And I vow never to start a big project again.
Until next time when the Siren Song of the Sharpie pulls me over to that aisle in WalMart.
Friday, February 3, 2012
My New Most Favorite Blog In The Whole Wide World....
(Not that I might be a little overly dramatic about this one, or anything)
Okay, somehow I came across this blog and I laughed and laughed and then I went back and laughed some more.
You know all those Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" posters up on Pinterest? Well, some very smart hilarious woman has made them into Ryan Gosling Homeschool "Hey Girls" and they are very clever and hilarious. My personal favorite so far is the, "Hysterical child on the phone who won't do his math assignment" one. Go ahead, check it out and come back. Cause I have an idea.
~~~~~~
See? Told you they were great.
Now, Ryan is cute and all that, but he doesn't have a thing on my Sweet Hubby. Not a thing.
So, last night I had an idea. I am going to print out pictures of Mark, put these homeschooling quotes on them, laminate them and they are going on my fridge, my planning notebook, my mirror, on the washing machine (cause you know it has a crush on me, right?), wherever I go throughout the day. This way I can oogle my very own-good looking man and laugh.
How about you? Would your hubby make a great homeschooling "Hey Girl" guy?
Okay, somehow I came across this blog and I laughed and laughed and then I went back and laughed some more.
You know all those Ryan Gosling "Hey Girl" posters up on Pinterest? Well, some very smart hilarious woman has made them into Ryan Gosling Homeschool "Hey Girls" and they are very clever and hilarious. My personal favorite so far is the, "Hysterical child on the phone who won't do his math assignment" one. Go ahead, check it out and come back. Cause I have an idea.
~~~~~~
See? Told you they were great.
Now, Ryan is cute and all that, but he doesn't have a thing on my Sweet Hubby. Not a thing.
So, last night I had an idea. I am going to print out pictures of Mark, put these homeschooling quotes on them, laminate them and they are going on my fridge, my planning notebook, my mirror, on the washing machine (cause you know it has a crush on me, right?), wherever I go throughout the day. This way I can oogle my very own-good looking man and laugh.
How about you? Would your hubby make a great homeschooling "Hey Girl" guy?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
{pretty, funny, happy, real}
Funny~Little boys who take care of pretend racoons.
Real~ Schooltime and playtime-both very important for growing little boys.
Pretty-Abbie lined up all the nail polishes getting ready for flip-flop weather!
Happy~ Little boys building a zoo with their Lincoln Logs and a sweet puppy watching.Today I am linking up at Like Mother, Like Daughter to remember the {pretty, funny, happy, real} in my life this week.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Hopping...
Homeschool Hop Button" height="130" width="130">Okay, I have a little secret. Other homeschool moms are about to gasp and get all wide-eyed. I have broken one of Homeschooling Moms cardinal rules~~~
We have been living without a real schedule for about a year now.
And we were good with that until about three weeks ago and a hospital stay and then it all started to unravel--the house, school, outside activities--all my bearings were gone. My mind was cluttered and bogged down trying to think for everyone and still get my mom duties done. Oh, and add in a new puppy and well, it all went downhill very quickly.
My Sweet Hubby suggested very gently, cause I was fragile and he knew I was gonna blow or give up very soon, that I might need to try something different. Cause you know, doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result is um, insanity. He didn't say it just like that by the way :). He somehow can say things in a nice way in which I can't.
So, yesterday I spent about two hours working on a routine for us. I have four kiddos home all day, various animals, and two in-laws that live next to us. Makes for a lot of fun, but you know, a lot of chaos can ensue on a daily basis. And thats okay. For Mark and me, the most important things the kids can be learning is that life is not all about them, that service to their family and grandparents is a good thing, and then the practical home skills and book skills they need for their lives. That's the number one reason I love homeschooling-we can do all of that daily! I just needed to manage better. That's really what it boiled down to.
So, there were a lot of hmmms and haaaas when I introduced our new routine this morning. One of them might have rolled their eyes, but we had a "Come To The Altar" meeting and that took care of that. Daddy will be home tonight to back me up and take care of any other resistance that may occur.
I even wrote down a routine for me because I was forgetting so many things and at the end of the day I was kicking myself-like reading to James. I read soooo much to the three big kids. We could all climb on top of the couch together and snuggle and read. With three big kids I have not been doing that with James. And that is very important to me so I wrote it down on my list.
Now, I've been doing this schooling thing for 8 years now and I KNOW its not going to go perfect everyday, or even anyday, but at least I can look at the list now and know which direction we need to be going in.
Its in pencil by the way. That way I can start adding to the chore list if someone complains. I know, mean mom......
Be sure and go visit over at Hip Homeschool Moms for more link-ups.
Oh, they are having give-aways this week also!
Friday, January 13, 2012
Friday Morning...
Well, knock me over with a feather...
James did not cry one tear and he didn't fight at all. He went straight back without me and was out in 20 minutes. That never happens.
The assistant was bragging on him when she brought him out and I told her I had been praying for James all morning and when he was back there. She rolled her eyes at me. Oh well, doesn't matter. Well, it does matter. She matters. And maybe I can talk more with her next time. Ya'll can pray for me that I will open my big mouth and actually talk about the things that matter with people.
On the school front...Square Roots~~not as bad as I remembered. Spelling is going about like I thought it would for Matt and Abbie. James has an attention span of about 10 seconds so not a lot is getting done with him. He likes to sit down with me and start the workbooks, but finishing the page, ah, not so much. But the lure of a sticker on the page is doing its job, so far, and we are moving ahead. I just hope I don't run out of stickers anytime soon.
Mark and the big boys are heading out tomorrow morning to freeze their keisters off on a Scout camping trip. Abbie is having a friend spend the night and I hope to catch up on some things since I have been out of commission for awhile. Yesterday I felt tired, but didn't hurt all day. Yea! Last night I cooked a whole meal and tonight I'm using the leftovers to make a big pot of veggie-beef soup. With cornbread of course.
Don't forget you can enter my cookbook giveaway here.
The next few weekends are going to be pretty packed for us so I am looking forward to a low-key one starting today about 5:00. Today school calls and taking Sylvester the cat back to the vet. Oh, the laundry, I think the machine has a crush on me cause it keeps beckoning me out there.
James did not cry one tear and he didn't fight at all. He went straight back without me and was out in 20 minutes. That never happens.
The assistant was bragging on him when she brought him out and I told her I had been praying for James all morning and when he was back there. She rolled her eyes at me. Oh well, doesn't matter. Well, it does matter. She matters. And maybe I can talk more with her next time. Ya'll can pray for me that I will open my big mouth and actually talk about the things that matter with people.
On the school front...Square Roots~~not as bad as I remembered. Spelling is going about like I thought it would for Matt and Abbie. James has an attention span of about 10 seconds so not a lot is getting done with him. He likes to sit down with me and start the workbooks, but finishing the page, ah, not so much. But the lure of a sticker on the page is doing its job, so far, and we are moving ahead. I just hope I don't run out of stickers anytime soon.
Mark and the big boys are heading out tomorrow morning to freeze their keisters off on a Scout camping trip. Abbie is having a friend spend the night and I hope to catch up on some things since I have been out of commission for awhile. Yesterday I felt tired, but didn't hurt all day. Yea! Last night I cooked a whole meal and tonight I'm using the leftovers to make a big pot of veggie-beef soup. With cornbread of course.
Don't forget you can enter my cookbook giveaway here.
The next few weekends are going to be pretty packed for us so I am looking forward to a low-key one starting today about 5:00. Today school calls and taking Sylvester the cat back to the vet. Oh, the laundry, I think the machine has a crush on me cause it keeps beckoning me out there.
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