A Shoebox Playhouse
A shoebox makes a great dollhouse room for little people and furniture. You can even cut some windows and doors an add fabric scraps as rugs and blankets. Have fun!
We've moved... come and join us!
14 years ago
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
A Birthday for Little Bear
My little guy is five years old!
Happy Fifth Birthday to Nicholas Martin, my child who sent my blood pressure skyrocketing while still in utero, granting his tired mama a month of bed rest.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my little guy who sings through his day, joyful songs when he's happy and the blues when he is not.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my silly little boo who loves secrets and cuddly stuffed puppies and duplo robots.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my little bear.
Happy Fifth Birthday to Nicholas Martin, my child who sent my blood pressure skyrocketing while still in utero, granting his tired mama a month of bed rest.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my little guy who sings through his day, joyful songs when he's happy and the blues when he is not.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my silly little boo who loves secrets and cuddly stuffed puppies and duplo robots.
Happy Fifth Birthday to my little bear.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
A week in pictures
Nicholas had fun making "boats" out of autumn spice dough (found in the Seasons of Joy AUTUMN activity guide.)
Daniel, coloring and then eating crayons. Good things those beeswax block crayons are all natural!
Michael, reading Tuck Everlasting.
I decluttered and organized my baking cupboard.
Daddy's name day cake and some fresh baked bread.
Daniel is welcomed into a time-honored family tradition.
Nicholas's nursery rhyme this week was "Old Mother Hubbard," so he made some doggy ears.
And a doggy puppet out of a triangle.
After reading "Envisioning a New Balanced Meal" in this month's Mothering, we created our own replica of the different food families.
And finally, we updated our nature table. It turned out a little dark, and our pumpkin guy is missing his hat, but goodbye mermaids, hello autumn!This week's feasts and festivals, plans and projects
Monday, September 29:
Nicholas turns 5 today! It's also Michael's nameday and the Feast of St. Michael and all angels. Michael has soccer and scouts today. He also has orchestra all week, and I'm going to focus on getting the porch cleaned. Daddy's taking off today as well.
Tuesday, September 30:
"All" we have today is Katie Grace's ballet class.
Wednesday, October 1:
St. Therese of Lisieux. Oh, how I love the Little Flower! Katie Grace and Nick have soccer today.
Thursday, October 2:
Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Michael has chime choir and Katie Grace has Brownies.
Friday, October 3:
Nicholas's birthday party! We're having it at the church so Daddy can poke his head in before and after the wedding rehearsal. It's been crazy busy with weddings lately. It's going to be pretty simple, mostly family and one or two friends. We also have co-op today.
Saturday, October 4:
St. Francis of Assisi, one of my favorites! Soccer games in the morning and, if I can stand it, I'll take the kids to the Insect Fair afterwards.
Sunday, October 5:
Harvest Home at church today! Choir in the evening, and that's it.
Nicholas turns 5 today! It's also Michael's nameday and the Feast of St. Michael and all angels. Michael has soccer and scouts today. He also has orchestra all week, and I'm going to focus on getting the porch cleaned. Daddy's taking off today as well.
Tuesday, September 30:
"All" we have today is Katie Grace's ballet class.
Wednesday, October 1:
St. Therese of Lisieux. Oh, how I love the Little Flower! Katie Grace and Nick have soccer today.
Thursday, October 2:
Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Michael has chime choir and Katie Grace has Brownies.
Friday, October 3:
Nicholas's birthday party! We're having it at the church so Daddy can poke his head in before and after the wedding rehearsal. It's been crazy busy with weddings lately. It's going to be pretty simple, mostly family and one or two friends. We also have co-op today.
Saturday, October 4:
St. Francis of Assisi, one of my favorites! Soccer games in the morning and, if I can stand it, I'll take the kids to the Insect Fair afterwards.
Sunday, October 5:
Harvest Home at church today! Choir in the evening, and that's it.
Weekend Round-Up!
Simplicity and grace. That's going to be my theme this week. This morning in Sunday School, we talked about some of the roots of anger. One that came up over and over again was the Almighty Schedule, and how upset we get when something forces us to deviate from it. And I was convicted of the many times my so-called simple life ends up being just another to-do list, and how often I get frustrated and angry with my children for interfering with my plans to create a perfect childhood for them.
Here are some ideas that might help.
1.Simple Homeschooling: Check out these awesome cookie maps over at Little Home, Big Love. The farm maps are great, but I'm thinking Michael might enjoy making a Pennsylvania map as a sweet way of hitting our PA history requirement. And Montessori Mama made this simple but lovely book, Helping Hands. The Crafty Crow linked to this wonderful lesson on Klimt's "Tree of Life".
2. Simplicity in the Kitchen: Mmmmm.... make your own granola bars! Carrie's Cooking shows you how. The spicy chicken n' bean skillet looks good too! Passionate Homemaking has some great tips for simplifying canning.
3. Simple and Frugal: I'm a sucker for free printables. Here are a whole bunch from Tipnut. The Crafty Crow has some vintage lacing cards you can print out for free as well.
4. Meal Planning Made Simple: But First We Have Coffee has a great list of what The Basic Pantry needs. And if your budget's tight (or you want to save some money so you can stock your pantry!) visit Money Saving Mom for tips to live on beans and rice for a week... without losing your mind. You can also pop on over to The "Cent"sible Sawyer and check out her meal planning video tutorial.
5. Frugal Gifts: If you're looking for some frugal gifts, how about this oven mitt pattern from Skip to My Lou? Or how about this simple but sweet Hedgehog and Baby Softie from Molly Chicken?
6. Simple Ways to Bling Your Blog: Split Decisionz was busy this week, making free blog buttons, found here and here. She's got a wealth of other information, freebies, and tutorials as well, so check her out!
7. Simplify Your Computer: Declutter your computer using tips from I'm An Organizing Junkie.
8. Simple Ways to Help Your Budget: Here are some easy tips to lower your heating bill this winter, brought to you by beingfrugal.net. And here are some tips from Frugal Families on creating a rich enviroment for kids, whatever your budget.
9. It's Simply Autumn: These beeswax-preserved leaves from Resurrection Fern are just lovely. Then you can jump over here and whittle some gnomes for your nature table as well. Happy Hearts at Home has some lovely free autumn homeschooling resources. Tree Hugging Family has some recycled autumn kids' crafts to enjoy.
10. A Simple Way to Make a Difference: Tree Hugging Family has some great info on Blog Action Day. All you have to do is register and commit to blogging about poverty on October 15.
And finally, I would encourage everyone to read this simply wonderful and thought-provoking article from Simply Home Remedies: Flu Shots... Yes or No?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Magic Cabin Coupon Code
They miss me. I know because they told me so in an email and sent me this code:
MC2F (expires 10/2/08)
Go visit Magic Cabin. Maybe they miss you too.
MC2F (expires 10/2/08)
Go visit Magic Cabin. Maybe they miss you too.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Free Shipping at Catholic Company!
Free shipping through Sunday-- just use the promotional code "FREE" at checkout.
They have some great sales going on right now, too.
CatholicCompany.com
They have some great sales going on right now, too.
CatholicCompany.com
So, what would you do with my little bear?
Pour yourself a cup of tea; this might take a few minutes.
My little guy, Nicholas will be five on Monday. He's a really immature little guy (which I'm fine with). He's impulsive, he doesn't connect actions with consequences, he's extremely mercurial in his moods and reactions. He's a bright little guy--he has a great vocabulary, awesome imagination, is very musical, and is really good with spatial things. He also has a slight speech articulation problem, and qualified for services with the IU. He's since "graduated" from early intervention, but still can be difficult to understand at times, especially when he really gets going and talks quickly. This gets hairy with the whole advanced vocabulary thing--people just can't decode when he's talking about something unexpected, like "Into the Woods".
He comes by his small motor issues honestly. My husband has dyspraxia, which is a motor planning disorder. My nine-year-old Michael never did end up with a diagnosis, but also had a significant motor skill delay. Frankly, I think he is dyspraxic as well. He was in OT when he was enrolled in school, and subsequently discharged, but still has spatial planning issues (with math, he'll do one problem literally right on top of the other and never notice). We muddle through though, and he's fine. He's actually taking cello and doing great, and that's definitely a challenge to his motor skills. I try to give him opportunities to strengthen his motor skills--for example, I enrolled him in a yummy cake decorating class two summers ago--but I don't go out of my way to do OT at home, because it really frustrates him. Some of you may recall that when I first started homeschooling Michael, we were pretty strictly Waldorf, and all that knitting and form drawing made him so annoyed and angry that I ended up putting him in public school for two years.
Anyway, back to Nicholas. He is having small motor issues as well, and the doc thinks I should get him evaluated. It's not covered by insurance, and I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile to pay OOP or not. I have graduate level work in early childhood ed, and obviously, he's behind. He can't write his name, can't copy shapes, and can draw only a very rudimentary face. He wants to "do kindergarten" but it's hard since he can't really do any coloring, writing, etc.
I do try to give him lots of playdough, small manipulatives, opportunities to color and work with beeswax, etc. I'm afraid to do fingerknitting because it was such a negative experience with Michael.
I guess I'm just wondering what to do. Are their books or sites for doing OT at home? Should I just suck it up and pay for an evaluation and possibly occupational therapy? Just ride it out and see what happens?
My little guy, Nicholas will be five on Monday. He's a really immature little guy (which I'm fine with). He's impulsive, he doesn't connect actions with consequences, he's extremely mercurial in his moods and reactions. He's a bright little guy--he has a great vocabulary, awesome imagination, is very musical, and is really good with spatial things. He also has a slight speech articulation problem, and qualified for services with the IU. He's since "graduated" from early intervention, but still can be difficult to understand at times, especially when he really gets going and talks quickly. This gets hairy with the whole advanced vocabulary thing--people just can't decode when he's talking about something unexpected, like "Into the Woods".
He comes by his small motor issues honestly. My husband has dyspraxia, which is a motor planning disorder. My nine-year-old Michael never did end up with a diagnosis, but also had a significant motor skill delay. Frankly, I think he is dyspraxic as well. He was in OT when he was enrolled in school, and subsequently discharged, but still has spatial planning issues (with math, he'll do one problem literally right on top of the other and never notice). We muddle through though, and he's fine. He's actually taking cello and doing great, and that's definitely a challenge to his motor skills. I try to give him opportunities to strengthen his motor skills--for example, I enrolled him in a yummy cake decorating class two summers ago--but I don't go out of my way to do OT at home, because it really frustrates him. Some of you may recall that when I first started homeschooling Michael, we were pretty strictly Waldorf, and all that knitting and form drawing made him so annoyed and angry that I ended up putting him in public school for two years.
Anyway, back to Nicholas. He is having small motor issues as well, and the doc thinks I should get him evaluated. It's not covered by insurance, and I'm not sure if it would be worthwhile to pay OOP or not. I have graduate level work in early childhood ed, and obviously, he's behind. He can't write his name, can't copy shapes, and can draw only a very rudimentary face. He wants to "do kindergarten" but it's hard since he can't really do any coloring, writing, etc.
I do try to give him lots of playdough, small manipulatives, opportunities to color and work with beeswax, etc. I'm afraid to do fingerknitting because it was such a negative experience with Michael.
I guess I'm just wondering what to do. Are their books or sites for doing OT at home? Should I just suck it up and pay for an evaluation and possibly occupational therapy? Just ride it out and see what happens?
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Get your adverbs here!
Michael has been reviewing adverbs this week. Besides some fun main lesson book entries, here are some other things we've looked at:
Lolly, Lolly, Lolly
Ly from The Electric Company (Boy, this brought back memories!)
Lolly, Lolly, Lolly
Ly from The Electric Company (Boy, this brought back memories!)
Something for Nothing
Now Entering Mommyhood is giving away a baby blanket from Saari Designs. Check it out here! If you're in need of a little pampering yourself, she also has a tea giveaway going on.
Over at Oh How Lovely there is an awesome giveaway for Kerry Beary's fabulous retro prints. I especially like the alphabet prints in her etsy shop.
Have a pet in your life? Something Snappy is giving away the "purrfect" present for your kitty.
Katydid and Kid is giving away a beautiful market basket. Go check out my fellow Pennsylvanian!
Got Bob? Forgetfulone is giving away a Bob the Builder Can-Co Zoo computer game. Enter here!
If you have a little girly girl in your life, she'll love the personalized silver barrette that From One Mom to Another is giving away. Heck, I wouldn't mind having one of these myself.
If my recent links to cloth diaper info intrigued you, you can enter Berry Sweet Pick's Fuzzi Bunz giveaway! I have two Fuzzi Bunz in my rotation I bought when Michael was one, and now, nine years later, they're still working!
Mommy's Idea is giving away the sweetest little customized circular pendants. You can also enter to win a book from 1-2-3, Get Organized!
You can get a whole bunch of yummy HonestTea for kids from Mama Manifesto. I can vouch for the yumminess. My kids love these!
Centsible Mommy has a giveaway too- a $30 gift certificate to Wild Dill, and boy do they have some cute stuff.
See Kai Run makes the dearest little shoes, and Sassyfrazz is giving a pair away here!
Over at Oh How Lovely there is an awesome giveaway for Kerry Beary's fabulous retro prints. I especially like the alphabet prints in her etsy shop.
Have a pet in your life? Something Snappy is giving away the "purrfect" present for your kitty.
Katydid and Kid is giving away a beautiful market basket. Go check out my fellow Pennsylvanian!
Got Bob? Forgetfulone is giving away a Bob the Builder Can-Co Zoo computer game. Enter here!
If you have a little girly girl in your life, she'll love the personalized silver barrette that From One Mom to Another is giving away. Heck, I wouldn't mind having one of these myself.
If my recent links to cloth diaper info intrigued you, you can enter Berry Sweet Pick's Fuzzi Bunz giveaway! I have two Fuzzi Bunz in my rotation I bought when Michael was one, and now, nine years later, they're still working!
Mommy's Idea is giving away the sweetest little customized circular pendants. You can also enter to win a book from 1-2-3, Get Organized!
You can get a whole bunch of yummy HonestTea for kids from Mama Manifesto. I can vouch for the yumminess. My kids love these!
Centsible Mommy has a giveaway too- a $30 gift certificate to Wild Dill, and boy do they have some cute stuff.
See Kai Run makes the dearest little shoes, and Sassyfrazz is giving a pair away here!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
A Day in the Life...
Happy Tuesday!
We all got off to a sleepy start. Daniel had an absolutely miserable night. I actually don't think I've ever had a baby who had such bad nights.
Luckily I had oatmeal soaking for breakfast and the diapers were washed. While Chip finished up the oatmeal, I hung out the diapers.
Then, after breakfast cleanup and morning routines, the fun starts. I brewed some tea and then we had devotions. This week we're learning about treating one another with love and respect. This was followed up by the next section in our music book. We're learning about vibrations and sound.
Michael and Katie Grace both wrote in their journals while Nicholas, Daniel, and I read Old Mother Hubbard and some other nursery rhymes.
Katie Grace started on handwriting while Michael and I made corrections on yesterday's math chapter review. I feel like we're doing a lot better with making corrections this year. Then, while Michael worked on the test, Katie Grace and I worked some more with place value and comparing numbers. While she did her exercises, Nicholas and I explored larger and smaller. We enjoyed reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Everyone was occupied, so I made the cake for Daddy's name day. It was actually yesterday, but better late than never, right? Then Katie Grace brought her reading into the kitchen. Michael worked on his handwriting and geography, and somewhere in there they both did their Calculadder as well. Oddly enough, they both really enjoy the timed math drills.
Spelling was next--Michael wrote his words in sentences, and Katie Grace spelled hers in finger paint. Then Michael worked on some writing and did some free reading, and Katie Grace listened to a Jolly Robin story and did a dictation. I made bread.
We finished with morning school around 11:15. Even after morning chores, the kids had time to play outside.
Lunch--Leftover Cafe--followed by kitchen clean up, and then we read a chapter in Augustine Came to Kent. It's not my favorite read aloud ever. The wordiness is a bit ridiculous. Daniel nursed to sleep while I was reading, so when we were done I put him upstairs, resisting the urge to curl up with him.
When I came down, Michael chose a science assignment. He's exploring his fingerprints this week. Katie Grace looked through the art books to choose a project. Then Michael planned his art project--making a comic strip--while Katie Grace drew a picture of how animals and humans coexist. She drew herself planting a butterfly garden. Story of the World was the story of Mohammad. Everyone had to chill a little when the baby woke up extremely grumpy. We did Latin while he nursed himself into a better mood. When he was less crabby, Michael did map work and Katie Grace colored a picture of a Bedouin.
Then it was clean up, and school was officially over.
Screen time followed--Michael has discovered Toppstown, and Katie Grace and Nicholas watched an episode of Pinky Dinky Doo while I started dinner. Aftwards, Nick and I planned his birthday party a bit and Katie Grace got ready for ballet. While she was gone, Michael read and played outside, and Nicholas and I made doggy ears and an Old Mother Hubbard cupboard and played Go Fish and Doggie, Doggie Where Is Your Bone. One of the things I love about homeschooling is how the day isn't over when the school day is finished.
I hope you had a lovely day as well!
We all got off to a sleepy start. Daniel had an absolutely miserable night. I actually don't think I've ever had a baby who had such bad nights.
Luckily I had oatmeal soaking for breakfast and the diapers were washed. While Chip finished up the oatmeal, I hung out the diapers.
Then, after breakfast cleanup and morning routines, the fun starts. I brewed some tea and then we had devotions. This week we're learning about treating one another with love and respect. This was followed up by the next section in our music book. We're learning about vibrations and sound.
Michael and Katie Grace both wrote in their journals while Nicholas, Daniel, and I read Old Mother Hubbard and some other nursery rhymes.
Katie Grace started on handwriting while Michael and I made corrections on yesterday's math chapter review. I feel like we're doing a lot better with making corrections this year. Then, while Michael worked on the test, Katie Grace and I worked some more with place value and comparing numbers. While she did her exercises, Nicholas and I explored larger and smaller. We enjoyed reading Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Everyone was occupied, so I made the cake for Daddy's name day. It was actually yesterday, but better late than never, right? Then Katie Grace brought her reading into the kitchen. Michael worked on his handwriting and geography, and somewhere in there they both did their Calculadder as well. Oddly enough, they both really enjoy the timed math drills.
Spelling was next--Michael wrote his words in sentences, and Katie Grace spelled hers in finger paint. Then Michael worked on some writing and did some free reading, and Katie Grace listened to a Jolly Robin story and did a dictation. I made bread.
We finished with morning school around 11:15. Even after morning chores, the kids had time to play outside.
Lunch--Leftover Cafe--followed by kitchen clean up, and then we read a chapter in Augustine Came to Kent. It's not my favorite read aloud ever. The wordiness is a bit ridiculous. Daniel nursed to sleep while I was reading, so when we were done I put him upstairs, resisting the urge to curl up with him.
When I came down, Michael chose a science assignment. He's exploring his fingerprints this week. Katie Grace looked through the art books to choose a project. Then Michael planned his art project--making a comic strip--while Katie Grace drew a picture of how animals and humans coexist. She drew herself planting a butterfly garden. Story of the World was the story of Mohammad. Everyone had to chill a little when the baby woke up extremely grumpy. We did Latin while he nursed himself into a better mood. When he was less crabby, Michael did map work and Katie Grace colored a picture of a Bedouin.
Then it was clean up, and school was officially over.
Screen time followed--Michael has discovered Toppstown, and Katie Grace and Nicholas watched an episode of Pinky Dinky Doo while I started dinner. Aftwards, Nick and I planned his birthday party a bit and Katie Grace got ready for ballet. While she was gone, Michael read and played outside, and Nicholas and I made doggy ears and an Old Mother Hubbard cupboard and played Go Fish and Doggie, Doggie Where Is Your Bone. One of the things I love about homeschooling is how the day isn't over when the school day is finished.
I hope you had a lovely day as well!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Menu Plan Monday
Monday
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast
Lunch: Nachos
Dinner: Baked potato bar
Prep: Bake cookies, cake for Daddy's name day, soak oats for breakfast
Tuesday
Breakfast: Soaked oatmeal
Lunch: Sandwiches
Dinner: Taco soup, salad, and fresh bread
Prep: Blender applesauce, bread for dinner
Wednesday
Breakfast: Journeycakes
Lunch: Bellybuttons (tortellini)
Dinner: Sweet and sour meatballs, noodles, snow peas
Prep: Double batch of journey cakes for snacking, double batch of meatballs to freeze
Thursday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with applesauce
Lunch: Sweet tortillas
Dinner: Chicken parmasan, egg noodles, green beans
Friday
Breakfast: Crumb omelet
Lunch: Tuna melts
Dinner: Pizza
Prep: Pizza dough (make extra to freeze), overnight waffle batter
Saturday
Breakfast: Waffles
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Oven-fried chicken, mashed potatoes, peas
Sunday
Breakfast: Fruit and cereal
Lunch: With Grandma and Grandpa!
Dinner: At the church.
Weekend(ish) Round-Up!
I'm so very behind.
One doctor appointment + one photo session + two wedding rehearsals + two weddings + three soccer games + one beginning of children's choir + one confirmation/dinner/youth group combo + one flat tire = CRAZINESS!!!!! (and not much done on the weekend)
But here we are, a day late and several dollars short, soldiering on.
1. Baby Goodness. I've cloth diapered four babies now. And while it's fun to buy the supercute dipes, it doesn't have to be all about consumerism and expense. Check out Tree Hugging Family's entry on DIY Cloth Diapers. Cloth diapers truly are better for baby and the environment, and once you get used to them, they really aren't much more trouble than disposables. Simply Home Remedies also has a tutorial on making fitted dipes.
2. Good Things to Eat. Hmmmm.... what should I make first? Enchilitos or Almost-Nutri-Grain Bars from Carrie's Cooking, Get Rich Slowly's homemade salsa, or the soaked oatmeal breakfast suggested on Passionate Homemaking? Or maybe some homemade chocolate syrup from Simply Home Remedies would cure what ails me.
3. Good Things for Little People. Speaking of cloth diapers, how about making some for your little one's dollies? Skip to My Lou has a tutorial here. Chasing Cheerios had some awesome ideas, as usual: a family memory game and some great shapes to make. And check out the beautiful toys and the autumn felt board Amanda over at A Miracle to Me made for the blessed little ones in her life!
4. Good Things for the Nature Table. I really need to change my nature table. I am ashamed to say there are still mermaids cavorting about seashells. I found inspiration in a new-to-me blog, Resurrection Fern. Check it out! You can knit a forest, wet felt a Cinderella pumpkin, or felt a little tree stump.
5. Good Things for Your Home. The blogosphere was awash with laundry talk this week. Keeping the Castle has a video, "How to Do Laundry." Working Title is figuring out how to be thrifty and save the planet in her laundry room.
6. Good Things for Your Fabric Stash. Is it odd that I rarely sew but still have a fabric stash? Frugal Village wants to help me with my "Sew Much Fabric, Sew Little Time" problem! And if that's not enough, Bohemian Revolution has a list of tutorials from Sew, Mama, Sew.
7. Good Things to Ponder. Starry Sky Ranch shared a great article on "The Montessori Home" (and, as she points out, in easily could apply to the Waldorf home or any other family aspiring to live simply. Zen Habits shares 10 Steps for Overcoming Micro-Addictions-- those annoying little habits that stop you from living the life you want.
8. A Joyful Heart Is Good Medicine. If laughter is good medicine, Cake Wrecks should keep you healthy all winter long. She's been on a roll lately.
9. Good Things for the World. Mom in Madison reminds us that September 21 is the International Day of Peace. This would also be a good time to read Ghandi's 5 teachings to bring about world peace on Zen Habits.
10. Good Things in Your Mailbox. Finally, how cool is this? The Hearts and Trees fall kit: 7 notebooking pages, an art print with corresponding project, and 3 more projects with materials, all for just $11.95 plus shipping. I ordered one and can't wait until it arrives!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
This week's feasts and festivals, plans and projects
Monday, September 22: St. Maurice and his companions: Daddy's name day--he's taking the day off.
And it's the first day of autumn!
Also the first meeting of the homeschool book club at the library. Book: Because of Winn Dixie, and soccer and Scouts in the evening.
We were going to try to go pick green beans today, but I think the day will be packed as is.
Tuesday, September 23: Nothing but ballet today.
Wednesday, September 24: Our Lady of Ransom. Also, two more soccer practices.
Thursday, September 25: Library book sale! Now, to figure out how to get there while Michael is at chime choir...
Friday, September 26: In the morning, Nicholas has his physical and then we're going out to lunch. In the afternoon, Katie Grace is getting her picture taken. In the evening, Chip has another wedding rehearsal.
Saturday, September 27: St. Vincent de Paul. I really wish we had a St. Vinny's shop around here! Soccer and weddings... a typical Saturday!
Sunday, September 28: Church in the morning, choir in the evening.
I'm also hoping to get some shelving for the basement for our food stockpile. I was trying to keep it in the mudroom, but it gets really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter, and the jarred stuff pops its lids. So, I'm hoping to get stuff moved down and the mudroom cleaned up.
And it's the first day of autumn!
Also the first meeting of the homeschool book club at the library. Book: Because of Winn Dixie, and soccer and Scouts in the evening.
We were going to try to go pick green beans today, but I think the day will be packed as is.
Tuesday, September 23: Nothing but ballet today.
Wednesday, September 24: Our Lady of Ransom. Also, two more soccer practices.
Thursday, September 25: Library book sale! Now, to figure out how to get there while Michael is at chime choir...
Friday, September 26: In the morning, Nicholas has his physical and then we're going out to lunch. In the afternoon, Katie Grace is getting her picture taken. In the evening, Chip has another wedding rehearsal.
Saturday, September 27: St. Vincent de Paul. I really wish we had a St. Vinny's shop around here! Soccer and weddings... a typical Saturday!
Sunday, September 28: Church in the morning, choir in the evening.
I'm also hoping to get some shelving for the basement for our food stockpile. I was trying to keep it in the mudroom, but it gets really hot in the summer and really cold in the winter, and the jarred stuff pops its lids. So, I'm hoping to get stuff moved down and the mudroom cleaned up.
Top Ten Signs You Listen to a Lot of Musicals in Your Home
1. You sing "Into the seat you go again, you have to every now and then!" when putting your baby in the mini-van.
2. When one child gets sent to time out, the other starts singing "No one mourns the wicked."
3. When Daddy goes to work, everyone breaks into an impromptu rendition of the Goodbye chorus from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
4. You can't bake cookies without listening to "Eating Cookies" from A Year with Frog and Toad.
5. You celebrate Stephen Sondheim's birthday as a family.
6. Ditto Rogers. Ditto Hammerstein.
7. Your kids saw their first musical before they saw their first movie.
8. When your toddler says "No!" he follows it up by singing "And that's my new philosophy!"
9. You catch your kids singing "We could light the candle" while messing around with the Advent wreath. Later they're on the table singing "La vie boheme!"
10. You're pretty sure baby number four was the direct result of scoring front row tickets to Wicked.
2. When one child gets sent to time out, the other starts singing "No one mourns the wicked."
3. When Daddy goes to work, everyone breaks into an impromptu rendition of the Goodbye chorus from 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.
4. You can't bake cookies without listening to "Eating Cookies" from A Year with Frog and Toad.
5. You celebrate Stephen Sondheim's birthday as a family.
6. Ditto Rogers. Ditto Hammerstein.
7. Your kids saw their first musical before they saw their first movie.
8. When your toddler says "No!" he follows it up by singing "And that's my new philosophy!"
9. You catch your kids singing "We could light the candle" while messing around with the Advent wreath. Later they're on the table singing "La vie boheme!"
10. You're pretty sure baby number four was the direct result of scoring front row tickets to Wicked.
God loves whiners.
The readings this morning at church really resonated with me.
In the first reading, Jonah, that world class whiner, sat under a tree and moped. Here was a guy on an important mission from God. He rejected the Lord's message and got gulped down by a whale. He repented, and was puked back up. Then when he went to Ninevah he just absolutely couldn't stand to see the Ninevites receive God's blessing after they repented. Sort of like my kids respond when one feels the other was not properly punished for some perceived misbehavior or other.
In the Gospel, Jesus told the parables of the workers. You remember, the ones who agreed to be paid a fair wage for a day's work, and then grumbled when the latecomers took home the same pay packet? You could almost hear them whining "But... but... it's not faaaaaiiiiirrrrr!" Again, it resonated.
Chip chose to focus his sermon on how God turns the world upside down-- mercy instead of punishment, gentleness instead of judgment, those who should come last being jumped to the front of the line.
I, on the other hand, would have taken a different tact.
As I listened to the readings, I found myself sympathizing with God, and realizing how very often I fall short of the Lord I am called to follow. The Psalm response--The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love--convicted me, because while I'd like to believe that the love for my family is steadfast, I know in my heart how quick I am to anger.
I find it beautiful that one of the ways God chooses to reveal Himself is as a parent. And I look at myself and realize that, while I am called to mother my children in the same way He mothers me, I am more often like the whining child, the whinging worker, who wants everything to be fair, and everyone to be punished... except, of course, for me. And I am so thankful for His example, and that of His Blessed Mother, His steadfast love and great mercy.
In the first reading, Jonah, that world class whiner, sat under a tree and moped. Here was a guy on an important mission from God. He rejected the Lord's message and got gulped down by a whale. He repented, and was puked back up. Then when he went to Ninevah he just absolutely couldn't stand to see the Ninevites receive God's blessing after they repented. Sort of like my kids respond when one feels the other was not properly punished for some perceived misbehavior or other.
In the Gospel, Jesus told the parables of the workers. You remember, the ones who agreed to be paid a fair wage for a day's work, and then grumbled when the latecomers took home the same pay packet? You could almost hear them whining "But... but... it's not faaaaaiiiiirrrrr!" Again, it resonated.
Chip chose to focus his sermon on how God turns the world upside down-- mercy instead of punishment, gentleness instead of judgment, those who should come last being jumped to the front of the line.
I, on the other hand, would have taken a different tact.
As I listened to the readings, I found myself sympathizing with God, and realizing how very often I fall short of the Lord I am called to follow. The Psalm response--The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love--convicted me, because while I'd like to believe that the love for my family is steadfast, I know in my heart how quick I am to anger.
I find it beautiful that one of the ways God chooses to reveal Himself is as a parent. And I look at myself and realize that, while I am called to mother my children in the same way He mothers me, I am more often like the whining child, the whinging worker, who wants everything to be fair, and everyone to be punished... except, of course, for me. And I am so thankful for His example, and that of His Blessed Mother, His steadfast love and great mercy.
Friday, September 19, 2008
From my notebook...
Pizza Dough(Makes 2 12-inch pizzas)
4 cups all-purpose flour (plus a little more to coat the bowl)
1/2 ounce yeast
2 tsp coarse salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1. Measure the flour onto a clean work surface and make a well in the center. Dissolve the yeast in a bowl with 3/4 cup of lukewarm (baby bath temp) water. Place the yeast, salt, and olive oil in the well and, with a fork, work into the flour. Add more lukewarm water, as needed to make the dough elastic.
2. Dust a large bowl with flour. Place the dough in the bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled, about 2 hours.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Pizza Box Portfolio
Pizza Box PortfoliosWednesday, September 17, 2008
Jackson Pollock, eat your heart out!
The other day, we looked at some of Jackson Pollock's art. This web site had some good information. We also really enjoyed watching this video:
The really got into it after a while. Unfortunately I didn't get a great picture of the art because our lilac was being very shadowy.
And this is what babies do while their big brothers and sister paint-- play ball-ball!
This afternoon, we decided to let the paint fly. The only rule: NO FLINGING PAINT AT THE WASH ON THE LINE!!!
I love this picture of Michael and Katie Grace together, not killing each other. DOH! Forgot the smocks!
OK, smocks on. Nicholas sort of flitted in and out-- fling a little paint, ride a little trike...
I love this picture of Michael and Katie Grace together, not killing each other. DOH! Forgot the smocks!
OK, smocks on. Nicholas sort of flitted in and out-- fling a little paint, ride a little trike...
The really got into it after a while. Unfortunately I didn't get a great picture of the art because our lilac was being very shadowy.
And this is what babies do while their big brothers and sister paint-- play ball-ball!From my notebook...
Fall Leaf MobileHave the children collect colorful fall leaves on a nature walk. After they've been collected, press them between pieces of wax paper. Punch a hole in the wax paper leaves and tie them with string of various lengths. Tie the string to the holes you punched in the circular strip.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
A Day in the Life...
I haven't done one of these yet this year.
We got off to a sluggish start this morning because two of boys stayed up watching the Eagles game.
Woke up, put the diapers in the wash, tidied the kitchen. Was about to start breakfast when the baby woke up. Fell asleep again nursing the baby. Chip ended up making breakfast.
After I showered, I tried on my new Enwrapture skirts, but then realized I had no tops to go with them. Changed. Got Chip to hang out the diapers while I started school with the kids. We are learning about Jackson Pollock for art appreciation.
We said goodbye to Daddy. I forgot to do devotions--DOH!--and instead we started on math. Did Katie Grace's lesson first (finding the missing addend) while Michael worked on geography and handwriting. Then Nicholas shoved his book at me, so I did a lesson with him while Michael and Katie Grace worked on their own. Then Michael and I corrected yesterday's work and did today's lesson (three and four digit subtraction with regrouping). Katie Grace was still working on her lesson, Nicholas was playing robot duplos, and Michael was doing his math on the sofa. Daniel was playing under the table, and it was at this point I spilled my tea. On his head. Changed Daniel. Cleaned the mess. Sniffed Daniel's head, which now smelled like TAZO "Awake". Thank goodness I drink my tea iced.
Katie Grace was being really pokey with math. We worked on it together a bit while Michael finished his and Nicholas played "Count and Build." I had index cards with numerals one through ten on them. He would pull a card and then build something with that many blocks. Here's ten!
We got out some pretzels and ate them as the Language Arts Big Fun Hour began. First Michael did spelling while Katie Grace had a reading lesson. Then Michael decided to practice his spelling words by typing them on the computer while Katie Grace and I had spelling. Michael did some writing on his own while I worked with Katie Grace, and then Katie Grace went out front to write her spelling words with sidewalk chalk.
Meanwhile, Nicholas went to town making "bear homes."
At this point, everyone was caught up with handwriting, geography, math, spelling, writing, and reading. I'm not sure when, but at some point they both got their daily geography done and Michael read a chapter of Tuck Everlasting. So they went outside to play. Nicholas, Daniel, and I read a few stories and cuddled and did what passes for circle anymore-- sang some songs and said some nursery rhymes. I was going to clean, but got a phone call from a friend about La Leche League/Homeschool Book Club, so instead I talked on the phone and nursed the baby to sleep. Hung up abruptly when Michael came in crying that he had broken his fingers.
He hadn't.
Put the baby upstairs, made lunch (tostadas), and then we cleaned up. Next we read a chapter from Augustine Came to Kent.
I started Michael on grammar and then Katie Grace and I read some books about whales. By then it was almost 2:00 and time for orchestra.
I dropped Michael off at the school and ran to the bank. Then we stopped at the education store my kids call "The Thomas Store" because of the awesome train table. Left with a little make-your-own board book and a book about cartooning for Michael.
We picked Michael up and came home. We read a small section of Story of the World and then reviewed Latin. We didn't have a whole lot of new stuff today. We ended with science-- Michael finished drawing examples of pattern in nature in his main lesson book, and Katie Grace worked on the first page of her report on whales.
The day was officially over, but the fun never stops. The kids helped me make some bread and some rolls, Daniel managed to put a lid on a Sigg bottle (I was shocked!), and Michael read two more chapters of Tuck Everlasting on his own. When Chip came home, he had just enough time to go apologize to the neighbors because Katie Grace, for reasons known only to her, decided to also practice her spelling words on their front walk, before taking her to ballet.
Oh, and Daniel learned something new today too.
We're so proud. *sniff*
We got off to a sluggish start this morning because two of boys stayed up watching the Eagles game.
Woke up, put the diapers in the wash, tidied the kitchen. Was about to start breakfast when the baby woke up. Fell asleep again nursing the baby. Chip ended up making breakfast.
After I showered, I tried on my new Enwrapture skirts, but then realized I had no tops to go with them. Changed. Got Chip to hang out the diapers while I started school with the kids. We are learning about Jackson Pollock for art appreciation.
We said goodbye to Daddy. I forgot to do devotions--DOH!--and instead we started on math. Did Katie Grace's lesson first (finding the missing addend) while Michael worked on geography and handwriting. Then Nicholas shoved his book at me, so I did a lesson with him while Michael and Katie Grace worked on their own. Then Michael and I corrected yesterday's work and did today's lesson (three and four digit subtraction with regrouping). Katie Grace was still working on her lesson, Nicholas was playing robot duplos, and Michael was doing his math on the sofa. Daniel was playing under the table, and it was at this point I spilled my tea. On his head. Changed Daniel. Cleaned the mess. Sniffed Daniel's head, which now smelled like TAZO "Awake". Thank goodness I drink my tea iced.
Katie Grace was being really pokey with math. We worked on it together a bit while Michael finished his and Nicholas played "Count and Build." I had index cards with numerals one through ten on them. He would pull a card and then build something with that many blocks. Here's ten!
We got out some pretzels and ate them as the Language Arts Big Fun Hour began. First Michael did spelling while Katie Grace had a reading lesson. Then Michael decided to practice his spelling words by typing them on the computer while Katie Grace and I had spelling. Michael did some writing on his own while I worked with Katie Grace, and then Katie Grace went out front to write her spelling words with sidewalk chalk.
Meanwhile, Nicholas went to town making "bear homes."
At this point, everyone was caught up with handwriting, geography, math, spelling, writing, and reading. I'm not sure when, but at some point they both got their daily geography done and Michael read a chapter of Tuck Everlasting. So they went outside to play. Nicholas, Daniel, and I read a few stories and cuddled and did what passes for circle anymore-- sang some songs and said some nursery rhymes. I was going to clean, but got a phone call from a friend about La Leche League/Homeschool Book Club, so instead I talked on the phone and nursed the baby to sleep. Hung up abruptly when Michael came in crying that he had broken his fingers.
He hadn't.
Put the baby upstairs, made lunch (tostadas), and then we cleaned up. Next we read a chapter from Augustine Came to Kent.
I started Michael on grammar and then Katie Grace and I read some books about whales. By then it was almost 2:00 and time for orchestra.
I dropped Michael off at the school and ran to the bank. Then we stopped at the education store my kids call "The Thomas Store" because of the awesome train table. Left with a little make-your-own board book and a book about cartooning for Michael.
We picked Michael up and came home. We read a small section of Story of the World and then reviewed Latin. We didn't have a whole lot of new stuff today. We ended with science-- Michael finished drawing examples of pattern in nature in his main lesson book, and Katie Grace worked on the first page of her report on whales.
The day was officially over, but the fun never stops. The kids helped me make some bread and some rolls, Daniel managed to put a lid on a Sigg bottle (I was shocked!), and Michael read two more chapters of Tuck Everlasting on his own. When Chip came home, he had just enough time to go apologize to the neighbors because Katie Grace, for reasons known only to her, decided to also practice her spelling words on their front walk, before taking her to ballet.
Oh, and Daniel learned something new today too.
We're so proud. *sniff*
Michael funnies (and one from Nicholas)
CHIP (on Sunday School Rally Day, teaching about the good Samaritan): What does your mom or dad say if you have a cut?
MICHAEL: It's just a flesh wound!
~*~*~
MICHAEL (also on Fire Safety Day, when they were taking turns manning the fire hose): What would you do if I ran through that water?
ME: I would punish you severely.
MICHAEL: You've piqued my curiousity.
~*~*~
And this one was from Nicholas. I already put it in the Safety Day post, but it cracks me up.
NICHOLAS (to the firefighter on Safety Day): Does your truck have that thing that goes WHOOOO-HOOOO-HOOO?
FIREFIGHTER: The siren? Yes, that tells traffic to get out of my way.
NICHOLAS: Mama just honks the horn.
MAMA: *hides*
MICHAEL: It's just a flesh wound!
~*~*~
MICHAEL (also on Fire Safety Day, when they were taking turns manning the fire hose): What would you do if I ran through that water?
ME: I would punish you severely.
MICHAEL: You've piqued my curiousity.
~*~*~
And this one was from Nicholas. I already put it in the Safety Day post, but it cracks me up.
NICHOLAS (to the firefighter on Safety Day): Does your truck have that thing that goes WHOOOO-HOOOO-HOOO?
FIREFIGHTER: The siren? Yes, that tells traffic to get out of my way.
NICHOLAS: Mama just honks the horn.
MAMA: *hides*
Monday, September 15, 2008
Mater Dolorosa, ora pro nobis
Holy Mother, imprint deeply upon my heart the wounds of the Crucified.Today was the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. Traditionally, the whole month of September is dedicated to the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What are the seven sorrows?
1. Simeon's prophecy that Mary's own heart would be "pierced by a sword".
2. The Holy Family's flight into Egypt.
3. When the Holy Child was lost in the Temple in Jerusalem.
4. Meeting Jesus on the road to Calvary
5. Standing at the foot of the cross when Christ was crucified
6. Taking Jesus down from the cross
7. Jesus' burial
We talked about Mary's role in God's plan of salvation, and did the craft from Seton's Art 1 for Young Catholics. Michael glued his into his saints' main lesson book, but Katie Grace glued her on a ribbon length to hang in her room. There were more good ideas here.
Father,
as Your Son was raised on the cross,
His mother Mary stood by Him, sharing His sufferings.
May Your Church be united with Christ
in His suffering and death
and so come to share in His rising to new life,
where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
as Your Son was raised on the cross,
His mother Mary stood by Him, sharing His sufferings.
May Your Church be united with Christ
in His suffering and death
and so come to share in His rising to new life,
where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Menu Plan Monday
MONDAY
Breakfast: Sausage and eggs
Lunch: Cheesy Macaroni
Dinner: Amish Preaching Soup and Homemade Bread
Prep: Make bread, soak beans, make tea, make pumpkin bread, bake potatoes for soup
TUESDAY
Breakfast: Oatmeal plus toppings
Lunch: Make-Your-Own Tostadas
Dinner: Baked Potato Soup and Fresh Bread; apple-berry crisp
Prep: Cake for Katie Grace's baptismal anniversary, make bread, make coffee cake for breakfast
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Almond Coffee Cake
Lunch: Potato Soup; cheesy snack
Dinner: Crock-Pot Spaghetti and Salad
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Lunch: Sandwiches/leftovers; elves' bread
Dinner: Inside-Out Ravioli
Prep: Make bread
FRIDAY
Breakfast: French toast
Lunch: Beef and cabbage soup; gingerbread
Dinner: Pizza
Prep: Make pizza dough
SATURDAY
Breakfast: Apple pancakes
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: Pumpkin chili and grilled cheese footballs
SUNDAY
Breakfast: Fruit and cereal
Lunch: Leftovers
Dinner: At church
From my notebook...
Doll LaundromatSaturday, September 13, 2008
Nursery Rhyme Nursery School: Rub-a-Dub-Dub!
Rub-a-dub-dub,
Three men in the tub,
And who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick maker.
Turn them out,
Knaves all three!
Three men in the tub,
And who do you think they be?
The butcher, the baker,
The candlestick maker.
Turn them out,
Knaves all three!
The illustrious and somewhat dubious history of the three men in the tub. My main goals this week were to reinforce the idea that baths are an important part of hygiene and the number concept "3".
We brought out our Three Men in a Tub toy! (It's actually on clearance here on Kidbean if you want one.)
Circle Time:
Found here.
Books and Stories:
Rub a Dub Dub by Kin Eagle
Rub a Dub Sub by Linda Ashman
The Wise Man Who Lived in a Tub from Stories of the Ancient Greeks
Eureka! from Thirty More Famous Stories Retold
Sensory Experiences
The most obvious one would be providing water experiences. We like to wash babies and baby clothes, and then hang them on a little clothesline.
We also focused on handwashing skills this week.
Arts, Crafts, and Handwork
It's fun to explore with blue watercolors while reciting the nursery rhyme.
Nicholas enjoyed coloring faces on three wide wooden craft sticks to make "three men". We then made a tub from brown construction paper, and the three men could go in and out.
There are lots of bath and body craft "recipes" here. Mmmmm- foaming monster puke!
You may also enjoy making this froggy bath. Alas, this is one I wanted to do and didn't get to.
Dramatic Play: Find a large box. Decorate it, and hop in the "tub"!
We brought out our Three Men in a Tub toy! (It's actually on clearance here on Kidbean if you want one.)
Circle Time:
Found here.
Books and Stories:
Rub a Dub Dub by Kin Eagle
Rub a Dub Sub by Linda Ashman
The Wise Man Who Lived in a Tub from Stories of the Ancient Greeks
Eureka! from Thirty More Famous Stories Retold
Sensory Experiences
The most obvious one would be providing water experiences. We like to wash babies and baby clothes, and then hang them on a little clothesline.
We also focused on handwashing skills this week.
Arts, Crafts, and Handwork
It's fun to explore with blue watercolors while reciting the nursery rhyme.
Nicholas enjoyed coloring faces on three wide wooden craft sticks to make "three men". We then made a tub from brown construction paper, and the three men could go in and out.
There are lots of bath and body craft "recipes" here. Mmmmm- foaming monster puke!
You may also enjoy making this froggy bath. Alas, this is one I wanted to do and didn't get to.
Dramatic Play: Find a large box. Decorate it, and hop in the "tub"!
Nursery Rhyme Nursery School: Here Is the Beehive
It was my intention to post some of the activities we do and some ideas for activities we didn't do for each nursery rhyme. Forgive me for being three weeks behind! I'm going to keep my thoughts pretty minimal until I catch up.
~*~*~*~
Here is the beehive.
Where are the bees?
Hiding inside where nobody sees.
Watch as they come out of the hive!
1... 2... 3... 4... 5...
They're alive!
Where are the bees?
Hiding inside where nobody sees.
Watch as they come out of the hive!
1... 2... 3... 4... 5...
They're alive!
My goal was not necessarily for Nicholas to gain scientific knowledge about bees, but to stand in wonder and appreciate of the bee and the work it does in the world.
Circle Time: Found here
Stories:
A Swarm Leaves the Bee Tree from Among the Forest People
The Bee, The Harp, the Mouse, and the Bum-Clock from Fairy Stories Every Child Should Know
The Fussy Queen Bee from Among the Farmyard People
The Queen Bee from The Fairy Ring
Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park (not about bees per se, but a fun multicultural book!)
Painting:
Explore black and yellow paint.
Draw or cut out a beehive shape from paper. Use an inkpad to make finger print bees.
Coloring:
Color black and yellow strips on paper. Add wings to make a bee!
Listen to "Flight of the Bumblebee" and color along.
Modeling:
Use yellow beeswax to make an oval bee shape. Add seedpod "wings".
Cooking:
Various projects with honey. We ended up just having honey on homemade bread, but it was yummy!
Some fun internet links:
Make a clay pot bumblebee
Honeycomb bee painting
Bumblebee crafts for kids
More bee ideas here
Stories:
A Swarm Leaves the Bee Tree from Among the Forest People
The Bee, The Harp, the Mouse, and the Bum-Clock from Fairy Stories Every Child Should Know
The Fussy Queen Bee from Among the Farmyard People
The Queen Bee from The Fairy Ring
Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park (not about bees per se, but a fun multicultural book!)
Painting:
Explore black and yellow paint.
Draw or cut out a beehive shape from paper. Use an inkpad to make finger print bees.
Coloring:
Color black and yellow strips on paper. Add wings to make a bee!
Listen to "Flight of the Bumblebee" and color along.
Modeling:
Use yellow beeswax to make an oval bee shape. Add seedpod "wings".
Cooking:
Various projects with honey. We ended up just having honey on homemade bread, but it was yummy!
Some fun internet links:
Make a clay pot bumblebee
Honeycomb bee painting
Bumblebee crafts for kids
More bee ideas here
Friday, September 12, 2008
From my notebook...
Growing, Growing, GrowingMeasure your child with a piece of green yarn or ribbon and cut it so it's as tall as your child. This is the stem. Have your child make a flower for the top. You add two leaves, one with your child's name and the other with her height. Hang up, starting at the baseboard. You should have a flower as tall as your child!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Safety Day!
Today was Safety Day at Camp Susque! This is a free, once-a-year event put on by Camp Susque to help homeschooling families fulfill their fire safety requirements.
The kids played for a bit, and then we all met by the flagpole. I tried to get a picture to show how many homeschooling families were there, but I really didn't do it justice. Suffice it to say, it was so nice to be with a group of people who didn't think we were freaks because they were freaky themselves. Or, as sung in Rent, "To being an US for once, instead of a THEM!"
Our first session was poison safety. I have no pictures because on our way to into the Lodge, Michael puked all over the steps. Apparently when I sent him to the corner store to get bread because mine failed to rise, he took some of his pocket money and got 2 "beef" sticks for 99 cents, which he crammed in his mouth and ate on the block-long walk home. I'd yak too.
Daniel spent most of the morning kicking balls around the field. Nicholas joined him, except for his brief stint on the playground equipment, when he inexplicably stripped off everything but his shorts.
A beautiful view of the mountain. That little white thing is a teepee. I have no idea who put it there or why.
The fire truck is the big hit. The kids get to explore it right up close. Nicholas got a little too close, and everyone got to hear his Very Important Question.
NICK: Do you have that thing that goes WHOOOO-HOOOOO-HOOOO?
FIREFIGHTER:Yep. That's our siren. It tells the cars to get out of our way.
NICK: Mama just honks the horn.
ME: *hides*
This is what really brings the kids back year after year. Michael trying the fire hose (apparently once he puked he felt great)
Katie Grace, spraying with style.
And last but not least, Nicholas,
The giant mud puddle made by the firetruck "dumping" was a big hit as well.
I don't have pictures from our picnic lunch because Daniel took a face plant in the gravel. Then he got bonked on his head by a basket ball. Guess who was supposed to get his picture taken tomorrow? Uh huh. Guess it's Nicholas's turn instead.
Last but not least, the smoke house that the kids got to crawl through. Nicholas was at a safe distance, lobbing walnuts and crab apples at trees.
A firefighter, up close and personal.
All in all, it was a good day. Good times with good friends and good people. What more could I ask for?
The kids played for a bit, and then we all met by the flagpole. I tried to get a picture to show how many homeschooling families were there, but I really didn't do it justice. Suffice it to say, it was so nice to be with a group of people who didn't think we were freaks because they were freaky themselves. Or, as sung in Rent, "To being an US for once, instead of a THEM!"Our first session was poison safety. I have no pictures because on our way to into the Lodge, Michael puked all over the steps. Apparently when I sent him to the corner store to get bread because mine failed to rise, he took some of his pocket money and got 2 "beef" sticks for 99 cents, which he crammed in his mouth and ate on the block-long walk home. I'd yak too.
Daniel spent most of the morning kicking balls around the field. Nicholas joined him, except for his brief stint on the playground equipment, when he inexplicably stripped off everything but his shorts.
A beautiful view of the mountain. That little white thing is a teepee. I have no idea who put it there or why.
The fire truck is the big hit. The kids get to explore it right up close. Nicholas got a little too close, and everyone got to hear his Very Important Question.NICK: Do you have that thing that goes WHOOOO-HOOOOO-HOOOO?
FIREFIGHTER:Yep. That's our siren. It tells the cars to get out of our way.
NICK: Mama just honks the horn.
ME: *hides*
This is what really brings the kids back year after year. Michael trying the fire hose (apparently once he puked he felt great)
Katie Grace, spraying with style.
And last but not least, Nicholas,
The giant mud puddle made by the firetruck "dumping" was a big hit as well.I don't have pictures from our picnic lunch because Daniel took a face plant in the gravel. Then he got bonked on his head by a basket ball. Guess who was supposed to get his picture taken tomorrow? Uh huh. Guess it's Nicholas's turn instead.
Last but not least, the smoke house that the kids got to crawl through. Nicholas was at a safe distance, lobbing walnuts and crab apples at trees.
A firefighter, up close and personal.All in all, it was a good day. Good times with good friends and good people. What more could I ask for?
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