Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Rocks & Minerals Study

We attended a Homeschool Day at a nearby Nature Center yesterday.  It was terribly cold and many people didn't come out.  I decided to go anyway, because my eldest is really into rocks and minerals right now.  We participate in a great lesson and learned a lot.  Here are a few shots from our time there.















We are looking forward to getting back there when things warm up a bit as they have nature trails, a pond for canoeing, and lots of animals around.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

One Small Change :: December

One Small Change


This month we will use recycled paper (newspaper, packing paper, etc.) to wrap our gifts in.  No purchased wrapping paper for us this year.

We usually make our own paper for birthdays by using recycled paper or paper bags and making designs on it.  Now we'll extended it to this holiday season and make it a standard from her on out.  Some simple enough to do that gives it's own feel to a gift.  Also falls into the handmade holiday challenge as well. :D

What One Small Change will you make this month? You can see ideas here.

Happy Holidays to you!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

What Are We Doing?

I've been asking myself that for the past few weeks. Actually, it's been, "What the heck are we doing?!" lol

I look around me at...boxes. But these boxes need unpacking. We have finally made it into our new home! YAY! We've been here for a bit already. Getting used to the space, cleaning, painting, imagining, deciding how best to use each room.

Someone asked me the other day, "So when do you home school the kids?" Usually I have an answer ready, but I didn't yesterday. I said something to the effect of "yeah, I'm really relaxed right now." I guess reading all the wonderful unschooling blogs has REALLY allowed me not to worry so much about what we are and aren't doing.

Now, for those of you who may be nervous about what you just read...let me assure you. We are doing plenty over here. :D  It's amazing for me to recount all the things we've been doing and get about doing in a given day. Even on the days I'm feeling like doing NOTHING. We never do nothing. SMH! LOL!

Our journey has really taken a turn towards a very relaxed place. I feel very connected to each of my children. They are developing into the people God created them to be. They have tons of questions about so many things. We do a lot of reading. I mean a. lot. of. reading. The library is the most frequented place we go, besides the local health food store. We've also been drawing, painting, cutting paper into shreds (I still hate this!), putting tape on everything, making jewelry, learning to bake/cook, coordinating wardrobes, learning about animals, composting, garden planning, chicken selecting, singing, dancing, walking through the neighborhood, exploring our back yard, playing with the dogs, learning to tell time, counting, adding, designing, learning to get along and work problems out on our own, listening, making new friends, testing the rules/boundaries, sleeping, crying, eating, laughing, talking, watching videos, writing letters for family, telling jokes, making lists, planning field trips, sharing ideas.....

See? When I get to actually writing things down it's amazing to see all the things we're doing. And I could list more, but won't for your sake! :D

My "school" stuff has been packed up since mid-summer and I haven't wanted to invest any more money into this line of resources. We've been without our phonics program (which was really the only 'structured' thing I was using) but the girl is reading! I was using a book for teaching word problems, but have found that I really don't need a book. Now, it was nice and I'll probably use it once it's unpacked, but my point is that I was still able to teach them word problems. (go figure!)

Because I've embraced this whole get-it-from-the-library-thing (I don't understand why more people don't!) and made it a point to utilize it no matter where we are, we've had access to things I could never afford, or even want to purchase!

The boy has interests in dinosaurs, dragons, pirates and knights. He asked me yesterday if I would teach him everything I know about knights. He's four. It was adorable. I told him that I'd taught him everything I know, which isn't much, but that we'd go the the library and check out as many books as we need to so he'd know all he'd like to know! We're getting ready to go now.

So, I guess the answer to the question is: A WHOLE HEAP A BUNCH A MUCH! We've been traveling, learning, being, living....LOVING OUR LIFE!

Now that we're getting settled, I'm hoping to blog more. I've missed it. I've missed connecting with you! :D

So I guess my question now is: How have you been doing?
I love comments so feel free to share!

Happy Wednesday to you!

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

100 Books-a-Month: November

I am thankful that we were able to read books at all this month.  It's been a really challenging month, with regards to reading.  We have finally made it to our destination and spent most of this month moving into our new home.  I had hoped to at least listen to some stories on tape/CD but we seemed to be enjoying a lot more music--which is ok, too! :D  Here's our list of what we were able to squeeze in.  Just under our goal of 100....so, I'm not feeling bad at all. (smile)
  1. A Child's Good Morning Book by Margaret Wise Brown
  2. Sleep, Little One, Sleep by Marion Dane Bauer
  3. The Farmer in the Dell by John O'Brien
  4. Millie's Marvellous Hat by Satoshi Kitamura
  5. Three-Star Billy by Pat Hutchins
  6. Angelina and the Butterfly by Katharine Holabird
  7. The Bunnies' Picnic by Lezlie Evans
  8. Gingerbread Friends by Jan Brett
  9. Dear Vampa by Ross Collins
  10. The Princess Who Had Almost Everything by Mireille Levert
  11. Where's Waldo Now? by Martin Handford
  12. Ananze and the Lizard: A West African Tale retold by Pat Cummings
  13. Imani in the Belly by Deborah M. Newton Chocolate
  14. McElligot's Pool by Dr. Seuss
  15. Jane Martin, Dog Detective by Eve Bunting
  16. Happy Mother's Day, Mami adapted by Leslie Valdes
  17. Fancy Nancy's Favorite Fancy Words by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser
  18. Cinderella retold by Barbara Karlin
  19. Trouble with Wishes by Diane Stanley
  20. Bella & Bean by Rebecca Kai Dotlieh
  21. Bear Feels Sick by Karma Wilson
  22. Little Badger, Terror of the Seven Seas by Eve Bunting
  23. Madeline Says Merci, The-Always-Be-Polite Book by John Bemelmas Marciano
  24. I'm Just Like my Mom by Jorge Ramos
  25. I'm Just Like my Dad by Jorge Ramos
  26. Ballerina Flying by Alexa Brandenberg
  27. I Like the Way You Are by Eve Bunting
  28. Cool Time Song by Carole Lexa Schaefer
  29. If You Give a Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff
  30. Arthur's Chicken Pox by Marc Brown
  31. Minnie Saves the Day by Melodye Benson Rosales
Read to/with Pretty Girl
32. Harriet The Spy, Double Agent by Maya Gold
33. Olivia the Orchid Fairy by Daisy Meadows
34. Organic Gardening for Kids by Elizabeth Scholl
35. Fairy Cooking by Rebecca Gilpin and Catherin Atkinson
36. Christmas Cookies by Lisa Zwirn

Read to Sweetie Pie
37. Wild Boars Cook by Meg Rosoff and Sophie Blackall
38. Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the Last Day of Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
39. Daisy-Head Mayzie by Dr. Seuss

Read to The Boy
40. Batman: Feline Felonies by John Sazaklis
41. Shape by Shape by Suse MacDonald

Read by Pretty Girl
42. Barn Storm by Charles Ghigna and Debra Ghigna
43. Too Many Cats by Lori Haskins Houran
44. The Autumn Leaf by Carl Emmerson
45. Haunted House adapted by Karen Barss
46. Mouse Makes Magic by Kathryn Heling & Deborah Hembrook
47. One Hundred Shoes by Charles Ghigna
48. Soccer Song by Patricia Reilly Giff
49. Pup and Hound Scare a Ghost by Susan Hood
50. Pizza Pat by Rita Golden Gelman

Books I read
51. Starter Vegetable Gardens by Barbara Pleasant
52. Sew Darn Cute by Jenny Ryan
53. Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun & Frugal Uses... by Vicki Lansky
54. Conscious Kitchen by Alexandra Zissu
55. The Butterfly Garden by Jerry Sedenko
56. The Gentle Art of Domesticity by Jane Brocket

Stories on CD
57 - 63. Baby Hawk Learns to Fly by Bobby Norfolk (a collection of six stories)
64 - 78. Rainbow Tales Produced by John McCutcheon (a collection of 14 stories by various artists/storytellers)

How did you do?  Please add your link to the Mr. Linky so we can hop over and read your list.

Happy Reading!

Friday, November 12, 2010

This Moment

{this moment}

Baking with Mama

A Friday ritual.
A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week.
A simple, special, extraordinary moment.
A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

hosted by SouleMama

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Sunday, October 31, 2010

100 Books-a-Month: October

So how did you do this month?  Were you able to reach the 100 mark?  I did a better job at keeping track of what we've been reading, even when others have come to read do the kids (aren't relatives great?)!  Anyway, here's our list.  I was even able to get in a few more for me.  Doing my best to take advantage of this transition time.
  1. Tricycle by Elisa Amado
  2. Happy Birthday Jessie Bear by Nancy White Carlstrom
  3. Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do by Eileen Christelow
  4. What Are You Doing, Maisy? by Lucy Cousins
  5. The Twin Princes by Tedd Arnold
  6. Grandfather's Work: A Traditional Healer in Nigeria by Ifeoma Onyefulu
  7. Trouble at the Dinosaur Cafe by Brian Moses
  8. Rainbow Fish A, B, C by Marcus Pfister
  9. The Boy Who Painted Dragons by Demi
  10. Fancy Nancy the Dazzling Book Report by Jane O'Connor
  11. Jackie and the Shadow Snatcher by Larry Di Fiori
  12. Latkes, Latkes Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland
  13. Two Left Feet by Adam Stower
  14. Backbeard and the Birthday Suit by Matthew McElligott
  15. Albert Goes Hollywood by Henry Schwartz
  16. Sylvia Jean, Drama Queen by Lisa Campbell Ernst
  17. If You Give a Pig a Party by Laura Numeroff
  18. Red Sings from Treetops, a Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman
  19. God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu & Douglas Carlton Abrams
  20. Curious George by H. A. Rey
  21. Cornelius P. Mud, Are You Ready for Baby? by Carney Saltzberb
  22. Sophie's Masterpiece by Eileen Spinelli
  23. Curious George Makes Pancakes by Margret & H.A. Rey
  24. Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
  25.  I Know an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Pie by Alison Jackson
  26. How Do Dinosaurs Eat Their Food? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
  27. Dino-Hockey by Lisa Wheeler
  28. The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie dePaola
  29. Herbert Fieldmouse Secret Agent by Kevin O'Malley
  30. Hibernation Station by Michelle Meadows
  31. Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals
  32. Stuff! Reduce, Reuse, Recycle by Steven Kroll
  33. My Dadima Wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth
  34. Playful Little Penguins by Tony Mitton
  35. Angelina and the Royal Wedding by Katharine Holabird
  36. Flower Girl Butterflies by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard
  37. Fancy Nancy Ooh La La! It's Beauty Day by Jane O'Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser
  38. Dinner with Olivia adapted by Emily Sollinger
  39. I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll
  40. Mama's Saris by Pooja Makhijani
  41. Come to the Fairies' Ball by Jane Yolen
  42. Babar and His Children by Jean de Brunhoff
  43. Mermaids on Parade by Melanie Hope Greenberg
  44. How Does Your Garden Grow? based on Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie
  45. A Cow for Jaya by Eva Grant
  46. Where to Sleep by Kandy Radzinski
  47. Curious George Goes to the Beach by Margret & H.A. Rey
  48. Crocs! by David T. Greenberg
  49. Hello Baby! by Mem Fox
  50. Jubal's Wish by Audrey Wood
  51. A Mother's Song by Janet Lawler
  52. Fancy Nancy and the Fabulous Fashion Boutique by Jane O'Conner
  53. The Sweet and Sour Animal Book by Langston Hughes
  54. The Marshmallow Incident by Judi Barrett
  55. The Magic Hat by Mem Fox
  56. That's What Friends Are For by Valeri Gorbachev
  57. Love Is... adapted from the Bible by Wendy Anderson Halperin
  58. A Second Is a Hiccup: A Child's Book of Time by Hazel Hutchins
  59. Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic by Steven Schmur
  60. Sleep Tight, Little Bear by Martin Waddell
  61. The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story by Ellen Weiss
  62. The Goblin and the Empty Chair by Mem Fox
  63. Race you to Bed by Bob Shea
  64. What Can You Do with a Rebozo? by Carmen Tafolla
  65. Fancy Nancy and the Late, Late, Late Night by Jane O'Connor
  66. Ruby's School Walk by Kathryn White
  67. Dino-Baseball by Lisa Wheeler
  68. Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton
  69. Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Connor
  70. Fancy Nancy Explorer Extraordinaire! by Jane O'Connor
  71. A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood
  72. A Song for Jamela by Niki Daly
  73. Grandma's Gloves by Cecil Castellucci
Read to Pretty Girl
74. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
75. Watch Your Whiskers, Stilton! by Geronimo Stilton
76. Little Sister, Big Sister by Pat Brisson
77. Geromima Stilton, Secret Agent by Geronimo Stilton
78. My Name is Stilton, Geromino Stilton by Geronimo Stilton
79. Harriet Spies Again by Helen Ericson

Read to Sweetie Pie
80. Madeline in London by Ludwig Bemelmans
81. Peter Pan retold by Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson
82. The Wild Little Horse by Rita Gray
83. Angelina Loves... by Katharine Holabird
84. Presenting Tanya the Ugly Duckling by Patricia Lee Gauch
85. Mousie Love by Dori Chaconas
86. Angelina's Birthday by Katharine Holabird

Read to The Boy
87. Ironman Armored Adventures adapted by D.R. Shealy
88. T. Rex Trick-or-Treats by Lois G. Grambling
89. The Pirate and other Adventures of Sam & Alice by Akemi Gutierrez
90. Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs by Byron Barton
91. Oscar: The Big Adventure of a Little Sock Monkey by Amy Schwartz & Leonard S. Marcus
92. Shark and Lobster's Amazing Undersea Adventure by Viviane Schwarz
93. Monster Hug by David Ezra Stein
94. Peasant Pig and the Terrible Dragon by Richard Scarry
95. You Can Do Anything, Daddy! by Michael Rex
96. Diego Saves a Butterfly adapted by Lara Bergen
97. Super Duck by Jaz Alborough
98. Lift the Flap Book: Animals Around the World by Kingfisher

Read by Pretty Girl
99. The Funny Baby by Margaret Hillert
100. Going to the Beach by Jo S. Kittinger
101. Max Goes to the Recycling Center by Adria F. Klein
102. A Book of Hugs by Dave Ross
103. Going to Grandma's Farm by Betsy Franco
104. The Sky is Falling! by Betty Miles
105. Fancy Nancy the Dazzling Book Report by Jane O'Connor
106. The Snowball by Jennifer Armstrong
107. A New Home by Tim Bowers
108. Biscuit Takes a Walk by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
109. Chicken said, "Cluck!" by Judyann Ackerman Grant
110. Wake Up, Sun! by David L. Harrison
111. Peanut and Pearl's Picnic Adventure by Rebecca Kai Dotlich
112. Next to an Ant by Mara Rockliff
113. So Many Houses by Hester Thompson Bass
114. I Love Trees by Cari Meister
115. Bathtime for Biscuit by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
116. Biscuit's Big Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
117. Dinosaur Hunt by David Catrow

Books I Read
118. Cooking Green: Reducing Your Carbon Footprint in the Kitchen by Kate Heyhoe
119. Storey's Guide to Raising Dairy Goats by Jerry Belanger
120. Living with Chickens by Jay Rossier
121. The Container Expert by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
122. Grow Your Own Organic Fruit & Vegetables by Christine & Michael Lavelle
123. Keeping Chickens with Ashley English
124. The Urban Homestead by Kelly Coyne & Erik Knutzen
125. Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson

Books/Stories on CD/Tape
126. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (their all time favorite to date)
127. Flossie and the Fox by Patricia C. McKissack
128. Amazing Grace by Mary Hoffman
129. The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
130. Brave Irene by William Steig
131. The Life of Christ by
132. How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight? by Jane Yolen
133. How Do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon? by Jane Yolen
134. Danny and the Dinosaur by Syd Hoff
135. Dinosaur Bones by Bob Barner
136. T is for Terrible by Peter McCarty

So, as you can see, we got more than our fair share in this month! LOL!  We've made up for the past few months, anyway.

Please add your link (to the specific post) below so we can see what books you've read this month! If you'd like to join in please leave me a comment and I'll add you to the list of participants on the left.

Happy Reading!!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

My 5 for 5 Challenge Gift!!!

I have been wanting to share this for the past few days!!  My access to the internet has been limited (fortunately or unfortunately!).  At any rate...I'm here now and just have to share my JOY!!!

I joined in the 5 for 5 through Debbie's blog.  I posted it here and on my other blog.  We had the entire year to create something handmade and then share it with those who joined in. (Here's what I made.)  Well, my package arrive on Monday and here is what was inside.


Felted Nesting Bowls

Individually--lovely colors!

Another view

YUMMY!!!

I love, Love, LOVE them!!! They are perfect!  I was just thinking about making myself some a few weeks ago.  Wanting something more...tactile (I guess that's what I mean?) for holding my special things.  I think what makes them so special is that they were handmade just for me....AND made by one of my newly made friends who has been such a wonderful addition to my life!!!!  Debbie also shared a jar of her homemade strawberry syrup!  Can you say YUM?!  I've decided that it will be used on my first breakfast of waffles in our new place.

Thank you so much Debbie.  'Thanks' seems such an inadequate word at this moment.  But I know you understand.  The time you put into them and your thoughtfulness is seem in each little bowl.  The colors are some of my favorite--Autumn! And they go perfectly with my bedroom colors.  One of my favorite gifts to date.  I am truly grateful!!

xoxo!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Book Sharing Monday

We've been reading a lot of books this month, I'm proud to say.  It was another tough choice for today's book but I let The Boy pick it and here's the one he chose:  I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll.


This story uses reverse psychology in telling a story about Ethan, a little boy whose monster has gone on vacation for a week.  He's looking for another monster so he'll be able to remain in bed and go to sleep.  It's full of humor as well as a little bit of scare.  We enjoyed it and think you might as well.

Happy Reading!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Book Sharing Monday

Today's book is Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth by Mary McKenna Siddals.  I LOVE it!!  It's an alphabet book as well as chalked full of information for those who may not know much about composting.

We know a great deal.  I checked it out to show my kids that we aren't the only ones who compost and care about our earth.  The illustrations by Ashley Wolff are in collage style and use several recyclable items.  All in all, a great book.  We think you'll like it too!

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Thankful Thursday

Rain
Children playing nicely
lunch date with my brother
books from the library
cooler weather
homemade bread
homemade butter (yum!)
whispered 'i love yous'
friends online
beans & rice
learning to work together (children)
Pretty Girl initiating reading to her sibs
Sweetie-pie's loud voice singing
watching The Boy draw dinosaurs
realization that I have so many things to be thankful for today!!!

how about you?

found image on Living Life in Europe

Monday, October 11, 2010

Monday Mumbles

I've been wanting to get back to this.  My life has been full of surprises lately.  Here's a few things that are on my mind (or have been on my mind recently) this morning.  I am joining Tooje @ Circling the Square Table, if you're interested in joining in with us. :D

1. What is with kids and complaining???  Can I get through ONE activity without somebody falling apart???  I mean, really?!  SMH.  I guess this is just something that goes along with being a child.

2. It has gone back to being HOT here.  We had about a week and a half of VERY COLD weather.  Although I was surprised at how fast it came (like a day or two after Autumn began) I was getting excited about wearing my boots, jackets, scarves, hats.  But alas, we're not there for good.  At least not yet anyway.  I'll have to wait a bit more.

3. I realized that other day that I haven't been in a mall in FOREVER!!  Ok, besides that time I walked through one to get to a restaurant where I was meeting some friends.  I was talking to my mom the other day and we were just remembering how years ago, that was the 'thing to do.'  I'm sure there are plenty of folk who still find it a wonderful past time.  I have to say I don't miss it!

4. Been reading up on homesteading lately.  Like almost every book I've checked out from the library (for myself) has been along those lines.  It's funny how things come full circle.  My mother was sharing with me how her mother did the same things I'm interested in doing.  How my grandparents bought a farm in upstate New York and read books to figure out how to raise chickens, cows, goats, etc.  It's like everything we (western society) started out with, ran from, even despised (for all sorts of reasons) are now becoming the things we're looking into to live more sustainably.  The irony of this is amazing!

5. We spent the weekend with our dogs.  They've been with my husband and as we await housing to open up we haven't been together.  I didn't realize just how much I've missed them until he pulled up in the driveway and they all got out of the car.  The kids were overjoyed!!  It was nice just to sit on the deck with them laying down next to us.  The simply joys in life are really that--simply.  It was sad to see them leave.

6. In my quest to reorder/reorganize my time, I took a break from the internet/computer/blogging a month ago.  Now that I'm back, it's been difficult to find my rhythm again.  There is so much I've been doing with the kids that trying to find what time works best has been a bit of a challenge.  This morning after breakfast I decided to just TAKE the time. lol

7.  I've missed reading all the blogs I follow, many of them (you) are regular bloggers so I'm way behind on things.  I've decided that I won't be able to play catch up.  That I'll just have to start wherever you are now and more forward from there.  When I look at my blog roll (on the Blogger Dashboard) and see all the great things everyone is doing I'm glad to know that everyone, too, has been busy!

8. My children are in the stage of telling jokes.  Pretty girl, who will be 8 next month, can actually tell a joke that 1) makes sense, 2) is funny and 3) she gets why it's funny.  The other two do their best with what they've got.  They are all funny in their own ways.  I find it hilarious that they try so hard with their little jokes.  They'll take a 'real' joke (like a "Knock, Knock Joke" or a 'Why Did the Chicken...'joke) and put their own spin on it.  To add to all of this, my brother, who lives in the area, is a comedian.  No, really.  He's hilarious!!  So the kids do their best to tell him jokes. A little backround on this version of a joke my son told.  My kids are vegeterians and know that other people, including their father, eat meat.  We were eating dinner with my brother, who had just eating some chicken. 

The Boy, "Why did the chicken cross the road?" 
My brother, "I don't know, to get to the other side?"
The Boy, "No, To get to your plate so you could eat it!"

HAHAHA!!!  You gotta love kids' jokes!

9. I am really diggin' the library that we've been frequenting here.  At first I found it a bit eery that we are usually the ONLY ones in the children's section in the middle of the day.  No, like it's just the four of us plus the librarian for that section.  Now we look forward to it.  We got about twice a week.  One day a week I allow the kids to play a few computer games.  We sit and read.  I'll have to bring my camera and snap a few pictures.  The picture books are in bins not shelves so it makes it easy for kids to get them and put them back.  They are sorted alphabetically so there's an "a" section, "b" section, etc. but it would make it a challenge if you were looking for a particular author as you'd have to search through several bins.  Besides that, I think it's a great idea.  They also have an easy reader section--which makes it a breeze to find books for Pretty Girl.  There are also fiction and non-fiction sections which are on standard shelves.  I love libraries in general.  Glad to have access to this one while we're here.

10. I celebrated a birthday this weekend.  It was a simple event.  My kids gave me some of the best gifts to date.  I was amazed at just how well they know me and what I like.  Each of them gave me VERY thoughtful gifts.  The Boy gave me a windchime, some incense and a basket (to hold my treasures, as he said).  Sweetie Pie gave me some sunflowers (my favorite flower) in a little vase.  Pretty girl gave me an eye pillow and some scented lavendar beads.  They also handmade all their cards.  Each item came with a reason why they gave it.  My mother, who took them shopping for these things, told me how she had tried to talk them out of a couple of the items for various reasons but how they insisted that I would like it.  That made my heart full--to know that in everything I'm doing with them, they've taken time to know me too!  Granted I probably wouldn't have picked any of these items myself.  But knowing the thought and the love that was used in picking each thing makes each of them even more beautiful to me.

Well, there you have it?  Got something to mumble about?  Join us!  Link up here.

Have a great Monday!

Book Sharing Monday

I found this beautiful at the library last week.  It's God's Dream by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams.  Beautiful illustrations by LeUyen Pham. 





It's simple.  Just want you'd expect it to be--for us to love each other and show that love in tangile ways.  I think these are great messages to put into our children's heads early.

Happy Reading! :D

p.s. For those who don't know, Book Sharing Monday is hosted by Alex at Canadian Home Learning.  You can join in as well as find others participating weekly.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Wednesday Update

I know, I know.
I haven't been here in awhile.
Since taking the break back in August (I believe) I haven't gotten back into the rhythm of blogging.  I gotten so involved in the day to day life--homeschooling, being present, savoring the moment--that by the time I get them in bed all I want to do is read.  (I've found some really interesting and good reads.)
But I miss it and you (and reading all the blogs that I follow).

However, I'm not going to guilt myself into blogging, since that was NEVER my point in doing so.
Just wanted to take a moment on this chilly Wednesday morning to let you know (those of you who care, lol!) that we are well.  We've been reading a lot, playing outside, siteseeing, baking, making lists, laughing & talking.  I so enjoy this time of year!

I pray each of you are well and promise to eventually stop by your blog (if you have one) and leave you a comment.  Until I find a different rhythm I'm going to be ok with this one and go with the flow! :D

Peace & blessings!

Thursday, September 30, 2010

100 Books-a-Month :: September

Well, we've been reading alot.  I realized that many of the books I hadn't been recording (the ones the grandparents & uncles have been reading to the kids).  We've exceeded our 100 book goal--which I'm very happy about.  We're finally getting back into our reading rhythm.  Here's the list that I have been keeping--mainly library books.  We're off to the library today for another set of books to start on next month's list.

 
  1. Planet Was by Amy Boesky
  2. Ella Sets the Stage by Carmela & Steven D'Amico
  3. My Mother is So Smart! by Tomie dePaola
  4. Chavela and the Magic Bubble by Monica Brown
  5. Not All Animals Are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon
  6. The Berenstain Bear's Mad, Mad, Mad Toy Craze by Stan & Jan Berenstain
  7. Hog-Eye by Susan Meddaugh
  8. Daddy by Jeannette Caines
  9. Anna's Table by Eve Bunting
  10. Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting
  11. For You Are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane
  12. Pet Shop Lullaby by Mary Ann Fraser
  13. Rosa's Room by Barbara Bottner
  14. The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle
  15. At Night by Jonathan Bean
  16. Brave Martha by Margot Apple
  17. Dad & Pop: An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers by Kelly Bennett
  18. The Show-and-Tell Lion by Barbara Abercrombie
  19. In The Spring by Craig Brown
  20. Hooray For Grandparents' Day by Nancy Carlson
  21. My Brother Fine With Me by Lucille Clifton
  22. I'll Protect You from the Jungle Beasts by Martha Alexander
  23. I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
  24. In My Momma's Kitchen by Jerdine Nolen
  25. The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
  26. Bears Make Rock Soup and other Stories by Lise Erdrich
  27. Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree by Betsy Franco
  28. Thank You, World by Alice B. McGinty
  29. My Favorite Time of Year by Susan Pearson
  30. Father Sun, Mother Moon by Ann and John Hassett
  31. You're Lovable to Me by Kat Yeh
  32. One Fall Day by Molly Bang
  33. Everyone is Good for Something by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
  34. Spirals, Curves, Fanshapes & Lines by Tana Hoban
  35. Groundhod Weather School by Joan Holub
  36. A Woggle of Witches by Adrienne Adams
  37. Princess Bess Gets Dressed by Margery Cuyler
  38. It's Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman
  39. Take Care, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas
  40. Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff & Sophie Blackall
  41. Sheila Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes
  42. The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow
  43. All God's Critters song by Bill Staines
  44. Brownie & Pearl Get Dolled Up by Cynthia Rylant
  45. One Monkey Too Many by Jackie French Koller
  46. Tell Me One Thing, Dad by Tom Pow
  47. Meet the Barkers by Tomie dePaola
  48. A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman
  49. Beeny and Penny the Toy Breaker by Geoffrey Hayes
  50. The Day the Goose Got Loose by Reeve Lindbergh
  51. Pigling: A Cinderella Story by Dan Jolley
  52. The Sky is Falling! by Betty Miles
  53. Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter
  54. Curious George at the Baseball Game by Margret & H.A. Rey
  55. Pocketful of Poultry by Carol Ekarius
  56. I Like to Be Little by Charlotte Zolotow
  57. Two Mrs. Gibsons by Toyomi Igus
  58. Gameshoe Goose Private Eye by Mary DeBall Kwitz
  59. Jungle Party by Brian Wildsmith
  60. Hentry Builds a Cabin by D.B. Johnson
  61. Waiting for Winter by Sabastian Meschenmoser
  62. Where's Henrietta's Hen? by Berniece Freschet
  63. Princess Tiapa and the Royal Ball by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
  64. Wolf's Coming! by Joe Kulka
  65. Pirate Treasure by Loretta Krupinski
  66. Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy
  67. My Forever Dress by Harriet Ziefert
  68. Max Celebrates Groundhog Day by Adria Worsham
  69. Winnie the Pooh--Pooh's Halloween Pumpkin by Disney
  70. Trucks! by Wil Mara
  71. The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss

Books I Read
72. The Joy of Ritual by Barbara Biziou
73. Kindred Spirits: Sacred Earth Wisdom by Jesse Wolf Hardin
74. How Clarissa Burden Learned to Fly
75. The Tao of Pooh by Benjanmin Hoff
76. Storey's Guide to Raising Poultry by Leonard S. Mercia

We've listened to several books on tape/CD
George & the Giant Peach
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (a very favorite story)
The Life of Christ Series
The Life of Paul Series

How did you and your children do this month?  I'd like to invite you all to join us for the month of October.  Those of you who have already joined in and those who are just finding out about it.  I'll be adding a bit more information to my blog about this specific challenge.  I'm also looking for some books to share so stay tuned.

Happy Reading!!!

Monday, September 27, 2010

Book Sharing Monday

Today we're sharing another book by Eve Bunting: Someday a Tree.  This story was simple, sad and yet hopeful.  Without giving it away, it has sparked some good conversation among us on our responsibilities to nature.  This would be a great book for environmental discussions with your children.

We have been enjoying a good number of Eve Bunting books, this one is no different.

Happy Reading to each of you!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Last Friday

Last Friday we attended a special storytime at the library.  Mr. McFeely from Mister Roger's Neighborhood came to share some stories, puppets and wholesome fun.  I was thrilled to be in the right place at the right time to meet him and enjoy some library time.  Here are a few shots from our experience.

Introductions

Mr. McFeely with a Speedy Delivery!

Touching Puppet Daniel Tiger

Singing

The Boy was the first volunteer to sing (alone) next to King Friday XIII

Sweetie Pie ending the round of singing

Those in attendance

Signing his photo

My Crew with Mr. McFeely

For those of you who may be interested.  You can go to this site to view 40 complete episodes of Mister Roger's Neighborhood.  The public broadcasting stations where we've been have stopped showing the program so I'm glad to know that we can still view them online.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Welcome Fall

Today was an outdoor painting, leaf finding, library hunting, book reading, story listening, peach-pie eating, under-blanket cuddling, silly face-making, toe tickling, belly laughing, good-night kissing day!







Only used the camera for the first thing...so, that's all I have to share in the line of visuals. You'll have to use your imagination for the others! (smile)

Very excited about the turning of Autumn.  It's my very favorite time of year.  For some many reasons.  Hope your day was as eventful, or uneventful, as you'd hoped!

Much warmth to you!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Ending the Summer

Today has been a rather lazy day for us.  We haven't moved to any particular schedule.  Lay in the bed talking this morning.  Tickling, cuddling, laughing.  While we listened to part of George & the Giant Peach, I fixed a late breakfast.  We thumbed through photo albums.  As the children played, I was able to catch up with a dear friend on the phone.

We then talked about what we'd like to do for our last day in summer.  We spent time remembering all the things we've been able to do during this one--not everything we wanted--but more than the average!

We've spent the afternoon/evening outside.  Running and playing.  Watching leaves fall.  Watching the humming birds and butterflies.  Listening to the birds sing.  We decided to make some pizza. While it cooked the kids ate some ice cream/popsicles--something we haven't done a lot of this summer.  It was nice.  As the sun set, we talked about how we'd celebrate the beginnings of Autumn, my favorite season!  We have plans to go to the library, do some painting, identify some leaves, be outside.  I'm going to see what else we can add to our add to make it a 'little more' special.

Here are some shots of our afternoon and evening....














How did you enjoy the last day of summer?

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