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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
- Planet Was by Amy Boesky
- Ella Sets the Stage by Carmela & Steven D'Amico
- My Mother is So Smart! by Tomie dePaola
- Chavela and the Magic Bubble by Monica Brown
- Not All Animals Are Blue by Beatrice Boutignon
- The Berenstain Bear's Mad, Mad, Mad Toy Craze by Stan & Jan Berenstain
- Hog-Eye by Susan Meddaugh
- Daddy by Jeannette Caines
- Anna's Table by Eve Bunting
- Someday a Tree by Eve Bunting
- For You Are a Kenyan Child by Kelly Cunnane
- Pet Shop Lullaby by Mary Ann Fraser
- Rosa's Room by Barbara Bottner
- The Pirate Cruncher by Jonny Duddle
- At Night by Jonathan Bean
- Brave Martha by Margot Apple
- Dad & Pop: An Ode to Fathers & Stepfathers by Kelly Bennett
- The Show-and-Tell Lion by Barbara Abercrombie
- In The Spring by Craig Brown
- Hooray For Grandparents' Day by Nancy Carlson
- My Brother Fine With Me by Lucille Clifton
- I'll Protect You from the Jungle Beasts by Martha Alexander
- I Love My Hair by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
- In My Momma's Kitchen by Jerdine Nolen
- The Little Yellow Leaf by Carin Berger
- Bears Make Rock Soup and other Stories by Lise Erdrich
- Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree by Betsy Franco
- Thank You, World by Alice B. McGinty
- My Favorite Time of Year by Susan Pearson
- Father Sun, Mother Moon by Ann and John Hassett
- You're Lovable to Me by Kat Yeh
- One Fall Day by Molly Bang
- Everyone is Good for Something by Beatrice Schenk de Regniers
- Spirals, Curves, Fanshapes & Lines by Tana Hoban
- Groundhod Weather School by Joan Holub
- A Woggle of Witches by Adrienne Adams
- Princess Bess Gets Dressed by Margery Cuyler
- It's Time to Sleep, My Love by Nancy Tillman
- Take Care, Good Knight by Shelley Moore Thomas
- Meet Wild Boars by Meg Rosoff & Sophie Blackall
- Sheila Rae, The Brave by Kevin Henkes
- The Seashore Book by Charlotte Zolotow
- All God's Critters song by Bill Staines
- Brownie & Pearl Get Dolled Up by Cynthia Rylant
- One Monkey Too Many by Jackie French Koller
- Tell Me One Thing, Dad by Tom Pow
- Meet the Barkers by Tomie dePaola
- A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman
- Beeny and Penny the Toy Breaker by Geoffrey Hayes
- The Day the Goose Got Loose by Reeve Lindbergh
- Pigling: A Cinderella Story by Dan Jolley
- The Sky is Falling! by Betty Miles
- Here Comes the Garbage Barge! by Jonah Winter
- Curious George at the Baseball Game by Margret & H.A. Rey
- Pocketful of Poultry by Carol Ekarius
- I Like to Be Little by Charlotte Zolotow
- Two Mrs. Gibsons by Toyomi Igus
- Gameshoe Goose Private Eye by Mary DeBall Kwitz
- Jungle Party by Brian Wildsmith
- Hentry Builds a Cabin by D.B. Johnson
- Waiting for Winter by Sabastian Meschenmoser
- Where's Henrietta's Hen? by Berniece Freschet
- Princess Tiapa and the Royal Ball by Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
- Wolf's Coming! by Joe Kulka
- Pirate Treasure by Loretta Krupinski
- Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy
- My Forever Dress by Harriet Ziefert
- Max Celebrates Groundhog Day by Adria Worsham
- Winnie the Pooh--Pooh's Halloween Pumpkin by Disney
- Trucks! by Wil Mara
- The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss
Books I Read
72. The Joy of Ritual by Barbara Biziou73. 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!
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!
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?
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?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Book Sharing Monday
We're getting back in the swing of things. Have several good books to share. Finally settled on this one: Anna's Table by Eve Bunting. Eve Bunting is fast becoming a favorite author. All the books we're read of hers are just wonderful!!
This one is no different. It's about a little girl who loves collecting things from nature. Her aunt knows this and gave her a special table to house all her treasures. The stories shares what she's found and what she imagines it was like before she claimed it.
Pretty Girl loved this, as she a collector as well. We're making plans to get our own nature table for her new room.
It's a lovely book with vivid pictures. We think you'll enjoy this book too!
Happy Reading!
Pretty Girl loved this, as she a collector as well. We're making plans to get our own nature table for her new room.
It's a lovely book with vivid pictures. We think you'll enjoy this book too!
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Tuesday
We had another full day. I'm worn out now. Typing and monitoring bathtime! It's almost the bedtime hour--YAY!!! Bedtime, glorious bedtime!!!
Here's a little of our day....
Here's a little of our day....
Monday, September 13, 2010
Our Official First Day Back
I was hoping to have already had this day, but, alas, life has continued to happen. And, that's been ok with us! :D
After I got up, meditated and took a mile walk/run alone (very excited to have this time to MYSELF every morning)! We got together for devotion and group meditation, then cleaned up and got ready for breakfast. I've been wanting to have a better rhythm to our day. We've definitely been 'freestyling' most of the Spring and Summer months. They kids need it, heck, I need it too!
After breakfast, we did some chores, brushed teeth and got dressed. We did some 'sit down' activities. Since it's Monday we did our 'Money Monday' lesson and got started with some basic addition, patterns & matching (eldest, middle, youngest, in that order). While Pretty Girl practice her hand writing, Sweetie Pie and The Boy got to choose what art activity they wanted to start on and complete. After writing we read, then Pretty Girl read to me (I love that she can read!).
To break up the day, I decided to take another walk/run with the kids this time, a shorter route (I got a mile and a half in today). We ran an errand then got back for lunch. They had free time outside. I read from the book we're reading right now, The Wind in the Willows, then they had a quite time where they could choose something quiet to do as they listened to stories on tape.
We then went to the library and spent a few hours looking at books. We got the limit of 50 so we can get in our 100 Books a Month for this month (starting a bit later). While they're getting ready for bed, I'm typing this and plan to read to them once again before we end our day.
I have to say that for a first day, today went REALLY well. I tried to fill it with enough things so that there wasn't a whole lot of time for them to fuss and agrue with each other (does anyone else have this problem?!). There was still time for them to be, for us to talk and share our ideas. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
(I've been away for a good bit of time. I'm doing my best to past through your blogs and catch up with what's been going on with you. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for the coming change to Autumn. There's a lot of good energy flowing here! Hope you each have been well while I've been away. Talk with you soon!)
After I got up, meditated and took a mile walk/run alone (very excited to have this time to MYSELF every morning)! We got together for devotion and group meditation, then cleaned up and got ready for breakfast. I've been wanting to have a better rhythm to our day. We've definitely been 'freestyling' most of the Spring and Summer months. They kids need it, heck, I need it too!
After breakfast, we did some chores, brushed teeth and got dressed. We did some 'sit down' activities. Since it's Monday we did our 'Money Monday' lesson and got started with some basic addition, patterns & matching (eldest, middle, youngest, in that order). While Pretty Girl practice her hand writing, Sweetie Pie and The Boy got to choose what art activity they wanted to start on and complete. After writing we read, then Pretty Girl read to me (I love that she can read!).
To break up the day, I decided to take another walk/run with the kids this time, a shorter route (I got a mile and a half in today). We ran an errand then got back for lunch. They had free time outside. I read from the book we're reading right now, The Wind in the Willows, then they had a quite time where they could choose something quiet to do as they listened to stories on tape.
We then went to the library and spent a few hours looking at books. We got the limit of 50 so we can get in our 100 Books a Month for this month (starting a bit later). While they're getting ready for bed, I'm typing this and plan to read to them once again before we end our day.
I have to say that for a first day, today went REALLY well. I tried to fill it with enough things so that there wasn't a whole lot of time for them to fuss and agrue with each other (does anyone else have this problem?!). There was still time for them to be, for us to talk and share our ideas. We'll see how tomorrow goes.
(I've been away for a good bit of time. I'm doing my best to past through your blogs and catch up with what's been going on with you. I'm feeling refreshed and ready for the coming change to Autumn. There's a lot of good energy flowing here! Hope you each have been well while I've been away. Talk with you soon!)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Stories & Pictures
The boy has been working intensely on some pictures. They're taking shape and with each of them comes a very elaborate story. He's becoming quite the story-teller (his stories are a hoot) and likes making illustrations for them.
This story went something like this....
"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a king, who was a good father and was in charge of all the stuff...."
He tickles me. I need to record these stories!
This story went something like this....
"Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, there was a king, who was a good father and was in charge of all the stuff...."
He tickles me. I need to record these stories!
Monday Mumbles
It's Monday already? Here are some of the things I'm thinking about today (and this weekend).
1. The world doesn't fall apart when I sit down. lol Yeah, I'm usually 'on-stage' a lot, but for the past few days I've been sitting down....to read, to knit/crochet, to be read to, to rest. It's been good!
2. How many times much I repeat a specific request of my children before it sticks?? I mean, I'm sounding like a scratched CD. SMH. I guess this is just part of the parenting thing?!
3. I've decided that our official start day, for getting back on a regular schedule, will be after Labor Day. I'm hopeful that by then we'll be out of limbo!
4. I always thought that canning something to be 'scared' of. I grew up around an aunt who always canned things for winter, and in my little-girl mind, I don't remember it being a big deal. But as I grew up I remember hearing all kinds of horror stories about it. But now that I'm doing it--it's not so bad. A tat bit hot, but other than that, things have been going smoothly!
5. I'm interested in knowing why, if we all have the same feelings, similar experiences, similar hopes and dreams (for ourselves and our children) why there is still so many things that keep up to connecting with each other. Whether it's our neighbors (do you know yours? do you interact with them more than a 'good morning' or 'good evening'?) or coworkers or other community folk, do we go out of our way to make an authentic connection? What about our friends and family members--do they get to see who we really are or have we created a faux personality for them as well? What keeps us from showing our real selves, from owing our true feelings/thoughts/actions? I don't have all the answers, but have been thinking about these things over the past couple days.
6. Been thinking about peach cobbler. Yep, it's that time of year again! YAY!
7. Exercising. Something I'm getting more consistent about. I've made good progress with regards to my eating habits. I'm thankful to have passed on the habit of drinking water to my children--so we've been very hydrated. Autumn is my season. It's time to let go of a lot of things for me--weight being one of them! I'm excited to let it go!!!
8. Just received a lovely note from a dear friend--one who I've admired for years--who has been such an influential person in the lives of so many others. She thanked me for the positive impact I've made on hers. It was a nice sweet note. I'm thankful to know that we're truly friends--that we both are positively impacting the other. [I often doubt my impact or how my spirit moves others. I'm learning to accept this, and use it for the good!]
9. We've been gearing up to move for while now. There have been a couple snags in our plan--but we're still moving forward. God has tightly closed a door--making sure we don't sway from the place that is for us (it's easy to get comfortable and settle). Although it's caused from great discomfort, I'm seeing a light at the end of this tunnel--and it's NOT the train! lol Imagining myself in a new place, with new energy, new challenges some new friends, and all of my old ones!! :D
10. Do I have to have ten? lol. I'm sure there is more I've been thinking about....it's just that when you're interrupted ever few moments with a request to "Read this to me mommy" "I'm hungry, will you make some lunch?" "Look at what I drew!" It's hard to remained focused. I started this post this morning...and am finally completing it this afternoon. Hope you've had a good Monday.
If you wanna join in on the Mumbles, let Tooje know over at Circling the Square Table.
1. The world doesn't fall apart when I sit down. lol Yeah, I'm usually 'on-stage' a lot, but for the past few days I've been sitting down....to read, to knit/crochet, to be read to, to rest. It's been good!
2. How many times much I repeat a specific request of my children before it sticks?? I mean, I'm sounding like a scratched CD. SMH. I guess this is just part of the parenting thing?!
3. I've decided that our official start day, for getting back on a regular schedule, will be after Labor Day. I'm hopeful that by then we'll be out of limbo!
4. I always thought that canning something to be 'scared' of. I grew up around an aunt who always canned things for winter, and in my little-girl mind, I don't remember it being a big deal. But as I grew up I remember hearing all kinds of horror stories about it. But now that I'm doing it--it's not so bad. A tat bit hot, but other than that, things have been going smoothly!
5. I'm interested in knowing why, if we all have the same feelings, similar experiences, similar hopes and dreams (for ourselves and our children) why there is still so many things that keep up to connecting with each other. Whether it's our neighbors (do you know yours? do you interact with them more than a 'good morning' or 'good evening'?) or coworkers or other community folk, do we go out of our way to make an authentic connection? What about our friends and family members--do they get to see who we really are or have we created a faux personality for them as well? What keeps us from showing our real selves, from owing our true feelings/thoughts/actions? I don't have all the answers, but have been thinking about these things over the past couple days.
6. Been thinking about peach cobbler. Yep, it's that time of year again! YAY!
7. Exercising. Something I'm getting more consistent about. I've made good progress with regards to my eating habits. I'm thankful to have passed on the habit of drinking water to my children--so we've been very hydrated. Autumn is my season. It's time to let go of a lot of things for me--weight being one of them! I'm excited to let it go!!!
8. Just received a lovely note from a dear friend--one who I've admired for years--who has been such an influential person in the lives of so many others. She thanked me for the positive impact I've made on hers. It was a nice sweet note. I'm thankful to know that we're truly friends--that we both are positively impacting the other. [I often doubt my impact or how my spirit moves others. I'm learning to accept this, and use it for the good!]
9. We've been gearing up to move for while now. There have been a couple snags in our plan--but we're still moving forward. God has tightly closed a door--making sure we don't sway from the place that is for us (it's easy to get comfortable and settle). Although it's caused from great discomfort, I'm seeing a light at the end of this tunnel--and it's NOT the train! lol Imagining myself in a new place, with new energy, new challenges some new friends, and all of my old ones!! :D
10. Do I have to have ten? lol. I'm sure there is more I've been thinking about....it's just that when you're interrupted ever few moments with a request to "Read this to me mommy" "I'm hungry, will you make some lunch?" "Look at what I drew!" It's hard to remained focused. I started this post this morning...and am finally completing it this afternoon. Hope you've had a good Monday.
If you wanna join in on the Mumbles, let Tooje know over at Circling the Square Table.
Book Sharing Monday
My children and I have been listening to a series of stories on tape written by Betty MacDonald. Just recently I've been able to find them in book form as we've been reading them. The book that we're sharing today is the first chapter book in the series, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle.
In this book you're introduced to Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Here's what is shared on the front flap of the book:
These stories are written so that children understand what's happening and give parents a nice laugh. They also assist in giving a different perspective on curing inappropriate behavior. We are enjoying this book (which we've read out of order) and also enjoyed her other books: Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle & Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Farm.
Disclaimer: Since these books were written in the late 1940's/early 1950's, there is quite a bit of stereotypical father's role/mother's role. I've used it as an opportunity to talk to my girls about this directly. There is also a bit a ridicule in the parenting style and I've adjusted that (discussed it in some cases/left it out in others). There is a lot to be learned from these stories and I've made it a point to use each of these things. Wanted to share this with you upfront so that you can make a choice about them before getting in the middle of a story and being caught off guard! :D
Happy Reading!!
In this book you're introduced to Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. Here's what is shared on the front flap of the book:
"Meet Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle! She's the kind of grown-up you would like to have for a friend--and all her friends are children. She is a little lady with brown sparkly eyes. She lives in an upside-down house, with a kitchen that is always full of freshly baked cookies. Her husband was a pirate, and she likes to have her friends dig in the back yard for the pirate treasure he buried there.
Best of all, she knows everything there is to know about children. When a distraught parent calls her because Mary has turned into an Answer-Backer or Dick has become Selfish or Allen has decided to be a Slow-Eater-Tiny-Bite-Taker, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle has the answer. And her solutions always work, with plenty of laughs along the way.
So join the crowd at Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's house--and enjoy the comical, common-sense cures that have won her so many friends."
These stories are written so that children understand what's happening and give parents a nice laugh. They also assist in giving a different perspective on curing inappropriate behavior. We are enjoying this book (which we've read out of order) and also enjoyed her other books: Hello, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle & Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle's Farm.
Disclaimer: Since these books were written in the late 1940's/early 1950's, there is quite a bit of stereotypical father's role/mother's role. I've used it as an opportunity to talk to my girls about this directly. There is also a bit a ridicule in the parenting style and I've adjusted that (discussed it in some cases/left it out in others). There is a lot to be learned from these stories and I've made it a point to use each of these things. Wanted to share this with you upfront so that you can make a choice about them before getting in the middle of a story and being caught off guard! :D
Happy Reading!!
Friday, August 6, 2010
Funny Face Friday
We're at it again...joining Tooje @ Circling the Square Table.
Focusing on our eyes this week. :D
Wanna play along? Click here.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Book Give Away :: July Winner
Send your mailing address to watsonlesb [at] gmail [dot] com. I'll put in the mail as soon as I hear from you!! Congratulations!
Thanks to all of you who entered. I've been looking for books to share for August (and the rest of the year), so check back in the next few days for that posting!
Warm wishes to each of you!! Happy Reading!
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