Our Yard/Garden

For the past two days we've spent the entire afternoon [well, once we've gotten home from the morning activities we've had this week] IN THE YARD!  The weather has been purr-fect for this!! It's been in the mid to upper 60's!  The air is so fresh, birds can be heard and seen flying overhead.

I've checked out a dozen or so gardening books from the library, making lists, circling seeds/plants I want to get in catalogs, and dreaming of what the late summer and fall will be--for our garden, that is.

I took some before photos, as there is a lot of work to be done in this backyard area.  Let me say here that I am not afraid of work!!  The previous occupant was definitely a gardener, and from what I can tell, had a dream for this space as well.  It is taking me some time to figure out just what that plan/dream was, but I'm learning as we clear out the space of leaves.  [There are SO MANY leaves!]

Clearing out the old tomato raised bed

Leaves everywhere; remnants of last year's gardening

All sorts of things....trying to make sense of it! :D

Along the perimeter of the yard are planted some type of evergreen tree and another time of tree/bush that I haven't been able to identify yet, in a nice little pattern.  It appears that there were raised beds (without definition) all throughout the yard.  I've counted 18 of these raised beds--most all of them had something growing in them last season. There were several varieties of peppers when we moved in and tomatoes.  Then there are two large enclosed planting spaces--enclosed meaning with wood trim and chicken wire.

I have identified the blueberry bushes that have been planted between some of the 'raised beds' and there is a rather LARGE composting area.  Ideally, I'd like to move it to the back corner of the yard--I've already started another small pile back there.  I'll need the hubs assistance with this, so for now, it will remain where it is.

We talked about where to place things, taking into consideration which areas will have more sun/shade than others.  In cleaning up the yard (there was so much trash!) we found a lot of garden decorations.  Some we'll use again, others are not in any condition to be called decorations! lol

The boy found a worm--which is a wonderful sign!

A worm!

The girls spent more time playing with the puppies (which will be leaving for forever homes soon).

Doing her best to keep one

Aren't they adorable?!

So after two late afternoons of raking leaves, picking up trash and other debris this is how things are starting to shape up:

This is a 'sectioned' area that had a variety of tomato plants

Leaves in large pile next to composting area (surrounded by tree stumps/logs)

We are definitely going to plant vegetables; the girls want a butterfly garden (I do too), and herbs are on the list as well.  I'm thinking that I'll do them in containers on the deck.  Then there's the Koi pond to get up and running.  Yes, it's a lot, but I'm thrilled!!  The sun and fresh air, working and dreaming have truly awakened my soul!  Spring is just around the corner!!!!

That's our update for now---heading back outside! :D

Arbor Day :: Storytime & Activities

Today we participated in some Arbor Day activities for our area.  I was a bit confused when I got the information initially as I thought Arbor Day was in April.  Well, for our region of the county it falls on the 3rd Friday in February.  This is because it's the best time to plant trees.  (Learn something new everyday!)

So here's a look at some of the things we did.  We learned a few new things and this reinforced some new knowledge we've obtained since we're learning about plants and their lifecycle.

Intro to Arbor Day

Listening

Identifying parts of a tree

Tree Planting

Shoveling dirt

More dirt

Even more!

Adding some pine straw

Feeling the bark

Making a pine cone bird feeder

Spreading on the shortening (we've used peanut butter in the past)

Rolling it in the bird seed

Adding a string for hanging

All done! (bird feeders in bags)

All in all, another great learning experience!

Valentine's Day Party

Celebrated with our home school friends yesterday.

The 'prepared environment' :D

Making bags to hold valentine's

More decorating

crafting

Group game: Try to Make me Laugh!

Another group game: Charades

Enjoying the food!

Discussing the History of Valentine's Day

Ending with Musical Chairs

All Smiles!

We all had a fabulous time!  We made new friends (which is always a plus!).  We also participated in the library's Valentine's Day Scavenger Hunt.  Can't wait for the next time we're together.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Company

I organized our trip with our home schooling community back in December.  The day we've been waiting for finally arrived.

Let me just say: It was A M A Z I N G!!    I saw them several years ago when I was a newly wed.  Seeing them with my children made it new and brilliant, all over again! 

The kids have been dancing through the house since we've been back home.

If you have the opportunity to see them--DO!  If you've never thought of seeing them--put them on your list!!  You will NOT be disappointed!

Alvin Ailey

Blocks & Puzzles

Book Sharing Monday (a day late)

So, I had every intention of sharing a book yesterday.  But one things lead to another and I never got back to the blog to share it.

So, here it is:  Wildlife Gardening: How to Bring Birds and Bugs to Your Backyard by Martyn Cox.

It's a wonderfully colorful books with lots of vibrantly colored photos detailing all the procedures and the 'How To' sections.  There are activities for children to 'make it' (build/create something), 'watch it' (make observations) and 'grow it' (growing, of course)!  Something I thought was unexpected was creating spaces for nocturnal animals such as bats and moths.

We are actively planning our gardens for the Spring and this was a perfect book with great information, child friendly projects and step by step directions.  If you're looking for something like this to get some cool ideas, this book should be on your list.

For more books shared through Book Sharing Monday hop over to Alex's blog, Canadian Home Learning and check them out!

Happy Reading!

Monday Mumbles

Finally taking a moment to jot some thoughts down....it's been a good while since I've join Tooje in this Monday ritual. Ten random things on my mind....

1. Why is it that the sun only comes out on the weekends??  I'd LOVE to see it on a Monday, at least.
2. I FINALLY got my bedroom the way I want it.  It's funny just HOW LARGE it actually is (without all the clothes baskets and boxes, stacks of books, random stacks of papers, unpacked boxes, baskets of yarn).  It was so nice to go to sleep and awake in the room.  Got my art up on the wall, photos of the kids.  The energy is flowing nicely in there.  I'm totally diggin' it! :D  (The hubs can appreciate it too!)
3. My sweetie-pie is still such a cuddler.  I've been hugging her most of the morning.  I have to admit that we don't do this as much as we used to.  With all this unpacking, getting settled, catching up with our homeschool group, our lives have become a lot busier than usual.  It's been nice to just sit and rock someone.
4. I've spent part of the morning getting information out to the homeschool group about our field trip to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Company's student performance this week.  Can I tell you I'm SO exited about this.  The hubs and I went to see them years ago when we were just a couple.  I'm glad that we'll be able to share this with our children.  There are about 60 folk attending with us so it's sure to be a good experience for all.
5. Music really helps set the tone in our home.  I've known this...but have been very intentional about it over the past week.  First of all, it helps ME.  The children seem to govern themselves differently as the music changes.  I need to REMEMBER this and utilize it more often.  (I used to do this all the time when they were infants/babies/toddlers.  How easily we can forget things. SMH.)
6. I got some time to catch up with my college-roommate, who is more like a sister.  We were in her kitchen talking, catching up, laughing.  She said, "It's like you've never left."  And it was.  Isn't it great to be connected to people who no matter how long you've been apart you can pick up right where you left off, as if you've never missed a beat?!
7. I have placed holds on several gardening books at the library.  Waiting to pick them up.  It's almost that time of year--PLANTING time.  I'm also pulling some other things together to teach the children about plants (parts) as we begin sprouting some seeds and planting others which will be put into the ground once things warm a bit more.  I've had visions of a lush garden.  Right now we're planning on a vegetable garden, and herb garden and a butterfly garden.  I'll have to take some before shots of our backyard.  There is SO MUCH potential.  
8. Babysitters have been hard to come by for me.  Call my particular (or crazy) but I don't just leave my children with anyone.  Never have.  Never will.  Well, I'm glad to have found some young ladies who are not only capable but willing to do it--long term (on a schedule or last minute).  With all the new things I'm getting involved in now, it's good to have some stable babysitters!  My children like them as well (we've had several evening with them to see how things went.  I have to say I'm thrilled to have found them!)
9. I'm on this Indian-style food craze.  I so love their curries and the way they season their beans & rice.  I have had a cook book, 1000 Vegetarian Recipes from Around the World, for years now.  Every recipe that I've made has always turned out GREAT (even if it doesn't look like the photo--the taste is always on point)!  But recently, I've just stopped on the Indian food.  Soaked some chickpeas last night to make some curry with them later today.  Over rice they're wonderful, but I think we'll put them in some Pita bread with potatoes.  I can't wait!!!
10. I see that the universe heard my request for SUN!  Now that I'm finishing up this post, the sun is beaming!! :D  So I'm going to step outside now and enjoy some rays!!

If you'd like to join in mumbling, please do!  Stop over at Circle the Square Table to let Tooje know.

Happy Monday!

Work

One of my favorite uncles used to say, "Everybody can't work."  He did a lot of talking to us, when we were little people, about work being a responsibility, a privilege.   How you had to know a little something before someone would entrust you with that task.

It's funny to me just how that's stuck with me growing up.  My mother used his philosophy.  I remember I couldn't wait until I was old enough to cut the grass! (imagine! lol)  Well, I'm finding myself saying some of the same things to my crew about work.  There are certain jobs that you can only get once you've reached a certain level of maturity or age. This just makes sense!

A big one in our home is washing dishes.  You must be four years old to get this job.  The Boy has been anxiously waiting for about 2 years now.  Now that he's four and we're pretty settled in our home (and the kitchen is no longer a disaster!) he's finally gotten the privilege of performing this task.  It's a big responsibility, you know?! :D

He's thrilled!
So am I!

100 Books-a-Month Challenge :: January 2011

Are there any of you still participating in this challenge?  I have been debating whether or not I would continue this on my blog.  We are reading, reading, reading over here.  By keeping these monthly lists, it helps me keep record of what we've read, for the most part and I still like that.  Let me know if you're still with us!

Here's our list for this month:

1. My Food Pyramid by Alisha Niehaus
2. Vegetarian Fact Finder by Ellen Klavan
3. About Mammals: A Guide for Children by Cathryn Sill
4. What is a Mammal? by Robert Snedden
5. Weird Wildlife Mammals by Jen Green
6. One Too Many: A Seek & Find Counting Book by Gianna Marino
7. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
8. Cows Sweat Through Their Noses and Other Freaky Facts about Animals Habits, Characteristics, and Homes by Barbara Seuling
9. Lola Loves Stories by Anna McQuinn
10. Kitchen Dance by Maurie J. Manning
11. Silly Knock-Knocks by Joseph Rosenbloom
12. The Right Touch by Sandy Kleven
13. One Drowsy Dragon by Ethan Long
14. Bones: Our Skeletal System by Seymour Simon
15. No Dragons for Tea: Fire Safety for Kids (and Dragons) by Jean Pendziwol
16. Dora and the Birthday Wish Adventure adapted by Emily Sollinger
17. Fairy Wings by Lauren Mills & Dennis Nolan
18. Cinderella by Gordon Fitchett
19. Littlest Pet Shop Eye See It! Can You Find Them All? by Sam Wolff
20. The Return to Narnia: The Rescue of Prince Caspian based on C.S. Lewis
21. Thomas and the Rumors and other stories by Britt Allcroft
22. The Cats Kids by Kay Chorao
23. Tinkering Tink by Elle D. Risco
24. Miss Bindergarten Stays Home from Kindergarten by Joseph Slate
25. Olivia helps with Christmas by Ian Falconer
26. Caillou Happy Holidays! by Marilyn Pleau-Murissi
27. Midsummer Knight by Gregory Rogers
28. Rapunzel's Amazing Hair by Kiki Thorpe
29. I am a Home-Schooler by Julie Voetberg
30. Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity by Mo Willems
    

Read by Pretty Girl
31. Pat, Cat, and Rat by Sindy McKay
32. Big Cats by Bruce Johnson
33. Bugs on the Buz by Paul Orshoski & D.J. Panec
34. Which Pet is Best? by Bruce Johnson
35. Where is My Frog? by Paul Orshoski
36. Biscuit Finds a Friend by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
37. Biscuit Visits the Big City by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
38. Fancy Nancy and the Boy from Pairs by Jane O'Connor
39. Fancy Nancy Sees Stars by Jane O'Connor
40. Fancy Nancy My Family History by Jane O'Connor
41. Welcome to Narnia by Jennifer Frantz
42. Tea with Mr. Tumnus by Jennifer Frantz
43. Ant in Her Pants by Paul Orshoski
44. It Could Still Be a Mammal by Allan Fowler

Read to The Boy
45. Barney says, "Please and Thank You" by Stephen White
46. How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague
47. I Smell Honey by Andrea & Brian Pinkney
48. Eeyore inspired by A.A. Milne
49. Pirates: Robbers of the High Seas by Gail Gibbons
50. The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul & Evangeline Denmark

Books I read
51. Vinegar: Over 400 Various, Versatile & Very Good Uses You've Probably Never Thought of by Vicki Lansky
52. Baking Soda: Over 500 Fabulous, Fun & Frugal Uses You've Probably Never Thought of by Vicki Lansky
53. Freedom: The Courage to be Yourself by Osho

Books on Tape/CD
54. Beezus & Ramona by Beverly Cleary
55. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
56. The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
57. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
58. Runaway Ralph by Beverly Cleary

Tuesday :: Library Day

Tuesdays have become our official library day.  I think it used to be Mondays, but since our long move/transition Tuesdays have become the day.  There is usually a storytime scheduled, but we have only attended one since being back the West End.  We're waiting for another Children's Librarian to come.  Our favorite librarian is now at another branch, which is not close, so we only make that trek once or twice a month.

We're doing a lot more.  Reading, searching for a particular book or subject.  The boy tickles me with his lists of books he's looking for.  He's watched me well, I see, and scribbles things down on a piece of paper and then 'reads' the list he's made for himself to me.  Last week his list consisted of books on:

1. Pirates
2. Dragons
3. Robots
4. Skeleton (human body)

I was thankful that our local branch had at least one book on each topic for him to check out.  He was thrilled.  Today it was more books about dinosaurs.

As Pretty Girl strengthens her reading muscles, I decided to direct your searching as well.  Normally I allow her to choose exactly what she'd like to read or would like to hear.  Today I started her on researching.  We're studying the animal kingdom in science, starting with mammals.  She was to pick a mammal to write a report on and create a presentation for.  She chose bears.  I showed her how to look through books to get an idea about what information they give and what sort of information she would need to write a report.  We discussed the difference between fiction and non-fiction (again) and this activity of looking for books assisted in her understanding.  I'll have to share more about her project in another post.

We were pleasantly surprised to see how our little neighborhood library has evolved since we've been away.  In the children's section they now have a special carpeted corner with books in crates, puzzles and a few games for younger children to do on their own.  Sweetie-pie enjoyed putting puzzles together and sitting in the bean bag looking through books by herself.

I was able to get a little 'work' done on the computer, pick out some books for myself and make some plans for our homeschool group to utilize the library again. 

Next week, I'll remember to take my camera and get a few shots of our library. It's a cozy little place with great librarians.  We always look forward to our Tuesdays!

Book Sharing Monday

Ok. I think we're back! :D

I am so appreciative to the people in my 'village' who assist us in expanding out personal libraries.  Last week our favorite librarian gifted the kids with some new titles for their bookshelves.  Since we haven't been a part of Book Sharing Monday in awhile, we're going to share one pick from each of us, so humor us.

The Boy's Pick:  How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen & Mark Teague.  This is one in the series we've haven't read yet.  It's in a board book style so will withstand all his knocking and throwing.  If you have anyone in your family who likes dinosaurs and also needs a bit of reminding about how to behave, this is a book for you! :D

Sweetie Pie picked this one to share: Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh. It's what the PBS series Martha Speaks is based on.  This particular book comes with stickers and a CD.

Pretty Girl picked Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary.  We checked this book out a week ago and have been enjoying it but now we have our own copy.  She is surprised at how many words she can read on her own.  It's a great story about sisters.

So there you have it.  If you're interested in joining in Book Sharing Monday or seeing who else participate check out Alex's blog Canadian Home Learning.

Happy Reading!!