Hello.
I AM ALIVE.
I AM grateful, despite the fact that I kind of fell off the Gratitude Meme on the 11th and haven't gotten back up on the boat yet. Just because I am not blogging my gratitude does not mean that I am not daily thankful for so many things.
I promise I will be back soon, I promise!
Here are a few of the things I have been up to:
Gracie's Birthday on the 11th,
Double Birthday party on the 12th with two hand made cakes.
Abram's Birthday on the 15th.
Botany class and Breadfruit donation challenge on the 15th.
Battles with some serious motivation, hormonal & emotional weight--stupid hormones!!
Hubby's birthday and cake on the 23rd.
Thanksgiving home with kids and no family or turkey.
Sunday school.
Headaches
Camera researching (and purchase)
and
so
much
more.
I might be catching up........
HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA.
Okay, that's out of my system now! *whew*
I promise I am not gone, just otherwise occupied.
I ALSO promise to get a VERY FUN STOCKING STUFFER GIVEAWAY posted within the next 7 days! Pick and Draw is a super fun game that teaches you how to draw and I WILL have a box to give away as soon as I get a chance to post my review!! :)
I have been frequently wishing that I could just hook up my computer to my brain and it would type out my blog posts. I have had SO MANY great ideas but sitting to write them has been quite the challenge.
I promise I am not gone............
merely a bit pre-occupied.
Hang in there my friends I will be back soon. :)
Friday, November 25, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 11
Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 11, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
creativity.
November finds three birthdays in our house.
Today was Gracie's (I'll write more on my sweet girl tomorrow).
The 15th will be Abram's.
I LOVE making cakes for birthdays because it gives me an out.
I will post pictures later of this year's creations here on this post.
Gracie's cake is Hello Kitty.
and Abram's cake is Spidy.
(picture to come tomorrow after I finish the eyes)
I LOVE creating. :)
creativity.
November finds three birthdays in our house.
Today was Gracie's (I'll write more on my sweet girl tomorrow).
The 15th will be Abram's.
I LOVE making cakes for birthdays because it gives me an out.
I will post pictures later of this year's creations here on this post.
Gracie's cake is Hello Kitty.
and Abram's cake is Spidy.
(picture to come tomorrow after I finish the eyes)
I LOVE creating. :)
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 10
Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 10, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
Hubby.
He's my hero.
Hubby.
He's my hero.
Today alone he:
* single handedly wrestled my washing machine into shape.
* His charm influenced the children to stop whining.
* His steer strength tore something apart outside per my request because it was annoying me.
* He transformed a defective tire on my van into one that is much better.
* With skill of yesteryear he started up the woodstove to keep me warm and muscled in more wood for later.
* His magnificent intelligence and research ability solved a few solutions and shook out a mistruth or two.
 | |||
| Our wood cutter & splitter. |
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| Our animal caretaker. |
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| Dad and Teacher |
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| Gardener/Garden Prep Man |
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| Pastor |
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| Bee Man |
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If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 9
Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 9, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
my SQUIRREL AWARD!
I have been awarded THE SQUIRREL AWARD in the 2011 Homeschool Misfit Awards!
Here is the description from NOT SO SUPERWOMAN:
The "Squirrel" Award- "Wait, weren't we supposed to be studying Abraham Lincoln? How'd we end up talking about the chemical properties of Styrofoam?" This is the homeschool blogger who begins her posts on one topic and then takes off in several different directions. ADHD anyone?
I feel so honored!
I have no idea who nominated me, nor who voted for me, but I want to say that I think that THIS AWARD fits me PERFECTLY!!!
I am the epitome of Attention Deficit Disorder and I have a diagnosis paper to PROVE IT!
Now I just need to find a squirrel mascot.
BUT I told her it wasn't drooly enough.
I actually think they could combine the Squirrel Category with the Harried Homeschooler and the mascot would be a super hairy Squirrel. LOL
Oh! And I also now get to test my own patience as I wait for my prizes to show up in the mail and in my inbox! Whooo hoo. I'm SO EXCITED to watch my mailbox!!!
Here are my prizes (and what I chose):
- A Journey Through Learning will provide a lapbook of choice to all 10 winners! I chose the INSIDE MY BODY lapbook! :)
- TeachwithGames.com is offering a printable game set (10-15 games included) of choice to all 10 winners! I chose the Phonics Games Two.
- AND THEN I AM SUPER STOKED TO RECEIVE from: TOS Crew member, Heather, from Faith, Family & Fun is providing 1 winner with a "Pamper Pack for a Homeschool Mom" ($20 Starbucks gift card, a fun book, some sea salts and organic soap)!
My Starbucks Gift Card is nearly empty: Whoo hooo, it is now recharged!
YAAAAAAAAY!!
THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL PRIZES!!!
Please go visit them. :)
YAAAAAAAAY!!
THANK YOU SPONSORS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL PRIZES!!!
Please go visit them. :)
Really, folks. I am so excited about this award because it means that at least a couple of people have noticed my little blog that is a scattered reflection of the whirlwind I call *life* here on the homestead.
Before you leave, can you go to the blogs below and show them some love too?
These are the blogs that were nominated in the Squirrel category.
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 8
Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 8, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
warm, dry fall days!
AND LEAVES TO PLAY WITH.
warm, dry fall days!
AND LEAVES TO PLAY WITH.
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Monday, November 7, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 7
Once again Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 7, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
THE SUN!
THE SUN!!
THE SUN IS OUT AND SHINING AND FOR SOME REASON THAT MAKES ME FEEL SO MUCH BETTER!!!!
I LOVE THE SUN.
Great Day Myspace Graphics / Myspace Quotes | Layouts | Build Muscle
I am thankful for the sun, the light it gives, the warmth it gives, the hope it gives.
I am thankful that when the sun is beating in on my south facing windows I do not have to start up the wood stove in the morning.
I LOVE THE SUN.
I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE SUN!!
THE SUN!
I LOVE THE SUN.
Great Day Myspace Graphics / Myspace Quotes | Layouts | Build Muscle
I am thankful for the sun, the light it gives, the warmth it gives, the hope it gives.
I am thankful that when the sun is beating in on my south facing windows I do not have to start up the wood stove in the morning.
I LOVE THE SUN.
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 5
Once again Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 5, 2011
On the 5th Day of November I am thankful for....
my blog and all the opportunities it brings, all the people it helps, all the people I get to meet, all the people I get to entertain with my wacky life without annoying or embarassing my family in the flesh and for the opportunity it gives me to type out some of my thoughts that otherwise would just be rolling around in my head.
*gasp* THAT was a long sentence.
my blog and all the opportunities it brings, all the people it helps, all the people I get to meet, all the people I get to entertain with my wacky life without annoying or embarassing my family in the flesh and for the opportunity it gives me to type out some of my thoughts that otherwise would just be rolling around in my head.
*gasp* THAT was a long sentence.
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 6
Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 6, 2011
Today I am thankful for....
our church.
A little over 5 years ago our family and one other family decided we were tired of driving 75 miles one way to attend a church in our denomination (Mennonite Church USA). (If you want to learn more about who the Mennonites are click HERE.)
My husband had attended Seminary and had a Master's of Divinity.
Seminary was something to keep him occupied while I was working on some intense issues with a counselor. He's never really felt a *call* to pastoral ministry but is a servant and was willing to accept the job placed before him.
One day, at the church we were attending, the dad of the other family said, "You know, someone ought to start a Mennonite church in OUR town."
Hubby looked at him and said, "You're right. SOMEBODY should!"
That was the starting point. From there some rough outlines were scratched out, a meeting place was found, plans were made, and responsibilities were shared. On the first Sunday of November in 2006 we had our first service with our family, their family and a family that lived in the neighborhood of the church, a rented Synagogue.
I was 9 months pregnant that first week. I can't remember all that I did but I do remember we had a young child's Sunday School (led by the two originating fathers), an older Sunday School class that ranged 4th grade up through a freshman in high school (that I taught) and the rest of the adults met for adult Sunday school.
The second Sunday we were there with the same 3 families and ONE NEW ATTENDEE....... a 4 day old baby boy that we called Abram. Honestly, the only thing I remember from that second Sunday was that I was REALLY SORE (Abram was a rough delivery) and that we had not quite fully figured out nursing. I spent most of that morning underneath a large poncho shaped nursing cape trying to keep him latched on WHILE teaching Sunday school. I clearly remember having to continuously tuck my head under my cover and then back out again. I had the lesson planned quite well but had no available hands. So I remember asking the VERY HELPFUL kids to grab things, open books, read aloud, or hold something so I could read. I remember directing them using my words and by flinging my head in the direction I wanted them to go. LOL It was EXHAUSTING but a great memory.
Over the years we have gained families and lost families.
We are quite the motley crew of folks. We have a few who were raised Mennonite. We have a few who have spent their entire life in the Catholic church but liked aspects of our Mennonite faith and are learning the differences between these different faith traditions. We have some (like my family) who grew up in homes that were not churched, accepted a Christian faith in the non-denomination tradition and then became Mennonite as adults. We have a few who admit to being agnostic but strongly value the "stories and lessons of the church" for their children and we have some who fall somewhere in between.
I love having a church only 30 miles from home.
I love having children who are excited about attending church (especially now that they are 7, nearly 5 and nearly 3= they can sit in the pew without tap dancing or wresting--most the time!!!)
I will admit there have been moments where my attitude was dark, selfish, exhausted and even resentful toward God. YET, the great thing about God is that if you are truly seeking to serve HIM He doesn't let you get away with those attitudes for very long.
Along the way I have learned to serve the church as if I were serving Jesus. To have no expectations of return here on Earth. Face it we are too small and we are ALL doing about as much as we personally feel we can muster. Planting a church is hard work but a change in my Spirit along the way gave me a bit of tunnel vision, allowing me to focus my attention on serving the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength and all my mind and to love others better than myself. This change in Spirit (although it SOUNDS like it should have been a GIVEN when one is so involved in the start up of a ministry) has allowed me to experience the unexplainable Joy that only God can give while I am giving completely of myself. It has saved me from burnout and many frustrations. It allows me to serve without exhaustion on those days that more is given than obtained and it guides me to other areas where *I* can secure some spiritual sustenance for myself.
I am so Thankful.
And now, if you are still here with me, I'd like to ask you to help me pray for this little church of 6 regular attending families (with 2 that come occasionally). A new season has come upon our little church. Our family has announced that we will be stepping aside in spring so that the church can find someone more aptly gifted and skilled to take this congregation on to the next level. This time is scary for us, as we likely will be losing our church home (at least for awhile, if not for good), but it is also scary for the congregation who is so small and is so unique.
While Hubby was the pastor he worked hard not only at the Sunday worship services but he also established a foundation, prompting the group to make steps that will allow the church to remain healthy even if and when the congregation is blessed with a sudden surge in growth. The ground work is laid out, the structures are set, the foundation is in place but now it is time for a new pastor who is passionate about taking a small core group and building it up into the next level to step on board.
The pastor they call will likely need to be bi-vocational and to make this switch in such an economy will be a tough task. I, personally, am very excited for the opportunity the group has to dream and desire. I am excited at the energy and growth that might come from this changing of the guard. Yet, as one who has been so active in this church, it is hard for me to sit back and know nothing.
So if you are a prayer warrior and if you are still reading could you please pray that 1-God will give clear signals to those on the Search Committee, 2-that God will send the perfect worker to our church to be it's next pastor, 3-that instead of feeling fear and skepticism all involved might feel the excitement and hope this change could bring and 4-that we all might have a very peaceful and easy transition.
I thank you kindly.
I am SO Greatful that God allowed our family to help start this Mennonite Church.
our church.
A little over 5 years ago our family and one other family decided we were tired of driving 75 miles one way to attend a church in our denomination (Mennonite Church USA). (If you want to learn more about who the Mennonites are click HERE.)
My husband had attended Seminary and had a Master's of Divinity.
Seminary was something to keep him occupied while I was working on some intense issues with a counselor. He's never really felt a *call* to pastoral ministry but is a servant and was willing to accept the job placed before him.
One day, at the church we were attending, the dad of the other family said, "You know, someone ought to start a Mennonite church in OUR town."
Hubby looked at him and said, "You're right. SOMEBODY should!"
That was the starting point. From there some rough outlines were scratched out, a meeting place was found, plans were made, and responsibilities were shared. On the first Sunday of November in 2006 we had our first service with our family, their family and a family that lived in the neighborhood of the church, a rented Synagogue.
I was 9 months pregnant that first week. I can't remember all that I did but I do remember we had a young child's Sunday School (led by the two originating fathers), an older Sunday School class that ranged 4th grade up through a freshman in high school (that I taught) and the rest of the adults met for adult Sunday school.
The second Sunday we were there with the same 3 families and ONE NEW ATTENDEE....... a 4 day old baby boy that we called Abram. Honestly, the only thing I remember from that second Sunday was that I was REALLY SORE (Abram was a rough delivery) and that we had not quite fully figured out nursing. I spent most of that morning underneath a large poncho shaped nursing cape trying to keep him latched on WHILE teaching Sunday school. I clearly remember having to continuously tuck my head under my cover and then back out again. I had the lesson planned quite well but had no available hands. So I remember asking the VERY HELPFUL kids to grab things, open books, read aloud, or hold something so I could read. I remember directing them using my words and by flinging my head in the direction I wanted them to go. LOL It was EXHAUSTING but a great memory.
Over the years we have gained families and lost families.
We are quite the motley crew of folks. We have a few who were raised Mennonite. We have a few who have spent their entire life in the Catholic church but liked aspects of our Mennonite faith and are learning the differences between these different faith traditions. We have some (like my family) who grew up in homes that were not churched, accepted a Christian faith in the non-denomination tradition and then became Mennonite as adults. We have a few who admit to being agnostic but strongly value the "stories and lessons of the church" for their children and we have some who fall somewhere in between.
I love having a church only 30 miles from home.
I love having children who are excited about attending church (especially now that they are 7, nearly 5 and nearly 3= they can sit in the pew without tap dancing or wresting--most the time!!!)
I will admit there have been moments where my attitude was dark, selfish, exhausted and even resentful toward God. YET, the great thing about God is that if you are truly seeking to serve HIM He doesn't let you get away with those attitudes for very long.
Along the way I have learned to serve the church as if I were serving Jesus. To have no expectations of return here on Earth. Face it we are too small and we are ALL doing about as much as we personally feel we can muster. Planting a church is hard work but a change in my Spirit along the way gave me a bit of tunnel vision, allowing me to focus my attention on serving the Lord with all my heart, all my soul, all my strength and all my mind and to love others better than myself. This change in Spirit (although it SOUNDS like it should have been a GIVEN when one is so involved in the start up of a ministry) has allowed me to experience the unexplainable Joy that only God can give while I am giving completely of myself. It has saved me from burnout and many frustrations. It allows me to serve without exhaustion on those days that more is given than obtained and it guides me to other areas where *I* can secure some spiritual sustenance for myself.
I am so Thankful.
And now, if you are still here with me, I'd like to ask you to help me pray for this little church of 6 regular attending families (with 2 that come occasionally). A new season has come upon our little church. Our family has announced that we will be stepping aside in spring so that the church can find someone more aptly gifted and skilled to take this congregation on to the next level. This time is scary for us, as we likely will be losing our church home (at least for awhile, if not for good), but it is also scary for the congregation who is so small and is so unique.
While Hubby was the pastor he worked hard not only at the Sunday worship services but he also established a foundation, prompting the group to make steps that will allow the church to remain healthy even if and when the congregation is blessed with a sudden surge in growth. The ground work is laid out, the structures are set, the foundation is in place but now it is time for a new pastor who is passionate about taking a small core group and building it up into the next level to step on board.
The pastor they call will likely need to be bi-vocational and to make this switch in such an economy will be a tough task. I, personally, am very excited for the opportunity the group has to dream and desire. I am excited at the energy and growth that might come from this changing of the guard. Yet, as one who has been so active in this church, it is hard for me to sit back and know nothing.
So if you are a prayer warrior and if you are still reading could you please pray that 1-God will give clear signals to those on the Search Committee, 2-that God will send the perfect worker to our church to be it's next pastor, 3-that instead of feeling fear and skepticism all involved might feel the excitement and hope this change could bring and 4-that we all might have a very peaceful and easy transition.
I thank you kindly.
I am SO Greatful that God allowed our family to help start this Mennonite Church.
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
2011- Gratitude Challenge - November 4
Once again Brenda at Garden of Learning is hosting a Gratitude Challenge.
It is a challenge to post once a day about something we are thankful for.
You may read my daily post below and you may also click here to see what others in the Challenge are thankful for as well. If you blog, feel free to hop on board. Just type up your posts each day and then connect your blog post specific blog address to the Linky that Brenda provided at the link above.
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November 4, 2011
Today I am thankful ....
that life is, more often than not, forgiving. And that when I realize I am a day behind on posting in the Gratitude Challenge I know for sure that it is not because I had nothing to be grateful that day.
I know that I thought about typing something up many times on the 4th.
I have no idea why it didn't happen.
So, for my 4th Gratitude post I want to be thankful for the flexibility of life. A life filled with thanks that ring out throughout the day. A life with grace and mercy. A life that ebbs and flows with the needs, seen and unseen, of my family.
Flexibility.
Life is WAY too stressful without it!
that life is, more often than not, forgiving. And that when I realize I am a day behind on posting in the Gratitude Challenge I know for sure that it is not because I had nothing to be grateful that day.
I know that I thought about typing something up many times on the 4th.
I have no idea why it didn't happen.
So, for my 4th Gratitude post I want to be thankful for the flexibility of life. A life filled with thanks that ring out throughout the day. A life with grace and mercy. A life that ebbs and flows with the needs, seen and unseen, of my family.
Flexibility.
Life is WAY too stressful without it!
If you would like to read more Gratitude Posts or jump on board click the button below.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Slug, 4H, Flood, Fire, Oh Yeah! Ie: MUCH RANDOMNESS
Last week we were sick and had a ton of responsibilities that just wiped me out.
This week, I wish I had an excuse other than that low lying, remaining exhaustion that just wipes out any thought of ambition and laziness.
Here is a status a Facebook friend just posted. I found it very fitting for this past week: I've been a total slug today. Thankful nobody spilled salt on me.
Yep! That describes my week.
We did have fun Trunk or Treating on Monday..... perhaps next year I'll remember the camera. Here's a picture of my kiddos posing on the couch in their costumes with their pumpkins.
Does anyone else think that pumpkin carving is for the GROWN UPS?? Perhaps it's just because I'm not quite ready to hand my 7, 4 and 2 yr old a knife yet?
The boys drew their faces and I cut them. You can see Abram's face is all mixed up with it's nose on the top right and it's eyes all crooked, it's a "funny" face. LOL
So we had Halloween and then recovery. Then we had Story Time. I was hoping that I did not leave shoes too big to fill. :( The new librarian told me I was a tough act to follow. She did great and I look forward to all that she will have planned in the future. :) This week we decorated pre-assembled Dream Catchers. Abram told me the next day that he thinks the Dream Catcher helped him **Have the FORCE** for the first time in his dream that night. :)
Thursday we had a playdate where the kids literally vanished into playland and I was able to hear my friend talk about some true trials and dilemmas she is dealing with. It is nice to be the supporting member for a change.
Friday night was Otto's 4H Banquet. He got a Perfect Attendance Plaque and a few other certificates. As a Cloverbud they don't get very many *Big* Awards. The most important thing that happened at the Banquet is he was given his 4H Fair Project CHECK. He was awarded a WHOLE $4.50!
In school this week, we were a bit relaxed as well. We did hit math (writing in expanded form, subtracting with doubles plus one factors & writing prices with dollar signs and cents signs). We covered some reading and reading comprehension. WE are trying to get through our AAS phoneme cards but some of those letters with 3 and 4 sounds are tricky! We also have a Little Critter reading comprehension book. I love this book and so does Otto. It contains questions about the story but also reinforces lessons on rhyming, word patterns and contractions. I never would have thought to teach him contractions without this book and now its exciting to see how much he enjoys creating contractions. Love.
This week Otto has also REALLY taken off in his desire to read signs and notes. I need to be more careful about what is left UP on the computer as I frequently see him staring at a computer trying to read the words. Hubby is watching a TV show called *The Walking Dead*. Otto the other day announced to his brother that it was "The Walking Dad," I told him his version sounded much less scary than the zombie show Hubby is really watching. :)
(On a side note: I tried to watch the show. I watched 2 episodes and really liked the character development and story line but the make up was a bit too creepy for me. We often watch at night after the kids go to bed but before Hubby takes off for his night job. NOPE! Not a great last image in my mind when I am the sole adult home at night.)
So, what did I not cover (and are you dizzy yet?)? ((Nice punctuation, huh?))
Flood: There is a valve that has blown on my washing machine and the water is not turning off. I CAN wash our clothes if I stand there and turn off the water at the wall during each cycle.... if not the tub overflows! Uggg. Hubby, ordered the part we think will fix it and I pray that it is a fast assembly and that the ordered part fixes our problem. I am thankful there is no carpet in that area! The machine was at least 10 years old when we purchased it used 8 years ago. Flood... not bad, but a frequent occurrence in my life right now.
Fire: immediately after I mopped up water I realized that there was food on my spill plate on the stove. I was fixing pancakes using my double burner griddle.... and apparently it got too hot and caught on fire! Thankfully I was able to blow it out and did not have to dump flour on it! :)
Yesterday, we also sent our first Steer off to the processor. I NEARLY cried 4 times but managed to choke it back. I just keep seeing his cute little eyes.
He was a great, little tame cow.... and the steak he will give us will be very happily eaten.
What's new in your life??
And just because I managed to cover the pathetic amount we covered in school this week, I will be linking to the weekly meme called Weekly Wrap-Up. This meme is hosted by Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Go check her out today!
This week, I wish I had an excuse other than that low lying, remaining exhaustion that just wipes out any thought of ambition and laziness.
Here is a status a Facebook friend just posted. I found it very fitting for this past week: I've been a total slug today. Thankful nobody spilled salt on me.
Yep! That describes my week.
We did have fun Trunk or Treating on Monday..... perhaps next year I'll remember the camera. Here's a picture of my kiddos posing on the couch in their costumes with their pumpkins.
Thursday we had a playdate where the kids literally vanished into playland and I was able to hear my friend talk about some true trials and dilemmas she is dealing with. It is nice to be the supporting member for a change.
Friday night was Otto's 4H Banquet. He got a Perfect Attendance Plaque and a few other certificates. As a Cloverbud they don't get very many *Big* Awards. The most important thing that happened at the Banquet is he was given his 4H Fair Project CHECK. He was awarded a WHOLE $4.50!
In school this week, we were a bit relaxed as well. We did hit math (writing in expanded form, subtracting with doubles plus one factors & writing prices with dollar signs and cents signs). We covered some reading and reading comprehension. WE are trying to get through our AAS phoneme cards but some of those letters with 3 and 4 sounds are tricky! We also have a Little Critter reading comprehension book. I love this book and so does Otto. It contains questions about the story but also reinforces lessons on rhyming, word patterns and contractions. I never would have thought to teach him contractions without this book and now its exciting to see how much he enjoys creating contractions. Love.
This week Otto has also REALLY taken off in his desire to read signs and notes. I need to be more careful about what is left UP on the computer as I frequently see him staring at a computer trying to read the words. Hubby is watching a TV show called *The Walking Dead*. Otto the other day announced to his brother that it was "The Walking Dad," I told him his version sounded much less scary than the zombie show Hubby is really watching. :)
(On a side note: I tried to watch the show. I watched 2 episodes and really liked the character development and story line but the make up was a bit too creepy for me. We often watch at night after the kids go to bed but before Hubby takes off for his night job. NOPE! Not a great last image in my mind when I am the sole adult home at night.)
So, what did I not cover (and are you dizzy yet?)? ((Nice punctuation, huh?))
Flood: There is a valve that has blown on my washing machine and the water is not turning off. I CAN wash our clothes if I stand there and turn off the water at the wall during each cycle.... if not the tub overflows! Uggg. Hubby, ordered the part we think will fix it and I pray that it is a fast assembly and that the ordered part fixes our problem. I am thankful there is no carpet in that area! The machine was at least 10 years old when we purchased it used 8 years ago. Flood... not bad, but a frequent occurrence in my life right now.
Fire: immediately after I mopped up water I realized that there was food on my spill plate on the stove. I was fixing pancakes using my double burner griddle.... and apparently it got too hot and caught on fire! Thankfully I was able to blow it out and did not have to dump flour on it! :)
Yesterday, we also sent our first Steer off to the processor. I NEARLY cried 4 times but managed to choke it back. I just keep seeing his cute little eyes.
Here is a picture of how Tom came home to our farm!
What's new in your life??
And just because I managed to cover the pathetic amount we covered in school this week, I will be linking to the weekly meme called Weekly Wrap-Up. This meme is hosted by Kris at Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. Go check her out today!
Friday, November 4, 2011
PLEASE VOTE: I've Been Nominated in the HOMESCHOOL MISFIT BLOG AWARDS
I am so tickled.
There is this thing called the Homeschool Misfit Blog Awards.
It is a fun contest for blogs that wouldn't normally be recognized in the SUPER HERO BLOG AWARD CONTESTS.
I had heard that nominations were taking place but thought nothing of it.
Today I found out that I have been nominated in TWO categories.
Oh me, oh my, oh gee!!
So I went to NOT SO SUPERWOMAN to check out the nominations and started LAUGHING HYSTERICALLY!
Whomever nominated me knows my blog and my life well.
Here are the two categories that I have been nominated for and their explanations:
1) The "Squirrel" Award- "Wait, weren't we supposed to be studying Abraham Lincoln? How'd we end up talking about the chemical properties of Styrofoam?" This is the homeschool blogger who begins her posts on one topic and then takes off in several different directions. ADHD anyone?
and
2) The Harried Homeschooler Award- "Good thing I don't neglect my kids like I do my blog." or "Who are all these kids and why are they wanting my attention when I'm trying to blog?". This is the blogger who has every intention of blogging regularly, but life just gets in the way sometime. Her family expects regular meals. What's up with that?
I challenge you to go check out my competition.............and then go VOTE FOR ME! LOL Okay, you can vote for whomever you wish but I do encourage you to go vote. :)
I really think they ought to merge the two as I think I really deep down am a HARRIED SQUIRREL! :)
Click HERE TO VOTE.
Voting ends November 3.
Voting ends November 3.
Happy Voting and have fun exploring some new blogs out there in the world.
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