I saw this on a fellow TOS Crew member's blog and thought that even I could handle this one! There are no rules and nothing to do but visit other blogs.
I can do that!
So, here goes. Wanna play? Head on over to Design it Chic and check it out.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Something New and Fun?
I saw this on a fellow TOS Crew member's blog and thought that even I could handle this one! There are no rules and nothing to do but visit other blogs.
I can do that!
So, here goes. Wanna play? Head on over to Design it Chic and check it out.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Year Long Project
This year, each of the girls have been assigned a year long project. Their assignments are something that reflect their natural bents or stretch them in some way. The plan is to work on them and mark their progress as they go.
Here is our oldest, B, with her project. She is incredibly shy and doesn't like to be up in front of people but she has been blessed with an amazing voice. We are working with her to become more comfortable with being up front and also to improve her performance.
I hope to video her again in about three months after she has been working on it for a while and maybe by then we can have her on a stage with a mic and music...still working on that one!
I will post the other projects as we start them and chronicle the journey.
Here is our oldest, B, with her project. She is incredibly shy and doesn't like to be up in front of people but she has been blessed with an amazing voice. We are working with her to become more comfortable with being up front and also to improve her performance.
I hope to video her again in about three months after she has been working on it for a while and maybe by then we can have her on a stage with a mic and music...still working on that one!
I will post the other projects as we start them and chronicle the journey.
Random Dozen
I forgot this yesterday and when I went to check, I read that 2nd cup of coffee isn't going to be doing it anymore. :(
At least we have today!
Here are today's questions:
1. What scares you the most
A) Physically Spiders, mice/rats. When I see either of them half of my head goes numb and I completely freak out. Can't help it, it is an overwhelming fear. Other than that? Drowning or otherwise dying painfully.
B) Emotionally Dying before my kids are old enough to remember me. I have had dreams like that and I wake up bawling every time.
Why does it scare you, and how do you cope? I think the answers are self-explanatory? How do I cope? hmmm I run from spiders, literally. I tremble in fear and wait for one of my kids to kill them! I have actually called my dh home to take care of a mouse!! The other? I pray and pray and pray and trust God to fulfill His plan for our lives.
2. What comes to mind when you read the phrase, "Nothing gold can stay?"
It's all transient. Nothing in this world will last beyond this world. Even the 'best' of things. The only thing that has any value and will last for eternity is Christ and His Love.
At least we have today!
Here are today's questions:
1. What scares you the most
A) Physically Spiders, mice/rats. When I see either of them half of my head goes numb and I completely freak out. Can't help it, it is an overwhelming fear. Other than that? Drowning or otherwise dying painfully.
B) Emotionally Dying before my kids are old enough to remember me. I have had dreams like that and I wake up bawling every time.
Why does it scare you, and how do you cope? I think the answers are self-explanatory? How do I cope? hmmm I run from spiders, literally. I tremble in fear and wait for one of my kids to kill them! I have actually called my dh home to take care of a mouse!! The other? I pray and pray and pray and trust God to fulfill His plan for our lives.
2. What comes to mind when you read the phrase, "Nothing gold can stay?"
It's all transient. Nothing in this world will last beyond this world. Even the 'best' of things. The only thing that has any value and will last for eternity is Christ and His Love.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Updates
Well, for school we have been catching up. Of course! It feels like we will never be 'on track' with where I wanted to be/thought we should be/ planned.
And it's okay. We are getting there.
We have been doing some fun Viking, Castle, Middle Ages projects that I have pictures of and I would love to post them.
BUT...
The camera is upstairs and I have been doing school for about 14 hours today so I just want to sit and not talk to anyone. The noise of the tv is even bothering me!
So, the pics will have to wait until tomorrow. I will also include the pictures of a local castle we visited last week. :-)
And it's okay. We are getting there.
We have been doing some fun Viking, Castle, Middle Ages projects that I have pictures of and I would love to post them.
BUT...
The camera is upstairs and I have been doing school for about 14 hours today so I just want to sit and not talk to anyone. The noise of the tv is even bothering me!
So, the pics will have to wait until tomorrow. I will also include the pictures of a local castle we visited last week. :-)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
School and Life Lessons
School. It is the bane of my existence lately. Not because I don't like it anymore, but because it is pointing out my shortcomings and faults in blaring reality.
I don't like that.
At all.
I don't really want to post about it yet. I think I want all of us to get through it first and then I'll post. For now let's just say that homeschooling is painful.
For them and for me.
Today marked the re-instating of the schedule. Again. We have done the schedule off and on and we always do better when we follow it. So, why would I not? Your guess is as good as mine. It completely takes the stress off of me because the schedule tells them to do something not me. It also makes us stay on track.
Believe me, we need all the help we can get.
So, I pulled out my planner and filled it in after checking their planners for the second time in two days. Yup, that's what I said. There were some shall we say creative entries in them that needed cleared up and more follow up was required from mom. Yippee.
As the day wore on, I checked off their assignments in my planner and could see the progress which helped me with that feeling of failure that I have been battling. We have also set up check points on Wednesdays and Fridays to check their planners and their books to be sure work is getting done and done well.
The 'we' I am talking about is Steven and I. He is jumping on board in a more visible way to help me out and I appreciate it so very much.
The last few weeks are what have me longing for the yellow bus that passes by here twice a day. I know that that is not what God has called us to and that might just make it more difficult. I feel so inadequate and yet He is expecting me to do this.
He gave me my children with the personalities they have to refine both of us, not just them. I'm not so sure I like that sometimes!
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3
I need to remember this and recite it often. Like tomorrow when we don't get Free School because the girls are too behind in school work and don't get the privilege.
But today was a good day and I am planning on tomorrow being one as well.
I don't like that.
At all.
I don't really want to post about it yet. I think I want all of us to get through it first and then I'll post. For now let's just say that homeschooling is painful.
For them and for me.
Today marked the re-instating of the schedule. Again. We have done the schedule off and on and we always do better when we follow it. So, why would I not? Your guess is as good as mine. It completely takes the stress off of me because the schedule tells them to do something not me. It also makes us stay on track.
Believe me, we need all the help we can get.
So, I pulled out my planner and filled it in after checking their planners for the second time in two days. Yup, that's what I said. There were some shall we say creative entries in them that needed cleared up and more follow up was required from mom. Yippee.
As the day wore on, I checked off their assignments in my planner and could see the progress which helped me with that feeling of failure that I have been battling. We have also set up check points on Wednesdays and Fridays to check their planners and their books to be sure work is getting done and done well.
The 'we' I am talking about is Steven and I. He is jumping on board in a more visible way to help me out and I appreciate it so very much.
The last few weeks are what have me longing for the yellow bus that passes by here twice a day. I know that that is not what God has called us to and that might just make it more difficult. I feel so inadequate and yet He is expecting me to do this.
He gave me my children with the personalities they have to refine both of us, not just them. I'm not so sure I like that sometimes!
"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness." 2 Peter 1:3
I need to remember this and recite it often. Like tomorrow when we don't get Free School because the girls are too behind in school work and don't get the privilege.
But today was a good day and I am planning on tomorrow being one as well.
Monday, October 25, 2010
New Adventures
Same old craziness!
I have started a new blog. It's a weight loss blog. Yup, I'm putting it out there...I'm fat. I'm not being down on myself just realistic. It's my own fault, to a degree. When you have hypothyroidism that isn't controlled well, some things are out of your control. But, not all.
I haven't done my part.
Now, I am.
I am starting a fitness challenge through a couple of friends' blogs and if you want to check out what I'm doing head over to my 'other' blog, Weighing Hearts, and see!
I have started a new blog. It's a weight loss blog. Yup, I'm putting it out there...I'm fat. I'm not being down on myself just realistic. It's my own fault, to a degree. When you have hypothyroidism that isn't controlled well, some things are out of your control. But, not all.
I haven't done my part.
Now, I am.
I am starting a fitness challenge through a couple of friends' blogs and if you want to check out what I'm doing head over to my 'other' blog, Weighing Hearts, and see!
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday's Fave Five
Yay me!
So, if you want to know what Friday's Fave Five is head on over to Living to tell the Story to find out and link up!
This week...Let me see.
We stopped babysitting last week and I couldn't be more glad. I don't mean that to sound bad, but we weren't getting school done with him here. This week we didn't have an extra kid and we have actually gotten most of our school work done! We have had a mostly good week. ;-D
I had a meltdown on Tuesday afternoon of epic proportions. While I am not thankful for that, I am thankful that my hubby was here to back me up and chastise the kids for the things they haven't been doing. I am also thankful that they were able to see Steven and I working through it and holding their feet to the fire.
We got to do a little school on Wednesday night with Steven here and he was able to add some things to the discussion. He was also able to bring the topics around to tie in to the study on Isaiah we have been doing with BSF. I love having him around for school!
We took a field trip to see a local production of Tom Sawyer. It was a great experience! I loved seeing our youngest's eyes light up when the lights came up. Fun, fun, fun!
FALL!! I am so thankful for Fall that I can't even stand it. The cooler weather, the light rains, and the falling of leaves. I love the sound of crunching leaves as you walk on them...sweet! I am starting to pull out my sweatshirts and sweaters and scarves.
How about you? Do you have a Fave Five list? Link up and let us read them.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Awards that I could actually win!
Over at Hearthside Homeschool Reviews a new kind of blogger awards has cropped up. They are fabulous and totally attainable!
They are the Homeschool Misfit Awards! How cool is that?
Head on over there and see for yourself what great categories they have. I could totally win many of these!
Maybe even nominate yourself or someone you know *hint, hint* for several categories!!
They are the Homeschool Misfit Awards! How cool is that?
Head on over there and see for yourself what great categories they have. I could totally win many of these!
Maybe even nominate yourself or someone you know *hint, hint* for several categories!!
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Random Dozen
I'm baack! I remembered to do this today, yay me!
1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie? Yes. I usually prefer to read the book first but I love both.
2. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas I love the music, the weather, the spirit of it.
3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach? I have never seen either so I don't know. I think I would like both and would not discriminate against either one.
4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive? A Dodge Challenger, Charger or a new Camaro. I wouldn't be too picky! lol
5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage? Coffee always coffee. But a close second would be Spiced Tea.
6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook? Anyway I can! I use them all frequently.
7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box? Mailbox on the street, love it!
8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.) Sanguine is my strongest and phlegmatic is the least...I think!
9. What do you miss the most about being 20? I don't really miss it. I enjoy the age I am, honestly!
10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning? What do I have going that day? Am I going somewhere? Is anyone going to see me? Who is going to see me? See, those questions really matter. If it is a jammie day for school, then it takes me about two seconds. Now if someone is going to see me then it my take me around 30 minutes. Maybe? I'm not really sure. I guess I am going to have to time it next time I go somewhere!
11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family? I used to and it ended badly. So Steven does it all now. And he does it beautifully. :)
12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited? :( I have only seen about 12 states. I hope to see more before I die!!
Okay, there are my dozen. Want to see more answers? Go to 2nd cup of coffee and check it out.
1. Do you prefer to read the book or see the movie? Yes. I usually prefer to read the book first but I love both.
2. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas I love the music, the weather, the spirit of it.
3. Which do you like better - the mountains or the beach? I have never seen either so I don't know. I think I would like both and would not discriminate against either one.
4. If money were no consideration, what vehicle would you drive? A Dodge Challenger, Charger or a new Camaro. I wouldn't be too picky! lol
5. What is your favorite cold-weather beverage? Coffee always coffee. But a close second would be Spiced Tea.
6. How do you communicate most often with your friends: phone, email, text, face-to-face, or Facebook? Anyway I can! I use them all frequently.
7. How do you receive your mail? Mailbox on the porch, at the end of the driveway, down the street, or post office box? Mailbox on the street, love it!
8. Of the four basic personality types - sanguine, phlegmatic, melancholic, and choleric - which is your strongest? Which is your least evident? (See definitions below.) Sanguine is my strongest and phlegmatic is the least...I think!
9. What do you miss the most about being 20? I don't really miss it. I enjoy the age I am, honestly!
10. How long from the time you get up, does it take you to get ready to walk out the door in the morning? What do I have going that day? Am I going somewhere? Is anyone going to see me? Who is going to see me? See, those questions really matter. If it is a jammie day for school, then it takes me about two seconds. Now if someone is going to see me then it my take me around 30 minutes. Maybe? I'm not really sure. I guess I am going to have to time it next time I go somewhere!
11. Who handles the car maintenance and pays the bills in your family? I used to and it ended badly. So Steven does it all now. And he does it beautifully. :)
12. For those in the US, how many states have you visited? For those outside the US, how many provinces/other countries have you visited? :( I have only seen about 12 states. I hope to see more before I die!!
Okay, there are my dozen. Want to see more answers? Go to 2nd cup of coffee and check it out.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Tag!
I have been tagged a couple of times and will try to get to each of them in the next few days so bear with me. ;-)
Betty over at The Cow Queen tagged me and put these questions up for me to answer. So here goes...
Okay, I have answered the questions and now I am supposed to tag some people and think of my own questions to ask them.
hmm...
Okay, I will tag:
Sybil X 5
Willis Creek Ranch
Jewels of my Own
The Berry Patch
Sister Tipster
Jodien
Resa's Pieces
1. How did you meet your husband?
2. How did you choose the names for your children?
3. What is a life lesson you wish your children would learn without experience?
4. What is the one book you could read over and over again and why?
5. What/when/where was your favorite family vacation?
6. When you were 17, what did you see yourself doing? Is it what you are doing now?
7. Books or movies? Why?
8. How has God blessed you recently?
Okay, there are the questions. I hope everyone plays along, but if not I totally understand. I will try not to let my feelings be hurt or anything! lol
Betty over at The Cow Queen tagged me and put these questions up for me to answer. So here goes...
1. Do you plan to homeschool "forever" or just for a season?
We plan to homeschool for as long as God calls us to it. Part of me hopes it is for the long haul, though. I love having my kiddos home with me!
2. What is your biggest homeschooling challenge, and how do you handle it?
Attitudes. Theirs and mine. We are all such different people and we struggle to find the harmony for our family sometimes. We are all sinners saved by Grace trying to follow Christ and we don't always live out His example.
3. If you have multiple children, how do you find one-on-one time for instruction? (I mainly mean for younger children and reading.)
I have a schedule planned out so that each child gets one-on-one time with me during the day. It doesn't always work, but I try.
4. How do you find time for your own pleasure reading?
I stay up late and read on my lunch time. Or any other time that I have a free minute!
5. How do you find any time for yourself?
It is hard sometimes but I have a wonderful hubby that gives me time when I ask.
6. What is your favorite kid-friendly recipe? (you can just put the title, if you want -- I know where to find you ;) )
My kids love fettuccine alfredo with chicken and steak and hamburgers and homemade pizza!
7. Why do you blog?
I love to write! I have so many things running through my head all the time and I need someplace to put them. :)
8. Boxers or briefs? Just kidding ... sweet or salty ... your favorite snack.
YES!! Depends on the day, time, and place. I wouldn't turn down either one of them though!!
Okay, I have answered the questions and now I am supposed to tag some people and think of my own questions to ask them.
hmm...
Okay, I will tag:
Sybil X 5
Willis Creek Ranch
Jewels of my Own
The Berry Patch
Sister Tipster
Jodien
Resa's Pieces
1. How did you meet your husband?
2. How did you choose the names for your children?
3. What is a life lesson you wish your children would learn without experience?
4. What is the one book you could read over and over again and why?
5. What/when/where was your favorite family vacation?
6. When you were 17, what did you see yourself doing? Is it what you are doing now?
7. Books or movies? Why?
8. How has God blessed you recently?
Okay, there are the questions. I hope everyone plays along, but if not I totally understand. I will try not to let my feelings be hurt or anything! lol
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The One Year Mother Daughter Devo Review
From the publisher:
The One Year Mother-Daughter Devo is designed to be used by a mother and her tween daughter; both can read and understand the same devotion and share in the “girl gab” section to discuss their understanding of Scripture and their relationship with God. The devotion will strengthen mother-daughter relationships as well as their relationships with God. Topics for the devotions are centered around issues that the best-selling author (Dannah Gresh) is known for addressing through her books and mother-daughter conferences. Topics include modesty, purity, self-esteem, handling emotions, witnessing, living the faith. Dannah will encourage mother-daughter devotional time as a part of her conference curriculum for 2010- 2011, which will present a natural connection for the devotional.
My thoughts:
This is a great book! I love devotionals and have my own and my kids have their own; I haven't seen one that we could really do together until now. This devotional is written for both the moms and the daughters! I loved it. It has the regular devotional item including Bible passage, but then it includes a Girl Gab section designed to get mom and daughter talking. Cool! It also includes CRAFTS to do together. I am serious. We love crafts at our house so this was a major bonus for the girls. I appreciate how they tie into the devotional. Studying God's Word together is such a joy and this book will help that happen in a fun and meaningful way.
This is a great book worth checking out. List price is $14.99 and worth it in my humble opinion!
**Tyndale House provided this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.
The One Year Mother-Daughter Devo is designed to be used by a mother and her tween daughter; both can read and understand the same devotion and share in the “girl gab” section to discuss their understanding of Scripture and their relationship with God. The devotion will strengthen mother-daughter relationships as well as their relationships with God. Topics for the devotions are centered around issues that the best-selling author (Dannah Gresh) is known for addressing through her books and mother-daughter conferences. Topics include modesty, purity, self-esteem, handling emotions, witnessing, living the faith. Dannah will encourage mother-daughter devotional time as a part of her conference curriculum for 2010- 2011, which will present a natural connection for the devotional.
My thoughts:
This is a great book! I love devotionals and have my own and my kids have their own; I haven't seen one that we could really do together until now. This devotional is written for both the moms and the daughters! I loved it. It has the regular devotional item including Bible passage, but then it includes a Girl Gab section designed to get mom and daughter talking. Cool! It also includes CRAFTS to do together. I am serious. We love crafts at our house so this was a major bonus for the girls. I appreciate how they tie into the devotional. Studying God's Word together is such a joy and this book will help that happen in a fun and meaningful way.
This is a great book worth checking out. List price is $14.99 and worth it in my humble opinion!
**Tyndale House provided this complimentary book in exchange for my honest review.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Soli Deo Gloria TOS Review
Soli Deo Glorio has graciously given me a copy of this Bible Study and I am so glad they did! It is a wonderful study of the Word.
First of all, let me tell you a bit about the company. From the website:
Why the funny name?
Soli Deo Gloria is Latin for "To God Alone the Glory." It is one of the benchmarks of the reformation and necessary for the reformation of our thoughts regarding the education of our children.
Our unit studies and other curriculum are designed to cause learners to be captivated by God's "bigger picture." All of life, including math, science, history and language arts, is part of God's HUGE redemptive plan. Seeing God's hand at work in all of life, and seeing each piece as part of a larger picture is one of the main goals of education. Glorifying Him through all that we do, all that we learn, and all that we are is ultimately what we are called to do as His children.
I love this description of their companies name and the reasons for their studies. What a blessing to read this on a companies website.
I was a little wary of receiving this product because we are already doing an in-depth Bible Study that we can not suspend and worried that we wouldn't be able to do it justice. However, I was very pleased when we started working on it. It was very easy to implement and maintain. This is an inductive study aimed at 4th - 8th graders but could easily be used for slightly younger kids that would have help or older students that could dig a little deeper. The study is set up in notebook form and each student needs their own workbook to write in. The study is very easy to understand and lends itself well to students working independently.
Each workbook contains a Study Checklist to show the work that has been completed and work yet to be done on each of the Psalms studied, a Materials needed list, an Introduction page, and a page for each Psalm studied. For each Psalm the student is to read through it every day for a week and answer questions about it. There is also directions to highlight certain phrases in certain colors so they are easily identifiable in the future. There is also a journal section with prompts to encourage students to put their thoughts down on paper. Click here to see a sample page from this workbook.
This is a great study of God's Word that your children can feel a sense of accomplishment with when they have completed it. I recommend this study whole heartedly. If you are looking for more Bible Studies, visit here to see items like The Godly Woman- A Study of Proverbs 31 for Girls and Boys, or any of their Geography , History, Science, or Teacher Resources products.
There are many to choose from with very affordable prices. The study we rec'd on the Psalms was priced at $16.00 and is designed to study one Psalm a week for the entire school year. That is a pretty good deal, if you ask me!
Browse Soli Deo Gloria's website and see for yourself what wonderful products they offer. Then check out what the other Crew members are saying about their review items.
**I was given this product in exchange for my honest review as part of The TOS Crew.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Can you say Flood?
It was a normal day in our house; of course normal is a relative term! We were going about our business of school and I was feeling pretty good about our progress. Robin was here and helping with the babysitting kid and we were actually doing school. Imagine that!
Sometime in the mid-morning my forgetful oldest dd said that she had washed a demon spider down the upstairs bathroom sink. My first question was, "Did you leave the water running for a minute so that the evil spawn nasty thing scary nightmare spider wouldn't crawl back up and eat our faces as we sleep in revenge for trying to murder it?"
Okay, before you call child protective services on me I didn't really say those things. They were just racing through my panicked mind while I was staring at the drain.
What I did say was, "Let the water run for a minute so that it stays down there." See, nothing freaky about that!
Sherolled her eyes obeyed immediately and turned on said water.
I didn't think another thing about it. That was my first mistake. My second wasn't to check on saidflood water water to be sure it had been turned off.
It hadn't.
We didn't know that until S went downstairs to use the bathroom and startedshrieking freaking out screaming like someone was murdering her yelling for me to come quickly. It sounded serious so I waited a minute ran right away to see what was wrong with my over-reactive concerned dd.
Now, I don't like running. Seriously, not at all. If someone was going to mug me, I would just let them have my purse to avoid running. I am not even kidding.
But, I ran downstairs to find said dd staring dumb-struck and pointing to the ceiling in the downstairs bathroom.
And then I hear it. The sound of a peaceful waterfall hidden somewhere in the woods surrounded by a peaceful forest that is just ripe for a lazy day for a harried mom. WAIT A MINUTE!!! That sound is coming from my bathroom...
I summon up the courage to look and see why these sounds are coming from my bathroom and what do I see? A pretty waterfall falling from the ceiling vent pouring ever so sweetly to the inch deep standing water in the carpet.
I handled this so calmly. Oh wait...bwahahahaha O.k. I'm alright now.
Iyelled screamed talked to my forgetful child to find out what had happened. Not that I really cared at this point. But it made me feel better to be asking questions rather than yelling at her.
Weran around like chickens with our heads cut off quickly gathered all the towels in our house and found all the large bowls to sop up the plague water that seemed to be everywhere. And I do mean everywhere.
Steven came home after anugly abusive urgent phone call from me shrieking pleading with him to come home.
He did.
Hetalked me back from the ledge calmed me down and assessed the damage. He determined it not to be too bad and escaped went back to work.
Days went by with carpets pulled up and thestink perfume of wet carpet filling our olfactory senses. It was lovely. Not.
I convinced Steven that I had a plan to 'fix' the bathrooms and that I could do it for cheap. He agreed. It made me feel better to be doing something to make the bathrooms better rather than just looking at the carnage of epic proportions. (not really, I'm not that dramatic!) ;-)
Robin and I came up with the perfect plan and we implemented it instantly.
Here is the result of one day's worth of work:
I guess since I got new flooring in two of the bathrooms that I shouldn't be complaining too much, but really? Did she have to do that in the first place? Forgetfulness and following through are just some of the issues we are working on in our house!
Sometime in the mid-morning my
Okay, before you call child protective services on me I didn't really say those things. They were just racing through my panicked mind while I was staring at the drain.
What I did say was, "Let the water run for a minute so that it stays down there." See, nothing freaky about that!
She
I didn't think another thing about it. That was my first mistake. My second wasn't to check on said
It hadn't.
We didn't know that until S went downstairs to use the bathroom and started
Now, I don't like running. Seriously, not at all. If someone was going to mug me, I would just let them have my purse to avoid running. I am not even kidding.
But, I ran downstairs to find said dd staring dumb-struck and pointing to the ceiling in the downstairs bathroom.
And then I hear it. The sound of a peaceful waterfall hidden somewhere in the woods surrounded by a peaceful forest that is just ripe for a lazy day for a harried mom. WAIT A MINUTE!!! That sound is coming from my bathroom...
I summon up the courage to look and see why these sounds are coming from my bathroom and what do I see? A pretty waterfall falling from the ceiling vent pouring ever so sweetly to the inch deep standing water in the carpet.
I handled this so calmly. Oh wait...bwahahahaha O.k. I'm alright now.
I
We
Steven came home after an
He did.
He
Days went by with carpets pulled up and the
I convinced Steven that I had a plan to 'fix' the bathrooms and that I could do it for cheap. He agreed. It made me feel better to be doing something to make the bathrooms better rather than just looking at the carnage of epic proportions. (not really, I'm not that dramatic!) ;-)
Robin and I came up with the perfect plan and we implemented it instantly.
Here is the result of one day's worth of work:
 |
| This is the bathroom downstairs. We taped off the squares and painted them. It looks so cool! |
 | ||||||
| This is the upstairs bathroom. The new tile looks amazing!! |
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Time flies
Yeah, time flies when you are living life! heehee So what have I been doing since last Friday?
Oh let me tell you! Soccer. It was lovely and one daughter has bruised bones on her foot and the other has bruised ribs. Oh yeah, we are all about the pain. :( I'm not even going to talk about the games anymore, it is just too frustrating. grr
Saturday night we got Bella Luna which is Mediterranean food and we LOVE it!! I never get it when Steven is around-he doesn't like it! Where was Steven this past weekend? He went to Dallas with his brothers to watch the Dallas Cowboys lose their game. heehee (I don't like the 'boys!)
Sunday was quiet and restful with a trip to the grocery store. ugh I hate going to the store on the weekends, there are way too many people there for me to be happy walking around looking at all the ways advertisers are trying to part me with my money. It was not pretty.
The library was on the list as well and that made me happy! I only picked up 24 of the 48 books that I placed on hold. lol Then I set about reading and reading and reading. Then there was the planning for the next school week and doing my BSF.
Steven didn't get home until 3am Monday morning. I tried to wait up for him but didn't make it past 1am. Much coffee was needed the next morning to get me through homeschool group and craft class with 12 5-7yo! They are an awesome group of kids but they are loud and busy.
BSF was great and I am loving studying Isaiah. I stayed up way too late reading a new book and woke up too early to get the day started.
We babysit today and I'm thinking that this week will be it. Steven doesn't want me to do it anymore bc we can't focus on school the way we need to. So I will be having a conversation with the momma tonight to tell her to find someone else. Not an easy conversation to have.
I need to be more consistent with posting instead of just posting boring weekly updates!
Oh let me tell you! Soccer. It was lovely and one daughter has bruised bones on her foot and the other has bruised ribs. Oh yeah, we are all about the pain. :( I'm not even going to talk about the games anymore, it is just too frustrating. grr
Saturday night we got Bella Luna which is Mediterranean food and we LOVE it!! I never get it when Steven is around-he doesn't like it! Where was Steven this past weekend? He went to Dallas with his brothers to watch the Dallas Cowboys lose their game. heehee (I don't like the 'boys!)
Sunday was quiet and restful with a trip to the grocery store. ugh I hate going to the store on the weekends, there are way too many people there for me to be happy walking around looking at all the ways advertisers are trying to part me with my money. It was not pretty.
The library was on the list as well and that made me happy! I only picked up 24 of the 48 books that I placed on hold. lol Then I set about reading and reading and reading. Then there was the planning for the next school week and doing my BSF.
Steven didn't get home until 3am Monday morning. I tried to wait up for him but didn't make it past 1am. Much coffee was needed the next morning to get me through homeschool group and craft class with 12 5-7yo! They are an awesome group of kids but they are loud and busy.
BSF was great and I am loving studying Isaiah. I stayed up way too late reading a new book and woke up too early to get the day started.
We babysit today and I'm thinking that this week will be it. Steven doesn't want me to do it anymore bc we can't focus on school the way we need to. So I will be having a conversation with the momma tonight to tell her to find someone else. Not an easy conversation to have.
I need to be more consistent with posting instead of just posting boring weekly updates!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday's Fave Five
I feel like I am scrambling to get things done this week and nothing is working. So, I am going to pause in all the craziness to remember my blessings.
My sister, Robin, came to stay the week with us. She is looking for a job and I have so enjoyed having her here. She is a huge blessing.
Our girls' soccer coaches. They are really great guys. We have all new coaches this year but we really lucked out. Both guys care a great deal about the kids and strive to teach them the game but also life lessons. I am thankful that we have such great coaches.
My dh surprising me with ballroom dance lessons. He really did! I am so excited that I can't hardly stand it. I have wanted to do this for YEARS but Steven is not really into that kind of thing so this is a big deal. He is such a great guy!
Fall weather. The temps have hovered around 70* and it has been magnificent! I love Fall in Kansas. It is so beautiful and crisp and cool and it smells great. Do you know what I'm talking about? The cooler weather has a certain smell to it that I just love.
Our neighbors, Don and Mary. They are a wonderful couple that have adopted our kids as their grandchildren. They always have a hug and a smile for the girls and ALWAYS stop what they are doing to visit with them.
There is my list, if you want to participate head on over to Living to tell the Story and link up!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Stuff
I'm sitting here thinking about Saturday's soccer games and I'm worried that they will go like last weeks. Our 11yos game was unbelievable. The other team was mean and intentionally pushing, hitting, and even lifted one of our girls up off the ground to get the ball away from her. One of our girls was punched in the face! It was unbelievable. Our coach complained to the board but I don't know if it will help. He was so encouraging with our girls at practice tonight and just praised them for playing the right way.
Needless to say, S, isn't looking forward to playing Saturday.
B, is playing in the town that when we played them last year they severely injured one of our players. I am praying very hard for protection for our girls.
School is going pretty well and we are keeping up with it. The baby we are babysitting is seriously hindering our efforts with school and hopefully we won't be doing it much longer.
Life is marching on and let me tell you it has a beat of it's own!
Needless to say, S, isn't looking forward to playing Saturday.
B, is playing in the town that when we played them last year they severely injured one of our players. I am praying very hard for protection for our girls.
School is going pretty well and we are keeping up with it. The baby we are babysitting is seriously hindering our efforts with school and hopefully we won't be doing it much longer.
Life is marching on and let me tell you it has a beat of it's own!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
TOS Lanschool Review
I am so excited for this review because I have enjoyed this product so much! It has been tremendous fun as well as amazingly useful.
I am talking about LanSchool. Have you heard of it? I never had, but I am so glad that I have now.
Let me tell you a little bit about it. Simply put it is classroom management software. LanSchool is software that allows you to network all your computers to the Teacher computer and see what they are doing, control their computer, send messages to the kid computer, limit access to programs or the Internet, and oh so much more.
I was completely stoked to be in on this review, but my kids wish that I hadn't been! I must admit that I have been tormenting them a bit with it. I set my laptop up as the Teacher Computer and the kids' computer and the main desk top as the Student Computers because I use my computer everywhere in the house and almost always have it with me. That means that I can be anywhere in the house and if the kids have a question about the schoolwork they are doing on the computer, they can send me a question through the LanSchool software and I can answer without having to stop what I was doing. I can also pop in to check on them through the software to be sure they are doing what they should be. Woohoo! Another cool feature is the ability to take control of the Student Computers to help out with something. We have used this feature many times while one of us was on a different level of the house. Let me tell you that as a mom of multiple levels of homeschooling, this is an invaluable tool to have.
One of the ways that I have been torturing my kiddos is the Blank Screen mode in LanSchool. As the Teacher Computer I have the ability to blank their screens to get their attention. It has been so much fun to do it when they least expect it and hear the "Oh Mom!" There is a message screen that appears when you blank the screen and you can put your in own message that will pop up on the screen. Oh my goodness do I love that feature! If I catch them playing games instead of writing their paper, I can blank the screen and they know they've been caught. Sweet!
There are so many more features that there isn't room to talk about them. You just have to go check it out for yourself!
This page on their website will give you more information to read through to find out more so you can get as hooked as I am!
This page lists some features and also gives some Demo Videos to watch, go check them out and this page has a Guided Tour video that will answer many of your questions.
Look at this page that shows all the new features LanSchool offers!
The Pricing for this wonderful tool is $99 for 1 home license that includes three years of technical support and three years of major upgrade protection are included. There is pricing for the Public/Private School setting as well. Their Pricing Page is very user friendly. ;-D
To find out more about this great resource, contact:
LanSchool Technologies, LLC
877.370.5546 (Toll Free USA)
801-770-3096 (International)
240-331-1316 (Fax)
email them at:
sales@lanschool.com
support@lanschool.com
or visit them on the web at:
http://lanschool.com
To see what other members of The Crew thought, head on over and check them out.
**I was given this product as a reviewer for The TOS Crew in exchange for my honest opinion.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ministry Opportunities
Monday was our off day from our homeschool group but instead of a day off we met for a ministry opportunity. Our group was asked to fill dental hygiene kits for underprivileged kids. We had to fill zip-locs with a toothbrush, dental floss, and toothpaste. It was a pretty simple job.
We started out setting up stations so we could get as many done as possible.
We had quite a few of our families show up and we were able to fill 3,000 baggies in just over 30 minutes! It was amazing. Even our youngest kiddos were able to participate.
We ended up sending a mom to the store for more baggies and we filled the next 1,000 in nothing flat. We ended the morning filling just over 4,000 bags for this ministry.
I love being able to serve with the other families in our group, but more than that I love being able to serve with my children.
P.S. Robin, my sister was able to be there with us and helped out immensely. :)
We started out setting up stations so we could get as many done as possible.
We had quite a few of our families show up and we were able to fill 3,000 baggies in just over 30 minutes! It was amazing. Even our youngest kiddos were able to participate.
We ended up sending a mom to the store for more baggies and we filled the next 1,000 in nothing flat. We ended the morning filling just over 4,000 bags for this ministry.
I love being able to serve with the other families in our group, but more than that I love being able to serve with my children.
P.S. Robin, my sister was able to be there with us and helped out immensely. :)
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Soccer, soccer, soccer
One of my favorite things is sitting in the cold early morning weather watching soccer. no really, it is.
NOT!!
Well, not the cold weather anyway. Yesterday morning it was soo cold. We had sweatshirts and blankets and we were still shivering. I can't imagine how cold the girls were out there in their shorts and short-sleeved shirts. brr
Our game started at 8:30 am and it was 20 minutes away. I had four extra kids Friday night so we had eight kids to wake up at 6:30 am. It was an early morning. But the kids were amazing ad woke up, got dressed all without complaining! woohoo
The game started a little late but the sun was still hiding behind a row of trees and not getting anywhere near to shining on us. Niice.
The game started slowly with our girls struggling to work as a team. But who could blame them, they were freezing! They finally did get it together and soon scored several goals. We had to play 10 to 10 because the other team only had 10 players show up, but it worked to our advantage since we had several extras. Our girls were able to rest and switch out.
The other team quickly got frustrated and started taking it out on our girls. They were screaming at them and calling them names. They were also pushing to the point of putting our girls on the ground. One of their bigger girls ran at my oldest and body-blocked her and took her out. It knocked her to the ground after she did a complete turn in the air. It was harsh. No call. This girl kept doing those things and ended up shoving several girls with her hands so she could try and get the ball. The ref finally told her to stop but never yellow carded her. It was so frustrating.
We did end up winning and I felt bad for the other team until I heard that they were calling our girls *itches to their faces and in front of our coach. Oh my word! Our coach was sure to tell our girls to not say anything to the other team. He told them to not even talk to them. It was definitely a learning experience!
I will have to make another post about our 11yos game, it was that bad! lol
I do love watching my girls play soccer! btw our 12yo took the ball as defender and scored again! That was after the big girl took her out. B was so mad that she took the ball away from them and dribbled half the field to score. It was awesome!!
NOT!!
Well, not the cold weather anyway. Yesterday morning it was soo cold. We had sweatshirts and blankets and we were still shivering. I can't imagine how cold the girls were out there in their shorts and short-sleeved shirts. brr
Our game started at 8:30 am and it was 20 minutes away. I had four extra kids Friday night so we had eight kids to wake up at 6:30 am. It was an early morning. But the kids were amazing ad woke up, got dressed all without complaining! woohoo
The game started a little late but the sun was still hiding behind a row of trees and not getting anywhere near to shining on us. Niice.
The game started slowly with our girls struggling to work as a team. But who could blame them, they were freezing! They finally did get it together and soon scored several goals. We had to play 10 to 10 because the other team only had 10 players show up, but it worked to our advantage since we had several extras. Our girls were able to rest and switch out.
The other team quickly got frustrated and started taking it out on our girls. They were screaming at them and calling them names. They were also pushing to the point of putting our girls on the ground. One of their bigger girls ran at my oldest and body-blocked her and took her out. It knocked her to the ground after she did a complete turn in the air. It was harsh. No call. This girl kept doing those things and ended up shoving several girls with her hands so she could try and get the ball. The ref finally told her to stop but never yellow carded her. It was so frustrating.
We did end up winning and I felt bad for the other team until I heard that they were calling our girls *itches to their faces and in front of our coach. Oh my word! Our coach was sure to tell our girls to not say anything to the other team. He told them to not even talk to them. It was definitely a learning experience!
I will have to make another post about our 11yos game, it was that bad! lol
I do love watching my girls play soccer! btw our 12yo took the ball as defender and scored again! That was after the big girl took her out. B was so mad that she took the ball away from them and dribbled half the field to score. It was awesome!!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Friday's Fave Five
I missed this meme last week, but I didn't want to miss it again. I love looking back on my week and finding the blessings. If you want to participate, head on over to Living to tell the Story and check it out.
Here's this weeks list.
I got to spend the day with my sister. Well, at least the afternoon, anyway. I love my Thither, Robin. She is my best friend and we have the best time together. I am so thankful for her friendship. I just wish she would live here with us! heehee
I am getting my baby fix. We started babysitting a 6mo old baby boy and I get to love on him and send him home! It is a struggle to get things done for school and I am not sure if we will keep doing it, but for now I get to snuggle someone that can't get away. ;-D
We had a garage sale fundraiser for our homeschool group and we got to spend some time with the other families working together to earn money for our group and for missions. It made for a long Thursday but it was so fun. AND we got our house somewhat cleaned out and got rid of a bunch of stuff!
Rest. I am not getting any right now but I will be thankful for it whenever it comes. And I know it will. Right? I am waiting for the rest that I know God will bring me and am sure of His ability to make it happen! (I know this hasn't happened yet, but I'm including it anyway.) ;-)
Extra kids. This afternoon we had four extra kids show up at our house! We were expecting them, no worries. lol They are kids that are our kids' ages and all are best friends. They have been talking, playing, and just generally keeping each other occupied all afternoon. Bonus for me! Now, tomorrow morning when we have to wake them up at 6:30, they might not be so cooperative.
There's my list. It's not very creative, but there it is. If you want to read more, go to Living to tell the Story and see what everyone else had to say.
TOS Crew Zoe & Sozo Review
We are always in search of more reading material in our house. We seem to go through books like they are tissue paper and it is hard to find appropriate books for our kids. So, when I saw that I was chosen for this review I was very excited. A new book! And my kids thought it sounded interesting!
I immediately went to their website to find out more and was even more excited to get the book. Zoe & Sozo is a great website full of information about the books and the company. Go here to read how they got started and about the author, Matthew Christian Harding, and here to read about why the books are written they way they are.
I was more than a little curious when I read "No Humanism, No Evolution, No Magic" after having read what the book was about. I couldn't imagine how the book was going to live up to those claims. But it did!
Here is what the website says:
"Foundlings, book one of The Peleg Chronicles
is Historical Fiction that takes place in the
time period of Peleg, soon after the tower of
Babel dispersion. In its pages we meet
dragons, giants, false priests, the death hunt,
an under-city of the Dwarven Brotherhood,
and many memorable characters."
All that and no magic? Yup, he did it!
The Peleg Chronicles: Foundlings is a great book that is full of adventure, wonderful characters, and an exciting story line. I greatly enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to handing it to my younger children to read. I know they will enjoy it as much as I did.
I asked my twelve year old daughter to read this book as well. Here are her thoughts:
"I found it a tiny bit confusing at first because it had flashback like moments. But, later on I couldn't put the book down. It was just that good!" She is begging for us to get the next one.
If you are looking for a great read that is safe for your kids, head on over and order this book. I can't wait to read the next one! Paladin is also available on their website. Both books are available for $11.95. They also have a Chronology Chart From Adam to Joseph available for $7.50 laminated or $5.00 not laminated.
To see what other members of The TOS Crew thought of this book, head over here and check them out!
**As a member of The TOS Crew, I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)