Okay, this is not a post about RUNNING as in getting my body outside and actually picking up my feet quickly and moving forward kind of running, but RUNNING as in errands.
I generally go to town on ONE day a week...Tuesdays, because Aaron and Kaelan have piano lessons. Yesterday, I also had several errands to run, so this is what my afternoon looked like.
1. Dropped Jordan off at work, picked up a check from Jeff (they work in the same building)
2. Ran through the drive through at McD's to get a chicken sandwich and COKE!! (off the wagon, big time!)
3. Went to the bank to deposit check from number 1
4. Went to the health food store (why is it that I can't get out of there without spending $100?)
5. Went to the library to drop off an overdue book and pay the fine (now, maybe I can get online to check out books...I don't have time to actually look through the shelves myself!!)
6. dropped A and K off at piano after talking with piano teacher for a couple of minutes
7. stood in line at Hobby Lobby to return unused soap making supplies while holding Caedmon and trying to keep Jackson from picking up all the pumpkins, indians and scarecrows behind us and listening to Hobby Lobby employees discuss the cake decorating class with a disgruntled employee and then finally getting to the check out myself only to find out that I couldn't make the return without my driver's license, so back to the car with both boys to get said license then back in the store and back in line.....sigh! Good thing I already had my Coke!
8. on to make an exchange at Kohl's
9. back to pick up A and K at piano lessons where I actually see a real RUNNER, Lynn, who actually goes running while her son is at piano lessons
10. to Wally World to pick up prescriptions that got messed up LAST Tuesday and to grab a few groceries
11. to the park to kill a few minutes before...
12. time to pick up Jeff and Jordan from work
So yes, I am a homeschooling mom and have lots of super powers. I might not be a runner, but I am super fast at running errands. We even made it back home and had a great dinner of baked turkey (baked it yesterday morning) mashed potatoes and gravy (confession....for the first time in umpteen years I bought instant potatoes to replace the real potatoes that we would have had IF I had been at home....instant is just not the same), and green beans. Then, Jeff and the kids were ALL in the bed before 9!! If I could just get Caedmon to sleep, I would have been in the bed, too! Super powers or not, this mom needs to sleep a little bit!
Family
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Menu for the Week
Monday- venison tips in mushroom gravy, baked potatoes, spinach salad
Tuesday-baked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans
Wednesday-turkey sandwiches, chips, apple/cranberry crisp
Thursday-roast, rice with gravy, English peas, corn, rolls
Friday-on the road
Saturday-I hear my mom is planning on shrimp (gotta love her)
Sunday-on the road again
Tuesday-baked turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans
Wednesday-turkey sandwiches, chips, apple/cranberry crisp
Thursday-roast, rice with gravy, English peas, corn, rolls
Friday-on the road
Saturday-I hear my mom is planning on shrimp (gotta love her)
Sunday-on the road again
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Man Wants His Biscuits and Bread
Due to the constant struggle that 5 of us go through with eczema I was convinced that we needed to go on a gluten-free diet. Others were not convinced . The Man thinks that it would be too time consuming and difficult to do. Not to mention that we really like the bread sticks and pasta at The Olive Garden. We were on our way to Sam's yesterday to do some stocking up and we discussed the gluten issue. We left Sam's with 25 pounds of flour. "Nuf said. I will be making a trip to the health food store to buy a supply of fish oil, vitamin C, vitamin E and evening primrose oil. It will take some mega doses, but I am hoping that all the extra EFAs will help clear things up a bit. If not, it will be back to the steroid cream.
I will also be saving up to purchase wheat and other grains to go back to grinding our own for homemade bread. If any of you in the area are purchasing grains in bulk let me know. I would like to see if we could start a co-op through The Bread Becker's in the Atlanta area.
My family will be thrilled to have pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits and homemade bread back in their lives this week. I don't know why they couldn't be satisfied with a strawberry banana yogurt protein powder smoothie for breakfast. Go figure!!!
I will also be saving up to purchase wheat and other grains to go back to grinding our own for homemade bread. If any of you in the area are purchasing grains in bulk let me know. I would like to see if we could start a co-op through The Bread Becker's in the Atlanta area.
My family will be thrilled to have pancakes, waffles, muffins, biscuits and homemade bread back in their lives this week. I don't know why they couldn't be satisfied with a strawberry banana yogurt protein powder smoothie for breakfast. Go figure!!!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Make Learning Fun!!
Yesterday I had a visit from a new homeschooling mom and I asked her how her new adventure was going. She commented that her developmentally delayed daughter just wasn't interested in learning and was very difficult to get motivated. I asked what type of curriculum she was using and upon hearing, I was not surprised that her child was not interested. She was simply doing a single worksheet each for reading, spelling, math, grammar and reading comprehension. There isn't a daily time of reading out loud or learning together as a family. Just sit down at the table and get your work done. I wouldn't be interested or motivated and I don't think this mom was either.
Now I know that children need to learn whether they are interested or not, but sometimes motivation is vital. For most of our 20 plus years of homeschooling we have used a wonderful unit study. We have dressed in costumes, made various crafts and decorations, done tons of hands-on learning, taken fabulous field trips and vacations and just had plain old FUN while learning about this wonderful world that God has created! And along the way we have developed some wonderful family traditions and memories.
One such memory that I shared with my new friend yesterday was a time when my youngest daughter was six years old. We were studying the character trait of determination and the sub-topic was undersea exploration. One of our activities was to create an underwater room, so Kaelan and I took the afternoon to turn our school area into an underwater wonder. We hung light blue and green crepe paper streamers from the ceiling, lined the walls with blue and green crepe paper, created jelly fish that we suspended with fishing line from the ceiling and made over 100 origami fish that we hung all over the room. It was quite a sight!! My friend wanted to know what the educational benefit of that activity was... and well, there probably wasn't much in the academic line. We had a grand time and it made a wonderful memory for the both of us. But the hug Kaelan gave me when we were finished and her thankfulness that I had spent the time with her were even more wonderful. Time was what she needed from me that day and our simple work together has provided memories that I hope will last a lifetime. This kind of learning doesn't happen in a textbook. It happens in real life, by living, learning and working together.
Now I know that children need to learn whether they are interested or not, but sometimes motivation is vital. For most of our 20 plus years of homeschooling we have used a wonderful unit study. We have dressed in costumes, made various crafts and decorations, done tons of hands-on learning, taken fabulous field trips and vacations and just had plain old FUN while learning about this wonderful world that God has created! And along the way we have developed some wonderful family traditions and memories.
One such memory that I shared with my new friend yesterday was a time when my youngest daughter was six years old. We were studying the character trait of determination and the sub-topic was undersea exploration. One of our activities was to create an underwater room, so Kaelan and I took the afternoon to turn our school area into an underwater wonder. We hung light blue and green crepe paper streamers from the ceiling, lined the walls with blue and green crepe paper, created jelly fish that we suspended with fishing line from the ceiling and made over 100 origami fish that we hung all over the room. It was quite a sight!! My friend wanted to know what the educational benefit of that activity was... and well, there probably wasn't much in the academic line. We had a grand time and it made a wonderful memory for the both of us. But the hug Kaelan gave me when we were finished and her thankfulness that I had spent the time with her were even more wonderful. Time was what she needed from me that day and our simple work together has provided memories that I hope will last a lifetime. This kind of learning doesn't happen in a textbook. It happens in real life, by living, learning and working together.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Soup, Anyone?
A reader recently asked me to share some of our favorite soup recipes and I thought it would be fun to share one every other day or so. It has been very wet here these last few weeks and I have made up some soups and chili for the freezer. This week I made a chicken/smoked sausage gumbo, but didn't use a recipe. Just watched my mom make shrimp gumbo MANY times and substituted the chicken and sausage for the shrimp.
The following soup is a little unusual, but is very delicious and freezes well. In fact, the recipe comes from Once-a-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. I would love to try some new non-dairy soup recipes so if you have one or two, please share.
RAVIOLI SOUP
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup soft bread crumbs (I eliminate)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 t. onion salt
2 t. minced garlic
1 T olive oil
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 14 1/2-ounce can beef broth
1 c. water
1/2 t. sugar
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t. dried thyme
1.4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 12-ounce package plain ravioli without sauce (frozen or refrigerated)
grated parmesan cheese
Brown the ground beef in a large pot; combine remaining ingredients except for ravioli and extra parmesan. Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool, put in container and freeze.
To prepare for serving, thaw soup base and put in a large pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thaw and cook ravioli according to package directions until just tender. Drain ravioli; add to soup. Salt to taste. Serve with parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings. BUT YOU KNOW I ALWAYS DOUBLE THE RECIPE!!
The following soup is a little unusual, but is very delicious and freezes well. In fact, the recipe comes from Once-a-Month Cooking by Mimi Wilson and Mary Beth Lagerborg. If you try it, let me know how it turns out. I would love to try some new non-dairy soup recipes so if you have one or two, please share.
RAVIOLI SOUP
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup soft bread crumbs (I eliminate)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 t. onion salt
2 t. minced garlic
1 T olive oil
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1 14 1/2-ounce can beef broth
1 c. water
1/2 t. sugar
1/2 t dried basil
1/4 t. dried thyme
1.4 c. chopped fresh parsley
1 12-ounce package plain ravioli without sauce (frozen or refrigerated)
grated parmesan cheese
Brown the ground beef in a large pot; combine remaining ingredients except for ravioli and extra parmesan. Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cool, put in container and freeze.
To prepare for serving, thaw soup base and put in a large pot. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Thaw and cook ravioli according to package directions until just tender. Drain ravioli; add to soup. Salt to taste. Serve with parmesan cheese. Makes 6 servings. BUT YOU KNOW I ALWAYS DOUBLE THE RECIPE!!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
I'm Falling Off the Wagon and I May Not Get Back On!
During a hectic moment today, I confessed to my dear husband that I could use a Coke and a candy bar. I was really kidding, not!! But really, I didn't want him to go out and get them. But he did....and I just finished them... Sigh!
Today Devin decided to make boiled cookies...you know, the ones with chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal? The ones that you can't eat just one or two or, if you are like me, even three of? Do you know? THOSE cookies? I think they are all gone now. They were delicious while they lasted. We have some serious chocolate addictions here in Chambleeville. And Devin is such an enabler. She is the baker/maker of all things sweet and chocolate-y here. It's so hard living with someone like that! Another sigh!!!
Oh, well...tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to kick the Coke habit, again. But, just in case you want to have some sweet, chocolate-y goodness at your house, try this recipe for boiled cookies. I have also heard them called no-bake cookies. Delighful!!
BOILED COOKIES
2 c. sugar 1/2 c. peanut butter
3 T. cocoa 1 t. vanilla
1/2 stick butter 3 c. quick oats, uncooked
1/2 c. milk nuts (optional)
Mix first 4 ingredients together. Boil for 1 minute in medium pan. Remove; add peanut butter, vanilla, uncooked oats and nuts (optional). Stir only enough to blend and drop by spoon on waxed paper. Let set about 30 minutes. If you can!!
Today Devin decided to make boiled cookies...you know, the ones with chocolate, peanut butter and oatmeal? The ones that you can't eat just one or two or, if you are like me, even three of? Do you know? THOSE cookies? I think they are all gone now. They were delicious while they lasted. We have some serious chocolate addictions here in Chambleeville. And Devin is such an enabler. She is the baker/maker of all things sweet and chocolate-y here. It's so hard living with someone like that! Another sigh!!!
Oh, well...tomorrow is another day and another opportunity to kick the Coke habit, again. But, just in case you want to have some sweet, chocolate-y goodness at your house, try this recipe for boiled cookies. I have also heard them called no-bake cookies. Delighful!!
BOILED COOKIES
2 c. sugar 1/2 c. peanut butter
3 T. cocoa 1 t. vanilla
1/2 stick butter 3 c. quick oats, uncooked
1/2 c. milk nuts (optional)
Mix first 4 ingredients together. Boil for 1 minute in medium pan. Remove; add peanut butter, vanilla, uncooked oats and nuts (optional). Stir only enough to blend and drop by spoon on waxed paper. Let set about 30 minutes. If you can!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Special Memories
A couple of weeks ago, before the rains began, Jackson and I were doing his "schoolwork" outside on the swing in the front yard. We were reading The Listening Walk by Paul Showers and were having a great time. It wasn't too hot out and there was a gentle breeze that we could hear blowing through the trees surrounding us. We live on a very wooded 8 acres of land. The book follows a little girl and her father as they take frequent listening walks through city, park and country settings. The last words of the book go something like this, "Now, close the book, shut your eyes and just listen. What do you hear? " Well, we closed the book, shut our eyes and listened. And then we heard the leaves rustling behind us. I had just whispered to Jackson that there must be a cat or squirrel behind us when out bounded two deer just to the side of us. It was very exciting! We see deer frequently from INSIDE the house, but have never been outside when the deer appear (except when Jeff and the boys rescued the deer caught in the fence last fall). What a very special mother and son time that God gave us that day! I am so thankful to be home with my children where we can share special times like this. We would have totally missed the lesson of listening and thus missed the reward of seeing the deer if we had been inside. Glad the Lord lead me to go outside for our school time that afternoon.
In Which I Get Flustered and Fall off the Wagon!
Tuesdays are our "in town" days because Kaelan and Aaron have piano lessons in the afternoon. We drop Jordan off at work and then have an hour to run an errand or two before their lessons start. Yesterday I thought we had enough time for a WalMart run which included picking up prescription refills that had been called in on Monday. We went to the pickup window, waited in line and then got our bags of prescriptions (yes, bags....5 children and myself have asthma, a different mix of 5 children and myself have severe eczema and we ALL have allergies). All of the scripts were not ready (called in 24 hours earlier) and then there was a mixup and then another mixup, etc. Finally got most of the prescriptions and decided to go through the self-checkout. We had 25 minutes to get out and make it to piano on time which should not have been a problem, but...
I am not a patient woman, especially not with electronic equipment. If I push a button or whatever the gizmo should do what it is supposed to do, right? Well, the special clerk who watches over the self-check lanes had to come over no less than 6 times and maybe more for me to finish my half-cart- full purchases. I was getting flustered but we finally got through, stopped at the potty, got out to the truck, loaded up groceries into the coolers, got four children and the stroller loaded up and then noticed the time. Already time for piano. ARGHH!! I hate being late. We made it within 5 minutes, so not too bad, but still.
Lesson learned? This mama doesn't need to EVER get in the self-check out line again. And maybe I should call in prescriptions two days in advance.
The two little boys and I made a quick dash to the library (where the parking lot and side street parking were overflowing) to return overdue books and pay a fine so I could request books online (only to discover that there was one other book still out....I didn't check the childrens school drawers--another ARGHH!). We also ran to Kroger to pick up a great deal on chicken, then on to pick up the older ones at lessons. THEN we went to Happy Hour at Sonic. I really needed Happy Hour!!! I have been trying to totally eliminate Cokes from my diet and have been successful except for two times. The first was after making soap with 16 young girls at Keeepers ; ) and the second was yesterday... and yes, I got a Route 44 full of Coke and enjoyed every sip (or gulp!) Two Cokes in six weeks isn't that bad, is it?
I had intended on some clearance rack shopping at a couple of stores with all the children after piano, but decided to skip that in order to get the house back in order. We had left a mess before we left. We had time to get the house in order and get a great dinner on the table, clean up, baths, Bible study and ALL were in bed before 9 (except Caedmon and I). Jeff was very appreciative of the clean house and the dinner. It was a nice relaxing evening. So thankful for that this morning!
I am not a patient woman, especially not with electronic equipment. If I push a button or whatever the gizmo should do what it is supposed to do, right? Well, the special clerk who watches over the self-check lanes had to come over no less than 6 times and maybe more for me to finish my half-cart- full purchases. I was getting flustered but we finally got through, stopped at the potty, got out to the truck, loaded up groceries into the coolers, got four children and the stroller loaded up and then noticed the time. Already time for piano. ARGHH!! I hate being late. We made it within 5 minutes, so not too bad, but still.
Lesson learned? This mama doesn't need to EVER get in the self-check out line again. And maybe I should call in prescriptions two days in advance.
The two little boys and I made a quick dash to the library (where the parking lot and side street parking were overflowing) to return overdue books and pay a fine so I could request books online (only to discover that there was one other book still out....I didn't check the childrens school drawers--another ARGHH!). We also ran to Kroger to pick up a great deal on chicken, then on to pick up the older ones at lessons. THEN we went to Happy Hour at Sonic. I really needed Happy Hour!!! I have been trying to totally eliminate Cokes from my diet and have been successful except for two times. The first was after making soap with 16 young girls at Keeepers ; ) and the second was yesterday... and yes, I got a Route 44 full of Coke and enjoyed every sip (or gulp!) Two Cokes in six weeks isn't that bad, is it?
I had intended on some clearance rack shopping at a couple of stores with all the children after piano, but decided to skip that in order to get the house back in order. We had left a mess before we left. We had time to get the house in order and get a great dinner on the table, clean up, baths, Bible study and ALL were in bed before 9 (except Caedmon and I). Jeff was very appreciative of the clean house and the dinner. It was a nice relaxing evening. So thankful for that this morning!
Monday, September 21, 2009
Menu for the Week
Monday-- hamburger steak with peppers and onions over rice with spinach salad on the side
Tuesday--peas, squash, oven fried okra, tomatoes and cornbread
Wednesday-Greek style chicken wraps with oven fries
Thursday--baked turkey, squash dressing, green beans, stewed potatoes and apple/cranberry crisp
Friday--our homeschool support group is having a cook-out...taking a finger dessert and chips
Saturday--baked spaghetti and salad
Sunday--sweet and sour meatballs, baked potatoes and salad
Tuesday--peas, squash, oven fried okra, tomatoes and cornbread
Wednesday-Greek style chicken wraps with oven fries
Thursday--baked turkey, squash dressing, green beans, stewed potatoes and apple/cranberry crisp
Friday--our homeschool support group is having a cook-out...taking a finger dessert and chips
Saturday--baked spaghetti and salad
Sunday--sweet and sour meatballs, baked potatoes and salad
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Our Weekend and a Preview of the Week
Friday night I made chicken fajita nachos and a delicious corn/avocado dip for dinner. Yummy! I have made this dip twice and added some of the last of our home-grown tomatoes from the garden to the recipe. Basically, you open and drain a can of white corn, chop up a large avocado or two small ones, add 1/2 diced purple onion, chopped tomato, a little salt and pepper and the juice of one lime. The original recipe came from The Pioneer Woman. Most of her recipes are terrific and this one was as well. I hope there is still some for my lunch tomorrow. If not, I will have to make up a quick batch.
After dinner, we had a quick visit from Lauren, James and the babies. A time of talking and playing with the little ones and then they were back in the van for the drive home. Saturday, Lauren drove back up with Eli and two of her friends to meet Devin for some girl time. At home, I cooked a little for the freezer--several flavors of chicken strips, shredded chicken for quick fajitas, and chili. Did a ton of laundry, went through all the clothes in my closet and eliminated many...I am getting ruthless about clothing...If I haven't worn it in one season out it goes (unless I was pregnant, that is!). Now my closet is only half full and I do need to shop for a few new outfits. I love shopping for bargains, but have found that bargains don't necessarily mean that I have a nice wardrobe. I may have to spend more that a couple of bucks for a new top. Looking online yesterday, I found very little that I liked and what I liked was way out of my spending range. And have you noticed that the rugby shirts from the 70s and the ruffles from the early 80s are back? I have read that if you wore a style once, you shouldn't wear it when it comes back again. I don't think you'll see me in rugby, ruffles or flannel plaids or any combination of the three!!
Saturday was also our wedding anniversary.... 26 years!! Jeff could write a book on marriage to a difficult woman!! He is a very patient husband and I am so very thankful that God puts us together and has been the glue that has KEPT us together all these years. I look forward to the next 26 years. A couple of years ago, Jeff started planning a trip to New England for our 25th anniversary, but instead I was within 2-3 weeks of delivering our surprise baby, Caedmon!! What a great 25th anniversary gift he was!! Last night we enjoyed a great dinner at The Olive Garden (with Caedmon). We have eaten there several times and have never regretted our choice. I had the shrimp and chicken carbonara after filling up on breadsticks, salad, stuffed mushrooms and fried ravioli. I took a couple of bites of my carbonara and then had it boxed up to bring home. When we got home the children were watching the Netflix movie that had come in...Jimmy Stewart in The Shop Around the Corner. This is the movie that You've Got Mail was based on and it was good. Jeff and I watched the end with the children and then, after they were in the bed, watched the beginning.
Today we went to church, had lunch and came home to a nice, quiet rainy afternoon. I even got a short nap while some of the older children watched Caedmon. I caved in to Aaron's request for chili cheese tator tots for a Sunday night dinner. However, he was in the bed with a migraine due to something he ate at lunch and didn't feel up to eating!! Not sure that I will do this dinner again. He can just get some as a special treat from Sonic! Soggy tator tots are just not that appealing to me, but then crispy ones aren't either!! After dinner cleanup and baths, Kaelan and I played a game of Scrabble Apple then it was time for devotions and bed for the children.
This week we will continue with our Bible study, catechism, English from the Roots Up and math schedule, but we will be catching up on our reading of Carry On, Mr, Bowditch, The World of Columbus and Sons, and Martin Rattler. We also need to start a biography of Jim Elliott and catch up on our history , geography and individual reading and writing. We have a trip to town Tuesday afternoon, church Wednesday evening and our homeschool support group's fall cookout Friday night. I have been gathering door prizes for this event and have some great gifts. I can't wait to see who receives them. It's been almost as much fun as Christmas!!
Hope you all have a blessed week!
After dinner, we had a quick visit from Lauren, James and the babies. A time of talking and playing with the little ones and then they were back in the van for the drive home. Saturday, Lauren drove back up with Eli and two of her friends to meet Devin for some girl time. At home, I cooked a little for the freezer--several flavors of chicken strips, shredded chicken for quick fajitas, and chili. Did a ton of laundry, went through all the clothes in my closet and eliminated many...I am getting ruthless about clothing...If I haven't worn it in one season out it goes (unless I was pregnant, that is!). Now my closet is only half full and I do need to shop for a few new outfits. I love shopping for bargains, but have found that bargains don't necessarily mean that I have a nice wardrobe. I may have to spend more that a couple of bucks for a new top. Looking online yesterday, I found very little that I liked and what I liked was way out of my spending range. And have you noticed that the rugby shirts from the 70s and the ruffles from the early 80s are back? I have read that if you wore a style once, you shouldn't wear it when it comes back again. I don't think you'll see me in rugby, ruffles or flannel plaids or any combination of the three!!
Saturday was also our wedding anniversary.... 26 years!! Jeff could write a book on marriage to a difficult woman!! He is a very patient husband and I am so very thankful that God puts us together and has been the glue that has KEPT us together all these years. I look forward to the next 26 years. A couple of years ago, Jeff started planning a trip to New England for our 25th anniversary, but instead I was within 2-3 weeks of delivering our surprise baby, Caedmon!! What a great 25th anniversary gift he was!! Last night we enjoyed a great dinner at The Olive Garden (with Caedmon). We have eaten there several times and have never regretted our choice. I had the shrimp and chicken carbonara after filling up on breadsticks, salad, stuffed mushrooms and fried ravioli. I took a couple of bites of my carbonara and then had it boxed up to bring home. When we got home the children were watching the Netflix movie that had come in...Jimmy Stewart in The Shop Around the Corner. This is the movie that You've Got Mail was based on and it was good. Jeff and I watched the end with the children and then, after they were in the bed, watched the beginning.
Today we went to church, had lunch and came home to a nice, quiet rainy afternoon. I even got a short nap while some of the older children watched Caedmon. I caved in to Aaron's request for chili cheese tator tots for a Sunday night dinner. However, he was in the bed with a migraine due to something he ate at lunch and didn't feel up to eating!! Not sure that I will do this dinner again. He can just get some as a special treat from Sonic! Soggy tator tots are just not that appealing to me, but then crispy ones aren't either!! After dinner cleanup and baths, Kaelan and I played a game of Scrabble Apple then it was time for devotions and bed for the children.
This week we will continue with our Bible study, catechism, English from the Roots Up and math schedule, but we will be catching up on our reading of Carry On, Mr, Bowditch, The World of Columbus and Sons, and Martin Rattler. We also need to start a biography of Jim Elliott and catch up on our history , geography and individual reading and writing. We have a trip to town Tuesday afternoon, church Wednesday evening and our homeschool support group's fall cookout Friday night. I have been gathering door prizes for this event and have some great gifts. I can't wait to see who receives them. It's been almost as much fun as Christmas!!
Hope you all have a blessed week!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"Did You Plan for LIFE?"
Sunday night I was almost giddy as I told Jeff that I was SO very prepared for the school week. The house was in order, daily lessons were planned, Jordan had his assignments written out, Kaelan's and Aaron's independent work was prepared and in their folders. I. Was. Ready. And then, he replies, " Did you plan for life?" Um, no. No time for anything but what I wrote in my little black book and in hindsight, not enough time for that either. "Life" always gets the better of us, no matter how many plans we make. This week we have already had two late nights away from home which means a later start in the mornings. One afternoon devoted to finishing up preparations for soap-making while the electricity going off prevented other activities that needed to be completed. Another afternoon spent with four of us having dentist appointments. Some extra help needed in algebra, time spent on the phone, too many rainy days preventing rough outdoor play and exercise which results in shorter tempers and more mess to clean up, two other days full of outside activities to go, and well, we wound up behind in my plans before we even got a good start. So right now I am declaring next week as CATCH UP WEEK!! Next week, I think I will plan for life a little better. Now, I feel better!! So much for MY plans. I'll let the Lord lead.
"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16: 9
"A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps." Proverbs 16: 9
Monday, September 14, 2009
Our Weekend and a Preview of the Week
Friday evening Jeff and I took some of the children with us to the monthly flea market here in town. We generally go to the flea market about one time a year and I am sure that there have been some years that we haven't gone at all, but we were really in the mood for a funnel cake! As we were walking around it occurred to me that there are really some "different" kinds of people in the world, aren't there? In the first building we found a booth selling homemade goats' milk soap and lotion and bought several bars and a bottle of lotion. The family who runs this business is a Christian homeschool family who live about an hour from us. I am hoping the soap will help clear up some of our eczema. Alas, we found no funnel cakes so we went home with our supply of soap.
Saturday found us climbing in the attic to bring down our fall decorations. Last year at this time I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and REFUSED to decorate the house for fall as I didn't want to climb around hanging garland leaves and displaying all of our turkey platters, etc. only to take it down and decorate for Christmas with a very young baby. The family was not happy about my decision and told me several times that it didn't seem like fall or Thanksgiving last year without our decorations. Many who know me IRL know that I love fall and have decorated our home for many years beginning in September. Well, I am NOT pregnant this year and I am proud to say that fall has come to Chambleeville. I even discovered new garlands that I had purchased after Thanksgiving two years ago to replace the older ones. Jeff and I then ran some errands with Caedmon in tow. First stop was Big Lots where I told Jeff I wanted to go to pick up a housewarming gift for some new friends. I knew they would have a great selection of fall decorations and I was SO right!! Got the housewarming gift, but also added a couple of new items for our decorating. In fact, I am going to go back tomorrow as I see a couple of bare spots that "need" to be filled with some of the items I saw at Big Lots. After Big Lots we were on to Hobby Lobby where we gazed at more fall decorations (but left them there) and purchased soap making supplies that I will use tonight at our Keepers of the Home meeting. Sam's was our last stop for the day where Jeff particularly enjoyed the samples. I was hurrying to get through Sam's as usual as we had already had a "when are you coming home" call from home. Every time I turned around Jeff was stopped at a sample display. So funny! I prepared a pasta dinner Saturday night and made up a recipe for spinach alfredo that was delicious!!
Sunday found most of the Chamblees in church. Devin had been sick for most of the week, so we thought she should stay at home. She and I tag team keeping Caedmon during the services, so Caedmon and I stayed home as well as I would have missed the services any way. I was able to spend some time in prayer and enjoyed working and praying through the day as things were mainly quiet. I have recently begun cleaning our floors with a bucket of sudsy water and a rag on my hands and knees. Since I am already there it's a good time to spend in prayer!! And I noticed it's much easier to clean the baseboards this way as well. I also got our school week planned to the "t". Jeff asked last night if I left room for life to happen and my response was "no". Just praying that "life", other that what I already know is going on this week, will be uneventful. I did check some school work of Jordan's last night that I had not taken care of yet. Jordan made a 100 on his Algebra 2 test which made me EXTREMELY thrilled. A good way to start out the week.
Today I do have some good plans for our school as we continue to study the explorers. Kaelan and I also have our monthly Keepers of the Home meeting where I will be leading in Bible study and in making soap. Tomorrow we have a library trip, dentists appointments for four of us, another stop at Big Lots and dinner with friends. Things should be quiet for Wednesday and Thursday. We will go bowling with our homeschool support group on Friday IF the children have been diligent in their work. Busy hands, busy minds and a busy week. Life is good again!!
Saturday found us climbing in the attic to bring down our fall decorations. Last year at this time I was 8 1/2 months pregnant and REFUSED to decorate the house for fall as I didn't want to climb around hanging garland leaves and displaying all of our turkey platters, etc. only to take it down and decorate for Christmas with a very young baby. The family was not happy about my decision and told me several times that it didn't seem like fall or Thanksgiving last year without our decorations. Many who know me IRL know that I love fall and have decorated our home for many years beginning in September. Well, I am NOT pregnant this year and I am proud to say that fall has come to Chambleeville. I even discovered new garlands that I had purchased after Thanksgiving two years ago to replace the older ones. Jeff and I then ran some errands with Caedmon in tow. First stop was Big Lots where I told Jeff I wanted to go to pick up a housewarming gift for some new friends. I knew they would have a great selection of fall decorations and I was SO right!! Got the housewarming gift, but also added a couple of new items for our decorating. In fact, I am going to go back tomorrow as I see a couple of bare spots that "need" to be filled with some of the items I saw at Big Lots. After Big Lots we were on to Hobby Lobby where we gazed at more fall decorations (but left them there) and purchased soap making supplies that I will use tonight at our Keepers of the Home meeting. Sam's was our last stop for the day where Jeff particularly enjoyed the samples. I was hurrying to get through Sam's as usual as we had already had a "when are you coming home" call from home. Every time I turned around Jeff was stopped at a sample display. So funny! I prepared a pasta dinner Saturday night and made up a recipe for spinach alfredo that was delicious!!
Sunday found most of the Chamblees in church. Devin had been sick for most of the week, so we thought she should stay at home. She and I tag team keeping Caedmon during the services, so Caedmon and I stayed home as well as I would have missed the services any way. I was able to spend some time in prayer and enjoyed working and praying through the day as things were mainly quiet. I have recently begun cleaning our floors with a bucket of sudsy water and a rag on my hands and knees. Since I am already there it's a good time to spend in prayer!! And I noticed it's much easier to clean the baseboards this way as well. I also got our school week planned to the "t". Jeff asked last night if I left room for life to happen and my response was "no". Just praying that "life", other that what I already know is going on this week, will be uneventful. I did check some school work of Jordan's last night that I had not taken care of yet. Jordan made a 100 on his Algebra 2 test which made me EXTREMELY thrilled. A good way to start out the week.
Today I do have some good plans for our school as we continue to study the explorers. Kaelan and I also have our monthly Keepers of the Home meeting where I will be leading in Bible study and in making soap. Tomorrow we have a library trip, dentists appointments for four of us, another stop at Big Lots and dinner with friends. Things should be quiet for Wednesday and Thursday. We will go bowling with our homeschool support group on Friday IF the children have been diligent in their work. Busy hands, busy minds and a busy week. Life is good again!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
From Mr. Bowditch
" "The Press is dangerous in a despotic government, but in a free country it is very useful, SO LONG AS IT IS FREE; for it is very important that people should be told everything that concerns them. If we argue against any branch of liberty, just because sometimes people abuse that liberty, then we argue against liberty itself. IN A FREE COUNTRY, THE PRESS MUST BE FREE. ' "
This is quoted from the Essex Almanac which was published before our country won its independence.
Hmm... I think it pertains to more than just freedom of the press, don't you?
This is quoted from the Essex Almanac which was published before our country won its independence.
Hmm... I think it pertains to more than just freedom of the press, don't you?
Chamblee School
This year marks the beginning of a two-year stretch in American history. So very exciting! We love American history and I am looking forward to getting more in-depth with my 10 and 13 year olds and having my almost 17 year old really spending some time in some great reading.
This semester we are studying the exploration period and the early settlement of America. We are using Bright Ideas' All-American History for a spine which includes mapwork and a weekly quiz. Jordan adds to that using the same activities that my older girls did from Far Above Rubies. We are also using my favorite, KONOS, which includes some navigation, sailing and astronomy with the explorers unit. We are also reading LOTS of books about this period. For history we are reading one of our all-time favorite historical fiction books, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham and The World of Columbus and Sons by Genevieve Foster. Each of my students has weekly assigned reading on the explorers as well. We are doing our history studies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
On Tuesday and Thursday we are covering geography using Around the World in 180 Days. Because we are only doing this 2 days a week, we will be going Around the World in 360 Days!! I am really liking this curriculum as it is really just a list of activities, questions, or vocabulary covering the geography, culture, religion and current events of each continent. To tie in with our explorer study we chose to begin with South and Central America. Next semester we will cover Africa as my brother will be moving there in the spring. For geography we are also doing LOTS of reading: Missionary Stories with the Millers (covering only those chapters relating to South and Central America and Martin Rattler by Ballentyne. We also have several Henty books that we are reading individually.
We will cover astronomy on the high school level with Signs and Seasons and the younger ones will participate at times. Although I determined NOT to do another pre-designed lapbook, I did get Hands of a Child's Advanced Astronomy lapbook as a freebie from The Old Schoolhouse magazine and will let the middle children work on that as well ON THEIR OWN. I will not stand and lecture them, but make them find the answers on their own. Jeff has an avid interest in astronomy, so I am hopeful that he will do a good bit with them in this study.
Our daily Bible study consists of a reading from the book of Proverbs (yesterday was the 10th, so our reading was Pro. 10), reviewing our memory passage (currently Ephesians 2) and we are using Balancing the Sword currently going through the book of Matthew. Each child also has his own Bible reading before school. We also use this time to read through Bob Schulz' Practical Happiness. We have also read through his Created for Work and really appreciate his messages.
I am not getting everything done with Jackson that I had intended, but we are doing more than we had been! His movie viewing has decreased although he is still on a Roy Rogers kick. In fact, he has been putting gel in his hair and slicking it back to look like old Roy and is currently dressed in his cowboy clothes, as usual.
The children usually begin their day with Bible reading, then individual work which I place in folders, one for each day of the week and they have an assignment list to work through. Breakfast and a few chores follow this time. At 9 we usually gather for our Bible study which includes EVERYBODY, Devin, Jordan, Aaron, Kaelan, Jackson and Caedmon. After our Bible study and prayer time we take a short break to move the laundry from the washer to dryer and fold a quick load, then gather without Devin for our time in either history or geography. Devin then works on chores, practicing her violin or assigned reading on the days that she is home. This generally takes us to lunch time. After lunch is music practice for one hour and then any unfinished independent work or chores are done.
We are doing a couple of things a little differently this year. I have moved Jordan's desk out from his bedroom and into the den. I found that he still needs a little nudge to stay on task and I didn't like him holed up in his room alone, especially as he is working three afternoons a week and I missed him!! Instead of doing the bulk of our school work in the dining room, we are staying in our school room. It has a table, my desk with computer, all of school materials and learning supplies and is open to the den. We have put a gate up so that Caedmon can't get out and we are all in the same room during the bulk of our school day. Caedmon will play happily on the floor in the den or schoolroom while we are reading and discussing and doing other school work. AND my dining room is a little less cluttered as the school books don't generally leave the school room now.
Today was a flip-flop day...individual work and practice times have been completed this morning, so now we need to finish our history reading for the week. Then we need to tackle some chores and planning for next week's lessons which always makes the week a little more pleasant .
How does your week look? I would love to take a peek into your day!
This semester we are studying the exploration period and the early settlement of America. We are using Bright Ideas' All-American History for a spine which includes mapwork and a weekly quiz. Jordan adds to that using the same activities that my older girls did from Far Above Rubies. We are also using my favorite, KONOS, which includes some navigation, sailing and astronomy with the explorers unit. We are also reading LOTS of books about this period. For history we are reading one of our all-time favorite historical fiction books, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham and The World of Columbus and Sons by Genevieve Foster. Each of my students has weekly assigned reading on the explorers as well. We are doing our history studies on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
On Tuesday and Thursday we are covering geography using Around the World in 180 Days. Because we are only doing this 2 days a week, we will be going Around the World in 360 Days!! I am really liking this curriculum as it is really just a list of activities, questions, or vocabulary covering the geography, culture, religion and current events of each continent. To tie in with our explorer study we chose to begin with South and Central America. Next semester we will cover Africa as my brother will be moving there in the spring. For geography we are also doing LOTS of reading: Missionary Stories with the Millers (covering only those chapters relating to South and Central America and Martin Rattler by Ballentyne. We also have several Henty books that we are reading individually.
We will cover astronomy on the high school level with Signs and Seasons and the younger ones will participate at times. Although I determined NOT to do another pre-designed lapbook, I did get Hands of a Child's Advanced Astronomy lapbook as a freebie from The Old Schoolhouse magazine and will let the middle children work on that as well ON THEIR OWN. I will not stand and lecture them, but make them find the answers on their own. Jeff has an avid interest in astronomy, so I am hopeful that he will do a good bit with them in this study.
Our daily Bible study consists of a reading from the book of Proverbs (yesterday was the 10th, so our reading was Pro. 10), reviewing our memory passage (currently Ephesians 2) and we are using Balancing the Sword currently going through the book of Matthew. Each child also has his own Bible reading before school. We also use this time to read through Bob Schulz' Practical Happiness. We have also read through his Created for Work and really appreciate his messages.
I am not getting everything done with Jackson that I had intended, but we are doing more than we had been! His movie viewing has decreased although he is still on a Roy Rogers kick. In fact, he has been putting gel in his hair and slicking it back to look like old Roy and is currently dressed in his cowboy clothes, as usual.
The children usually begin their day with Bible reading, then individual work which I place in folders, one for each day of the week and they have an assignment list to work through. Breakfast and a few chores follow this time. At 9 we usually gather for our Bible study which includes EVERYBODY, Devin, Jordan, Aaron, Kaelan, Jackson and Caedmon. After our Bible study and prayer time we take a short break to move the laundry from the washer to dryer and fold a quick load, then gather without Devin for our time in either history or geography. Devin then works on chores, practicing her violin or assigned reading on the days that she is home. This generally takes us to lunch time. After lunch is music practice for one hour and then any unfinished independent work or chores are done.
We are doing a couple of things a little differently this year. I have moved Jordan's desk out from his bedroom and into the den. I found that he still needs a little nudge to stay on task and I didn't like him holed up in his room alone, especially as he is working three afternoons a week and I missed him!! Instead of doing the bulk of our school work in the dining room, we are staying in our school room. It has a table, my desk with computer, all of school materials and learning supplies and is open to the den. We have put a gate up so that Caedmon can't get out and we are all in the same room during the bulk of our school day. Caedmon will play happily on the floor in the den or schoolroom while we are reading and discussing and doing other school work. AND my dining room is a little less cluttered as the school books don't generally leave the school room now.
Today was a flip-flop day...individual work and practice times have been completed this morning, so now we need to finish our history reading for the week. Then we need to tackle some chores and planning for next week's lessons which always makes the week a little more pleasant .
How does your week look? I would love to take a peek into your day!
Busy Times
Life continues to be busy here in Chambleeville. I really try to limit our extracurricular activities as that tends to keep the chaos down slightly, but we have been busy anyway! Piano lessons, skating day, extra church meetings, friends and family over for meals, Jordan's work schedule, Devin's work and lesson schedule, plus our homeschooling makes for busy days. Throw three birthdays in there as well! Jackson, Jeff and Aaron have all had birthdays since my last post and I haven't blogged about them as the internet service has been very slow or non-existent or I haven't been able to get my pictures up. Hopefully things will speed up on the internet and slow down in other areas so I can get all of the other posts up soon. I have enjoyed some time reading through the blogs of friends and others during my frequent nursing sessions with Caedmon and I am thinking of a blog-makeover in the near future. We'll see!
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