Just in case you ever wondered...

It takes exactly 4 rolls of toilet paper to soak up all the water in the toilet.

The Punic Wars and Hannibal's Elephants

We studied the above today. After reading them a story about Hannibal and the elephants and reading a book about soldiers and war in ancient Rome, I asked my older two children to draw a picture of Hannibal's elephants crossing the Alps. What I got really shocked me!

Nathaniel

Micaela

Someone might need to catch up to her brother :)

Back to school

Today we're back to our regularly scheduled program :) All of our material is now settled in the playroom. The kids will just be waiting on their desks, which we'll hopefully be painting this week! Saturday some men from church are coming to help Ian in the addition. We're hoping to lay the floor in the rest of the playroom and finish another coat of drywall in Micaela's new bedroom. We've hired a friend to come work when he's able, so hopefully the remodel speed will pick up.

So today I have a choice. School at the kitchen table or school in the playroom floor? Hmmm..., I think we'll try a combination- and maybe we'll end up outside! The new lesson plans are up- check them out here.

My favorite homeschool company!

In June I went to a used book fair and bought Years 1 and 2 of Tapestry of Grace Redesigned. Year two did not come with the Loom cd, so the next week I called Lampstand Press to request a cd. I wasn't sure they'd give it to me, because I didn't have any documentation, and the cd's were not for sale in their store. She said they were still in development, and they'd be sending out copies soon; in the meantime I could have online access. I told her that I'd bought it used (for much less money), and that I didn't know the woman I'd bought it from. She said, no problem! They'd just mail me the cd when it was ready. I received the cd about a month later, and thought no more about it. Today I received a letter from Lampstand Press saying there was a mistake in the curriculum for rhetoric level (highschool) which affects units 3 and 4 of my copy of TOG year 2. They'll be sending me a free updated version to replace my affected units as soon as it's ready. That is a lot of material- and I didn't even buy it from them. I'm just amazed at their customer service- and I'm not a customer!!! Well, I did order their map cd and a box of books, but I didn't spend nearly so much as the price of one year of TOG! I can't wait to use their bookstore more in future; although, I confess I hope to find years 3 and 4 used :)

Domestic Educaton Week #2

And so it continues...

On Friday we had the joy of meeting our very first cousin ever! My sister's baby Aidan Miles was born Friday morning, and I spent most of that day at the hospital. He's a beautiful little boy, and so far they are doing well.

On Saturday, we were excited to finish flooring the upper level of our new school room. Ian left to mow the jungle that was our yard, and I moved all the books onto the school room floor. He came in to help me move the bookcases and filing cabinets in, and then I spent the evening cleaning/sorting/storing/throwing out laundry and dusting bookcases and books. I'm not done with either, so domestic education week will continue. We will work on bathrooms, floors, and the new school room this week! I promise to post a picture when we're done.

Domestic Education Week #1

I had said that I would spend every sixth week of school conducting "domestic education." After a few days of practicing domestic education, I think we may need some more experience. I've made a few unpleasant discoveries, and tackled some tasks that have been looming on my horizon for quite some time. I've very nearly decided to extend this week into next.

So far I have begun to clean the kitchen grout, tackled and conquered the piles of school/kitchen papers, cleaned out Micaela's and Nathaniel's clothes drawers, cleaned out Micaela's room and closet, and worked a little in every other room of the house. I've also made (of course) a master list of home/garden/remodel projects. I love lists :) This list includes hyperlinks to items needed to complete each task. For instance, the remodel list includes links to the vanity, tub/shower, faucets, and lights I want in the new bathroom- which I like because now I'm certain I choose both what I like and what is most budget friendly. I have not tackled mine and Ian's closets, the bathroom vanities or linen closet, the pantry or the kitchen cabinets. We have not done any bulk cooking, which I was hoping to do. I'd like to make several batches of bread, muffins and dough to stick in the freezer, but there hasn't been time-or quite honestly, I've not been that motivated to use the little time available between Elizabeth's naps. She does not like me to pay attention to anything but her.

Anyway, just because I know you're dying to know- the most disgusting find: Micaela's pillow case full of rotting apples from last week (why? Uuuggghhh?!?) and the funniest find: Micaela is still wearing some 2t panties on her 6X behiney :) She can't bear to get rid of anything. She cried today because I chucked a coloring sheet from Awana last year, and she sobbed over a cardboard shoe box!

An Exciting Development...

Micaela- a true lover of the written word- has written her first story. She brought it to me early this morning as I was cleaning. I read the first few lines and told her I was excited to hear it when she was finished. She giggled and ran off. I should have noticed the wonderful spelling. She actually copied a book today- word for word, except she changed the names. Plagiarism starts early I guess! :)

the price of gas

Ok, last Wednesday, Ian filled the truck up at 3.41. The next day, we filled the van for 3.49. We were told gas prices were going to rise over the weekend in response to hurricane Ike. Gas stations are imposing a 30.00 or 10 gallon limit. Some stations are just totally out and have bags over the pumps. Others have shut down waiting for more fuel. Gas prices jumped fifty cents on Friday, up to 3.99. Sunday, the price was 4.49. I just read on the internet that gas costs have risen 5 cents nationally, and that Alaska was leading the nation at 4.31. Hello? Are the stations around here price gouging? Since when has gas in the south ever cost anything close to gas in CA, and now we are more than Alaska?
We waiting and watching to see if gas will come down again over the next two weeks. We have gas heat and are very concerned about heating the house this winter. We're considering quitting ballet and other non-essential trips to town. We'll see...
How much has gas risen in Tx? in Ca? in Wa? in the North East?

What is my husband thinking?

A few months ago, Ian used my mop for some construction purpose that had nothing to do with cleaning. It broke. It has not been replaced, and we have just been wiping the floor on our hands and knees.

Just a few moments ago, he broke my broom trying to kill a bug. I am NOT going to sweep the floor with a brush!

Men- I guess you gotta love 'em :)

Coming and Going...

First, let me say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Nader! We miss you all.

Second, it's going to be crazy here for a while. In the midst of trying to resolve our termite issue, tonight we (well, Micaela the professional flower girl and Nathaniel the sometimes ring bear) have a rehearsal for my sister's wedding. Tomorrow morning, Micaela's ballet starts at 9:55. Friday night, my sister's having the rehearsal dinner because apparently there was a conflict with tonight. Saturday lunch the kids are going to another birthday party- and they're really excited. Sunday is church and wedding. So it sounds like Domestic Education week couldn't have come at a better time. And my other sister will be going in next Thursday night to be prepped for an induction. In case you see any headless chickens running around- it's probably me or Ian :)

Toddler School

I always try to take time at some point to teach my kids how to answer common questions- like their name or age. I am having a daily conversation with Asher right now.

Ashy, what is your name? Yea-ah, my name is my-yin (mine) ahahah.

No, you're Asher. Yea-ah you're Ashers.

No, I'm momma, and you're Asher. No, Bubba says you Becky. Yea-ah, I'm Ashers.

Asher, how old are you? Yea-ah I'm one birthday.

No, Asher is two. Yea-ah, Ashers is two. You're-ah two, momma.

No, Asher is two; momma's not two. Yea-ah you're not two momma. I'm two birthday. Gabey's one...

Musings...

On termites: We have them. Any advice on how to get rid of them without spending 1700?

On marriage: How many years before we learn to be totally honest and genuine with each other all the time?

On children: Why do they have to be so loud all the time? And why are they rowdy constantly when they know they're just going to get hurt? Newton apparently forgot some laws there- For every poke/jab/tease there will always be an equal or greater poke/shove/scream and then you will be bruised, injured, and hurt, and mommy will have no sympathy because you asked for it.

On cooking: I'm sometimes tired of cooking. If I don't cook and we eat less, isn't that ok? We'll just loose a little weight, right? And in our society, who doesn't need to lose a little weight?

On spelling: Is it hypocritical to teach (and expect excellance with) a subject at which I am hopeless?

Carrying on...

Well, this is our fifth week of school- at least, I think it is. I'm feeling a tiny bit of burn out, but I know it's because of the state of the house. I don't have time to be the full time nurse, chef, teacher, disciplinarian, and the maid! I am making a command decision: every sixth week will be "Domestic Education Week." We will use our time to focus on cleaning, organizing, cooking, handicrafts, and yard chores. I think it will be a nice break from school, help me focus on the needs of the home, and a good time to get the kids more involved in cleaning. We may continue daily math and phonics. I'm still thinking about it.

I think a lot of this problem will ease when our school room opens for use. Our kitchen and dining room are just a huge mess. I'm just moving piles of paper, notebooks, story books and school supplies from one stack to another as I attempt to make/serve a meal. It's driving me nuts!

We had a bad storm last night, and the internet went down, so I couldn't update. I guess I'll get back to breakfast :)

Veni, vidi, vici...

Or... I cut, I cooked, I canned! I was reaching WAY back for that Latin, so pardon any faux pas :) I have cut and sliced four bags of apples and now have about a gallon of deydrated apples, ten and a half quarts of apple sauce, and by morning hopefully 8 pints of apple butter. And one awesome fresh apple cake- thank you, Nana! Please don't remind me about the four or five bags left in the play room. I'm just about sick of the smell of apples. I don't really like sweets, and ripe fruit gets this sickly sweet smell that's just too much for me. But, thank you, Lord, for apples! Makes me feel like singing the Johnny Appleseed song...
Oh, of course I haven't done it all by myself, Ian's cut a few, and Micaela has done her share of cutting out nasty places, and Nathaniel and Gabriel helped load pots and trash bags. Asher tasted an awful lot. And Maxine, the kids and I all wore aprons.

Things I have heard around the house today...

Hey, mom, that thing (the apple peeler, corer, slicer) is like the Canadian Screw (Archimedes screw). - Micaela

Mom, you're phonics book is not as good as mine. Yours doesn't have any pictures or anything fun in it. Sorry mom. - Nathaniel

Mom, how do you spell "wore?" (were) I mean not like war, like the soldiers fight a war, but like "wore" like the linking "wore." You know, like it links Remus with brother, that "wore." - Micaela writing Romulus and Remus were brothers.

News Flash

Elizabeth now says DAHDAHDAHDAHDAH, and Micaela is now a snagglepus! (in my family that means she has lost a tooth)

Happy Anniversary!

Ian and I have been married for NINE years today. Sometimes it seems like ages, and other times it seems like the time just flies. We have made five major moves and six minor moves. We've been to Europe and discovered lots of places to love closer to home. We have bought, wrecked, or sold seven cars and one crazy scooter. We have learned to love ethnic food, and I have learned to cook ;) We've made some very special friends with each move, and of course we've had five children!
I thank God for a loving and committed husband and also for blessing us with the ability to pursue a common dream. Love you, Ian, and Happy Anniversary!
ps-hope you like canning apples :)

Nice day post #2

Today was a nice day too, except last night I felt so good I decided to stay up late working on a project. So I was a little sluggish this morning, and we didn't get started on our real day till around 10:00. Thus, we were interrupted by two meals (because breakfast was REALLY late) and we finished school around 3:00. Then we took my Granddad over to Cody's, and we picked more apples and then some pears! Ian's so excited, and tonight we're going to try our hand at applesauce, apple butter and water bathing! I'll let you know how it turns out. It's really funny that I feel like a very confident (and even experienced) cook, but the thought of canning makes me feel like I did when I first married Ian and had never browned meat or scrambled an egg :)

By the way, this week we read Brave Cloelia. This was a great book that the children thoroughly enjoyed. They were quiet and totally involved throughout the entire story. Check it out.

A very nice day!

We completed everything on the list today and were done before lunch. In fact, I told them at 12:05 if they wanted to eat, they'd have to clean their school stuff off the table. So, Papa, they're not too bogged down with school; although, I confess our day does start earlier than most. After lunch some colored, some watched Jungle Book, some played outside, some collected sticks to put in the fire pit, some played cars, and some napped while momma did a little prep work. After Daddy came home, we roasted hot dogs, marshmellows, and ate watermelon for dinner- we have a fire pit in the back yard. Then we loaded everyone up and went over to Cody's to pick apples. We got six grocery bags and one box full of apples. Cody filled her laundry hamper. They still have a TON of apples left. Tomorrow we may go get pears! What a fun day: I folded and put away 6 loads of laundry, cleaned the kitchen, dressed five kids (and me), fed the animals, watered the plants, completed school, cooked three meals, picked a bunch of apples, and feel accomplished. If only every day went this well :)