Annalee Trip with Grandpa/Dad By: Sis Age: 8

Yesterday we went to Annalee, with Grandpa, (Mom's Dad.) Anyway, Mom has been going for 20 years! She has gone since she was 10! She has gotten a doll every year and has a whole collection :0! It is really pretty and cute! And so this year Grandpa came and we (Mom and I) hopped into his car and drove to Annalee! And we each got a doll! Mom got a mouse and it is pointing to an apple and on the apple it has: 1+1=2
And mine is a little girl with a rose in her hand and a little pink dress and two little pink bows, light brown hair, blue eyes and a flower-pot in front of her that has a rose in it; it's really the best one I could have gotten this year, (at least that's what I think!)

We thank you SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH Grandpa! We had a great time with you! Thanks for taking us every year! WE LOVE IT!

By: Sis Age: 8 (and 9 in two months!)

Wolf Report...

Buddy presented his first oral report at our homeschool Co-Op. He spent weeks researching wolves and learned about their various habitats, diet, and howls. He presented his information in front of a class and even played a recording of a few different wolf howls. I was so proud of the effort he put into this project.

White Christmas

We're already buried in snow, and winter has just begun... I must admit that this is stirring in us some longings for the South...

Field Trip to the Police Station

We recently went on a field trip to a local police station. The officer who directed the tour was excellent - so patient with the kids. Sis and Buddy got to play with the sirens in his cruiser, explore the station, get their finger prints done, and lots more. It was extra special to learn more about what their Uncle Matt does for work. Pretty cool to have a police officer for an uncle, huh?!

Feasting Together

I recently read a book that encouraged me to give special priority to family meals. The author emphasized the sigificance of this special time around the dinner table and challenged wives and mothers to put extra effort into making the evening meal a time of celebration and fellowship. While dinners in our home are often chaotic and messy occasions, I do try to put on an extra special spread once in a while. Sis and I pull out the cloth napkins, light candles, play soft music, and serve up a small feast. Even the littlest ones get really excited over these special touches.

Getting Ready for Christmas...

My Cleaning Spree

These are the pictures from my cleaning spree. Kristine, I'm posting these especially for you. :) Thanks for cheering me on!

Keeping Me Smiling...

Last week was especially difficult. We were locked out of our house twice; my purse (containing my cell phone, credit cards, license, and grocery money) was stolen; and our car battery failed. I'm especially thankful for my sister who encouraged and helped me through these setbacks. She was having a really rough week too, so that meant a lot.

Then there are these crazy kids of mine who always manage to say the cutest things, just when I need a little "pick me up." I thought I'd share a few here...

After a harmless wrestling session, Baby Boy exclaimed, "Papoose was kicked in the HEAD! Oh shoot! That's a big problem."

When I explained to the kids that God had a purpose in allowing my purse to be stolen and permitting a stranger to end up with our grocery money, Buddy said in complete seriousness, "Mommy, isn't there a verse in the Bible that says that the wicked are just being fattened for the slaughter?"

Baby Boy: "I am cute. Papoose is cute. Sis is NOT cute!"


Buddy said, "Mom, wasn't Henry Ford the guy who invented the Ford Taurus?"

After a frustrating potty training session, I asked Baby Boy WHY he keeps on pooping his pants. Without missing a beat, he answered, "Because it's FUN!"

Baby Boy: "Papoose came from Mommy's tummy. I came from Mommy's tummy. EVERYONE came from Mommy's tummy!!"

Baby Boy while I was nursing Papoose: "Mommy, how did you get the milk in there?!"

Baby Boy was "helping" Stephen start the fire in our woodstove. He said, "Daddy, if you put ALL of this wood in the fire, I'll be SOOO proud of you."

Baby Boy: "Mommy, I'm growing up too fast!"

Baby Boy: "Mommy, I like your pullups! They are kind of pink."

Baby Boy: "Uncle Matt is a funny man!"

Baby Boy: "Papoose has the cutest face I've ever seen!"

4 1/2 hours...

until I say goodbye to my 20s... :(

Merry Christmas!

We decided to have our family portraits done at Target. Papoose has joined us since we had our last family picture taken. Also, it has been exactly 10 years since Stephen and I had a nice couple picture taken (our engagement picture!). Hope you enjoy these.

Benefits of Making Homemade Christmas Gifts By: Sis Age: 8

I have found that there are many benefits to making homemade Christmas gifts. Some people think that the only reason for doing this is to save money, but I think that there are other great reasons to make your own Christmas gifts. Making homemade Christmas gifts passes the time while waiting for Christmas, includes all of the family in making Christmas gifts, and allows us to give Christmas gifts that people can treasure forever.

One of the things I like about making homemade Christmas gifts is that it is a great way to pass the time while waiting for Christmas morning, and, without a doubt, everbody is glad to be occupied while awaiting Christmas. It is amusing to talk about the past Christmas seasons while making the gifts.

Another reason I like making homemade Christmas gifts is that it includes all of the family. Ages 2-102 can join in! Generally, Mom goes to the store and picks out Christmas gifts, but it is a lot more fun to gather around the Christmas tree as a family and work on our gifts.

Finally, I enjoy making homemade Christmas gifts because our loved ones can treasure them forever! Whether it's a drawing that goes on Grandma and Grandpa's wall or a candy wreath, these gifts can be enjoyed and admired for years to come!

I have found that there are many fun benefits to making homemade Christmas gifts, and I hope that other people, after reading this, will share in the pleasure also!

Our Trip to the Police Station By: Sis Age:8 (9 in two MONTHS!!!)

We recently went to the Police Station, and Buddy was eager to say that it cost ONLY 75 cents for our parking ;)

And also, first we saw POLICE CARS as Baby Boy is VERY eager to put in ;) The Policeman let us play with the lights inside, and to look at all of the buttons and the laptop he had for looking up places and stuff like that . . .

After that he led us outside (because we were in the basement with the Police Cars,) and he let us play with the sirens! He kept switching them for all the kids and I got the LONG one that they use when going to an accident and Buddy got a cool one too, I forget what his was but anyway . . . (And you might be wondering what Baby Boy got, but actually he was a little scared of the sirens so the Policeman just let him not go, he didn't want to anyhow ;) )

And then after that we went to the jail cell, and all of us got to go in and we got fingerprints and the Moms went in and got pictures of us outside the cell, and there were bars so it looked like we were IN it, we were outside but we DID go in to get our finger prints! IT WAS FUN! And then we went op to the place where they stored EVEDINCE and then, we went to the gym, where the Police Officers exercise to stay fit for their job ;)

Then after that we went up to the 'Library' where they stored retired Police Officers badges, and there was a rack that showed other state badges and then we got to see the stuff the the Police Officer's Belt, and these are the things . . .

1. A Flashlight

2. A Baton (to break through windows with)

3. Gloves

4. A Gun

5. Bullets

6. Maise

7. Radio

8. Tools

9. A Microphone

(And a bullet PROOF Vest) (And a BADGE!)

And then we each got a pencil, a Concord Police Station Magnet, and 8 Reflextors!

All this and the TOUR was GUESS???







FREE!

By: Sis

Age:8 (9 IN TWO MONTHS!!!)

A Little Craziness...

Today was the first full day we have taken off of school this year. We "celebrated" by doing phase one of our fall house cleaning. I told the kids that today and tomorrow were going to be some serious work days and that we would celebrate this weekend by pulling out our Christmas decorations and bringing home our tree. I am embarrassed to admit that sorting through our basement sent me into a sneezing fit. Several spiders lost their homes when my swiffer made the rounds, and my vacuum was groaning from over exertion. The big kids were a huge help with the little guys and took turns labeling, sorting and rearranging while the other held or entertained a younger brother. I am thoroughly exhausted but am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Stephen is taking a vacation day tomorrow which he graciously agreed to give to me so I can clean while he does a few projects and watches the little boys. I told him that 10 more hours should bring me closer to a sense of order and well-being in my home. My fellow homeschooling moms realize that there is very little time to keep up with housework in between completing several hours of school each day, potty training a toddler, nursing a baby, making 5 snacks/meals a day, and keeping the washing machine running.

Buddy warmed my heart with his especially-sweet and helpful attitude today. I asked the kids to sort and eliminate the toys they no longer use. He said to me, "Mommy, maybe you should decide that for me since you have a better sense of what I don't play with." Then he added, "I know why you don't want us to have too many toys. It's because, if we did, we might make an idol out of them, right?"

Perhaps I'll feel bold enough to post a few pictures of our new sorting systems and the fruit of our hard work...

Sis' Latest 3-Paragraph Expository Essay

I have discovered there are many benefits to taking gymnastics. Some people think there is only value in writing and doing math, but I believe there are many learning opportunities and advantages to taking gymnastics. Taking gymnastics gives me exercise, helps me to take pride in my accomplishments, and lets me have fun.
One of the reasons I enjoy taking gymnastics is that it gives me exercise. When I exercise in gymnastics, my body gets healthier and more flexible. Another reason I like taking gymnastics is that it gives me pride in my accomplishments. It really is wonderful to have a sport that lets me be proud of my skill and to share what I have learned with friends! Finally, I enjoy gymnastics because it lets me have fun. You have to agree that everybody loves to have fun! Anything fun is awesome!
It is easy to see that there are lots of benefits to taking gymnastics. I recommend gymnastics to anyone who wants to learn through taking a fun, challenging sport!

Our Field Trip In Concord At Uno's Pizza By: Sis Age: 8 (9 SOON!!)

We went this morning to Uno's Pizza Place. We went for a tour and to make our own pizza! We first went and sat down at a table with a bunch of other homeschoolers which we knew from the Lighthouse Co-Op. which I have written about in another entry and anyway Papoose was in the stroller and Mom pushed him and Buddy, Baby Boy, and I sat down at the tables with our friends and we each got a bit thing of dough with breadcrumbs on top and a glass of milk. And then we all got in line and we put on a bit of tomato-sauce and cheese (and pepperoni if we wished) and sat down again. The tourguide explained how they put cheese and then sauce on as a cool type of Pizza! And then we went on our tour and saw a TON of cool stuff, their dishwasher and other things, like their oven, their freezers their toppings and much MORE! And then we sat down again. Our pizzas had been cooking and they were READY! We each had HUGE cooked pizzas with milk and a certificate for a free meal at Uno's Pizza with NO expiration DATE! (And ALL this was for only $2 a KID!)

THANK YOU UNOS!

By: Sis
Age:8 *ALMOST NINE!

Cool or What?!

Okay, you know you're an official homeschool nut when you get all giddy over owl pellets. Get a load of this science project from Buddy's class at the Lighthouse Co-Op. We think we've identified the remnants of a field mouse.

This Morning

Big Shoes, Little Shoes

Baby Boy got these shoes in a hand me down bag and was delighted to discover that they match his uncle Adam's!

When Stephen was in California last week, Adam came to spend the evening with us. Papoose stared at him so intently, carefully felt every feature of Uncle Adam's face, grinned in approval, and snuggled up to him (just like he does with his Daddy). You can see the pictures of him sleeping on Uncle Adam's chest. It was so adorable and pathetic! Adam said it was kind of overwhelming to have such big shoes to fill in Stephen's absence.