As you can see in our last post, Sis has changed her blog name to Stella (Latin for Star). I thought that this was an appropriate Latin nickname for my sparkling little girl and one of my prize pupils. :)
I am so proud to announce that Stella won first place for 3rd and 4th graders in our homeschool Co-Op's spelling bee!! She worked so diligently to prepare for this and entered it with so much confidence and poise. She truly wasn't nervous and did a fabulous job. The winning word was cauliflower, and my heart was pounding out of my chest when she spelled it correctly. She won a gift card to Target, so we went out on a special date to choose a gift with her prize. After looking through nearly every department, she settled on a pretty necklace to remind her of this special event.
CONGRATULATIONS, STELLA!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
New Blogger Names By: Stella (SIS) Age: 8
We as a family have decided to switch our blog names, which we hope will not be confusing to you all. Well, we decided to change them because they are Latin, and as some of you may know, we study Latin! We study it because it is called 'the root of all languages'. (Languages came from Latin). Well these are the little changes we have made as a final
Dad= Pater
Mom= Mater
I (SIS)= Stella
Buddy= Leo
Baby Boy= Taurus
Papoose= Tert
Well, as for what it means, we all have a secret identity on the blog from now on! We decided not to tell what it means! (GRIN).
Well, all for now!
By: Stella
Age: 8
Dad= Pater
Mom= Mater
I (SIS)= Stella
Buddy= Leo
Baby Boy= Taurus
Papoose= Tert
Well, as for what it means, we all have a secret identity on the blog from now on! We decided not to tell what it means! (GRIN).
Well, all for now!
By: Stella
Age: 8
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Reasons Why Students Should Take Destination Imagination By: Sis Age: 8
All students should participate in Destination Imagination (DI). Destination Imagination is a program that allows young people from elementary to college age to develop many skills while having lots of fun.
The first benefit of participating in DI is that it forces you to really think harder. It is important to be able to be able to come up with a solution on the spot.
In DI groups, this is known as improvisation.
The second benefit of taking DI is that it teaches acting skills. Acting skills are very important to have and can be used in many ways, such as public speaking. In DI we act out skits which help us to overcome our stagefright.
The third benefit of taking DI is that it teaches you how to work together with different teammates. In a DI team, we have six or seven students, and we have to work with different personalities and opinions. Usually everybody doesn't agree on the same idea.
In conclusion, every student should enter in a DI team. Destination Imagination provides young people with a fantastic experience that they can remember for the rest of their lives!
By: Sis
Age: 8
The first benefit of participating in DI is that it forces you to really think harder. It is important to be able to be able to come up with a solution on the spot.
In DI groups, this is known as improvisation.
The second benefit of taking DI is that it teaches acting skills. Acting skills are very important to have and can be used in many ways, such as public speaking. In DI we act out skits which help us to overcome our stagefright.
The third benefit of taking DI is that it teaches you how to work together with different teammates. In a DI team, we have six or seven students, and we have to work with different personalities and opinions. Usually everybody doesn't agree on the same idea.
In conclusion, every student should enter in a DI team. Destination Imagination provides young people with a fantastic experience that they can remember for the rest of their lives!
By: Sis
Age: 8
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Day with Dad By: Sis Age: 8
Yesterday, Daddy and I went to UNH for a Destination Imagination Workshop. In the morning, we got all ready, these are some pictures we took, just as we were heading out the door...
When we got there at the challenge, we went upstairs to our group, and we built a character and learned skills on that; it was a ton of fun! Next we went and practiced Instant Challenges, such as when we built a tower out of a cup, chopsticks, and a plate and stickers, didn't go well... REALLY HARD! The next thing we did was we made up five jobs, in 4 minutes with no words in it in a skit, and my dad and a couple of other grownups, had to do it! IT WAS HILARIOUS! JUST what Dad hates doing most :) It was funny! Then after that, we made up a little commercial of something that had never been invented and was about to be invented, which we (my DI team) decide to do a commercial on lemon flavored taffy, and twenty seconds into it, one of the directors, held up a sign that we had to add into our skit, somehow! Unluckily, our word was waterproof, two seconds after one of my friends had said, "And it makes your tongue turn a different color!" then she held up WATERPROOF, and luckily one of my friends said, "And it makes your tongue WATERPROOF!"! It was hilarious, and it was done in just the right amount of time! Next, we went and we played a game called What are you doing? ! You go up to someone while they're acting out something, and they say something that they're not doing and so you have to do it, one boy said, "What are you doing?" And the girl responded, "I'm just pracicing my ballet!" Then the boy had to take her place and practice HIS ballet. It was fun! Then we played freeze tag where someone would be in a motion and when somebody said to freeze, then they took the motion and like when one person had been toasting marshmallows, the girl changed in into turning a door handle, so in all it was fun!
Thank you Mrs. Lommen for doing Destination Imagination!
By: Sis
Age: 8
When we got there at the challenge, we went upstairs to our group, and we built a character and learned skills on that; it was a ton of fun! Next we went and practiced Instant Challenges, such as when we built a tower out of a cup, chopsticks, and a plate and stickers, didn't go well... REALLY HARD! The next thing we did was we made up five jobs, in 4 minutes with no words in it in a skit, and my dad and a couple of other grownups, had to do it! IT WAS HILARIOUS! JUST what Dad hates doing most :) It was funny! Then after that, we made up a little commercial of something that had never been invented and was about to be invented, which we (my DI team) decide to do a commercial on lemon flavored taffy, and twenty seconds into it, one of the directors, held up a sign that we had to add into our skit, somehow! Unluckily, our word was waterproof, two seconds after one of my friends had said, "And it makes your tongue turn a different color!" then she held up WATERPROOF, and luckily one of my friends said, "And it makes your tongue WATERPROOF!"! It was hilarious, and it was done in just the right amount of time! Next, we went and we played a game called What are you doing? ! You go up to someone while they're acting out something, and they say something that they're not doing and so you have to do it, one boy said, "What are you doing?" And the girl responded, "I'm just pracicing my ballet!" Then the boy had to take her place and practice HIS ballet. It was fun! Then we played freeze tag where someone would be in a motion and when somebody said to freeze, then they took the motion and like when one person had been toasting marshmallows, the girl changed in into turning a door handle, so in all it was fun!
Thank you Mrs. Lommen for doing Destination Imagination!
By: Sis
Age: 8
Our Christmas
I was so sleepy and distracted on Christmas Eve that I completely forgot to fill Buddy's stocking. He is the most precious, good natured little boy. He woke up with a puzzled look when he saw his empty stocking and then burst out in his dimpled laugh when he heard that we completely forgot about him! :)
Papoose takes a spin in his brother's birthday car. Isn't this adorable?!
A groggy Baby Boy enjoys some caramel popcorn. We made 10 batches of this for Christmas gifts! We're still sticking to our floor. :)
Here are some of the special gifts the kids made (complete with homemade wrapping paper). The highlight of this Christmas season was the creativity and love the kids' poured into their gifts for our extended family...
Festive candy wreath Buddy made for Aunt Krista's family
Sis and Mommy sipping tea from some dainty cups we received from my dear friend, Kristine. Thank you so much, Kristine!
Baby Boy receieved the biggest gift this year. It's a toddler train set that all 3 boys have enjoyed immensely.
Buddy's big gift from us was a gun that shoots rubber bullets. He has proven very responsible with this grown up gift and has practiced the safety rules he learned when he went shooting with Grandpa and Daddy.
Sis' two big gifts from us were a scrapbooking kit and a sewing box. My mom brought her out shopping for fabric and then spent a day teaching Siobhan how to sew her own curtains! What a special memory...
The cutest little Christmas feet ever...
Buddy really wanted this book on dolphins that shows the skeletal structure, etc.
Papoose was delighted with the day - even though his gifts from us were very practical...
It feels like much more than a week has passed since Christmas/New Year's break! We are back into our school routine full swing. It was difficult to say goodbye to Stephen after a delightful two weeks with him all to ourselves. I keep saying what a luxury it was to have such a long vacation that wasn't spent on a move, major house construction or childbirth.
Stephen and I were really encouraged by the kids' sweet spirit during this Christmas season. Their Christmas wish lists were so simple which made it all the more fun to surprise them with their desires on Christmas day. We were so thankful for the generosity of our extended family and some special friends which made the kids' (and our!) Christmas even more exciting and fun.
Papoose takes a spin in his brother's birthday car. Isn't this adorable?!
A groggy Baby Boy enjoys some caramel popcorn. We made 10 batches of this for Christmas gifts! We're still sticking to our floor. :)
Here are some of the special gifts the kids made (complete with homemade wrapping paper). The highlight of this Christmas season was the creativity and love the kids' poured into their gifts for our extended family...
Festive candy wreath Buddy made for Aunt Krista's family
Sis and Mommy sipping tea from some dainty cups we received from my dear friend, Kristine. Thank you so much, Kristine!
Baby Boy receieved the biggest gift this year. It's a toddler train set that all 3 boys have enjoyed immensely.
Buddy's big gift from us was a gun that shoots rubber bullets. He has proven very responsible with this grown up gift and has practiced the safety rules he learned when he went shooting with Grandpa and Daddy.
Sis' two big gifts from us were a scrapbooking kit and a sewing box. My mom brought her out shopping for fabric and then spent a day teaching Siobhan how to sew her own curtains! What a special memory...
The cutest little Christmas feet ever...
Buddy really wanted this book on dolphins that shows the skeletal structure, etc.
Papoose was delighted with the day - even though his gifts from us were very practical...
It feels like much more than a week has passed since Christmas/New Year's break! We are back into our school routine full swing. It was difficult to say goodbye to Stephen after a delightful two weeks with him all to ourselves. I keep saying what a luxury it was to have such a long vacation that wasn't spent on a move, major house construction or childbirth.
Stephen and I were really encouraged by the kids' sweet spirit during this Christmas season. Their Christmas wish lists were so simple which made it all the more fun to surprise them with their desires on Christmas day. We were so thankful for the generosity of our extended family and some special friends which made the kids' (and our!) Christmas even more exciting and fun.
Friday, January 9, 2009
It Is Important To Get Up Early By: Sis Age: 8
It's important for everyone to rise early in the morning. Mornings are the best part of the day. There are many reasons why getting up in the early morning is wise.
The first reason why getting up in the early morning is wise is because you could enjoy the sunrise. The sunrise has many brilliant colors for all who rise early to enjoy. The second reason why getting up in the morning is wise is because God's Word tells us to use our time well. "Go to the ant thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6). Finally, you should get up in the early morning because you will finish your work earlier. There are lots of activities or hobbies you can spend time on when you finish your work. For example, I like to settle down and read a good book or e-mail after my work is all done.
In conclusion, everybody should be an early riser. As Benjamin Franklin put it, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
By: Sis
Age: 8
The first reason why getting up in the early morning is wise is because you could enjoy the sunrise. The sunrise has many brilliant colors for all who rise early to enjoy. The second reason why getting up in the morning is wise is because God's Word tells us to use our time well. "Go to the ant thou sluggard; consider her ways and be wise" (Proverbs 6:6). Finally, you should get up in the early morning because you will finish your work earlier. There are lots of activities or hobbies you can spend time on when you finish your work. For example, I like to settle down and read a good book or e-mail after my work is all done.
In conclusion, everybody should be an early riser. As Benjamin Franklin put it, "Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise."
By: Sis
Age: 8
Sunday, December 21, 2008
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!)
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.
My Cleaning Spree
These are the pictures from my cleaning spree. Kristine, I'm posting these especially for you. :) Thanks for cheering me on!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
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!"
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!"
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.
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