Living Waters

The End Is Near...

2012-02-02T17:56:00.000-06:00

At least it feels that way this far along in a pregnancy. My energy and motivation are definitely declining- except when some strange nesting urge kicks in and I run around frantically trying to do everything I didn't get done that day. I've written before that pregnancy is a hard time for me, but I will say this one has gone swimmingly (in comparison, I'm sure my husband would use another word altogether)... all because I finally decided to continue exercising. Sixth baby is the charm I guess. Who knew?

We've had a spell of several warm days so the shoes came off and the bikes came out.

The girls have been extra busy with sleepovers, birthday parties, and general tweeny girl mayhem. Next weekend I get to have my own overnight getaway with them as a mother-daughter bonding time before yet another boy comes on the scene around here.

Birthday party planning is also in the works for an almost five year old.

There's plenty going on, not tons of energy to get it done, but thankful that most of it is easy and fun.

Long Winter Days

2012-01-20T09:35:00.000-06:00

Things occupying the little people these days: cup stacking, Blokus, some strange city-related game in the basement involving tax paid workers and private sector ones too and pretty much every piece of furniture, office supplies, and all other random things in my house. Life lessons overhead, being taught to the younger (apparently lazy) ones: "You really need to work if you want to support a family."

Yesterday was a particularly long day with quite a few bumps along the way. You know it's bad when your seven year old - not generally known as the most gracious of the bunch - feels the need to thank you for feeding him everyday.

Thanking God that "His mercies are new every morning..."

A Day On The Slopes

2012-01-16T20:28:00.000-06:00

A great day for all: Hubby took all five to a snow tubing place out of town to give me some peace and quiet before he heads off for a conference in Georgia.

I started getting the nursery cleaned up and ready for the baby...

Back to Work

2012-01-06T19:30:00.001-06:00

It was a slow moving crowd on Tuesday morning when we started back to our school routine. The older children came down with their comforters wrapped around them and plopped themselves on the couch for family bible time those first two mornings, definitely more asleep than awake. By the end of the week we hit our groove again, but I will say it's tough coming back from two weeks off!

A few highlights:

Toddzilla and Crockett working on notebook
pages for Story of the World: The Ancients

Elbow getting literally blown away at science this afternoon
while learning about hurricane force winds and other climate related topics.

You gotta love the things only home schoolers can get away with!

My motivation lags a bit in January and February so I bolstered up some perseverance over break by re-reading two of my old standards: Margin and The Underground History of American Education. (There's no one quite like John Taylor Gatto to remind you - from time to time - why you do the things you do).

Crockett gets to start Tae Kwon Do tomorrow. Considering all things Ninja/Samurai/Power Rangers are his ab-fabs, I'm banking on martial arts being right up his alley.

New Year, New Beginnings

2012-01-02T19:57:00.000-06:00

We've had quite a break. It's the first time we took two full weeks off, and I'm not sure how we'll get going again tomorrow morning! It's not the academic work with the older ones that daunts me, it's keeping little people occupied and busy while academic work is going on that's the true challenge. I'm armed with fresh floam, finger paints, and modeling clay - some of my little boys' favorite activities.

Out for ice cream with buddies over break

It's trimester three for me and my baby! That alone should give me enough nesting energy to at least maintain some order around here during the difficult winter months. We had a light snow fall today and so begins the season of snowpants, boots, mittens - wet and strewn about - further cluttering up the closets and halls.

Happy New Year, friends!

Outdoor Adventure Christmas

2011-12-27T08:43:00.000-06:00

We went with active toys for Christmas this year, with an element of danger to spice it up a bit. The children got pogo sticks, crossbows, camping knives, scope/flashlight/compass tools, and a zip line for the backyard! Fortunately, the weather cooperated and we had a beautiful day for zip line set up and execution yesterday.

cookie baking with Nana

bible reading with Papa at our birthday party for Jesus

Bobo shooting her crossbow from the tree house

And plenty of time for lazing around at home

Merry Christmas To All...

2011-12-24T16:02:00.000-06:00

And to all a good night!

from all of us at Living Waters

Semester Wrap Up

2011-12-17T20:18:00.000-06:00

Our little homeschool is on vacation! A quick review for my records, after some pictures from the girls' end of semester science party:

Bobo: just finished some short essays on The Hobbit, about halfway through Spelling Workout F, on a break from her studies in Logic (I'm not liking the curriculum and will probably start a different one in the new year), just over halfway through Saxon Math 7/6, and poised to start unit III in First Form Latin when we resume in 2012. The science group we're a part of has decided to continue Earth Science all year long, rather than switch to Chemistry for Kids second semester. This seems like a good fit since the text we're using is huge and covers a ton of material in great depth. The girls are learning to seriously study for the tests in this class. It's fun to see them up in their room at bedtime, flashcards in hand, quizzing each other about salinity and density and cloud formation. All of which I know very little about... I'm so happy someone else is teaching this!

Elbow: currently reading Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (which I repeatedly refer to as Cry The Beloved Country - a book I read long ago. This drives her insane: "Mom! You assigned me this book and you don't even know what it's called!"), about halfway through Spelling Workout D, working through Can-Do Cursive, almost at the halfway point in Saxon Math 5/4, and right in the middle of Latina Christiana I. Science - same as above for Bobo.

Toddzilla: On lesson 30 in Saxon Math 2, halfway through More Days Go By for reading, at the end of Spelling Workout A, in the middle of Printing Power, and taking our time in Prima Latina. My little football fanatic does not quite understand why he's reciting Latin vocabulary and prayers. Admittedly a bit difficult to explain at this point. Alas, we continue. Part of his school day also includes listening to audio books - current favorites are Adventures in Odyssey and the Magic Tree House series.

And in the biggest news of all: I'm not changing diapers for the first time in over eleven years! Granted, the break will be short-lived with our baby due in March, but hey - I'll take what I can get! The Patriot has made two huge moves this week - out of diapers and out of the nursery. I've got all three boys in one bedroom and they're loving it!

Way to go big guy!

Tournament!

2011-12-11T14:40:00.001-06:00

Big Tae Kwon Do tournament on Saturday:

Elbow before breaking her board. She took
home a gold for her Pal Gwe.

Bobo after winning the board break
competition for her belt level

Mary, Reprised

2011-12-06T18:29:00.001-06:00

The big church choir pageant was Sunday - it was a beautiful event and all the choirs were amazing!

Getting ready to go

The Carol Choir, grades 3-6

Elbow on the left singing away

Mary (Bobo) and Joseph

Looking quite the proud parent

And check this out: Bobo as Mary quite a few years back with preschool buddy Jack B. Not sure about that headdress - a little Dutch girl for me - but so fun to take a trip down memory lane... (Also note the Dora tattoo Mary sported on her baby carrying arm)

Buckeye B-Ball

2011-12-03T18:58:00.000-06:00

We had a great time at the Buckeye basketball game today. It was the first time we've gone en masse to a big sporting event and it went much better than anticipated. The Patriot was entranced with all the action and frequent Brutus spottings. A little "tropical ice" helped things along as well:

One Forgets...

2011-12-02T21:19:00.000-06:00

... how much joy a little piece of chocolate brings every morning in an Advent calendar! You'd think it was Christmas morning itself when some of these children wake up. (Of course there's also the residual "can I open another day?" from the smallest ones who don't quite understand the whole concept of waiting).

My posting is light as the season heats up. It's a busy weekend which will hopefully bring pictures soon. Tomorrow we're headed to "The Shot" to see the Buckeyes play some basketball. Sunday my oldest daughter reprises her role as Mary in the Nativity Pageant - last time she was six!

Little Hands, Big Helpers

2011-11-23T19:58:00.001-06:00

I love that so much of the Thanksgiving preparation is child friendly: little hands can be very helpful with washing and peeling potatoes, tearing bread for stuffing, stirring cranberries, and doing some easy chopping. We were busy in the kitchen today getting all of our make-ahead recipes accomplished. Hubby is on for pie baking tomorrow morning. I'm hoping for a nice long run while the turkey cooks on what is supposed to be a beautiful day.

O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the LORD is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker. —Psalm 95:1-6

Don't Mess With My Girls!

2011-11-19T21:33:00.000-06:00

Little Goings On

2011-11-17T19:42:00.000-06:00

I'm making lists and checking them twice but that's about as far as my holiday preparations have gone so far...

My little boys reminded me this afternoon that we haven't baked in "oh so long." I'm thinking the trillion pounds of Halloween candy we still have has something to do with that. But that's hidden away for now so cookies seemed like a good option. While I was getting the cookies in the oven, the leftover dough became the perfect material for burying matchbox cars:

In other excitement, the children went to their first ever Scholastic book fair - a staple of most childhoods. Clifford the Big Red Dog was played by none other than Hubby! Our ever present neighbor is also in the picture, while my littlest is missing because he wasn't too sure about this dad-turned-dog thing.

He's Off!

2011-11-12T20:12:00.000-06:00

Toddzilla is in Minneapolis on his much anticipated 7 year old trip to Nana and Papa's. They're sending pictures as they go; it looks like he's having a great time.

Leaving on a jet plane with Nana

Hanging out MN Gopher style

Showing off his new birthday gifts
(and smiling despite a MN loss)

Hey buddy, these little linebackers miss you!

My Happy Place

2011-11-11T15:22:00.001-06:00

Just before leaving for this beautiful place, we found out baby Waters #6 is a boy! That may have been enough to warrant a little island get-away, but in truth Hubby and I were celebrating our 15th anniversary- Jamaican style. It was an amazing time of sun, sea, and serious relaxing.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T16:58:00.000-06:00

Field Trips and Fun Times

2011-10-29T18:01:00.000-06:00

A cold and very muddy day at the pumpkin patch last weekend. So muddy that our van had to be pushed out of the parking lot. In case you're contemplating purchasing a swagger mobile like ours (a 12 seat monstrosity - which we actually love) you may want to know that it has no traction whatsoever. I've been stuck in an inch of snow in my cul-de-sac, not to mention a little mud at the pumpkin patch.

Yesterday we hit The Works, a great museum and science center about an hour out of Columbus. Plenty to do for all ages!

race car simulation

working with magnets

and electricity

and more magnets

We have 2 days of school left before a big vacation - the children with Gramma, me and Hubby are off to a tropical paradise for a 15 year anniversary trip. Here we go!

A Day For Them

2011-10-20T19:31:00.001-06:00

It was all about the little boys today: some pumpkin stories and crafts in the morning and running around the rain forest with Dora and Diego at our science museum this afternoon. These little guys are schlepped around to music lessons, choir, football, Tae Kwon Do and various other activities for the older ones; every once in a while they need a day all their own.

Thank You Vision Forum!

2011-10-20T17:18:00.000-06:00

Hubby's working two 12+ hour days in a row and the rain won't stop, generally not a recipe for fun here at Living Waters.

Enter Vision Forum's brand new catalog, arriving in our mailbox today and being quickly commandeered by my girls. After seeing all the great and inspiring titles about family and siblings, many of which my oldest has read, she says, "Mom, I'm so glad you want to be a mom like this. I'm so glad we're having another baby; my siblings are the best part of my life."

A sweet moment I don't want to forget.

From the School Room: Week 7

2011-10-11T18:56:00.001-06:00

Notes from the trenches...

Still loving that we moved our family bible time to first thing in the morning. Lots of great, bleary eyed, pajama clad discussions. The best way to start the day.

At lunch we're memorizing Scripture passages all together. They all have their AWANA verses every week, but this has been something fun to do as a group. So far we've done Psalm 1 and I Corinthians 13:4-8, 13.

Bobo is almost done with Famous Men of the Middle Ages. She's been taking notes and doing some sketches along with her reading. When she's done, she's going to pick one of the famous men to write her first research paper on. I think I'm going to use Sonlight's packet, "How to Write a Research Paper" to get us started.

Elbow just finished Tale of Despereaux and has begun The Railway Children. Some of her reading list this year comes from Ambleside online, some are my picks.

Toddzilla is reading the Pathway readers out loud to me. We love Rachel, Peter, Andrew, and Miriam!

The girls' science group has changed to a seminar format this year- eight girls, one lecturer - with some experiments and field trips thrown in. As they study Earth Science they're also getting quite an education on taking notes and tests. Toddzilla's science has been pretty much non-existent. I'm working with another mom on getting our boys in some hands-on classes at our science museum and a few field trips to our amazing metro parks and nature centers.

Latin: We're in three different curriculums right now, a little hard to manage but do-able. (Especially since now I've been through the first two more than once). Toddzilla is using Prima Latina, Elbow Latina Christiana I, and Bobo First Form Latin. First Form has been a perfect jump. It's definitely more intense, but we're moving at a slow pace.

All three are using Spelling Workout and Saxon Math again; Elbow and Toddzilla are in various Handwriting Without Tears workbooks.

New for Bobo this year is Critical Thinking: Book I. I'm not in love with this curriculum by any means. It's not well explained, and I prefer books that the student can basically open and go. I rarely even buy a teacher's manual. (Of course, my oldest student just turned 11 so we're not in waters too deep yet). Even with the teacher's manual, it's difficult to understand what's expected. The targeted age range is 7-12th grade, so it may be a bit higher than she's ready for. The Well Trained Mind recommends it for sixth grade and thus far those grade guidelines have served us well. We'll see how far we take this one.

11

2011-10-04T17:00:00.000-06:00

My oldest is eleven today. Hubby was reminding us all yesterday that on Oct 3, 2000 our doctor told us I needed to be induced the next day... so he and I went out for one last "don't need a babysitter" dinner. We never would have imagined that 11 years later we'd still be changing diapers and have a sixth baby on the way. It's been an amazing - and busy - 11 years.

"Children are a gift from the Lord..." Psalm 127:3

Touch Down!

2011-10-04T14:15:00.000-06:00

His first TD on Sunday.

He took a hand-off, ran over 50 yards - losing his shoe in the process - and scored.

I've never seen the boy so happy.

On Missed Milestones and Science Explosions (and other random stuff)

2011-10-01T12:16:00.000-06:00

I've been extremely remiss on documenting Crockett's recent successes. They're not even recent anymore... Anyway, the training wheels came off his bike right after his fourth birthday (months ago), and then he surprised us all on Labor Day weekend by passing the swimming test at our pool. He's ready for the slides!

Toddzilla's latest feat is a nice big gap in his smile:

And the girls are busy exploding things with their science club. They studied volcanoes this week and did a few experiments during class time yesterday. Of course I had to bring the boys along when they heard there was gun powder involved...

Hubby is off doing a wedding out of town and it's raining for about the millionth day in a row. I've got five children tired of indoor play and a beautifully clean house (thank you Green Clean Fairies). This is not a good combination, especially since this is about the second time in the history of my life that I've actually hired someone else to clean my house... I'd like to keep it clean for oh, I don't know, ten minutes?

A little bit of a lot of things...

2011-09-28T14:54:00.000-06:00

The girls had a great time on their overnight science excursion to Hueston Woods last week. Leave it to home schoolers to throw in a double baptism during a field trip! "Look! There's some water. What is to keep me from being baptized?" Acts 8:36. Love that!

Our church hosted a wonderful women's evening last night with speaker Jennifer Beckham and our own hugely talented vocalist, Karen Burkhart. Thanks to everyone who helped - those of us in attendance were all blessed and encouraged!

Check out this cute tongue-in-cheek video by the Living Waters crew which "introduced" my table blessing...

Next Up: Paleozoic Fossil Hunting

2011-09-22T17:56:00.000-06:00

The girls are off tomorrow for an overnight at their friends' camp near the Hueston Woods. It's a field trip for their earth science class; but considering the class consists of all their best friends, it's also a fun slumber party in a bunk house.

Sporting crazy hair for their last class meeting

We visited COSI today and saw a display of fossils found in Ohio to give them a reference point. (We also got to take apart a computer at the Gadget Cafe and see a bunch of fun, fall related experiments and explosions at Pumpkin Patch Science).

My boys are surprisingly productive this fall with projects and art work. I had to get a picture of Toddzilla painting something other than exploding tanks, firing guns, or car chases. It happens to be a picture for his mama on her birthday...

Andrew Pudewa often says that boys draw verbs, girls draw nouns. This is definitely true of my clan -which is why Toddzilla's flowers surprised me.

We're trying to get out in the afternoons as much as possible to enjoy the beautiful days:

Happy Fall!

In Memoriam

2011-09-20T07:53:00.001-06:00

"His loved ones are very precious to Him, and He does not lightly let them die..." Psalm 116:15

Jenny, you will be missed by too many...

Jennifer Gierman

(Died September 18, 2011)

Jennifer Brooke Gierman (Brewster),42, of

Hilliard, left this world to be with her Savior on September 18, 2011. After a

courageous battle with colorectal cancer, she passed away peacefully at home

surrounded by her family and friends while we worshiped and praised God. She was

born March 11, 1969 in Columbus, Ohio to Ron and Brooke Brewster. She is

preceded in death by her mother, Brooke Brewster. Jenny is survived by her

loving and devoted husband of 19 years Morgan; their seven precious children

Laura Brooke (16), Isabelle (14), Morgan (12), Eleanor (10), Benjamin (8), Ruby

Kate (7) and Josiah (6); Father, Ron of Hilliard; sisters, Heather (Matt)

Schaller of Lebanon, Indiana and Missy (Kirby) Howard of Delaware, Ohio;

Grandmother, Laura Wright; Mother and Father-in-law, Paul and Judith (Kitty)

Gierman; Sisters-in-law, Amy Bigler, Eve (Rocky) Teeters, and Janet (Ron)

Taylor; 13 nieces and nephews, many family members and friends. She was a 1987

graduate of Hilliard High School, a 1993 graduate of Columbus State Community

College and she was a member of Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. Jenny was a

blessing to all she met and she never met a stranger. She had an unshakeable

faith in God and in every situation she always gave God the glory. Jenny did

what she wanted most in life—to be a devoted Wife and Mommy. She home schooled

her 7 children and loved every minute of it. She and her husband have raised

their children to know and love God and to always trust in Him. Jenny’s

Celebration of Life services will be held at The Church at Mill Run, 3500 Mill

Run Drive, Hilliard, OH. Visitation will be Thursday, September 22, 2011 from

5:00 p.m. – 8:00p.m. and Friday, September 23, 2011from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

with the service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Sunset

Cemetery, 6959 West Broad Street, Galloway, OH 43119.

Birthday Blessings And Other Big News

2011-09-13T19:43:00.000-06:00

It's been a great day for this here newly minted 38 year old.

Breakfast in bed, flowers delivered at lunch, cake with our beloved babysitting team, and a dinner out with Hubby.

And yet there's more... another blessing on the way due in late March. The word is out!

Little Boys

2011-09-07T18:17:00.000-06:00

The big one started football this fall. Oh, how he loves it! Today, I commended him on his great work ethic as a first grader. Without missing a beat he said, "I'm just trying to keep football in my life."

I think I'm okay with that.

He's headed to the Buckeye game this weekend with his dad, but it's a big surprise so ssshhhh!

The littler ones are keeping themselves busy as well, at least for now. It's all I can do to keep us moving through the morning routine - and manage the ensuing chaos - but we seem to be making it work thus far.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I thought I was a pretty good mom when it was just me and my girls. Then came a boy. There's nothing quite so humbling as attempting to turn these pint sized pistols into fine, upstanding, little men of God. Thank goodness that falls on Hubby's shoulders. Doesn't it?

First Week

2011-09-03T08:13:00.000-06:00

Our first week of school went by in a blur. All but 2 of us had a 24 hour fever at some point during the week and we had lots of new activities and a home birthday party to fit in the mix. All things considered, it was a good start to the year.

Probably our best change this year is having our family devotion time in the morning, right before Hubby leaves for work. In the past we've done it in the evenings, trying to overcome the normal night time craziness. Already Hubby and I have been impressed with the depth of theological discussions our little people are capable of right after they get out of bed! (The squirminess is tamed drastically by drowsy, pajama clad children at 7:45 AM).

A few snapshots of the week:

Our little viking keeping busy during school time

breakfast in bed for her birthday

going to our church's middle school ministry!

the week ended with a party for Elbow's 9th birthday

So Much To Tell, No Time To Write

2011-08-28T18:56:00.000-06:00

We had a great two week vacation in Minnesota and Wisconsin, putting in over 2200 miles in the big van along the way. Today is Elbow's birthday - happy 9, sweet girl! - and I'm trying to start school tomorrow. Needless to say it's lots of chaos and little time for re-caps and pictures.

I'll leave you with just one for now: a peaceful, perfect moment at the lake around sunset. I need that right about now!

Getting Things in Order

2011-08-10T10:58:00.000-06:00

I'm trying to get the school year in order before we're off on our annual pilgrimage to MN and WI. Hubby teaches at a great bible camp on Lake Carlos for the first few days of our time away, then we head to my parent's lake home in Wisconsin. It's a very long journey by car, but with enough snacks, movies, and pit stops we've been able to make it work.

Bobo: Saxon 7/6, Critical Thinking volume one, First Form Latin, Spelling Workout F, various books focusing on the Middle Ages (Famous Men of the Middle Ages, Robin Hood, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table...), writing exercises using Institute for Excellence in Writing's Medieval theme based lessons, Earth Science for the first semester and Chemistry for Kids during the second. She'll continue with piano lessons, choir, Tae Kwon Do, and AWANA.

Elbow: Saxon 5/4, Can-Do Print and Cursive from HWT, Latina Christiana I, Spelling Workout D, various books focusing on the Middle Ages - still to be determined - writing exercises from IEW (same as above), and Earth Science and Chemistry for Kids. She'll continue with violin lessons, choir, Tae Kwon Do, and AWANA.

Toddzilla: finishing up Saxon 1 and moving onto 2, My Printing Book, Prima Latina, Spelling Workout A/B, whatever science our group decides to do with the younger children this year, and generalized Medieval History through family read-a-louds etc. He'll also do flag football, Tae Kwon Do, choir, and AWANA.

Little Boys: "Controlled" Chaos.

What They Love Now

2011-08-02T18:10:00.000-06:00

LittleMissMatched clothes (thanks, Gramma!)
PB Teen backpacks and accessories (on birthday lists already)
books, books, and more books
Netflix on the iPad: "Mom, it's almost like we have cable!" (Thanks, Papa!)
iTunes - current fav song "Dynamite," followed by all things TobyMac
Webkinz - they got into this craze late I think but hey, the younger one is playing the typing game and making some progress
audio books - right now listening to the Chronicles of Prydain

And to think I wouldn't remember these things...

2011-07-24T19:30:00.001-06:00

Okay, so half the reason for this blog is obviously to keep track of our homeschooling records (believe me, this is all there is - if the state ever came after me, it's a good thing I'd have something on record!)... But the other reason is just to remember the sweet, everyday moments of being with my little ones. (And yes, there are lots of moments worth forgetting too...)

So we get back from the pool today and a major thunderstorm is rolling in and Toddzilla suggests a family movie night. After we tuck The Patriot in to bed I yell downstairs "Family Movie Night!" (a big game of "zoo camp" was being played by the four still awake - with the oldest being demoted to a mere "zoo aid" because she actually didn't attend the camp). Crockett comes running up, "Family Movie Night?! I love Family Movie Night! - brief pause - What's Family Movie Night?" He's still new to the tradition because until now he'd also be asleep.

And in the middle of the movie, Elbow says, "Look at that lipstick! The bad girls always have the best lipstick!" They learn the great universal truths young, don't they?

Not to be left out: a lone stitch in my littlest's eyebrow on Thursday (almost eleven years as a mom, 5 kids, one stitch... I think I can manage - but I will say it was tough!):

So tough, in fact, when he couldn't choose an ice cream flavor
I let him have BOTH!

Down to 2

2011-07-20T16:12:00.000-06:00

It's the hottest week of the summer and I've got one child at Disney World and two at Zoo Camp during the day. All are having so much fun I haven't heard anything about the scorching temperatures. Me and the little boys are doing our best to stay cool without our pool - it's closed for a few days due to a filter problem (really? this week?).

It's my first experience packing lunches. I got it wrong on day one; both came home saying, "Mom, can we have dessert tomorrow? Everyone else had dessert." Who knew? Dessert isn't usually served at our lunch table but I suppose I can do that.

Crockett brings a "lunch" every day when we drop them off,
his time will come...

Out and About

2011-07-15T11:02:00.000-06:00

A full week of summer excursions... We certainly didn't make a grand adventure every day, but Hubby took the big three to the Creation Museum in Cincinnati one day, while I took everyone (plus a friend) to a living, historical farm another. It takes us a day or two to "get over" such big trips - the excitement, the tiredness, the general unpacking and car cleaning.

Here are the highlights:

walking through the Creation Museum

Camel rides!

A welcome home cheers from a brother who missed them
(Just a note: the boys are drinking cream soda - a special "staycation" treat -
in case some of you thought it was Land Shark. You can never be too cautious!)

farmer boys with a baby calf

after a few big pushes,
the girls realized this isn't the safest way to swing

Grinding corn

I'm hoping for a little "down time" next week. My oldest is shipping off to Disney with Gramma, the next two in line are attending day camp at the Zoo. So it's me and the littlest boys. I have dreams of lots of napping, finger painting, and other simple preschool stuff. I'll let you know...

Summer Reading, Seeing, Doing

2011-07-10T11:18:00.000-06:00

Once in a while I like to keep track of things we're reading and learning around here, summer and all.

We still haven't finished Adam of the Road - one of our Medieval history read-a-louds. It's tough to compete with neighbor kids out playing until dark in the cul-de-sac so it's fits and starts with Adam, but I imagine we'll be done this week.

Bobo is reading A Wrinkle in Time - a gift from her uncle - and I Beat the Odds, a selection for her book club.

Elbow just finished Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (thanks, Mark!) She loved it so we're looking for other selections by the same author.

Toddzilla is plugging through a Pathway Reader with me this summer.

I just finished the first book in Francine River's Mark of the Lion series, highly recommended by a friend. Definitely a page-turner; I can't wait to start the next one. I recently re-read Hiding Place by Corie ten Boom, one of my all time favorites. And I finally watched Saving Private Ryan. All three remind me that only Jesus is "the light no darkness can overcome."

Hubby is hoping to get the older children to the Creation Museum outside of Cincinnati this week. We haven't mentioned it to them because we don't know yet if he can pull it off. Other than that, it's all things summer!

Hubby's had weddings every weekend
so it's dinner and dancing for us!

Happy 4th of July, Friends!

2011-07-04T14:43:00.000-06:00

Another great parade in Upper Arlington this morning. We're laying low for the rest of the day after a very busy weekend for Hubby: 2 wedding rehearsals, 2 regular sermons, one baptismal service, and 2 weddings.

On this 4th of July, I'm trying to remind my children that the cost of freedom is high and should not be taken for granted. Right now the littlest are fighting over who gets to "let it rip" next in the Beyblade arena. The lesson may have to wait... There's a nice little Independence Day summation of the ultimate freedom won for us in Christ here.

Enjoy your 4th!

Division of Labor

2011-06-29T12:54:00.000-06:00

Not so long ago, Hubby and the children were at a nearby garage sale. The littlest boys immediately latched on to some matching lawn mowers and the price ($1 each) was right. Done deal.

My oldest daughter, however, has never had an unexpressed thought and she couldn't possibly walk away without comment. Turning to the woman selling the merchandise (who I've seen doing plenty of yard work), she says, "My mom always says to us girls, 'if you never learn how to mow a lawn you never have to do it.'"

Maybe it's time I kept some thoughts to myself as well...

vacuuming AND mowing "for extra beauty"

Ordinary Time People

2011-06-20T12:19:00.000-06:00

We've just entered one of those blessed seasons of the church life called Ordinary Time: the weeks after Epiphany and again after Pentecost that fall outside of the "strong seasons" of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. Ordinary Time is week-in-week-out kind of stuff: no big fireworks, just the daily grind. I love ordinary time.

I think I've mentioned before that holidays are not our strong suit around here. We managed Father's Day pretty well - not without any tense moments - but definitely one of our better showings. Mother's Day as well. I'm not complaining. I'm just giving thanks for the return of all the little daily rituals and routines that bring sanity and peace to this place we call home.

Oh, and if you've ever wondered what a preacher does on Saturday night when he doesn't have to preach...

He builds a mortar for his boys and attempts to launch tennis balls with lighter fluid and fire. (Remember those "tense moments" I spoke about above? Enough said.)

A Week Well Spent

2011-06-17T12:48:00.000-06:00

Another great VBS week at Upper Arlington Lutheran Church. These people seriously know how to do VBS! I'm exhausted and all I did was schlep kids around for the week. Hubby gets a little break this weekend and then it's back for round 3 and 4 starting Monday.

All my little (and big) gorillas!

One Day Down

2011-06-13T11:44:00.000-06:00

One "VBS Van," 9 kids, 2 locations, lots of great times, and only 1 meltdown!

4 days to go...

2 Days Until VBS!

2011-06-11T12:10:00.000-06:00

Last year's crew

Hubby's at what should be the final rehearsal before Monday's debut. We've seen this year's tee-shirts, heard some of the music, and watched as the sets go up - week by week. The theme this year is: The TRUTH about God's love. Can't wait!

Here's some "truth" from my 10 year old, uttered recently while picking up after a rainy afternoon of neighborhood kids in my basement: "I try to ask myself 'what would Jesus do' but it gets annoying because there's no time to play if you do that all the time!"

Have I Not Mentioned This?

2011-06-07T19:34:00.001-06:00

We have a pet! This happened over a week ago, but I haven't had a chance (or a picture) to put it all together. Hubby and I were out to dinner last week, when our babysitters and children discovered a mama rabbit and her seven babies in our garden. Toddzilla couldn't bear the thought of not holding them; he's always been an animal lover. Of course the babysitters told him to stay away, which only fueled his fire for "a real live thing to hold!"

The next day the girls had standardized testing and the boys were at a friend's house. Friends who have a bunny. Friends who were ready to be done with a bunny because they have since graduated to "real" pets of the dog and cat variety. So that's how Holly came to reside in our basement. It's a very happy arrangement: the children get a soft, cuddly animal to have and to hold - mama still has a bark free, shed free home. Win-win!

Hubby is all for any pets he can convince me to have. Last Saturday night, as he was doing his regular pacing in the basement for sermon prep, I caught him carrying the bunny around with him - just as he's done with all of our babies! Welcome to our world, bunny girl.

From the Kitchen

2011-05-31T18:49:00.001-06:00

Lots of extra time for cooking these days with the main school work being done...
A few of our recent hits:

pizza dough by Crockett

rhubarb crisp (yet to be baked) by the girls,

one of whom was nowhere to be found for picture time

pasta primavera by mama

yellow rice, black beans, and chorizo by the same.

I skipped the jalapenos on this (for the sake of les petits)
and it definitely lacked something - but it looks pretty!

I'm hoping that my children remember we ate relatively well in the evenings because our lunches are plenty full of mac 'n' cheese, egg salad, and pizza rolls.

It's A Wrap

2011-05-30T08:49:00.000-06:00

We finished our standardized testing last week, and Elbow had her violin recital last night. It's officially summer vacation!

The weather has even complied - lots of sun and heat - and the pool is open.

Happy Memorial Day!

Cheaper By The Dozen

2011-05-27T19:05:00.000-06:00

Hubby and I chaperoned this lively group - five of ours and seven from another family - at a trampoline park today. (Yes, we actually had to use both of our cars to get this gang around town). Nothing like bouncing around for sixty minutes to completely wear everyone out.

Please join us in prayer for these sweet childrens' mother; her strength, perseverance, and amazing faith in the face of cancer is touching many, many lives in and around our community.

Me and Him

2011-05-20T21:07:00.000-06:00

Me and my littlest had such a sweet day today. Hubby took the four older ones into the wilds for a camping getaway, leaving me and The Patriot to our own devices. Whenever I have a little quality one-on-one time with any child, I get all nostalgic about how wonderfully uninterrupted parenting can be. I used to know this feeling on a regular basis. Not so much anymore. In our best moments, there is nothing more beautiful than the rambunctious - and LOUD - symphony of a big family. I never dreamed I could love so many people so much. But there are the crazy times too; when if one more person needs one more thing it might be the end of me. You know the feeling.

But today was about me and him. I'm trying not to be hurt that the majority of our conversation was, "Mom, where Ellie?" or "Mom, where D?" (his name for David, which we've now all adopted). Still, dinner on the deck a deux was a highlight. Love you, little man.

Spring Recipes...

2011-05-17T14:01:00.000-06:00

...when there is no spring!

Still raining here. Our grill sits unused.

We've got a few favorite meals lately that have been true crowd pleasers with my entire gang. (I don't have picky eaters - thank goodness - but certain dishes become favorites faster than others).

Tonight I'm doing Cooking Light's Kung Pao Chicken. I generally go very light on the red pepper flakes; Hubby adds generously after being served. The rest of us like it as is.

Another tried and true that doesn't require the grill is this Ginger Seared Salmon.

All my boys enjoying the entertainment of gutter cleaning.

Apparently the sun has poked out at least once this spring...

Long time no post...

2011-05-15T16:16:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure what has been keeping us so busy, this and that I suppose, but nothing has graced these pages in awhile.

News:
One more week of our "formal school year," although I'm not sure any of what we do is formal or correlates to a regular year. We do our standardized testing after this week and generally that is when I say, "You're in the next grade, congratulations!"

Summer plans still taking shape. Hubby starts intense rehearsals for the VBS production tonight and that will produce big excitement for the whole neighborhood as we anticipate another great year.

The first overnight camping trip is also in the works for this weekend - provided the rains stops. This involves all children over three - and Hubby of course - so I'll enjoy a relatively quiet 24 hours with only the wee one.

Bobo and buddies just had a great book club meeting after reading Soul Surfer. They wrote letters to Bethany Hamilton and attempted various activities with one arm in a sling to experience what her life must be like post shark incident.

The children helped us host a luncheon for new members this afternoon after an already long morning at church. It honestly could have gone in a lot of different directions - being nap time and all - and I'm proud of all of them for their composure and sincere efforts to help. It didn't hurt that the youngest was continuously fed countless goodies and treats as he worked the crowd.

Field Trip Frenzy

2011-05-07T10:56:00.000-06:00

It was the rainiest April on record here in central Ohio, and May hasn't started much drier. The troops have been fairly restless, so we've hit a few unexpected field trips lately. Yesterday we went to one of the great Metro Parks surrounding our city. The children got a chance to observe birds from various look out towers and with different equipment. Check out all the fabulous bird and squirrel costumes in the play area:

And Thursday we hit America's #1 zoo. With all this dreary rain, I've been feeling a lot like this guy lately:

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy to Return to History

2011-05-06T07:00:00.002-06:00

Finishing Human Anatomy and Physiology means we're back in History mode - a favorite spot for all of us. We're tackling the Middle Ages and Early Renaissance this year - our second time through this period. (We use The Well Trained Mind's four year history cycle, meant to be traveled through three times throughout a student's pre-college career.)

We're currently reading Adam of the Road out loud, Elbow just finished Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Bobo Augustine Came to Kent. Lots of great picture books for the younger set:

When we study in the evenings (or on regular school breaks) we generally have a visitor:

A neighbor friend making her Beowulf page for her history notebook

This little one was on spring break right after Easter and ran over every morning saying, "Can I do home school today?" I'm seriously not that fun a teacher, people. Really.

The girls are also using Institute for Excellence in Writing's Medieval Based Lessons in Writing.

Check it off the list

2011-05-05T14:43:00.001-06:00

May brings a feeling of accomplishment as end-of-year recitals, musicals, and standardized testing slowly get checked off the list. Bobo had her National Piano Playing Auditions today, a nice finish to her first year with a new teacher. She played eight pieces by memory, plus their corresponding scales and cadences, and two random scales/cadences thrown in by the judge.

Crockett wishing his big sister good luck before her audition

Two checks to go: Elbow's violin recital and standardized testing.

Our Wednesdays Just Got A Whole Lot Quieter

2011-04-28T10:22:00.000-06:00

We are now done with choir and AWANA for the year, bringing our total Wednesday activities down to just two...

Last night was the AWANA banquet; all four children (The Patriot is too young) completed their book and received an award. There's a lot of Scripture memory and Bible work that goes along with each book; it's a great accomplishment to have finished! The girls had their planners strategically detailed the last two months - each Wednesday listing the number of verses needing to be passed that day in order to complete the book in time. Because each child can go at their own pace in AWANA, it's a great exercise in goal setting and staying the course.

Bobo was surprised to also receive the club's 3rd place award for most verses memorized in a year with 111 verses!

Missing (already in bed): Crockett

Easter Monday

2011-04-25T10:29:00.000-06:00

Always a small sigh of relief knowing we made it through Holy Week. It was a beautiful Easter (despite the uncooperative weather)... A brass ensemble, our fabulous choir, and a powerful message from Hubby. I'm biased, obviously, but there was applause afterward - uncommon in Lutheran circles - so it's not just me!

Hubby's family is in town so we were ten around our table for ham, scalloped potatoes, pineapples, salad, and rolls. Eating sweets again after so many days was a highlight for all!

Oh, How He Loves Us

2011-04-22T19:29:00.003-06:00

Good Friday.

I went running in the rain. We dyed eggs. My husband brought me flowers. My son wrote me a note that said, "Mom you are like a bag of flowers."

I scurried frantically around the church in high heels hauling props and getting everything ready for an onslaught of preschoolers coming to learn about Jesus' last week on earth. We waved palm branches, wrapped ourselves in linen cloths and laid in the tomb, rolled the stone away, washed feet, tasted communion bread, and saw how Jesus washed our sins away this day, so very long ago.

It was a good Friday.

My littles ones are tucked in tight. Hubby is extinguishing the last light at his Tenebrae service. All is well with the world because He loves us. Oh, how He loves us...

"I don't have time to maintain these regrets

when I think about the way he loves us...

Oh, how he loves us."

God demonstrates his love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8

Gold Medal Day

2011-04-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

A marathon Tae Kwon Do tournament yesterday...

... also begins a marathon week for us at Living Waters.

Happy Holy Week!

Unce Upon A Parable

2011-04-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

The girls had their spring musical on Thursday. Always a memorable evening!

The Science of Shrinky Dinks

2011-04-13T12:35:00.000-06:00

Fascination!

Guest Post: Bobo on Washington DC

2011-04-10T09:45:00.001-06:00

Dear Papa, this was an amazing trip! I had so much fun with you! Now here are some of my favorite pics:

You and I at a building near the White House

Looks like I'm in the water at the Washington monument!

Jefferson and you

This statue was beautiful

Happiness and contentment

The Library's Bible collection

Jefferson's documents!

Papa, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and I

Meeting Senator Al Franken

The homecoming!

A trip I'll never forget! I love you PopDog, Sophia

Science Re-Cap

2011-04-08T18:27:00.000-06:00

One chapter left in our Human Anatomy and Physiology book!

Today we discussed the Lymphatic and Immune Systems. Our resident Doctor/Dad had the children "act out" how the immune system works. (Pictures taken on my phone, not the best quality).

The 5th grade girls as T and B white blood cells

The 3rd grade girls as bad - very bad - bacteria

Demonstrating the use of a petri dish.
We're now awaiting the pleasant growth
of samples from the church bathrooms, door handles, noses etc.

It's been another great year for our group.

Our family will switch gears after finishing the science book to Medieval History; I'm currently compiling the reading and activity list.

Definitely Doing That Again!

2011-04-06T17:17:00.000-06:00

So we finally made it to a home school convention.

I don't know where to begin, but suffice it to say both Hubby and I were inspired, encouraged, and challenged. It was amazing to walk the vendor hall and talk to the authors of curriculum I've been using for years, hear speakers that have shaped our family life, and see thousands of people who are educating their children at home. So powerful.

Sign me up for next year.

This just in...

2011-04-04T17:30:00.001-06:00

My girl is at the White House!

She's on her 10 year old trip with Papa.
More to follow as we get updates along the way.

MOPS, revisited

2011-03-26T10:33:00.002-06:00

The little boys and I had a week full of preschool fun - something I don't get to do with them very often. All three of the older ones were at Camp Agape, a spring break day camp at our church focusing on First Corinthians 13. I felt like a MOPS mom again with only two little ones in tow!

The Patriot isn't so sure about this kimodo dragon
and seeks refuge behind his big brother

Finger painting fun while the littlest naps (of course!)

Braving the backyard wilds together

All and all it was a great week, disrupted briefly - yet violently - by a stomach bug that hit six out of our seven. Monday we'll return to the books again before Hubby and I hit the Midwest Homeschool Convention - our first time!

Two

2011-03-21T05:25:00.000-06:00

The Patriot officially joined the ranks of the even-aged gang on Saturday.

We celebrated with a new "bike" for the birthday boy...

a lunch at our favorite Japanese steakhouse...

and a dinner party at the home of some friends.

His Turn

2011-03-13T18:28:00.000-06:00

Toddzilla tested for his junior purple stripe yesterday:

He's serious about the after class prayer!

Catching Up

2011-03-11T20:08:00.001-06:00

Spring can't come soon enough around here! I'm definitely ready for more time outdoors - especially for my little cast of characters.

Until then, we keep at it:

Bobo hard at it.
Except that the paper's still blank.
Not sure what she's working on, but she looks busy.

Elbow at her last belt test, on Monday. She's now a purple belt.

Bobo tested on Monday as well and moved up to Blue 1.
Almost a senior belt!

Great science field trip today in association with our chapter on skin.
The children got to embed, cut, and view slides of skin tissue with a histologist.

Not Connecting the Dots

2011-03-02T19:16:00.002-06:00

That sweet boy has only weeks left before he's two.

Ash Wednesday is just around the corner and I'm still trying to figure out my plans. My children are beginning to use the "but it's almost Lent" refrain, which translates to: "you should let me have all these cookies now because in a few days I won't get any." I'm actually not sure what the girls' plans are this year but in the past they've succeeded in giving up sweets for the 40 days. My sons haven't taken up Lenten disciplines up to this point - not sure what they'll decide this year. (My vote is for going cold turkey on the whiny-ness, but I guess it's not mine to decide).

I had an amazing time on last weekend's getaway with my girlfriends. Hubby did swimmingly for his part and while he worked the children had the.best.time.EVER with one of their favorite families. The two college age daughters actually came home for the weekend to hang with the "Waters weebles." Phenomenal people; we are so blessed to have them in our lives.

Since this post has nothing to tie it together, I'll conclude with yet another unrelated item: The current Dartmouth Alumni Magazine has a huge spread on "Generation Now" - a glimpse inside the college today. Students were asked what they wished their parents did differently and some of the responses were "home schooled me" or "stayed together." Nothing like a little affirmation from your alma mater.

Where We Are

2011-02-24T18:36:00.000-06:00

I'm in the process of ordering standardized tests for our home school group. This always feels like the end is in sight... until I realize it's still February.

For my records:

First Form Latin is a big hit. We loved Prima Latina and Latina Christiana I as well, but this new addition to Memoria Press's offerings is just right for Bobo (and me!) right now. We watch the lecture together on DVD, she completes one of the five exercises each day, culminating with the lesson quiz after the five days of practice. Elbow is working independently in LC I since she's already familiar with the vocabulary, conjugations, and declensions.

We are on chapter 11 in Human Anatomy and Physiology. Three chapters to go! We'll switch gears to Medieval History at that point, following our plan of half the year on science, half on history. (We continue this part during the summer).

Bobo is finishing her year of girl themed literature with Heidi. She's read Beautiful Girlhood, Emily of Deep Valley, Elsie Dinsmore, Pollyanna, and Understood Betsy.

Elbow is currently continuing her Americana themed year with Happy Little Family. She's done Farmer Boy, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, Trumpet of the Swan, The Moffats, and Homer Price.

Toddzilla just finished First Steps in the Pathway Readers series. I switched him over from McGuffey (which I used with both girls early on) because he immediately took to the farming theme and seemed to do better with a continuous story line, rather than the short unrelated selections in McGuffey. I do love McGuffey and we will probably return there after finishing the next couple books in the Pathway series.

All are set to finish their math and spelling curriculum in May.

Glimpses

2011-02-22T20:27:00.000-06:00

Bits and Pieces
(Anything to post something fun - I heard from a few who thought I had gone off the deep end).

Remember Heat of the Moment by Asia? My four year old loves it. Big dancing in this here kitchen tonight while we made fettucine alfredo. I also rocked out to it a bit on the treadmill today. Memories.

TWO of my best high school buddies got in touch randomly last week. So fun! One to tell me she posted a not so flattering picture of us on Facebook. Thanks. You know who you are and I won't mention you or people will go look it up. The other is blogging now; I'm so privileged to get a glimpse into her life and thoughts.

I think I've posted before that once a month my girlfriends and I go out: dinner, wine, staying out late. Very late in fact, so much so that our men were getting a wee bit annoyed. So we brought them along this month to sort of keep the peace. (Not to mention we're headed out of town this weekend on a girls getaway.) A great night.

Here, There, and Everywhere (Reader Beware!)

2011-02-19T20:14:00.000-06:00

Lots of ups and downs this week - maybe more downs than ups - but I'd rather document the good moments than the bad. And yet...

In many ways this is a trying season for me: my baby is turning two in just a few weeks and there is no baby on the way. I've never had a two year old without a baby coming and it just feels different. (The Christmas story is oh-so-hard without a babe in arms or one on the way when that's all you've known for a decade. There is obviously power there regardless of one's motherhood status; yet Mary's hopes and fears for all the years are heard differently when rocking your own sweet child, not knowing what the future holds). I should have posted at length on how the Lord ministered to me so tenderly in the late hours of Christmas Eve, alone at the foot of our tree. It seems too late now, but just recalling it here will keep it alive somehow, if only for me.

We've also moved every three years - almost to the day - and (thankfully!) there is no new change of location in our sights right now even though we have just passed our three year mark. The short version of this little digression is that it just feels like the cadences are all off and I can't quite get my footing.

I did say I wanted to focus on the good parts, though, didn't I?

My no-longer-a-baby-little-big-man

Sweet notes passed between siblings after a short separation

Silly sister moments after Tae Kwon Do

Becoming quite proficient with those Lego instructions

Crafting away the winter blues

A colonial themed birthday party for one of Bobo's friends

Four

2011-02-13T12:57:00.000-06:00

Crockett turned four on Thursday. Here's a quick recap of the day:

Nana in town for the big day!

The birthday boy + 1 friend + 4 siblings = big fun!

Me and my little guy...

Happy Birthday to my favorite February boy!

Lots going on around here with little time for posting.

Happy Valentine's Day!

What A Day

2011-02-05T20:29:00.000-06:00

4th trip to the Daddy Daughter Dance

A busier than usual Saturday. I'm not one to strive for busy-ness for busy-ness sake. I don't enjoy running all over town picking up and dropping off. This serves as a gentle reminder to myself to keep things simple as often as possible:

Me: workout, grocery shopping, participated in an ordination service at our church, took my boys on a Mommy-Sons date to the dreaded Chuck E Cheese.

Girls: went to a dim sum brunch to celebrate the Chinese New Year with some friends, followed by ice skating, play time, and a date with their dad at the much loved Daddy Daughter Dance.

Hubby: sermon prep at church, officiated at ordination, Daddy Daughter Dance.

Boys: playtime with our Saturday babysitter, nursery time at the ordination, Chuck E. Cheese.

Tomorrow:

Regularly schedule Sunday morning mayhem, the AWANA pinewood derby, and... rest.

1st Communion

2011-01-30T21:43:00.000-06:00

Winter Afternoons

2011-01-24T19:52:00.000-06:00

Working on their igloo...

My youngest, the only one born outside of the frozen tundra (ND/MN), has a complete fit if his hands get the least bit chilly. He also doesn't particularly like mittens. This poses quite a problem for him (and of course me) since he comes screaming in, flailing his arms around as if they're on fire, and crying uncontrollably for what seems an eternity. The joys of snow!

One vote for the Tiger Mom (Or, why are people sending Amy Chua death threats?)

2011-01-19T19:12:00.001-06:00

I gotta tell ya, I couldn't put Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom down. Why is everyone going crazy and writing Amy Chua hate mail? So much of it is obviously tongue in cheek; she has a refreshingly intelligent way of at once poking fun of herself and also bringing to light some ne'er talked about important issues in education regarding race and parental involvement. (Don't forget that Asian Americans rocked the PISA, other American students didn't do so well).

I'm not saying I would ever employ some of her "extreme" parenting methods, but it did make me think twice about some of my own expectations and practices. I also secretly wonder now if our violin teacher thinks I'm a typical slacker "Western mom." She's a very accomplished teacher (to say the least) and almost all of her other students are Asian. It may be time to hit that one a little harder...

Saturday Science Re-Cap

2011-01-15T18:39:00.001-06:00

Another great science group meeting yesterday, this time focusing on the cardiovascular system. The children got quite an up close and personal look/touch at a pig's heart.

Toddzilla made a nice Lego model of the heart; unfortunately I didn't get a picture of it before it was dropped after class. Elbow reported on ancient beliefs about the heart in Egypt, China, and Greece. Bobo's report was called "Guarding Your Heart" and it focused on spiritual and physical ways to keep the heart strong.

Death Defying Moments...

2011-01-09T12:01:00.000-06:00

...and other days with Dad

We took the troops to our favorite science museum on Friday. Hubby took the girls to ride the tight-rope unicycle. I'm not exactly sure if that's its real name, but you get the idea.

Check out the pictures I found on my camera recently:

Hubby, arriving upon the scene from afar, decided to unplug the toaster and get the camera, rather than remove the many sharp knives from the hands of his not yet two year old. Just thought you should know...

Bumps on a Log

2011-01-05T11:33:00.001-06:00

It's been a slow - but good - start to the new year. Our entire clan was at a party until well after midnight, making the first days of 2011 a bit on the sluggish side. (The littlest two found places to fall asleep long before the ball dropped).

At our birthday party for Jesus on Christmas Day, we all presented him a gift - something we would do for him in 2011. I recommitted by mornings to him, a practice that I had recently been letting slide. So I've been up at 5:30 all week and I'm still getting used to the new schedule. Now you know why I haven't been posting much.

We're back at the books too. I'm particularly excited about finally finishing Latina Christiana I and moving on to First Form Latin. Bobo and I will be going through this together; Elbow will go through the LC I workbook on her own. She's been studying with us up to this point so she knows all the conjugations and declensions but needs a boost on the fairly extensive vocabulary presented in LC I.

Christmas Catch Up

2010-12-30T05:01:00.000-06:00

Making Spritz cookies to deliver to neighbors and friends

Toddzilla lost his first tooth on Christmas Eve

Lighting the candles on Jesus' birthday cake

Reading the Christmas story

Surprised the children with a trip to a water park after church on Sunday

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T06:50:00.000-06:00

May the Lord bless you with his peace and joy this Christmas season...

The Village People

2010-12-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

Bobo and buddies as village children in A Night in Bethlehem

Elbow as the same

Weekend Kick Off

2010-12-17T20:47:00.001-06:00

The boys hit the pool this afternoon with Hubby while I took the girls to a cookie decorating/craft party with their friends and then a mother/daughter evening of dinner and shopping.

We've been busy this week making little zipper pouches and elastic head bands for their girlfriends. They wanted to give gifts and I wanted to finally master zippers, so we were all happy.

Making enormous paper snowflakes was part of the afternoon's events

Happy Friday...

Not Exactly Traditional...

2010-12-14T20:32:00.000-06:00

But it's what we're studying for our Advent devotions. We're finding verses from Proverbs about what makes a person a "fool" in God's eyes, and what makes him "wise." These almost life size guys are adorning our kitchen walls, waiting for their verse for the day.

Weekend Review

2010-12-13T11:44:00.001-06:00

A busy but very productive weekend around here. I managed to get all my shopping done in one fell swoop on Saturday. It's a rare luxury for me to have time to run around on Saturdays; usually Hubby is in the trenches wrestling out the sermon. Thanks to one of our missionaries being back from Haiti and in the pulpit, Hubby was more or less off duty.

Toddzilla completed his orange stripe in his junior Tae Kwon Do class:

(The trophy was earned by the boy holding it for completing his junior black stripe)

The big three had their annual church choir Christmas concert yesterday:

Cookies and fun post concert

Moving on today with school work, some sewing projects with the girls (Christmas related, sshhh!), and violin lessons and Tae Kwon Do this evening. Plus lots of traveling through the woods with sleds in the beautiful, fresh snow. This means my dryer will get an extra workout today - it's hard keeping up with wet hats and mittens...

Saturday Science Re-Cap

2010-12-11T11:30:00.001-06:00

We're half way done with Human Anatomy after yesterday's group gathering. The topic was blood, so we "got our blood pumping" with a some serious sprints from my hockey days, reviewed the chapter through a game of Blood Basics Bingo, performed a blood type kit experiment on one child, and studied the significance of Christ's blood shed for us on the cross.

Toddzilla was the "lucky" winner of the blood draw lottery.

A few of the more squeamish science clubbers watched from a distance!

Polar Express

2010-12-10T20:21:00.000-06:00

We saw reindeer, camels, polar bears and other Christmasy creatures at the zoo tonight for Wild Lights. The biggest hit, though, was riding the rails of the Polar Bear Express:

Christmas cards have been mailed, some cookies have been baked. Zero presents have been bought. Getting there - hopefully soon!

The Halls Are Decked

2010-12-06T12:00:00.000-06:00

I'm feeling quite behind on the whole Advent experience around here since we were away for the first week of it. Last night we managed to get the tree and decorations up. Current projects include working on the picture for our Christmas card, cooking for friends with a brand new baby boy, and doing some holiday baking. And, of course, hitting the books - always a challenge after a long break!

And it's right back at it...

2010-12-04T12:12:00.000-06:00

Back from the land of Mickey Mouse just in time for Tae Kwon Do testing for some of the troops and Scale Olympics (piano) for others. There's something about the "magic" of Disney that makes you forget how incredibly exhausting trekking around miles and miles of theme parks with a toddler can be! If you happened to be on the Monorail or Disney buses with us - I apologize for my baby's antics. Sitting nicely on public transportation is apparently not his forte. Who knew?

Put him in front of the Indiana Jones stunt show, in the Haunted Mansion, or the on the Pirates of the Caribbean - now that's a different story!

Or, just give him ice cream...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T20:00:00.000-06:00

Peeling apples

The girls' first attempt at apple pie - ready for the oven.

Pumpkin preparation begins

Can you guess what he's excited about?
The hat says it all... tomorrow morning it's
the land of Mickey Mouse for us!

Thanksgiving Prep

2010-11-23T17:53:00.000-06:00

We're off to a friend's home for Thanksgiving, and I'm only doing a portion of the meal, so not much has gone into food prep as of yet. Thursday morning will find us busy making 2 pumpkin pies, 1 apple pie, rolls, cranberries, and a green salad.

A few crafts have kept us busy...

The oldest attempted to put on a First Thanksgiving production this afternoon; unfortunately, some of the troops were less than enthusiastic.

Giving a very dramatic speech
while Crockett (the only willing participant)
waited on the Mayflower

I'm thinking costuming was The Patriot's main gripe

Flashback two years ago just for fun:

Adventuring

2010-11-21T14:00:00.000-06:00

Enjoying another near 70 degree day in November. This may be normal for some of you, but growing up in Minnesota - and then moving to the even colder state of North Dakota - it just seems too good to be true! (These pictures were taken a few days ago on an afternoon walk - today they're out with no jackets and probably no shoes. Some things never change.)

"Mountain biking" through our backyard woods

We're going on a bear hunt!

This fallen down tree has provided hours of climbing fun

The Days Are Long...

2010-11-16T11:43:00.000-06:00

...but the years are short.

This year the girls are taking Baking 101 on Monday afternoons. They started with cakes and brownies from a box, just so my very literal minded lassies could practice following directions. ("Mix by hand" definitely threw them for a loop not so long ago - as in "can we use a spoon instead?") We're now on easy cookies like chocolate chip and peanut butter. They "pass" each recipe when they can do everything required - including clean up - without my assistance. Bobo took over all laundry responsibilities for both girls over the summer.

Other school day activities of late include a popcorn and pajama read-a-loud time for the boys:

Lots of work on puzzles:

And lots of time to do all sorts of mischief, as usual:

A final word on the birthday boy

2010-11-13T20:15:00.000-06:00

Toddzilla got to go to a Buckeye game today with Hubby - a huge treat for both of them. The day was perfect - close to 70 degrees - Ohio pulled out a win and Toddzilla had a blast. I've got one tired but very happy boy... (make that two: Hubby is just as thrilled - and tired).

The World In Their Hands...

2010-11-10T18:33:00.001-06:00

Literally...

Yesterday the girls spent the day at the zoo with some of their best buddies: "High Tech Homeschool" for the older two, running around exhibits for the younger sisters. This was the first of three sessions for homeschoolers. They got to video conference with scientists in Churchill studying polar bears - right from their Tundra Buggies! I was home with my boys while their friends' parents chaperoned and packed a picnic for everyone. A great event for all!

Six.

2010-11-07T19:57:00.000-06:00

My biggest boy turns six tomorrow. We celebrated today with rock climbing, pizza, and cake at our health club. All and all a great day; especially since I didn't have to do much of the work. Bonus! We are now finally through our fall birthday blitz.

Just in time for the holidays...

Love you little birthday bud!

Saturday Science Re-Cap

2010-11-06T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday's science group played a huge, life size game of Nutriopoly (a version of Monopoly based on nutrition and food science). The game was made up by one of the group's moms based on our study of chapter five in Human Anatomy, Health and Nutrition.

Elbow learning at the calorie counting station

waiting for someone to roll the dice so they can move on

At the "marketplace" where you can trade essential amino acids

Toddzilla gathering up his essential amino acids at the kitchen
- you needed all nine to win!

This is the first year we've used the Notebooking workbooks put out by Apologia to go with the text. While we don't do all of the activities, we've really enjoyed the mini-books, copywork, and fun projects that supplement our study. Definitely worth checking out...

Blue

2010-11-02T09:38:00.000-06:00

We've got a brand new blue belt around here. Bobo had a great test last night at Tae Kwon Do.

If I can get around to it this afternoon (before voting!), I'll post a video of her board break. But I had to get something up fast to distract from my last post. I'm getting too many emails wondering what's going on around here. Believe me, nothing as big as the things some of you suggested!

On Submission

2010-10-30T19:42:00.000-06:00

"Submit yourselves to one another out of reverence to Christ" Ephesians 5:21

God is so faithful.

Sometimes - especially when you're in the midst of one battle or another - it's easy to lose sight of that.

Hubby and I have been going back and forth over an issue for a few weeks. He wanted one thing, I wanted another. Generally speaking, that's exactly when God calls the wife to submit. I realize this is an unpopular sentiment, but surely everyone agrees that when two are at loggerheads, someone must give in. It just so happens that God chose the wife. I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to submit in our almost 14 year marriage. Hard as it was at the time (I'm fairly strong minded; I'm sure you never knew!), I still feel the benefits of at least one of these situations many, many years later. Disaster would have ensued had I pursued my course. I have come to trust that God knows what he's doing.

But in our current situation, what Hubby wanted was going to put a strain on our family for quite some time. After talking it through, he laid it down and pursued the course of action I was hoping for. The next day he brought me these roses - one for each in my family - to show me there were no hard feelings.

But God had already changed my heart (even before I knew about the flowers!), pushing me to lay my wishes down as well and figure out a way we could make it work. What a joy it is to experience the "profound mystery" of marriage with my best friend.

For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4