I have decided after much contemplation to make my blog private.
With all the many tasks to do I feel guilty for blogging and then guilty if I don't. As does anyone you want to talk about the good times but then it just comes across as bragging. I would hope to be inspiring in a way but I don't think I have the skills to do so. I cannot do it all and no one can really, whatever you define as 'all.' I would like to focus on figuring out how to lift my family and friends up, encourage them etc and for me I don't feel like that blogging contributes to that goal.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
We Love Homeschooling!
School is back in session here. We are now into our second week and thoroughly enjoying it. Luke says he likes being in First Grade. We are actually going through our lessons a bit faster than expected, which is always good. We are having some fun time doing projects for Nature, Science, History and crafts.
Today we tried to make butter, but the kids got tired of shaking the cream. So, instead we made PeanutButter Balls(we are doing 1 day of week of cooking with our theme letter). We also experimented with solids, liquids and gases today for Science. We are memorizing a poem and the parts of speech for grammar. Luke is reviewing addition strategies in Math. In Writing we did some dictation, narration and learned about proper nouns. In Literature we read two different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and Pretty Salma(the African version).
Today we had a heavy schedule as we took off Monday to work outside(Brian was home)we only did Reading, and yesterday Luke slept most of the day as he wasn't feeling well and we only did Reading, Grammar, and Writing. It was our first ever sick day! Thankfully he was feeling better today but we had lots of ground to make up- we did 2 days of Writing, Grammar and Math lessons along with other subjects. Tomorrow our day should be lighter and hopefully we can finish on time- I hope!
My only complaint is that I don't have my schedules exactly how I want them. I have Luke's Lit, Music/Art Appreciation and Science in separate binders, which is a huge pain. I think need them all together organized by the month but haven't reorganized them yet. I planned far more for Lily than she is interested in but it is good to have different ideas for when she is interested. I do plan on starting formal school with her next year but this year we are keeping it pretty low key. I have a few goals that we are working on slowly but for the most part I want to keep it fun.
I would like more time for circle time and I prefer it to be first but it hasn't happened that way as of yet. I love circle time and the kids do as well but with cleaning, cooking and everything else we have to do time is precious.
Speaking of time, I'm already tweaking my schedule. I really do need to be up before 6am to get it all done. Things go smoother if I can start on chores by 6:30am and I need my time for prayer and such before getting going in the morning. That is my quiet time. Brian and I don't stay up after the kids, unless very rarely, so that time is precious.
Today we tried to make butter, but the kids got tired of shaking the cream. So, instead we made PeanutButter Balls(we are doing 1 day of week of cooking with our theme letter). We also experimented with solids, liquids and gases today for Science. We are memorizing a poem and the parts of speech for grammar. Luke is reviewing addition strategies in Math. In Writing we did some dictation, narration and learned about proper nouns. In Literature we read two different versions of Little Red Riding Hood and Pretty Salma(the African version).
Today we had a heavy schedule as we took off Monday to work outside(Brian was home)we only did Reading, and yesterday Luke slept most of the day as he wasn't feeling well and we only did Reading, Grammar, and Writing. It was our first ever sick day! Thankfully he was feeling better today but we had lots of ground to make up- we did 2 days of Writing, Grammar and Math lessons along with other subjects. Tomorrow our day should be lighter and hopefully we can finish on time- I hope!
My only complaint is that I don't have my schedules exactly how I want them. I have Luke's Lit, Music/Art Appreciation and Science in separate binders, which is a huge pain. I think need them all together organized by the month but haven't reorganized them yet. I planned far more for Lily than she is interested in but it is good to have different ideas for when she is interested. I do plan on starting formal school with her next year but this year we are keeping it pretty low key. I have a few goals that we are working on slowly but for the most part I want to keep it fun.
I would like more time for circle time and I prefer it to be first but it hasn't happened that way as of yet. I love circle time and the kids do as well but with cleaning, cooking and everything else we have to do time is precious.
Speaking of time, I'm already tweaking my schedule. I really do need to be up before 6am to get it all done. Things go smoother if I can start on chores by 6:30am and I need my time for prayer and such before getting going in the morning. That is my quiet time. Brian and I don't stay up after the kids, unless very rarely, so that time is precious.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Family Entertainment
So, apparently we need to watch rabbit breeding videos. I really couldn't tell you if lil' Mama is lifting her rear appropriately high in the air during breeding, you would think that would be obvious, huh? Of course compared to the rabbit butchering videos, well, really, I'm not sure what would be considered worse. I guess that depends on who you ask, huh? The kids have seen both acts in person, they weren't terribly impressed with either!
Slightly more appropriately I can say we all enjoyed The Ten Commandments. My dear husband had never seen this movie, really, I don't know how that is possible. As Brian is currently studying the Old Testament and I'm reading through the Bible this year myself it was neat to compare it to the scriptures. Brian had specifically been studying the scripture that said that 'God hardened Pharoah's heart' and it was interesting how they interpreted that for the movie. Of course they took a lot of liberties in the movie but it was enjoyable and somewhat educational regardless. We got a good chuckle out of the special effects but the kids still seemed to think they were amazing. It did however take us several days to watch as it is long and our family tv time is very limited.
Slightly more appropriately I can say we all enjoyed The Ten Commandments. My dear husband had never seen this movie, really, I don't know how that is possible. As Brian is currently studying the Old Testament and I'm reading through the Bible this year myself it was neat to compare it to the scriptures. Brian had specifically been studying the scripture that said that 'God hardened Pharoah's heart' and it was interesting how they interpreted that for the movie. Of course they took a lot of liberties in the movie but it was enjoyable and somewhat educational regardless. We got a good chuckle out of the special effects but the kids still seemed to think they were amazing. It did however take us several days to watch as it is long and our family tv time is very limited.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
So, this is Vacation?
We are finally on break from school after our summer school session. I have planned for a 3 week break and we will be officially resuming school on August 29th. So, since I know that when school starts it will be much harder to keep up with everything I've been working to make sure everything is in order around here. The entire past week was spent outside since we've had a weather break we're trying to take advantage of it.
We put in a new garden spot. Brian broke the ground with the disc and we(yes we!)then tilled it up. That is a brutal task where I live. We picked up rocks no less than 4 times and then I went back through half of it getting the rows ready and picked up another 7- 5 gallon buckets of rocks. Then there was the shoveling and hauling of the rabbit manure, yes, fun times.
I finally worked some on clearing out in the orchard as well. We had some stumps growing saplings bigger than our trees! I knew it was bad when last week a friend visiting kept asking me what all the trees were and I had to say, well that one, I don't know, it needs to be cut down! The fruit trees that have survived the floods, deer and the droughts are 2 apples, 1 peach, 1 nectarine, 1 fig, 1(or 2 cherry) and 3(or 4) blueberry bushes. The jury is still out on a few of those, which do not look quite alive but not entirely dead either.
I planted my seeds on Tuesday the 16th and as of today most of everything, except the carrots has sprouted. I think I can see a few sprouts from the carrots even but they are so small it is hard to say. The radishes are by far the biggest, hopefully either we enjoy them or the bunnies will.
Speaking of bunnies we now have a new rabbit. A New Zealand buck, to go with our 2 New Zealand does. We have already bred Big Mama, him and Lil Mama are still working things out!
We put in a new garden spot. Brian broke the ground with the disc and we(yes we!)then tilled it up. That is a brutal task where I live. We picked up rocks no less than 4 times and then I went back through half of it getting the rows ready and picked up another 7- 5 gallon buckets of rocks. Then there was the shoveling and hauling of the rabbit manure, yes, fun times.
I finally worked some on clearing out in the orchard as well. We had some stumps growing saplings bigger than our trees! I knew it was bad when last week a friend visiting kept asking me what all the trees were and I had to say, well that one, I don't know, it needs to be cut down! The fruit trees that have survived the floods, deer and the droughts are 2 apples, 1 peach, 1 nectarine, 1 fig, 1(or 2 cherry) and 3(or 4) blueberry bushes. The jury is still out on a few of those, which do not look quite alive but not entirely dead either.
I planted my seeds on Tuesday the 16th and as of today most of everything, except the carrots has sprouted. I think I can see a few sprouts from the carrots even but they are so small it is hard to say. The radishes are by far the biggest, hopefully either we enjoy them or the bunnies will.
Speaking of bunnies we now have a new rabbit. A New Zealand buck, to go with our 2 New Zealand does. We have already bred Big Mama, him and Lil Mama are still working things out!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Scheduling Madness
My eyes feel like they might fall right out of my head. I've been reading and researching, typing and printing for 3 months now. I am now so close to finishing it I can almost see the end. I hope and pray that this hard work will contribute to a nice and fruitful school year with less planning stress for me and more great living and learning activities for the kids.
Fingers crossed. I have literally printed out about 1000 pages between the two of them of Science and Literature curriculum for Luke and a Leter of the Week for Lily. Pulling together too many resources to count scheduling and rescheduling. Trying to figure out if I can magically make more time in the day, sorry to say I didn't figure that one out! However, I have tweaked our schedule more to work with this season and our current obligations and desires and I think it just might work.
I think I can keep a decently clean house, keep homecooked meals(however simple), homeschool intensively(about 4 hrs a day for everything between them), have time to myself, time for us to have family walks, Bible and prayer time and still get in bed early! I think that in itself is a miracle! I still have time left in the day as well, and hopefully will get to those other activities on my list like teaching them to sew and various other household tasks. We have been doing a trial run the last few weeks and it has went well. Of course I'd like the house cleaner and more time devoted to a multitude of things but it seems that I have found a good compromise in putting it all together.
I wanted to attach my new schedule but I cannot quite figure it out, so I'll do a simple run down, because I'm sure everyone is interested :)
6am- Wake Up- Computer Time(by myself)
6:30- Bible and Prayer Time (by myself)
7:00am-Walk and Exercise (kids up)
7:30-Cook Breakfast, Beds, Rooms and Dishes- everyone does their own room
8:00am- Breakfast
8:30am- Cleaning tasks-rotating- mops, dusting, walls, refrigerator, etc- everyone chips in with different jobs- Prepping crock pot meal if needed
9:00am- School time- Math- Luke- Coloring/Handwork- Lily
9:45am- Reading- Luke, Kumon- Lily
10:00am- SpellingM/W-First Language Lessons T/Th
10:10am- Break/Snack- Fruit/Nuts/Veggies
10:30am- Activity Time- Small inside activity- jumping jacks, hopscotch etc
10:45am- Writing With Ease-Luke/ Cutting and Pasting- Lily
11:00am- Nature/M, History-Geography/T, Science/W-Th
12:00pm- Music-Art Apprection-M, Crafts-T, Tea-Time Cooking-W, Art-F
12:30pm- Lunch(leftovers)
1:00-2:00pm- Read-Alouds- Bible, Literature
2pm-4pm- Quiet Time (hallelujah!)
4-4:30 pm- Handicrafts (sewing and such)
4:30 -5pm- free time
5-6:00pm- Tidying the house and finishing supper
Feeding and Rabbit Care- Laundry
Family time, prayer and bible time and Bed :) Hopefully by 8:30pm for everyone :)
After supper it is family time and of course clearing the table and such. As I said we have been trialing it out and it has worked wonderfully so far. I had to switch around our walking time due to the weather but that has been nice. I have been following the Motivated Moms chore list since last December and really like it. It takes the thinking out of it for me. I love that has the tasks broken down for me and there are little tasks for the kids to help with as well. Of course there comes times when I don't follow it well. I'm never perfect but I'm trying to learn to live and love the imperfections and focus on the priorities.
Fingers crossed. I have literally printed out about 1000 pages between the two of them of Science and Literature curriculum for Luke and a Leter of the Week for Lily. Pulling together too many resources to count scheduling and rescheduling. Trying to figure out if I can magically make more time in the day, sorry to say I didn't figure that one out! However, I have tweaked our schedule more to work with this season and our current obligations and desires and I think it just might work.
I think I can keep a decently clean house, keep homecooked meals(however simple), homeschool intensively(about 4 hrs a day for everything between them), have time to myself, time for us to have family walks, Bible and prayer time and still get in bed early! I think that in itself is a miracle! I still have time left in the day as well, and hopefully will get to those other activities on my list like teaching them to sew and various other household tasks. We have been doing a trial run the last few weeks and it has went well. Of course I'd like the house cleaner and more time devoted to a multitude of things but it seems that I have found a good compromise in putting it all together.
I wanted to attach my new schedule but I cannot quite figure it out, so I'll do a simple run down, because I'm sure everyone is interested :)
6am- Wake Up- Computer Time(by myself)
6:30- Bible and Prayer Time (by myself)
7:00am-Walk and Exercise (kids up)
7:30-Cook Breakfast, Beds, Rooms and Dishes- everyone does their own room
8:00am- Breakfast
8:30am- Cleaning tasks-rotating- mops, dusting, walls, refrigerator, etc- everyone chips in with different jobs- Prepping crock pot meal if needed
9:00am- School time- Math- Luke- Coloring/Handwork- Lily
9:45am- Reading- Luke, Kumon- Lily
10:00am- SpellingM/W-First Language Lessons T/Th
10:10am- Break/Snack- Fruit/Nuts/Veggies
10:30am- Activity Time- Small inside activity- jumping jacks, hopscotch etc
10:45am- Writing With Ease-Luke/ Cutting and Pasting- Lily
11:00am- Nature/M, History-Geography/T, Science/W-Th
12:00pm- Music-Art Apprection-M, Crafts-T, Tea-Time Cooking-W, Art-F
12:30pm- Lunch(leftovers)
1:00-2:00pm- Read-Alouds- Bible, Literature
2pm-4pm- Quiet Time (hallelujah!)
4-4:30 pm- Handicrafts (sewing and such)
4:30 -5pm- free time
5-6:00pm- Tidying the house and finishing supper
Feeding and Rabbit Care- Laundry
Family time, prayer and bible time and Bed :) Hopefully by 8:30pm for everyone :)
After supper it is family time and of course clearing the table and such. As I said we have been trialing it out and it has worked wonderfully so far. I had to switch around our walking time due to the weather but that has been nice. I have been following the Motivated Moms chore list since last December and really like it. It takes the thinking out of it for me. I love that has the tasks broken down for me and there are little tasks for the kids to help with as well. Of course there comes times when I don't follow it well. I'm never perfect but I'm trying to learn to live and love the imperfections and focus on the priorities.
Orange Chipolte Pork Roast
I borrowed some ideas from the Crockpot 365 Blog, simplified, modified and made it more from whole ingredients. The end result was a yummy and juicy roast we all loved. This is dairy, gluten, nut, soy and processed sugar free.
6 oz tomato paste (or similar amount of chopped and pureed seeded tomatoes)
2 oranges peeled and chopped
2 T. black-strap molasses (honey would work as well)
2-4 t. chipolte powder
1 T. ginger
1 T. cumin
1 T. pepper
Sea salt to taste (I had to add more after it was done to really bring out the flavors)
Throw it all in the crockpot and let it cook 7-9 hrs.
6 oz tomato paste (or similar amount of chopped and pureed seeded tomatoes)
2 oranges peeled and chopped
2 T. black-strap molasses (honey would work as well)
2-4 t. chipolte powder
1 T. ginger
1 T. cumin
1 T. pepper
Sea salt to taste (I had to add more after it was done to really bring out the flavors)
Throw it all in the crockpot and let it cook 7-9 hrs.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Easy Butter Pecan Ice Cream
We have been really enjoying our fresh cream as of late. Butter Pecan is a favorite of both Brian and I so we really enjoyed having it fresh and homemade.
3 cups cream
1/2-3/4 c. honey
4 T. butter
1 c. chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. salt
1 t. vanilla
Saute pecans in butter with salt, remove from butter and chill(you can later use the butter for something else). Mix chilled cream with vanilla and honey. Put icecream mix in freezer when it is about 5 minutes from being set add chilled pecans. Let it mix through, serve and enjoy!
3 cups cream
1/2-3/4 c. honey
4 T. butter
1 c. chopped pecans
1/2 tsp. salt
1 t. vanilla
Saute pecans in butter with salt, remove from butter and chill(you can later use the butter for something else). Mix chilled cream with vanilla and honey. Put icecream mix in freezer when it is about 5 minutes from being set add chilled pecans. Let it mix through, serve and enjoy!
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