May Garden
• Sep. 4, 2008 - Math - Measurement
We are having some lessons on measurement. Since we are plugging away with our home repairs and improvements I though practice with a ruler, measure tape, and triangle would be appropriate.
Luke helped measure many tiles to mark to fit the porch tile project. And Timmy did some workbook pages measuring in inches from point a - point b.
Mike had a great idea of having the boys help measure out wooden pieces to fit and make simple birdhouses. Then in the Spring they could try to sell them... I thought it was a neat and do able idea! |
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• Sep. 2, 2008 - The Boy Who Doesn't Want to Grow Up
• Sep. 2, 2008 - LABOR DAY WEEKEND
On Friday we shopped and went to a Chiropractic appointment.
On Saturday we did some practical chores and had fun moments like finding our table grape clusters ready to pick. Hummm so sweet. Can't wait until years to come when we get many clusters!
We'd also found our local Kids Garden Full of RIPE produce. Our kids had participated in the planting and we had the time I guess the PS kids' parents didn't have to come back and enjoy the HARVEST.
So Mike and I made tomato sauce with Italian Sausage.
    
We won't have to buy any cucumber, melon, peppers, zukes, potatoes and beets for a few weeks between our garden and the kids'.
I also started making that slide show that I mentioned wanting to do for our upcoming birth. It is coming along nicely and WOW I had a really fun time using the program... it was my first attempt to do so and it really wasn't hard but rewarding. I'll share the show when it is finished.
And we were able to go to a garage sale in our neighborhood finding... YAHAAAY 2 little girls bikes!
A COOK-OUT WITH THE NEIGHBORS
On Sunday.
We had a great time eating dinner with our new neighbors.
Time went really quickly but a few hours chatting was nice!
We took things over to their home as they have a deck set up.
The kids ate and played and ate some more.
The girl's enjoying Tim's birthday cupcakes.
Doggie friend with little mistress.
Tim and I had a great time making his cupcakes together. Putting the sprinkles on was the BEST!
The boys always have fun with a hot grill... they find little pieces of twig and leaves to toss in and see them crackle and burn.
We also got some work done on our to do's... on Monday.
FINALLY! Drum roll...
Putting the tile down in the enclosed front porch so we can set up to enjoy school there this Fall and using it for a hot house to start seedlings in the early Spring. I'll be excited to add a picture everything finished.
I'd taken the 20 plus year old carpeting out of the porch the first year we were here so coming to completion three years later is really rewarding!
We replaced an old bay window our first Spring here two years ago. But hadn't finished the woodwork.
Mike worked on sanding and staining while I did the tile on the porch. A few more steps to go
-looking great!
We then had leftovers for dinner from the cook-out with the Boston Cream Pie Tim picked out for his treat.
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• Sep. 2, 2008 - Music
I have been listening to this internet playlist for several months. Thought I'd share the address.
I have requested a button to put on my side bar.
We don't have a conservative local station I can tune into so this has been so nice!
We have noticed that it's so important to keep an atmosphere of calm praise and this music is often what I turn to each day.
Hope others enjoy commercial free conservative music as well. |
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• Aug. 28, 2008 - Today First Attempt to Do a Combined Preschool
Though we had a few lessons in the past weeks with our neighbor girls present I'd not made sure everyone was getting something out of the time being spent.
Today I had prepared well and spent MOST of my time and energy trying to get EVERYONE to FOCUS.
The results were fair at best. I need to pray more about this. Is this what we should be doing even just one day a week? That didn't seem like a big commitment before I tried putting the idea into practice but it surely does take a lot of my energy.
Maybe after the baby comes it will be less stressful? Honestly I have my doubts though
Today in Proverbs I came across this:
A man's steps are of the Lord; how then can a man know his own way? Prov. 20:24
I have been pondering it ever since!
Anyone have comments of how to help 2, 3, 4, and 5 year old girls FOCUS with a 1.5 yo. and 3mo. needing their mom's attention... and I am also giving some simple instruction for a short lesson to the 7 and 8 yo boys. And I will have a new born in two months to care for as well. |
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• Aug. 27, 2008 - Searching my heart about the next couple of months...
I THINK I AM GOING TO SLOW DOWN WITH OTHER THINGS AND FOCUS ON OUR FAMILY UNITY AND TIMES OF DEEPER SHARING IN PREPARATION FOR THE BIRTH.
We need to prepare our hearts. The birth will more than likely be coming in just 7 weeks...
I realize I may only have a few more births as I am 37 in January. I want to cherish this time not rush through it checking off my list of all I want to get accomplished before baby comes. *I* have been pushing myself too hard and increasing stress needlessly!!!
Last night I had a great time bonding with baby. He was moving around and had I think maybe his bottom pushed out in a lump right in center of my belly... I gave him a good rubbing and firm pressure to show him I was there and we interacted like this for probably 20 mins or more.
I am focusing on peacefulness and restfulness from here out so I can get in tune with a gentle birth that can only come from a relaxed mom.
I also have plans to encourage my husband to send special time with me. Our bond seems to increase with each birth and I want this to be a special time for him too.
As for all my projects... most of the heavy work is done! Praise the Lord and whatever else gets done between now and baby coming well, I will now be making and effort to do as a peaceful quite time not making the chores the focus of the day!
I am gonna make a slide show for the computer with words of the Bible and hymns to meditate on. This will be a great tool to have my mind refreshed and prepared. I can also run the slide show while I labor since I am having a home-birth.
We will have reading time everyday again. I'd gotten away from this thinking that I needed to keep plugging away with chores but that is doing no good for morale!
We've been reading about Clara Barton -Civil War nurse. I think that it was several times of caring for her relatives in illness that prepared her for her future. In those days the FAMILY took a lot of care for each other -learning what they needed to do a good job. I think the children have learned about caring for those that need extra help by the times I have been more vulnerable and asking for help during pregnancy. I want to give them a chance to see how much I need them!
SO I won't be trying to be so 'strong' these last weeks.
Also school sounds relaxing as I can sit and talk with the children and interact with them on a deeper level than if I were sounding off what chore is coming next! And whining about how I can't do it all alone.
Back to nature walks everyday too. The weather is much more mild these last few days I sure hope it stays this way. We are without air conditioning for this later part of summer and last week the heat got to me.
This past week we tidied up the yard and garage once again. Each evening we have been walking.
I also am taking them over to the playing fields at the rec park to play in the grass things like soccer.
Lina and Sophia are getting lessons in walking WITH me again. They are doing much better with a lot of firmness on my account.
We talk daily about what it will be like when baby arrives. And read some nice books about a family growing,
Praise the Lord for His goodness and guidance! |
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• Aug. 14, 2008 - Pilgrim's Progress
We recently watched a 1970's film production of The Pilgrim's Progress staring Liam Neeson! We all got a lot out of it and I will be thrilled when the boys are able to read for themselves the great novel by John Bunyan.
So happen's that during this same period we found ourselves in a time of deep reflection brought on by a life circumstance and a time major growth. So like the Lord to provide the encouragement.
I wrote this in my journal.
I Have Nothing; Yet I Have Everything
Striped of common comforts we find ourselves better able to be properly grafted into the vine. Pruned back; yet thriving like we never could had we not met the husbandman's scalpel.
We come to the place where life has such deep meaning that joy abound's through all circumstances. The sorrows are just short lived treks through a valley and we always come out on a green pasture to feed and gain our strength to move onward. We sing, "Journey forth; that He may increase even as I decrease!" |
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• Jul. 28, 2008 - Our Big Week of Home Projects
We recently had a BIG week of focusing mainly on home projects that need to come to completion in the very near future. Hopes are they will be wrapped up by baby's coming.
Here are some photos of some of the work we did. Praise the Lord that we got 90% of the things done I'd hoped to get at! Very unusual! Often times I have a long list that only gets a fraction toward completion.
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• Jul. 24, 2008 - Recent things...
Just a quick update. We are doing great! Of course there have been 'things' to deal with but mostly good things.
Mike got a two day stay in bed as he experienced heat exhaustion. I learned how to treat his needs and had a good warning to not let anyone else get to that point! We are juicing again ( I had just put the juicer away so I could paint LOL) seems the best way to get the minerals enzymes and hydration built up when one sweats so much out in the heat!
Mike decided to take his last paid personal vacation time of the year this week as we are making such good progress on the painting and home repairs that we don't want to cut our energies short. Rather be ready for the demands of the school year, new baby, and having more company in our home then hold onto that week even for the baby's arrival.
I think I mentioned our new neighbors... well I have decided to invite the preschool age girls over at least once a week for planned activities with Lina and Sophia. This will give us all time to interact with others without trekking to the library programs etc... I just won't be able to when baby comes -for obvious reasons and that we won't have a vehicle that will hold us all until next Spring.
We have been faithful to a little exercise each day if I am not doing yard work I take the kids for a good walk.
Here is a recent picture Luke took while walking of Sophia,Tim -hugging baby, and me.
Yes, I have reached the chubby stage of pregnancy no hips and round -everything!
Really, I feel very well. Very determined to stay active for at least the next two months.
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• Jul. 5, 2008 - The Star Spangled Banner
For the 4th of July we were pretty busy with some practical things our new neighbors needed a little help and encouragement and the kids and I were busy with that while dad was trying to rest after a very heavy work week.
Later in the afternoon we did our reading time and again in the evening.
We have a nice cozy set up in the girls room and a tape player there that we used to listen to
a reading of the Star Spangled Banner. It was lovely. I never remember dwelling on all the stanzas.
We discussed the meaning of the thoughts and ideals in that great song.
Interestingly a few days prior I had been reading in Isaiah 3-7 and beyond. It was good reading!
I know the Prophetic writings are pretty serious but they tell the story of history and how the Living God deals with people. I find it comforting in many ways because I can see the reason this world is so chaotic and full of problems... I don't have to wonder why so much 'bad' has to happen constantly.
If any of you have read the Peter Marshall Jr. American History Series you may agree with him that America is likened to Israel... God has given us so much favor but He also loves us enough to be a consistent Father and send chastisement to us when we are turning our faces away from Him.
It is a good study to get into.
One thing that stuck out to me was this verse talking of the Lord Jesus
Isaiah 7
15Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and choose the good.
What a perfect example in scripture to encourage us to feed our children the wholesome things of life and the truth of God's word that we may give them the ability to discern what is godly for themselves. |
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• Jun. 23, 2008 - Brief Update
Well we have not purchased another camera yet. I told myself I should get some paperwork done that I have been putting off and then ask mIke for the shopping trip to get the camera. I t makes sense as I would much rather be using the camera then plugging away with this paperwork! Too much of a temptation.
Anyway. I do however have several entries to make from pics already taken. I specifically want to continue on with more of our China study. There is much we did that I didn't blog about. We continue ot enjoy this study each week.
We are well and that is good.
I can't believe we are half way through this pregnancy! I do feel baby moving a lot more! So he/ she is growing! I feel well most of the time but find I have needed to be careful to have some small snacks through out the day or my sugar levels drop and I have to eat and rest!
We had a great walk to the library the last week. A fine day not too hot and I didn't feel I was over doing BUT I did get hungry and that made me weak and worn. SO I must remember those snacks!
Been noticing the preschooler in my daughter Lina and making more plans of how to keep her engaged!
Looking forward to more doing and blogging soon! |
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• Jun. 17, 2008 - Watching Nature's Young
Earlier this Spring my husband was cleaning out the gutters and found that a mama dove had decided that she would nest in one! Here is a picture of the eggs. 
We did see a mama dove training her fledgling to fly in our back yard unfortunately we also later found a fledgling dead after some heavy storms. We buried it and gave reverence. My friend may have a picture of that baby as I remember her being taken by it when visiting with her camera out. She is an advid photo enhancement mama and loves snapping shots.
Yesterday we found a nest high up in one of our Maples. I think Lina noticed it first. Then a bit latter Timmy exclaimed there was a robin getting a great big worm from the flower bed and sure enough it took it up to that nest. So we know there are babies there!
This was all seen out our large bay window! I am so thankful for that window and the gardens we have started on that side of the house to attract the local creatures our way!
I think it is wonderful when children have eyes for the creation around them. I try to foster this love any little way I can. I know even if I fail to show them the Lord in someway and disappoint...
the world God created will never fail to show His love and existence!
Update June 19
We found mama and a baby robin dead yesterday. It was really saddening. Timmy was the most upset. He asked questions about the soul and why don't animals go to heaven... why does God let these things happen etc... We had good discussion but we still don't like the consequences of the fall!
Update June 20
There is an adult Robin still attending the nest!!!! Maybe it was only one parent that died ???
This is exciting and encouraging after thinking all the babies died without a mama!
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - Nutritious Snacks
A local friend asked did I have suggestions for healthy snacks she could provide for her five and 3 year old.
I thought I would compile some of our favorites here. Maybe I'll add a few a day.
Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut Butter
Powdered Milk or Malt
Add any variations of:
Coconut
Choc. Chips( I like using the mini chips)
Raisins
Wheat Germ
Sesame Seeds
Oats
Frankly I do all to texture and taste I don't really measure.
Mix till all sticks together and roll into small balls placing on cookie sheet and freeze.
Oats
We do a lot with old fashioned rolled oats. We just buy the Great Value brand from Wal mart but have enjoyed steel cut oats from a bulk foods place too.
Here is our favorite oatmeal cookie
Cape Cod Oatmeal Cookies
This is taken from the Fannie Farmer Cookbook
1 1/2 c. flour
1/2 tsp. bs
1 tsp. cinn.
1/2 tsp. salt
1 egg
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. melted shortening
1 Tbs. molasses
1/4 c. milk
1 3/4 uncooked oats
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. chopped nuts
Oven @ 350 for 10-12 mins
Now I have changed a lot at times and had wonderful results.
For instance I have added bran and whole wheat flour
And used coconut oil and milk in place of others.
I have added all sorts of nuts and fillings ( simply press a little thumb print in the center of cookie )
I have used chips of all kinds too. Vanilla, Cherry, Choc.
A very fun versatile base recipe!
We have sold these and had good response.
Dairy Treats
We have been loving our yogurt, cottage cheese, pineapple, berries, and peaches.
Coconut milk and coconut are great to add too.
There are many ways to make quick snacks with these.
Smoothies if you add ice
We often mix by hand all together and add rice and it is kinda like the consistency of a lumpy pudding, blender mixed is creamy smooth.
We often do a banana berry smoothie ice, banana, milk, vanilla. Again coconut milk is really yummy and yogurt instead of milk is good too.
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - A Fun Science Find
I love picking up interesting books when I have opportunity. I have had several great old paperback scholastics from the 50's and 60's.
I read Leave it to Herbert -The Electrical Mouse to the kids today. The 60 page easy read was so fun!
The boys learned technical terms for basic electricity experiments.
What is...
Electrical Current-
Static Electricity -
An Electron -
A Circuit -
An Insulator -
A Conduit -
How to...
Do an experiment with a ping pong ball a piece of paper and a wool cloth.
Do an experiment with a comb and small scraps of paper.
Train a mouse to answer to a bell.
We read a biography on Thomas Edison a few years ago and I asked Luke if he remembered and he didn't remember very many details so asked to read it again soon.
I would also love to follow up and DO some of these simple experiments.
Update: We had several days of unexplained power surges in our home finally I called the city to come out and check the lines. They found that there was a corroded connector in our main line to/ at our house.
We watched them replace it and the man that was attending this happened to be very friendly and talkative and friendly. Oh, I already said friendly ! He gave us a little talk and said they offer talks about basic electrical concepts yearly to school aged children! We will be sure to attend.
Dad replaced some light fixtures. The kids watched mommy help.
We took a couple pics with a disposable camera I'll put them up soon. |
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - Pulling out the McGuffey Readers
Tonight I plan on pulling out the McGuffey readers!
I will add how we decide to use them again... I first used them when the boys were very young like 3-4 and only the first reading exercises. We never went on to he the next phase of things and I feel led to pray over using them to continue their understanding of the mechanics of reading.
We spent extra time reading today. I just pull a few words out of each page and ask them to identify them and or sound them out. This seems to be a pretty common sense approach I should be able to be consistent with.
The thing that I am finding is that the readers that only have the simplest words and phrases seem to have too boring of a story line for them ( as older kids learning to read) They have been exposed to so much great children's literature through our daily read aloud times that they do desire 'content' and a strong plot in their reading but again they lack the ability to read for themselves as of yet.
I don't feel frustrated but am seeking out the solutions that will promote progress in this developmental phase so they can move on to the next.
More on this later... |
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - Summer Art Program
I started the boys in an art program offered by the rec park. It runs all this week. I hope to get back with photos as soon as I can.
Today they made bug mats. Hard to explain but these were precut preprinted paper shapes that they had to use their fine motor skills to weave a complimentary color into the design. They did well! Luke says the lady kept taking out his strips of paper and making him start over again... he said he did it correctly each time so I can only assume that he did it so well and so fast she wanted to give him extra practice.
Tim said it was a little hard for him and he asked for help several times. So I am glad it was a challenge. He said he did do most of it himself.
Luke said there was one boy that was very disrespectful to the teachers and had to sit by himself. I just explained that I was glad that Luke knew that was wrong and would not be behaving that way himself. No need to go on about the naughty deed. Overall I think it is good for them to do a few things a year amongst others... certainly gives opportunity for some teaching moments.
The things we have done with the library and such have been good in that the boys needed to learn little things that we never do at home like raising their hands to share or answer a question or even getting courage to ask for help from another adult other than Mike and I.
While the program was in process I took the girls for a walk around the park and then to the playground. Ended up meeting and older couple that were 'young' grandparents that had brought their grand kids to the program as well and had the younger ones on the playground.They know the area well and lots of people... he is a volunteer firefighter! So I asked if the boys could ask him some questions this week when we see each other again. The lady knew of several seasoned homeschool families so I asked if she would mind giving me contact phone numbers so I could see if I can get some leads on local assessors.
I am glad we decided to do this. |
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - Trees being felled...
We watched several trees being felled yesterday.
Our neighbors across the street had a front yard full of very mature Tamaracks -easily 60 ft. tall and they took them out I guess to get more sun. Their whole yard was in full shade. It was neat and sad all at the same time!!
The kids are protective over trees and were a bit unsure if they should be enjoying the sight. |
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• Jun. 16, 2008 - Father's Day 2008
We had a lovely day yesterday.
I made two 9in. jewish coffee cakes with butter cream icing and fresh berries on top.
The girls and I stepped next door and cut some fresh roses the whole front of the house that is vacant is full of beautiful over grown rose bushes!
When everyone was awake we enjoyed singing Happy Father's Day to daddy with 8 candles atop one cake. Mike was a bit overwhelmed as he pondered the candles and said he didn't know what he'd do with out all his children. I know he often says he feels like he doesn't deserve all the love and affection they shower on him. He then gave me a hug and told the children that he couldn't be a good daddy with out mommy and that I have taught him to be a better dad each year! Then of course I got teary...
Sorry, no pictures as my two year old camera was dropped by one of the children last week and broken. I guess God's way of saying not to get too into the blogging camera being ruined the week I was chosen blogger of the week and all.
We haven't decided when to replace the camera yet. I want to get at least a hundred dollar digital and Mike said maybe we can also get a no frills recorder as well before baby comes.
We didn't really do gifts but colored pictures and spent time together. We of course gardened together -this seems to be our favorite family activity.
We went to church in the evening...
It just was a nice day!
Hope your families had a blessed day too!
Jacinda |
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• Jun. 14, 2008 - Our Dear Friend
I have been missing my dear mentor in the Lord, Mrs. Beulah Lewis. She will be 93 this fall and has been serving the Lord for over sixty years. She established the first Christian bookstore in the city of Sylvania, Ohio . Her shop served most of Toledo in the earlier years as well. I had the privilege of living with her for several years after her late husband went to be with the Lord.
She has been a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church of Toledo, Ohio for nearly sixty years.
She was instrumental in my Christian growth and I will always love her deeply.
We now live an hour and a half away and simply don't go to Toledo but a few times a year.
I am hoping to visit her before our new baby arrives in the fall. I know I will not be traveling until the Spring.
Here are some pictures from our last visit. Beulah thought Sophia was Lina most of the time we were visiting as she'd never met Sophia until that day... Beulah was never truly elderly until she had a battle with cancer in her mouth at 89-90 yo. Unfortunately the surgery that successfully removed all cancer left her scarred.
 Timmy was almost born upstairs where we lived as a young couple for one year. Both boys spent time with Beulah when they were infants.
   
I would like to write more about this amazing woman in the near future. |
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• Jun. 14, 2008 - A Preschooler's Logical Thinking Skills
 She wants some crabapples...
 She tries to jump for them...
 She pushed the stroller up to a tree...
 She puts the crabapples in her little pocket... As she adds she moves the stroller to the next tree and the next... |
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