This is an easy assignment!  For the Blogger Friend School challenge we are to write about what we never leave home without.  There are 3 things that come to mind here....

1.  My purse - obviously!  This is just a necessity!  It carries everything in it that I may need throughout my time away from home.  My wallet, checkbook, chap-stick, maybe a stick or two of gum, sometimes my cellphone (however I usually forget it!), Tylenol, my calendar, my favorite pen & usually lots of garbage that it seems to accumulate!

2.  A bottle of water - I always have a bottle of water with me.  Very rarely do I forget it.  I keep the case of water by the door, so therefore as I'm putting on my shoes I usually grab one going out the door.  Yes, I like it warm.  Don't ask me why.  I remember back a few years ago.... our old pastor always drank his water warm & I thought he was weird!  lol  Go figure.  I guess, I fit right in with him.  ;o)

3.  My camera - My camera goes with me MOST of the time.  However, there are times I do leave it behind knowing I just wont have time to use it.  Ya just never know when that perfect picture will happen.... and you only can capture it, if you have the camera with you!  I love my camera. 

Oh.... I guess, I best not forget the children!  I most always have them with me. 

(Oh, by the way for anyone wondering.... ds13's shirt, thankfully got left at camp!  Honestly, it does get washed in between all the times I have taken pictures of him with it on!) 

It's so hard to believe she is 15 already.  The time has just gone by so quickly.  I'm so proud of the young lady she has become.  Here are a few photographs we have taken for this school year. 

Oh, here is a picture from on her birthday.  She wanted chicken salad and apple pie.  (not together of course!) 

This weeks assignment for Blogger Friend School is about housekeeping.  I haven't done well with the assignments so far.  The last couple I just had a tough time with.  In fact the 2nd week I typed and deleted many times and still never got it to the "press".  It was about my struggles in homeschooling.  I prefer to focus on the possitive things and therefore, I had a tough time really coming up with the struggles.  Do I have struggles.... absolutey!  Just different ones at different times.

However, housekeeping I could say is one of those struggles.  I've learned (even though I don't always like it) that sometimes the house needs to just be left go.  I was telling the kids not long ago about how Dad and I used to do a weekly cleaning.   Now.... It just doesn't happen.   The difference between then and now.... When the kids were little the messes were toys laying all over.  It was attainable to keep the house "clean", it was just cluttered with toys.  Now, the kids are older and make messes of there own.  For instance, they can cook & get into things and they don't clean it up as I would.  Difference now is the house in straightened up, but just not as "clean" as it used to be.  

We do go by chore charts.  We have found that this works best.  Usuallly, after about 6 months or so they need to be revamped because they get bored with the same things.  (Which reminds me that they need to be revamped because I notice the kids aren't keeping up with them as well.)  This helps to keep the daily routines done and the house straightened up.  The hardest thing with this is, we do chores after school & sometimes schooling goes into 3 and 4 o'clock.  It's then supper time and in the evenings is family time.  The chores at times get pushed aside & then of course build up.

Another thing that I have found is that occasionally when the house is getting really bad is do a 1/2 hour pick up.  We all will pitch in and clean anything that seems to need cleaned.  Anyone found being idle will have 5 minutes tacked on to the end of their time.  The kids like this & there is an end in view.  The house usually looks a lot better when it is done and it doesn't take long with everyone pitching in. 

I'd have to say that I really like the memory verse for this week, "Be deligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress." 1 Timothy 5:15  What a great reminder! 

Blessings!

I know I haven't posted for awhile.  It's just been crazy busy.  I started a photography class last Monday through the internet.  How exciting it has been!  dd14 is also taking it, but struggling with the amount of work.  I usually do it early in the morning (like I should be doing it right now!).  It has beent taking me several hours to complete so I can get the most out of it.  I try to do it before the kids get up so that I have quietness so that I can concentrate. 

So far, we have learned the history behind cameras and photography.  We have also studied many photographers throughout history.  We are now moving into the Image creation and design of photography.  Our first photograph assignment will be due next Monday.  That will be exciting! 

If you may be interested:  http://www.scphoto.com/moodle/

Anywhooo... just wanted to let you know that I haven't forgotten about my blog(s), I've just been busy learning!   Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!    I certainly hope so. 

Well, we just finished reading Little House in the Big Woods.  We still have a few more things to finish up before moving into Little House on the Prairie. 

Yesterday we worked on making a poster on the "new" Food Pyramid.  This will help when we have to talk about the different nutritional things when we come to them in the books.  I like visuals. 

We also learned about the old folk song, "Oh! Susanna!"  It was written by Stephen Foster & first published Feburary 25, 1848.  We listened to a couple of performances on YouTube.  dd8 decided she really liked this song and walked around singing it the rest of the day!  We looked into the history of the song and also the life of Stephen Foster. 

I also worked on a Timeline book for dd8.  The older two kids have had there's for a few years.  When they remember they add things to their timelines which help to give them a visualization of when things happened in history.  This will be an ongoing book throughout their homeschool education. 

Well, off to get things done.  Many blessings!

When blessed with a pile of peaches.... what does a person do?  Anything they can think of!    dd8 and I spent the morning experimenting. 

We made peach cobbler....

and then we tried making jam using my bread machine.  It was quite nifty!  Definitely would do that again.

We also made a pie.  (Yes Mom, I really did do that!)

When we were all finished dd8 used the left over pie dough and made a Bread Dough Ball?  She baked it.   She dressed all up and had a tea party with some of the peach jam on it.  She said it tasted yummy.

Assignment:  Feelings of Trials and Triumphs of Homeschooling.

"What a feeling?  Homeschool.... WHO ME???  NO WAY!!!  There's no way, no how, can't do it!  You've got to be kidding!" 

That' is how I felt when the thought was suggested to me.   My aunt years ago had homeschooled my cousin for a couple of years (or so).  That probably was the first that I "heard" of it.  However, during that time, I didn't pay any attention.  I knew she homeschooled him, but I really couldn't tell you anything else. 

I have a friend that I went to church with that homeschooled.  (She graduated her last this year!)  I was always so impressed with her girls.  They were so well behaved and their disposition was extremely pleasant.  Although, I looked up to them and admired them, it still wasn't even a "thought" or an option. 

My brother and his wife started homeschooling my niece when she was in first grade or so.  So, I would say probably in 2002... maybe.   Again, my thought was it was great for them, but still not an option for me.  Both my brother and my sister-n-law tried suggesting it to me... which planted the seed.   But I refused saying, "I could never have the patience & there's no way, no how that "I" could homeschool.  I'd love to have them homeschooled, but only if someone else would do it!"

God continued to work in me and my thoughts. 

My daughter was having a lot of problems in school.  Every year, I would talk with the teacher and explain the "issues".  Every year, they pulled her through.  However, I was seeing where she was lacking and struggling.  My son begged me to homeschool him.  He struggled socially.  Still I wasn't convince that I should homeschool my kids. 

Finally, when my oldest was in 4th grade I met with the teacher and again went through what my daughters struggles were.  I had meetings.  I asked them to test her for reading disabilities, which they told me they would.  (that was in October)  I waited and waited.  She continued to struggle.  Her teacher was extremely supportive and seen the issues that I seen.  Still homeschooling wasn't an option.

One day, I went to get the mail.  In the mail was a flyer on Cyber Schooling.  It caught my attention.  Hmmmm... maybe I could school at home!  I started researching.  My husband and I discussed it.  He told me I was crazy, but he'd support my decision.  I went to the information session and signed my oldest two up.  I would finish the year out and bring them home the next fall.

Finally on the last week of school, they decided to test my daughter.  Remember, we set the test up in October?  Here it was May.  Seems they made her priority!?!  By this point we already knew that she wasn't staying there, but in fact coming home to cyber school in the fall of 2004.

God provided a stepping stone. 

We cyber schooled the first year.  It was good, but still not what I expected.  I had got my hopes up to "tailor" it the way I wanted.  That wasn't so.  I thought we would have time to do projects I wanted to, but that wasn't so.  They were busy.  I'm sure if we did it now, we'd be fine... but it all was new for us. 

 He opened my eyes and left me know that "I Could" homeschool my kids.  The rest is history.  We've been homeschooling since 2005. 

You can read more about my thoughts on stepping stones HERE.

Our Homeschooling Adventure...

...has gone through many ups and downs.  Some days it's smooth sailing.  Other days, it's extremely rough.  Some days, we get caught up on a rock and need to just stop and take a break.   God continues to bless this homeschool.  It's so important to just stay focused on the fact that HE is in control & not me.  This is HIS school, not mine.   When I keep that in focus, things go well. 

I think the hardest part that I find for myself is that it seems as though I wear so many hats that it overwhelms me.   I continually to question whether I'm "qualified" to homeschool these kids.  However, the more I question it, the more reasons I find to keep them home.  God is so faithful and continues to provide.  He once directed me to the story of how Abaraham was tested.  God told Abraham to take his son up to the mountain and sacrifice him.  Abraham didn't question it... he just did it.  Why?  Because he knew that God was in control & he trusted Him.  He had no clue that God would provide a ram for him to sacrifice, he just obeyed.  The fact was, God wanted to see if Abraham was faithful & if he had the fear of God.  He had plans for Abraham.  Did he trust God?  Because Abraham did without questioning, God blessed him.  God provided for him. 

 "So Abraham called that place, The Lord Will Provide.  And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided."   Genesis 22:14 

Through this lesson God showed me that if He has asked me to homeschool these kids... I need to trust that He will provide whatever it takes to get them to the place He has called my children - HIS CHILDREN.  I just need to be obedient and obey.  Does that make it easy?  Nope!  But I know that God WILL PROVIDE!  Whatever it may be that I need.... encouragement, patience, motivation, ideas, self-discipline, school supplies, and the list goes on and on.  All I have to do is ask for it.  You can read my original entry on this lesson God was teaching me and situation that I was going through at the time HERE.

Here the kids are today... (or a month ago)

I was browsing blogs yesterday and came across A Pajama Mama's blog.  She just joined Blogger Friend School.  I remember seeing this last year, but after they had already started, so I didn't join.  I'm just in time to start classes with everyone else!  I'm looking forward to having a challenge, but most of all just ideas on what to post about.  They are also having a giveaway!  I'll look forward to joining in and meeting new blogger friends.  The school bell rings tomorrow... and I'm as nervous as a school girl!  ;o)

I challenge you to join me!  ~Let me know if you do. 

The kids and I went to visit my parents last weekend.  What a nice time we had.  DH stayed home because he had things to do and was supposed to go on a motorcycle run with a friend.  Unfortunately, his motorcycle had a few issues before he left and caused him to not be able to go.  He was disappointed.

While we were there we went to Gettysburg.  I haven't been there since I was a teen.  We crammed a lot in, in a short amount of time.  Definitely could go and spend many days there to really get the best of it.  I think there was so much to take in and experience that I'm not sure how much was retained.

Here are a few pictures of our day.

I didn't get first day pictures of the kids.... Not sure why.  It was a couple days later when dd14 asked why I didn't.  So, they were a couple days late, but I did take pictures of them doing their studies.  It's always neat to go back from year to year & see how they've grown.

dd14 is enjoying this year so far.  She likes the independence that Lifepacs has provided for her.  She has suprised me the past couple of months.  She loves to read, but the last few books she has been choosing to read are biographies.  Not because I told her to read them, but because that is what she picked out!  The first two were on Beverly Cleary. (one on her younger years and the second on her older years)  The one she is reading now is on Bach.  I guess, it makes sense because she loves to read about peoples lives.  I'm not sure, but I would guess that this has stemmed from her really enjoying reading about Eric Liddell last year in her Learning Language Arts Through Literature studies.  Here is a picture of her on the computer.  We don't do too many things on the computer for school, but occasionally they need to look something up online when they just can't find it in the encyclopedias. 

DS13 wasn't so excited about starting school this year.  However, I think he is doing well.  He's not so sure that he likes the Lifepacs.  Although, he's doing well with them.   He isn't as crazy about school so it's kind of hard to judge with him.  He'd find something wrong with anything!  lol 

My last entry was on dd8's studies.  I spend more one on one with her because she is younger.  However, this year I do see that she is becoming more independent in her math & writing.  So, that is a plus.  I can work on a few other things while she works on those subjects. 

Our studies in Prairie Primer have been going well.  We have been reading Little House in the Big Woods.  We've made it through the first 7 chapters.  We've done some fun activities. 

Although we didn't do it on the exact day, on Week 1 Day 1 We were to make a Corn Husk Doll.  We had to wait for a couple of days until we were able to get to town to get corn.  It was rather funny when the check out clerk from WalMart was scanning in our 1 ear of corn!  lol  I asked her if she ever seen anyone come and get just one ear... lol  She never had.  DD8 really enjoyed making her doll.  She named her Mindy.  Her dress was made out of one of dd8's old dresses that got ruined. 

On Week 1 Day 2 - dd8 made butter.  (actually I think this was a day or so later too!)  We've done this several times, so this wasn't anything new.  It's still always interesting to see how the fat and buttermilk seperate. 

On Week 1 Day 3 we read about why it is important to listen to parents and authority figures.  We learned about God's umbrella of protection.  For the example we went outside and dd8 held the umbrella while I squirted the water hose over her.  God's protection and Parents authority only can protect if the person remains remains under the umbrella. 

Week 1 Day 4 - We made the Molassas Candy.  It didn't turn out... We crushed ice to make "snow".  Then once the candy was ready dd8 tried to make curlieques and designs.  It all just poured out!  The molasses is so strong, that we didn't care for the taste at all.  But it was worth the experience. 

This week has been rather crazy, so we haven't done as many fun activities to go along with our studies.  We've been doing VBS at our church which has just crammed our time.  Next week we'll get back to a routine again... hopefully. 

I have to say that I'm thoroughly enjoying Prairie Primer.  DD8 is too.  The older kids will sit in and listen while I read if they are able.  I do find that dd8 struggles with being able to answer the questions at the end of the story.  So, I normally go back and reread the section that the answer is in and then see if she can answer it. 

ds13 was diagnosed with Lyme Disease the other day.  Although the blood tests have not come back yet he had a "textbook" picture of the bulls eye rash on his back.  Last week my son asked me to come into the bathroom to look at his head because he bumped it.  When I was in there I happened to see the bulls eye rash on his back.  When I asked him about it, he had said that awhile ago he had brushed something off of his back before he could show it to his dad.  The bite mark was there, but no bug.  I wasn't home at the time.  This was on a Saturday, the 26th of July.

I waited for a couple of days to "watch" the rash.  I wasn't possitive, but definitely thought it was possible.  We live in the woods!  So, the thought of him getting bit by a tick is very probable.  The rash was not itchy or bothersome.  He wasn't aware that it was even there. 

I remembered a picture that was taken a few days before at a party.  He was swimming and that side of his back was exposed.  I was able to see the bite, but no rash at that time.  (SAT - August 2nd)

4 days later, when I discovered the rash it looked like this:

I kept watching and taking pictures of it daily.  Little by little it kept getting bigger.  Unfortunately the doctor's office was on vacation so I wasn't able to take him there.  So, I took him into medical express.  This is what it looked like on Saturday Morning before we took him to med express.

So, they put him on an antibiotic.  So far, I haven't noticed any other symptoms.  Maybe a little fatigue, but I blame that on being a teenager. 

I don't know a whole lot about Lyme Disease.  It's a learning process.  If left go, Lyme's can become to be a major problem.   Thankfully, he is being treated.  I have been encouraged by a friend to take him to a specialist.  I haven't decided to take that route yet.  I guess, we'll see how the blood results come back & see how things fall into place. 

I'll gladly take advice, what would you do? 

We decided to start school today.  It was good to get back to a routine.  The girls were ready, although ds wasn't so sure.  The day went well.  This year we are doing more of an eclectic.  We decided to hang up the Weaver this year.  With dd14 in 9th grade & needing to have grades & a better record of what she is doing I felt we needed to change curriculum.  I know that many people still do Unit studies in the high school years, but I just didn't want to be bothered with trying to figure it all out!  Not to mention, that dd14 wants to be working more independently. 

dd14 (9th) will be using Lifepacs for Bible, History & Spanish.  She has Switched on Schoolhouse for Science.  We will continue to use Math U See  and Learning Language Arts through Literature. 

ds13 (8th) will be using LIfepacs for Bible, History & Science.  He is taking a German course... (I don't recall what the program is called).  Again, he'll be using MUS & LLATL.  I'm also having him go through Apples Daily Spelling Drills for Secondary Students to help improve his spelling skills. 

dd8 (3rd) and I are going to be going through the Prairie Primer which includes most subjects.  We are both excited about this.  She also will be doing MUS and LLATL.  She is learning cursive with A Reason for Writing. 

I bought the Thomas Kinkade art program.  I am having all the kids do this program together.  We did our first lesson today & although it may have been a little immature for the older two at first, I think it'll be beneficial in the long run. 

dd14 and I will be taking a photography course here in the fall.  We probably will start it in September.  (It's an online course and I'm waiting until the schools start so that we'll have more interaction with other students). 

Sooo... that's what's going on around here.  Many blessings to you all! 

It's been 16 years since I've graduated school.  In some ways it seems longer and others it doesn't seem long at all.  I guess, when I look at the number 16 it seems like that number is quite awhile ago, but when I think of the time, it has gone very quickly.  Does that make sense?  I know 16 is a weird number to have a reunion... Easy explanation is that last year it didn't pan out and this year did! 

I had himhawed around about going.  Why?  I guess, when I was in school sometimes I fit in and other times I didn't.  It was always a struggle for me where I fit in.  Also, I was such a jerk when I was in school.  I was an angry, confused kid that did just about anything to "fit" in.  It's people like myself that I homeschool my kids!  (Maybe not that bad, but close!)  I made lots and lots of bad choices.  I'm sooo thankful that we have a forgiving God!  (You can read what I thought a year ago about going to the 15th year reunion that didn't end up panning out.)

Anywhooo.... after a bit of time I decided to just reply and say I was going, because then I would be committed.  I always try to do something especially if I said I would.  Ooohhh... Commitment, sometimes that can be so hard, but yet it is sooo important.

The reunion included families.  We went.  I was nervous.... not until we were on our way.  It took me a little bit of time after we got there to get my nerves under control. 

I have to say, what a great time my family and I had!  I graduated with a small class.  Not possitive how many... anywhere from 73-78 kids.  Out of that many there were 26 of us that went with our families.  Not too bad. 

I knew before I went that I didn't want to bring up the fact that I homeschool.  Why?  Well, because it can cause a lot of controversy.  Also, because they knew me before... and because quite a few of my classmates are in the education field.  I didn't care if it came up, but I wasn't going to just offer it.  Do I sound like a coward?  Yeah, maybe I do.  I sometimes just get tired of feeling like I have to explain myself and sometimes I just feel it's none of anyone's business. 

Well, It was only minutes after I got there that I was approached by one of my classmates & he said that he heard that I homeschool!  lol  Amazingly enough, he and his wife also homeschool their 5 children.  How cool is that?  I have to say that I had a wonderful time visiting with him and his family.  When they were leaving, I laughed as I noticed they drive the same van as I do.  When I mentioned this to my classmate, his comment was... "Who would've ever thought we'd have anything in common!"  Which is true.  He was a very nice, quiet, smart kid & I don't remember every really talking to him very much. 

We were getting ready to leave when homeschooling was brought up again, only because of the infamous question of "Do you go to public school?" was asked to my dd14.   Of course, this was asked when most of the classmates that are teachers were standing there!   When she replied that she was homeschooled, then the questions started!  "what is your reason for homeschooling?"  "Do you go by state curriculum?"  They ceased fairly quickly when I had another classmates wife tell me she works with homeschoolers & that she had something that may benefit us.  The room kind of cleared and I was able to talk with her for quite awhile about science equiptment that we can borrow because of a state grant.  I don't remember all the info on it, but she said she would email me all the information.  Sooo... how cool is that?  God is good.

I'm so glad that we went to this reunion.  I, honestly, had a great time.  It was nice to see my classmates all grown up & with their own families.  We had more kids running around than adults.  I enjoyed visiting with different ones & getting reaquainted with them.   I also was surpised that I was only asked once what "I do".  I figured that would've been the question of the day.  Everyone was just happy to see each other that the conversations were basically about the families & kids.  Some conversations about school days... and remembering the different ones that didn't come, that we would've liked to have seen.   Even though so many of us lead such different lives, we could come together and had a connection from the past.  It was a very nice day.

We've had a nice summer, although we haven't done anything too exciting.  It went by so quickly.  We've been trying to stay home for the most part.  Lots of house projects going on, which keeps us busy. 

dd14 went away to drama camp last week.  She had a nice time.  She met a lot of new friends & some that even live fairly close by.  One of her favorite things was learning to mime.  They had a wonderful program at the end that lasted nearly an hour and a half.  She was excited when she came home that her camera she bought came in while she was gone.  So, she has been finding out how fun photography is. 

ds13 had his birthday last week.  So hard to believe he is a teenager already.  He's growing up so quickly.  He's been busy working with a friend who has an escavating business & has been teaching my son the tricks of the trade.  So, he's been making some money and learning at the same time.  ds13 is even learning how to save his money.  I was a little worried... okay a lot worried, because he can't handle having money in his pocket.  However, I finally encouraged him to put some in his savings.  He's been finding out how exciting it is to see his account grow.  He has a lot of energy & this gives him an opportunity to use up that energy without tormenting his sisters!  lol

dd8 was reminding me the other day that in 5 years she will be 13!  Can you believe it?  I think it hit me like a ton of bricks.  Time just goes by so quickly.... this I know.  When she said that and then dd14 chimed in that she'd be 19 going on 20... Ugghhhh... 5 years just is not much time.  It made me realize that we have a lot of work to do!!! 

Saturday we are going to my class reunion.  I'm getting anxious to go.  It makes me wonder how things will turn out.  I haven't seen most of the people that I graduated with in a long time.... maybe since graduation.  It's not like I don't live close by where I graduated... I guess, I'm not in the same scene as before.  It's been 16 years.  I know, it's not normal to have a 16th reunion... but last years didn't pan out.  So, someone suggested on trying again this year & many people have agreed to go.  We'll see.

We are going to be starting school next week.  The girls are getting anxious & have been asking frequently how soon we can start.  ds on the other hand says he could wait for awhile longer!  I'll post soon on what we'll be doing for school.  Have a blessed weekend!

It's been an interesting 15 years!  I've been blessed to be married to this wonderful man for the past 15 years.  There were people that thought we wouldn't make it.... guess we've proved them wrong.  I'm sure that if we didn't have God in our lives, we may not have made it.  He has kept us together.  The love between us is strong & I pray we will have many, many more years to come!

It's hard to believe that 13 years has passed since my  little guy young man was born.  He has always been ALL BOY!   He still is.  Although, he has been a rough, tough little guy he still was and is a snuggle bug.   

When he was born his face was bruised something terrible.  In fact, they wouldn't take his picture and asked us to bring him back once his face cleared up.  (I was so young... 21)

It ended up he was put back into the hospital a few days later because he had jaundice so bad.  Before he left the hospital they took his hospital picture.

DH was so young too!  There weren't many times he had a mustache, but here is a time he did!  I guess he would've been 23.  It almost doesn't look like him.  lol  DS was a big baby.  Here is is 5 months old.  He usually ran in the 90th percentile for height and weight.

This has always been one of my favorite pics of DS.  Just shows how much of a boy he was.

DS has always loved to put together puzzles or brain teasers. 

I think this one below is from his 3rd birthday!  lol 

Here's a big skip in time.... It's definitely easier once digital cameras came out.  lol 

Oh, did I mention how talented he is?

Happy 13th Birthday Buddy!  We love you. 

One of the neatest things... I think... my brother (and only sibling) also has one son.  Both of our sons have the same birthday only 4 years apart.  What are the chances?  Happy Birthday Dear Nephew!

We were blessed the other day with a trip to an amusement park.  We don't get to go away too often, so I was excited.  We had a wonderful day. 

dd8 wasn't easy to convince on going on roller coasters.  She just wasn't sure.  ds12 was easier to convince, but yet he was still unsure.  dd14 was all for it!   You couldn't keep her back.  We managed to get them all on this roller coaster, which was fun.  The best part was for me to take pictures & later being able to look at them to see their reactions.  It made me laugh!

dd8 enjoyed a ride that was much slower... but the florescent lights were cool.  dd14 had her fingernails painted bright orange & they really glowed.  Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of them.  Here's a few pictures I was able to capture. 

How cool is my shoe!

ds12 and I both liked this picture.  I love the way it streaked.... as though we was going really fast.  We weren't... it was a very slow moving ride. 

A friend of mine (you know who you are!) emailed and said I must be busy because I haven't blogged.... So, I'm going to try to catch up a little.  Things have been fairly busy, but definitely do-able.  I just haven't taken the time to blog.

dd14 went away last weekend to stay with her grandparents for a couple of weeks.  A friend of hers went along with her.  From what I hear, they are having a grand time with my parents spoiling them both. 

ds12 was picked again this year for the All Stars team.  He does love baseball.  So far they won 2, lost 1.  Tonight they have another game.  If they win, they play again.... but if they loose they are done for the year.  So, we'll see how that all goes. 

dd8 has been planning to get bunnies from her aunt.  She has things all planned out.... She is planning on naming the girl bunny, "Custard".  She apparently wants a boy bunny and a girl bunny so they can have babies.  Is this a smart choice???  I'm not so sure.

Let's see.... other than that we've have been busy with a few parties:  graduation party, baseball party, & an anniversary party.  Thankfully I didn't have any of them, just had to attend.  They all were very nice. 

My garden is coming along beautifully.  It's getting very full and green.  I'm finally getting blossoms on my tomatoes.  I've seen a snap pea.... & have debated about snatching it early just to taste it, but I've been able to contain myself for a little longer. 

DS12 built me a few more boxed beds.  I wanted to plant strawberry plants in them.  He did a wonderful job building them with the help of his dad to arrange them into the ground where I wanted them.  Unfortunately, all my strawberry plants died, but one.  DH brought home a huge chive plant.  So, we planted that in there.  I also was able to dig up some milkweed plants & I through them in there for the time being.  The chives are doing well.  The milkweed went into shock and all the leaves have died except for on one plant.  I'm hoping to have better luck in those boxes!   I'm now debating about turning them into an herbal garden.... ones that will attract butterflies. 

DH has been busy with his own ajenda.  He has finally decided on a rice coal furnace.  We have heated with 2 furnaces (propane and fuel oil).  Our goal has been since we bought this place was to change the heating system.  Soo.... what a better time to do it than now.  The gas prices have been soaring.  I'll look forward to see how well it heats up this place.  We've heard a lot of good things about them.  So, time will tell.  So, he needed to come up with a coal bin and also build a chimney.  Seems as though there is always projects going on around the house.  So, far he has the footer poured.  The coal bin will be attached to the house (more like a cellar way, but without the steps.  Where middle gravel is... it will be a door into the furnace room.  The bigger section is the coal bin & the smaller section attached will be the chimney.   I'm blessed to have a husband that is quite the handy man. 

School wise.... We are finished up for the year.  Our portfolios have been turned in.  I have my affidavits done and ready to be turned in.  I will turn them in when the school calls and says to pick up the portfolios...  Kill two birds with one stone.  This is the first year that I have had to get anything ready for dd8.  I think we'll be ready to start school.  I only have a couple of more things to purchase for the year.  We are looking forward to the new school year!

We have a game tonight, as long as the weather holds off.  It's been raining off and on all day.  We are hoping to get to see the fireworks tonight.  Tomorrow we have a couple of parties to go to.  I do like Fourth of July!  I enjoy the time with family and friends.... Not to mention that I love picnic foods! 

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Fourth!  Many blessings. 

Family Fun is my favorite magazine.  I'm always anxious to get it and see what kinds of crafts etc. that they are going to feature for the month.   This month they had several crafts for the Fourth of July.  One was a tshirt.  DD8 had some ideas of her own & together we implemented and came up with our own.  (DD14 is staying with her grandparents for another week & DS12 was at allstars practice) I liked how they had splashes through theirs, but dd8 didn't want that.  Here's her shirt.  I didn't get a picture of her wearing it yet, because it is still wet.  Maybe tomorrow....