Yesterday Dear Hubby and I started our latest home improvement project; building a retaining wall! By hand!!! Yay! =/
Luckily it isn't a very long or high wall, only around 2 ft and about 20 ft long. He started out with the long handled shovel we borrowed from DH's Dad. About 6 shovelfuls in, the handle broke. Ugh! The shovel was older than DH, LOL!!! So, he continued with the short handled one for the rest of the day, I got the long handled shovel fixed today, so the digging was much easier on his back. Got about 6 ft dug yesterday, I did my part by driving the 4wheeler and hauling the 'dirt' around to the shop foundation. I say 'dirt' because after about 6 inches that is where the dirt ends and the sand begins. Lots and lots of sand! We live too close to the river DH says to have really good dirt without having to haul some in. Oh well! While I was waiting for my next load of dirt to haul off, I gave the kids rides on the 4wheeler around the yard and played a game of Frisbee with them. We had a great time!
After all the dirty fun, we headed out to Cub Scouts for Josh. They learned all of the different pledges, mottoes, salutes and the Cub Scout handshake! Watching all the boys was so much fun! They can be so silly! Gotta practice that handshake and the Cub Scout pledge the next few days so we have it down for the next meeting.
Belle had GEMS again today. She sure is enjoying the classes with the other girls. She has made several new friends. All of the girls can't wait to find out who will be their Little Sis! We already got some little gifts ready for Belle's.
Going to get the rest of the wall dug out tomorrow, maybe some laundry, a few Bible Verses memorized and some reading. Going to be another great day here!!! =)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
God pulls us through.
The past 2 days have been a blessing! We did not have ANYTHING on the schedule! Mondays Boy Scout was canceled til next Monday and Josh's weekly appointment was put off til next week too. In fact we have NOTHING pressing to do this week til Friday. So, we have decided to get caught up with weekly chores and reading projects.
Before DH and Josh went out to clear more brush they read in Josh's book for this year. Last month, DH found a wonderful book for Josh at a gun show. It is the Boy's Book of Famous Soldiers by J.Walker McSpadden. It has some wonderful short biographies of some strong leaders; Washington, Lee, Jackson, Pershing, MacArthur and few others. Josh is really enjoying it. It has been hard to find books for boys that aren't unmanly. Boys are just little men, they need books that help build the role that God has intended for them; strong spiritual leaders, protectors and providers for their families. This is what we are trying to teach our son. Hopefully the book will rub off in a good way and through his Daddy's guidance.
Belle has been reading the Nancy Drew series. She is really enjoying it. I personally have never read the series, I read Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley Twins; but she likes the mystery element that are in the books. I hope she will enjoy Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie as much as I do when she is old enough to read them!
Belle and I also took the opportunity to go and visit my Grandmother and make her a get well card today. She has not been in good health recently and it made her spirits lift to have the visit. We also talked about her helping me to teach Belle how to sew. Granny is such a wonderful seamstress! She and I can't wait to teach Belle all the joys of sewing! I do better with handwork; cross-stitch and embroidery. Belle wants to make her own clothes right now. So the fine work will have to wait. LOL! Granny is so excited to impart her knowledge to her great-granddaughter! So am I! Oh, the memories we will make!
I also had a webinar tonight from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. They are having their Homeschool Expo in October and before it they have these encouraging seminars to get you ready for the major Expo. Tonights seminar was very encouraging! Everything seemed to be going against me to listen to this webinar. At first, I was late getting into it, then I had to get Josh's shower ready. He still has a little trouble getting the water just the right temp. Either it will be too hot or too cold. Then the kids decided to argue over who's chore it was to clean the bathroom mirrors and sinks! Unbelievable!!! After Belle won the argument, she wanted to let me know, while I am sitting at my laptop, earbuds in, that she was done with her chore. I threw up my hands in frustration and decided to make dinner. At dinner, DH said neither child would disturb me the rest of the night so I could continue the webinar. So, after everyone retreated to the back of the house, in their respective rooms, I finished the webinar! And I am so thankful I could! The last session spoke right to me!
We are doing a homeschool method of Unit Studies through The Weaver by Alpha Omega in order to simplify the teaching day. I have been trying to figure out how I was going to teach this to both kids at the same time when the presenter gave me the key! Teach to the oldest, the oldest will mentor the youngest. So simple! I had a slapping the forehead moment! Well, duh! I took notes so I could remember everything and apply it to my day. So much information that helped! I have been getting very discouraged lately about the method I had chosen and having second thoughts on if I had chosen correctly. I was even having second thoughts on homeschooling the kids. I think all parents that have decided to homeschool go through this as they go along and hit their mental and spiritual road blocks. God truly knows what we need, when we need it!!!
Before DH and Josh went out to clear more brush they read in Josh's book for this year. Last month, DH found a wonderful book for Josh at a gun show. It is the Boy's Book of Famous Soldiers by J.Walker McSpadden. It has some wonderful short biographies of some strong leaders; Washington, Lee, Jackson, Pershing, MacArthur and few others. Josh is really enjoying it. It has been hard to find books for boys that aren't unmanly. Boys are just little men, they need books that help build the role that God has intended for them; strong spiritual leaders, protectors and providers for their families. This is what we are trying to teach our son. Hopefully the book will rub off in a good way and through his Daddy's guidance.
Belle has been reading the Nancy Drew series. She is really enjoying it. I personally have never read the series, I read Sweet Valley High and Sweet Valley Twins; but she likes the mystery element that are in the books. I hope she will enjoy Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie as much as I do when she is old enough to read them!
Belle and I also took the opportunity to go and visit my Grandmother and make her a get well card today. She has not been in good health recently and it made her spirits lift to have the visit. We also talked about her helping me to teach Belle how to sew. Granny is such a wonderful seamstress! She and I can't wait to teach Belle all the joys of sewing! I do better with handwork; cross-stitch and embroidery. Belle wants to make her own clothes right now. So the fine work will have to wait. LOL! Granny is so excited to impart her knowledge to her great-granddaughter! So am I! Oh, the memories we will make!
I also had a webinar tonight from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine. They are having their Homeschool Expo in October and before it they have these encouraging seminars to get you ready for the major Expo. Tonights seminar was very encouraging! Everything seemed to be going against me to listen to this webinar. At first, I was late getting into it, then I had to get Josh's shower ready. He still has a little trouble getting the water just the right temp. Either it will be too hot or too cold. Then the kids decided to argue over who's chore it was to clean the bathroom mirrors and sinks! Unbelievable!!! After Belle won the argument, she wanted to let me know, while I am sitting at my laptop, earbuds in, that she was done with her chore. I threw up my hands in frustration and decided to make dinner. At dinner, DH said neither child would disturb me the rest of the night so I could continue the webinar. So, after everyone retreated to the back of the house, in their respective rooms, I finished the webinar! And I am so thankful I could! The last session spoke right to me!
We are doing a homeschool method of Unit Studies through The Weaver by Alpha Omega in order to simplify the teaching day. I have been trying to figure out how I was going to teach this to both kids at the same time when the presenter gave me the key! Teach to the oldest, the oldest will mentor the youngest. So simple! I had a slapping the forehead moment! Well, duh! I took notes so I could remember everything and apply it to my day. So much information that helped! I have been getting very discouraged lately about the method I had chosen and having second thoughts on if I had chosen correctly. I was even having second thoughts on homeschooling the kids. I think all parents that have decided to homeschool go through this as they go along and hit their mental and spiritual road blocks. God truly knows what we need, when we need it!!!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
This weekend
Been on the go the past few days, so here is a quick rundown of the weekend:
On Thursday, the kids went to their weekly fencing class. Then we went to our areas local TEA party sponsored forum for the federal and statewide elections coming up. The kids are getting a fairly good education in how the country should run. They also love helping out at the various functions that we attend.
On Friday, we went to the church's campgrounds to attend Statewide Youth Rally with some friends. It was a blast! Long trip but enjoyable! Then on the way back we stopped off at my Dad and Step-Mom's to spend the night and visit them and my Grandmother for awhile. Then it was back home to laundry and the daily routine.
This morning was Sunday, and the preacher was on fire preaching to the congregation! I thank God for a Spirit filled preacher!!! The day was going pretty good until I decided to make brownies. I don't know why I even tried, except DH hasn't been able to eat brownies since he developed an allergy to eggs. So I thought I would try to make some with an egg replacer my cousin found me. Nope. No luck. I made fudge flavored sludge. It was so oily, the oil was separating and pooling on top of the batter, bubbling as it cooked when I took it out of the oven. Then it just cooled into sludge. Smells nice, doesn't look nice, won't taste nice, but it sure did smell good. I think I will go to bed now, maybe cookies will turn out better tomorrow.
On Thursday, the kids went to their weekly fencing class. Then we went to our areas local TEA party sponsored forum for the federal and statewide elections coming up. The kids are getting a fairly good education in how the country should run. They also love helping out at the various functions that we attend.
On Friday, we went to the church's campgrounds to attend Statewide Youth Rally with some friends. It was a blast! Long trip but enjoyable! Then on the way back we stopped off at my Dad and Step-Mom's to spend the night and visit them and my Grandmother for awhile. Then it was back home to laundry and the daily routine.
This morning was Sunday, and the preacher was on fire preaching to the congregation! I thank God for a Spirit filled preacher!!! The day was going pretty good until I decided to make brownies. I don't know why I even tried, except DH hasn't been able to eat brownies since he developed an allergy to eggs. So I thought I would try to make some with an egg replacer my cousin found me. Nope. No luck. I made fudge flavored sludge. It was so oily, the oil was separating and pooling on top of the batter, bubbling as it cooked when I took it out of the oven. Then it just cooled into sludge. Smells nice, doesn't look nice, won't taste nice, but it sure did smell good. I think I will go to bed now, maybe cookies will turn out better tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A slow day....
Today is a very slow day for us. Finally!!! It seems we have been going and going non-stop for awhile now. It will be good just to do some simple housework, read to the kids today, and then go to church.
Belle is sorting clothes to wash, this is part of her home economics lessons. She has plenty to wash! Then she and I need to go through that mountain of fabric and cull out the small stuff. Against my pocketbook's wishes, Belle has grown twice this year!!! She usually has a 3 year hiatus, and I have gotten use to this regular cycle in our lives. Not anymore. Clothes that she has only worn once are getting the boot. Soon the girlchild will be sorely pressed for clothes! LOL! The horror of a preteen girl, nothing to wear! Yikes!!! During these times Belle and I talk about fashion and about modesty and what it is to be a lady. We discuss what the current fashions are now and if they are truly modest and if so, how and if not, why not. It takes me back to days when my Mom would talk with me about things that were 'cool' to the kids at the time, that really weren't 'cool', or shouldn't be considered 'cool'. And then we talk about what it means to be a lady and why that is important. I realize at these moments, I have become my mother. It just snuck up on me. I don't think anyone can escape it. It happens to the best of us. So, I think we should all just say,"Thanks Mom! All those conversations didn't land on deaf ears. They just took some time to process and bear fruit. And now I have a ready-made script, now that it is my turn."
After lunch, DH took the boy out to the back acre to clear out brush. Learning about taking care of the land and hard work is part of Josh's lessons this year. He loves being outside, just not all the 'work' stuff. A couple of hours later DH radios in that Josh is coming back in for more water. I say ok, I will fill up the canteens. I wait and I wait. Still no boy. I start to think he got lost, when I look out the window and see through the trees DH and Josh by the creek. Then DH turns back into the woods and Josh comes inside. He announces very excitedly, "Know why I was taking forever coming in, Mama?" "I thought you got lost," says I. "Oh, no Mama. Not that. I was walking along and all of the sudden I heard something. And I looked over, and there was a SNAKE!" " Good gracious! What did you do?" says I. "I ran back and got Daddy, of course, " Josh tells me. Silly me! What was I thinking? "Oh, so Daddy killed it then, " says I. "Nope by the time I got back with Dad the snake was gone, into a hole most likely," says the very knowledgeable boy. "That's great, dear," I say with not a lot of enthusiasm. "Well, got to go back out there with Dad," says the fearless boy. "Ok," says the chicken Mom, "Be careful. And watch for more snakes!" I shout as he walks out the backdoor, to the back acre, armed with 2 aluminum water bottles. He left his BB gun with his Dad.
Belle is sorting clothes to wash, this is part of her home economics lessons. She has plenty to wash! Then she and I need to go through that mountain of fabric and cull out the small stuff. Against my pocketbook's wishes, Belle has grown twice this year!!! She usually has a 3 year hiatus, and I have gotten use to this regular cycle in our lives. Not anymore. Clothes that she has only worn once are getting the boot. Soon the girlchild will be sorely pressed for clothes! LOL! The horror of a preteen girl, nothing to wear! Yikes!!! During these times Belle and I talk about fashion and about modesty and what it is to be a lady. We discuss what the current fashions are now and if they are truly modest and if so, how and if not, why not. It takes me back to days when my Mom would talk with me about things that were 'cool' to the kids at the time, that really weren't 'cool', or shouldn't be considered 'cool'. And then we talk about what it means to be a lady and why that is important. I realize at these moments, I have become my mother. It just snuck up on me. I don't think anyone can escape it. It happens to the best of us. So, I think we should all just say,"Thanks Mom! All those conversations didn't land on deaf ears. They just took some time to process and bear fruit. And now I have a ready-made script, now that it is my turn."
After lunch, DH took the boy out to the back acre to clear out brush. Learning about taking care of the land and hard work is part of Josh's lessons this year. He loves being outside, just not all the 'work' stuff. A couple of hours later DH radios in that Josh is coming back in for more water. I say ok, I will fill up the canteens. I wait and I wait. Still no boy. I start to think he got lost, when I look out the window and see through the trees DH and Josh by the creek. Then DH turns back into the woods and Josh comes inside. He announces very excitedly, "Know why I was taking forever coming in, Mama?" "I thought you got lost," says I. "Oh, no Mama. Not that. I was walking along and all of the sudden I heard something. And I looked over, and there was a SNAKE!" " Good gracious! What did you do?" says I. "I ran back and got Daddy, of course, " Josh tells me. Silly me! What was I thinking? "Oh, so Daddy killed it then, " says I. "Nope by the time I got back with Dad the snake was gone, into a hole most likely," says the very knowledgeable boy. "That's great, dear," I say with not a lot of enthusiasm. "Well, got to go back out there with Dad," says the fearless boy. "Ok," says the chicken Mom, "Be careful. And watch for more snakes!" I shout as he walks out the backdoor, to the back acre, armed with 2 aluminum water bottles. He left his BB gun with his Dad.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
GEMS today!
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| Belle's GEMS binder for this year! |
God bless,
Suzyhomemaker
How do you do this thing....
So I have decided to do a blog about my life as a homeschool mom. Getting one of these things going is kind of crazy! Definitely need the How to Blog for Dummies book!!! LOL!
Anyhoo, I will do my best to write down all that we do as a family throughout our homeschooling year for my friends and family to see. I really hope to be able to share with all of you the fun we are having at The GreenHouse Academy!
God bless,
Suzyhomemaker
Anyhoo, I will do my best to write down all that we do as a family throughout our homeschooling year for my friends and family to see. I really hope to be able to share with all of you the fun we are having at The GreenHouse Academy!
God bless,
Suzyhomemaker
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