Robin Hood and Disney

We managed to pack a ton of fun into one day yesterday! No wonder I'm so worn out today even after a full night's sleep. We started our day with some fellow homeschoolers seeing a play that was a pretty funny version of Robin Hood. The kids' theatre director's husband was in the play and it was fun to see him performing. He found a way to acknowledge us and our friends during the archery part. As he shot his arrow he shouted out our friend's last name (they are also in theatre) and then when Robin Hood shot his arrow he shouted our last name. I missed it completely but Julie and Madi heard it. After leaving the theatre and a quick Chick-fil-a lunch we went to Epcot to see Joel in his other job--the velcro show at Epcot called, "What's Your Problem?" We felt like Joel groupies. After a ride on Spaceship Earth, Joel's show, and a stop at Club Cool-the soda place we hopped on the monorail headed for Magic Kingdom.

Three braid girls ready for a day at Disney!

They've redone Spaceship earth and now they take your picture at the beginning and at the end they ask you some questions about how you'd like to live in the future and then come up with a video of you and your seatmate living your virtual life. This is a picture of our screen at one part of it. It's hard to see, I think if you click on the picture it will enlarge. The little video is hilarious! They've really turned a somewhat boring ride into a lot of fun.

Hannah and Madi got picked as contestants in Joel's show. The whole show is about velcro and has the audience playing games using velcro. In this game they were supposed to stack the shapes by velcroing them together. It proved to be much harder than you would think.

Joel and his co-host did ridiculous funny dances pretty much the whole time. You can catch them mid-move in this one.

And, in the end--neither team had anything to show for their efforts.

We got to Magic Kingdom while the parade was going on so the kids climbed up on this wall to catch the last half of the parade.

The park was really decorated for Halloween. It was fun to see their decorations. They always go all out. That's what that huge admission price helps pay for.

Here's Jake in my wheelchair. Julie pushed me around all day--yeah Julie! I bet she's sore today. We did get to go on the rides without waiting in line so it wasn't all bad.

This is probably Joe's absolute favorite ride. What kid doesn't love to drive their own little car. Joe mostly just turns the wheel left and right and we bounce off the bumper in the middle until he dissolves in laughter and lets go of the steering wheel. Then I take over and set us straight for a minute or so before he takes over again. I was car sick by the time our turn was done. Another perk to being in the wheelchair line? We got to go twice in a row without any additional wait.

The big kids went around twice too but changed drivers at the starting line so each would have a turn driving.

We also got to go on Thunder Mountain twice. These kids loved it!

We had a great day. We ended with dinner at McD's and then home to bed.

TV in the 80s

I was just reading another blog where they are giving away a 6 season DVD set of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.  All you had to do was leave a comment about your favorite old tv show to be in the drawing.  I've never commented on this blog but I did today!  I also had a ball reading everybody's old favorites.  Brought back some good memories.  Although I almost never watch tv now--I'd rather read blogs or books--I watched lots and lots of tv as a kid.  Every night we were watching whatever sitcoms were on.  That's when tv wasn't so full of trash.  I can hardly stand to let my kids watch anything on prime time because of the commercials.  There isn't really anything kid worthy on during prime time anyway.  At least until American Idol starts again.  And some would probably question whether that is kid worthy but it is in our house.  I wouldn't mind Dancing with the Stars either except that I don't want to have to watch something multiple nights a week to keep up with it.  American Idol wore us out.  Anyway, my kids do occasionally see Dancing..and always comment about how much they would like the dress the girl is wearing if only it were more modest.  If only it didn't have the whole back cut out, or plunge down to the belly button, or show half the girl's butt crack.  You get the picture.  Maybe the girls on DWtheS aren't always so scantily clad but that has been the case everytime we've watched.  Anyway, that's not what this post is about.  This post is about the relatively clean tv of the 80s that we can all now watch on DVD.   Our library has a huge collection of old tv shows on DVDs.  Here are some of my all time favorites, beware this list is long because really they are all my favorites.  S0me of these don't count as 80s shows because I watched them after school on Superstation TBS.

• Little House on the Prairie (wins hands down)
• Brady Bunch (definitely #2)--the rest of these are in no particular order
• Cosby Show
• Family Ties
• Growing Pains
• A Family Affair--I absolutely loved this one but it was only on sporadically.
• Laverne and Shirley
• Happy Days
• A Different World
• Facts of Life (Jo was my favorite character)
• Different Strokes (wasn't it fun when those two were together in an episode--I think Kimberley went to the boarding school or something.  
• Knight Rider
• Dukes of Hazzard
• Incredible Hulk
• The Love Boat
• I Dream of Jeannie
• Bewitched
• Full House
• The Wonder Years
• Beverly Hillbillies

Okay--I have to stop now or this will be so long no one will want to read it.  Any you'd like to add or comment on???  Any favorite episodes?  

More Pumpkin Patch Pics

The kids and I met Ms. Amanda (theatre director) and two of her dogs at the pumpkin patch today. Kiwi, the beagle, was dressed as Snow White and Hula, the basset hound, was a mermaid. The plan was to take some pictures of them with the pumpkins. Wow! Easier said than done. Dogs are much harder to photograph than kids. If you call their name to get their attention they just come to you instead of looking at you. We didn't get any great pictures but the kids had a ball playing with the pups.

WordFull Wednesday

You know me, I can't possibly be wordless.  It's not my gift.  I've been given the gift of gab.  I really have nothing to share but that's not going to stop me from posting.  It never has before so why start now.  I'm having a piping hot mug of Postum.  Anybody ever heard of that.  It's like coffee-wanna-be.  It's made from wheat bran or something.  You put a tsp. into hot water and add creamer just like you would with coffee.  It's okay as far as hot drinks go.  Ollie loves it and bought about 4 jars of it and it is easy to make so that's what I'm having to warm my bones this morning.  I'm almost completely caffeine free and sugar free.  I know--it's awful.  I have also been headache free which is wonderful!  I am using a splash of creamer in my Postum but other than that no sugar.  Trying to curb the inflammation in my body (there are lots of studies that link sugar and the bodies insulin response to inflammation).  We'll see if it works.  A friend posted a recipe on our homeschool group site for chocolate cake in a mug that you cook in minutes in your microwave.  I would love to try it but there's that whole sugar problem.  I could make it without sugar and go outside and eat a miracle fruit first.   I wonder if that would work?  I just may have to try it.  I'm considering breaking my sugar fast for a sugar binge on Friday.  I won't be able to resist those little Take 5 bars.  My absolute favorite!!! If you've never tried one, stop what you are doing and go find one at the store right now.  They are wonderul.  More about sugar--I am a sugar addict, well a recovering sugar addict.  I've been mostly off sugar for 3 weeks now and truly do feel better.  The couple of times I've indulged I've had that sluggish, I-need-to-go-to-sleep-right-now feeling which has led to irritability.  I have truly been happier (didn't think it could happen) since laying off the sugar.  I remember Michelle saying that she didn't eat sugar because it made her a mean momma.  I thought not eating sugar would make me a mean momma but the reverse has been true.  These positive results have made me more motivated to stick with it.  You might think that I'd be losing weight because of this change in my diet but not so much.  I've replaced the sugar in my coffee (or Postum) for half and half.  If I can't have sugar, then give me fat!  I love a creamy cup of coffee.  See, I knew I could find something to talk about.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

A Simple Woman's Daybook for today...October 27, 2008

Outside my window...it's a nice, cool morning. The sun is out but it's dry and cool, I love it!

I am thinking...that I'd love a walk this morning, even if it does hurt.

From the learning rooms...we are having a catch up day today. We have some Keepers at Home stuff to do that I haven't been getting to, and Hannah has to catch up on two weeks of Bible study. We are thoroughly enjoying Exploring Countries and Cultures. We were able to fit it in even during a busy week.

I am thankful for...the sense of peace I had yesterday and for laughter. I had a few things that caused me to LOL yesterday and it felt so good. I've been so busy and stressed lately that I haven't been finding the humor in things. Joe almost had me ROTFL--see previous post.

From the kitchen...clean out the fridge week! Broccoli-cheese soup today, yum! I am also wanting to make popcorn balls. Anybody have a good recipe?

I am wearing...pjs with a sweatshirt--my all time favorite sweatshirt that I've had for 13 years.

I am reading...a Mrs. Pollifax book, it's kind of a spy novel and I'm really enjoying it.

I am hoping...to be productive and joyful this week. I really want and need to learn to take more things in stride and not respond with stress.

I am creating...I used to love this one, but now I never have an answer for it. I'm creating nothing fun and creative. I am hankering to pull out the sewing machine and make something--but what? and who has time?

I am hearing...Hannah drinking hot chocolate out of a straw. Not sure why she's doing that?? Joe and Grace are still sleeping. They were both up late last night so I'm letting them sleep in.

Around the house...housework that needs to be done!

One of my favorite things...a big cup of coffee when I'm cold.

A few plans for the rest of the week...catching up today, Precepts Bible study tomorrow, physical therapy, the dentist, a play and one last hurrah at Disney, school, and that's about it!

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Joe at the pumpkin patch when he was about 18 months old--is he a cutie or what???

If you want to participate in the Daybook, see Peggy.

My computer isn't as smart as I thought...

neither is my DVD player. Both of them think the time has changed this week. This caused some serious confusion on my part earlier today and had me thinking I had an extra hour. The smart microwave and other battery powered clocks, and my cell phone set me straight but no one has told the computer or DVD player.

I've made it almost 9 years...

...before having my kids find out that shit is a bad word.  Well, Hannah has made it 9 years, Grace 7, and Joe 5.  Ollie and I don't swear, well, Ollie doesn't swear and I don't swear aside from the very occasional "dammit."  We also aren't really around anyone who swears and my kids watch very little tv.  So, they really don't know what the bad words are.  Well, tonight I was watching "The Bucket List" when they got home from a neighbor's house.  It seemed benign so I let them sit down and start watching.  Well, then one of the actors said the word "shitty" about 4 times in a row describing the weather.  So, I felt the need to tell my children that "shitty" was a bad word and they were never to say it about anything.  Then Joe innocently says, "only when there's a storm, then we can say that it is shitty."  I say, "no Joe, that is a bad word and we don't say it at all.  We can say that it is a bad storm, or a terrible storm." I can't remember the rest of the conversation but I can tell you it took some convincing to get him to agree that we weren't going to use the word "shitty" to describe a storm.  I tried to hold it together but ended up laughing after he said "shitty" very seriously about 5 times.  This kid is going to make me go completely nuts....

Weekend Update

Nothing terribly exciting around here.  Just the way I like it...for a little while at least.  It's a cycle with me.  I crave busyness and things to do and then I get too many things to do and start to feel like a hamster in a wheel and then I crave calm and quiet again.  Until it gets too calm.  Actually, is it ever too calm with three kids?  So, I've been craving calm this weekend and have found it halfway.  We haven't had too much going on this weekend and I'm starting to feel a little less stressed.  I've had my weekly Sunday afternoon nap and feel ready to conquer the world--well, not quite the world but Mt. Laundry is looking conquerable and so is the bathroom and maybe even the kitchen but I'm not going to get too ambitious.  

Ollie took the kids to the science center yesterday while I went to a baby shower.  It was fun as baby showers usually are for people like me.  I love to eat and I love to chat it up and talk about babies.  I even love the corny games.  The cornier the better.  We did the melted candy bar in a diaper game.  My warped sense of humor wants so bad to put some real poop in one of them and watch as some0ne takes a big whiff.  Whoo-- I can get myself really laughing thinking about that one.  I know, third grade potty humor.  What can I say, I got stuck in third grade humor-wise.  Don't judge me for it.  So, after the shower I crashed on the couch for a good half hour (not long enough) before the family arrived home.  I wanted my time alone in my house to last longer than that but oh well.  They live here too and I've tried locking them out but it doesn't work.  I guess in about 15 years I'll have my house to myself more than I want.  We went for a night walk last night that was fun.  It's so nice to get out in the cool, night air.  The kids love walking at night when they should be in bed.  The stars were beautiful to see.  Once we got back in I watched some Britcoms, anybody else like those?  

Today, we've gone to church and then to the local Y for some baptisms.  I always love to see people get baptized.  Then home for lunch, some reading, and a nap.  You can't ask for a better Sunday.  How was your weekend?

Thankful For My Feet

Yes, you heard me. I'm thankful for my feet (at least I'm working on it). Lately I've been saying and thinking that I hate my feet. Understandable considering the pain and stress they've caused me. However, God convicted me last night of this attitude. So, I started thinking about how I can be thankful for my feet.

• I can walk, it's painful but I am able to walk. A paraplegic would probably happily take my feet.
• My feet haven't completely quit on me even though I'm forcing them to carry about 15 -20 extra pounds.
• In this weakness, I am humbled and drawn closer to God and His strength.
• I have compassion on others who I see walking with a limp.
• I save lots of money on all the shoes I don't buy. Before I had these problems with my feet I had lots of shoes--I love shoes. Particularly big clunky ones (family--remember my black shoes that were repaired with shoe goo that Dad gave me money--can't remember how much--to quit wearing) and loud ones (family--remember my palm tree tennis shoes?). So, now, I only have a couple of pairs of shoes I can wear. I don't even look at shoes in the store.

Lots to be thankful for!

Random Thoughts on a Thursday Morning

Our new "routine" in the morning is this...once the kids wake up, they watch PBS kids until 9 or 9:30 am. I usually feed them breakfast in front of the tube so at 9 everybody's fed and ready to get dressed and start school. I've had my time--quiet time and computer time and anything else I want to do before we dive into school. I fought against this routine (in my head) for a while because I didn't like them watching tv everyday but then they would either just lay around and start roughhousing and by the time I finished my time my nerves were shot. Or--they would get involved playing something and not want to stop and start school. So, this seems to be working for everyone. On days that we have limited school time we skip the tv and start earlier. Works for me!
I was wondering the other day why reading blogs and writing my own is so addicting for me. It comes from my inherent sense of pure nosiness. I love and have always loved hearing about people's lives. Even people I don't know. I have always loved looking at photo albums--even albums of people I don't know. That was my favorite thing to do when I was babysitting. I would always go on a search for the photo albums as soon as I got a chance. Blogs are great--you get to read about people's lives in the comfort of your own home, anytime and see pictures. How can I not love it. I mostly limit myself to only reading blogs of people I know but occasionally get hooked on some stranger's blog.
My appointment went well yesterday. I really liked the Physical Therapist I saw. He spent at least an hour evaluating all my issues and will take it all into account as he makes orthotics for me. One of my big problems is that my back and hips are not very strong due to a back injury when Joe was a baby. This causes all sorts of other things that lead straight to my feet. So, I am re-energized for getting to the gym. I have been having a hard time getting there regularly. I've decided that I will get there even if it's only for 10 minutes to do the few machines that work the main muscles I need to strengthen. I figure I could even run in there with the kids and they could sit over to the side for the few minutes it takes to do those specific machines. I'd like to get there 3 times a week for the full workout but some weeks it's just not happening.
Rain is predicted for today and I love rain. I am giddy with anticipation.
I am dying to go for a morning walk, the weather is perfect--if only my feet were!
Joe and the girls stayed at AM's yesterday while I went to my appointment. Joe was very talkative and according to AM, very funny. He told her that she should have her husband go into the woods and kill a chicken and give the bones to their dog. When she told him she could just go to Publix and get a chicken he was having none of it and kept insisting that she have her husband go kill a chicken. Where did that come from??? When asked what he wanted to be when he grows up he told her, "Well, the first thing is I want to swim with a dog." Very ambitious we are around here. He also told Hannah recently that he wants to marry a teenager he saw at Disney. I think we need to start working on traits we look for in a mate. One of them is that we actually know the person and not just know that they are pretty.

Winter?

The temperatures have dipped below 80 around here and Grace thinks it's winter. Joe too. She and Joe have been wearing long sleeve/long pant pajamas with their big sleepers over them. Of course, by morning the sleeper is off because it is really not that cold but I can't convince her of that at bedtime. I don't try too hard, I think it's cute.

I had forgotten..

How much I love My Father's World (curriculum).  We finally got started this week and I already love it.  We are doing a year of geography and are starting with an overview of the world.  Not only will we learn geography--where things are but we will also be learning a little bit about cultures, habitats, and how to pray for people in different areas of the world.  I'm finally organized, have all my copies made and we are off and running.  Only 2 months into the school year....we'll be working on this through the summer but that's okay, it's mostly fun stuff.  

So, what are you doing today?  I am going to get evaluated for my orthotics.  I'm really hoping that these inserts will be the answer to all my problems with my feet and legs.  Realistically I don't expect all my problems to go away but I know I'm on the right track.  At least I won't be causing any new problems I hope.  I am also assuming that these inserts will only fit into my tennis shoes but I hope that I can get them in these great loafers that I bought on Ebay last year.  I bought them thinking I could wear them even with my feet problems because I have had two other pairs from the same company.  But--they killed my feet!  So, maybe with my inserts...

Aladdin--how 'bout some pictures?

Aladdin

This was Hannah's "big scene" as the magic carpet. She makes a cute carpet I must say.

Aladdin

In this short clip you can see Jonathan sitting on the stage with yellow pants on, Madi in the back in the pink and Hannah sitting up front.

Aladdin--first of many posts

Here is Hannah (and about 50 other kids) in "Friend Like Me," She's on the end in a long pink skirt and a brown shirt. She gets hidden behind the little girl in pink in front of her at the beginning.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

A Simple Woman's Daybook for today...October 20, 2008

Outside my window...it's a nice, cool morning.

I am thinking...that I have too much to do today. Trying to decide what to cut.

From the learning rooms...we are starting Exploring Countries and Cultures today no matter what. Joe will be starting his new books--I bought him the Rod and Staff Pre-K (which is really Kindergarten). I know he can do more but right now it's something I think he can enjoy as he's learning how to school at home and obey his momma!

I am thankful for...the cooler weather, we've made it through another Florida summer. I know it will get hot again before it stays cool but this first cool front of the season has been wonderful!

From the kitchen...Ollie made the best Pad Thai last night! He is really getting into cooking and I am loving it.

I am wearing...shorts and a t-shirt (I'm actually up and dressed!)

I am reading...Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen--this has been a great book! I'm almost done and wish I had the morning to lounge around and finish it. It's set back in "Jane Austen days" and it's about a woman of society who gets pregnant out of wedlock and has to go to a lying in place to have her baby and all that happens after that. It's about babies, wet nurses, set in a time in history that I've always been interested in. No wonder I'm enjoying it!

I am hoping...for an answer to some prayers, big ones.

I am creating...the schedule for the next quarter children's ministry. Fun!

I am hearing...my kids roughhousing and squealing, certain to result in someone hurt and/or a really aggravated mommy.

Around the house...every room needs a good scrubbing. I would like to take the week and focus on one room a day. Yeah--nice idea, won't happen.

One of my favorite things...a Starbucks gift card.

A few plans for the rest of the week...school, school, more school, getting evaluated for new orthotics for my shoes--hopefully this will really help with my feet, tutoring, finishing my book, getting outside for a bike ride or two or three.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you...

If you want to participate in the daybook, see Peggy here.

Well, that was fun...I think

We spent a good part of today doing fall stuff around town. We started at the library where we did pumpkin decorating. It was a little chaotic but the kids had fun. It was fun to see what they did with their pumpkins. I thought I had taken a picture of Joe but it's missing from my card. Oh well, maybe later.

After pumpkin decorating we had the rare treat of a McD's picnic in the park and then off to do the town Scarecrow Stroll. Different businesses make scarecrows and display them all over town. This year's theme was something to do with working in America. I didn't think the scarecrows were as good as years past but there were some good ones. The kids had fun, a little stressful for this mom though, I think we had 10 kids running around town--a little crazy. However, it's a tradition to go with other friends to do the stroll and we must keep to tradition!

This was supposed to be a hairdresser--I don't think the picture does it justice but this hairdresser has some serious jugs. I don't think she could get close enough to you to cut your hair.

Then because we hadn't had enough "fun" already--a trip to the pumpkin patch to run around in the heat and take some pictures.

Could someone please enlighten me?

What are cankles?

Pilgrim Pies

Here's the recipe for Pilgrim pies--they are just pumpkin cookies sandwiched with cream cheese frosting.
2 eggs
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
15 oz. can pumpkin or 2 cups fresh (cooked and mashed)
3 cups flour
1 tbsp. pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
filling--
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 tsp. vanilla extract
4 to 5 cups powdered sugar

Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Mix wet ingredients well and then add dry ingredients. Drop a heaping tablespoon of batter onto a cookie sheet, slightly flatten each mound. Bake for 12 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Add the powedered sugar half a cup at at time to the cream cheese mixture until the frosting is spreadable. Sandwich a generous amount of cream cheese frosting between cookie pairs.
Makes 10-14 pilgrim pies.

The Stressed Out Woman's Daybook

The Stressed Out Woman's Daybook for today...October 17, 2008

Outside my window...mess, mess, and more mess. Our yard has definitely suffered from inattention during the long, hot summer.

I am thinking...that I just wish I had a day to do nothing--no school, no cleaning, no commitments.

From our homeschool...I still feel like I'm trying to fit in school around our other commitments instead of the other way around. Will I ever figure this one out?

I am thankful for...the weekend!

From the kitchen...I have spent entirely too much time in this room this week. I have cooked and baked and I'm sick of it. But--everybody keeps wanting to eat around here. Like clockwork, three times a day. Just you wait and see... I bet as soon as my kids wake up they are going to want to eat. I'm teaching the girls to do a lot in the kitchen but they haven't mastered cooking a meal for the family.

I am reading..Lady of Milkweed Manor but only in 5 minute snippets usually in the bathroom (I know TMI) and for a few minutes before I fall asleep sitting up at night.

I am hoping...for a CALM week next week with few outside commitments.

I am creating...more stress for myself all the time by volunteering to do things and go places that I really don't have time for.

Around the house...mess, mess, and more mess. I wasn't home last night to direct the clean up and so I got to wake up to mess. Not fun. It's not as bad as it could be though. We did some tidying up yesterday after school.

One of my favorite things...unscheduled time.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing...

Can I go back to our calm, quiet (even with 8 kids) vacation spot?

Clever

I drove past this house in my neighborhood the other day and did a double take. This woman (you know no man did this) has added fake fall leaves to her green foliage. I love it!

Random Thoughts on a Wednesday evening

First of all, I should be watching the debate.  I just now remembered that it was on.  First things first.  You have to have priorities you know.  Put in the rocks first...

I have had one of those ridiculously busy days.  The kind where you don't sit down and relax until you crash into bed.  What's keeping me busy you might ask?  All those bon-bons that I sit on the couch and eat?  Don't I wish.  Today, I read to the kids and then we had a baking day.  Lots of hands on learning in the kitchen.  We made Pilgrim Pies (pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting sandwiched between them) and fall leaf shaped sugar cookies.  We will keep some but most will be sold as concessions at this weekend's show--"Aladdin, Jr."  While cookies baked I dealt with finding a pediatrician.  You could have peeled me off the ceiling by the time that ordeal was over.  But--the baking is done.  We have to do some icing tomorrow but hopefully that will be relatively painless.  I'll stay off the phone.  

One of the things we read this morning was a short section from Proverbs paraphrased for kids about fighting.  One of the Proverbs said something like saying mean things to someone is like pulling a dog's ear.  Joe said, "Well, the worst thing is fighting with God but the second worst is fighting with a dog."  Not sure where that came from but it was funny.

I went to the Podiatrist today.  I have a new problem--for some reason I can't remember the name but it's Sinus something syndrome.  Basically, I twisted my foot at some point (maybe hiking) and injured the sinus whatever (located kind of near the ankle on the outside of my foot) and it is inflamed and causing swelling.  I have a prescription that should help. And I will be wrapping my foot for a while.  I have a lot of pain on the top of my foot, hopefully this treatment will help everything feel better.  

I'm staying up late today to put the house in order, I don't think I can stand to wake up to a mess tomorrow.  Of course it's another busy day and it's always nice to start out with a "clean" house.  I can't think of anything else to bore you with tonight.  I'm off to do dishes and fold laundry and listen to the debate.  

Are you kidding me?

So today I spent way too much time dealing with insurance issues--choosing a new pediatrician.  When I called the insurance company to make my change I was greeted by one of those computer voices.  I really hate those and have been known to immediately start pushing "O" a million times until they let me talk to a live person but today I decided to be patient.  I made all of my children leave the room so that their voices wouldn't mess me up.  The first thing I hear is in spanish.  I thinking asking if I speak spanish.  And then...to fully get the funny here you need to imagine the following being said with that syrupy sweet perfectly enunciated computer voice...

"If you feel like you might hurt yourself or someone else, please say "crisis."

What?  I have never heard that at the beginning of one of these before.  After having to hang up and start over for various reasons about 5 times I wanted to scream "crisis" and see if I could get a real live human being to talk to me.  I didn't though and eventually got my business taken care of and went on to not hurt myself or anyone else.

And Mom

That is what Grace calls me, "And Mom."  Everytime she says my name she says "and Mom..." as though we were just talking and she has one more thing to say.  I guess if you talk as much as she does you feel like you were just talking and you are adding to that.  I've been teasing her about it and now Joe thinks it's funny to call me "and Mom" too.  

A Simple Woman's Daybook

A Simple Woman's Daybook for today...October 13, 2008

Outside my window...it is actually nice and cool, a little overcast I think or maybe it's just darker than usual because it's getting closer to winter. The sun's not fully up yet so it's hard to tell. I would love a dreary day. Living in Florida--the land of eternal sunshine--I appreciate those days where the clouds roll in, it makes my heart sing.

I am thinking...that I WILL relax this morning and still get everything done. We have all day and I can be relaxed and still get school accomplished. Usually I am not relaxed in the morning, it's this fear that if I relax nothing will get done.

From our homeschool...I was all set to start Exploring Countries and Cultures this week but it's just not a good week (again). Next week for sure. This week in addition to our normal school (the three R's) we have some baking to do and maybe some decorating.

I am thankful for...the cooler weather, having healthy kids, that even though I have pain in my feet I can still walk and I am getting better, having a faithful husband.

From the kitchen...salmon and sweet potato latkes tonight, trying more new recipes the rest of the week. I'm especially looking forward to Butternut Squash and Leek soup. I LOVE soups, all kinds and I'm so happy that soon it will really be soup weather. It's close enough to go ahead and try this recipe.

I am wearing...pjs.

I am reading...Second Glance by Jodi Picoult. I've just barely gotten started and I'm not sure I'm going to like it. It is about hauntings and stuff. We'll see. I may have to pick something different.

I am hoping...that Joe's new school books will come in today. I'm revamping his school to make it more pleasant for both of us.

I am creating...construction paper leaves and pumpkins.

I am hearing...the wind in the trees and that's it!

Around the house...just trying to keep it picked up and food on the table during this busy week (see below). Maybe a toilet will even get cleaned but I'm not promising anything.

One of my favorite things...Monday mornings. Really, I love Monday morning.

A few plans for the rest of the week...lots of tutoring, Hannah is in Aladdin, Jr. Thurs-Sun, rehearsals Tues and Wed., pumpkin decorating at the library, a trip to the pumpkin patch, Precepts, Keepers at Home meeting, school, school, more school. This will be a picture-filled blog week, aren't you excited??

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

This was from last year at the pumpkin patch.

If you want to participate in the daybook, see Peggy here.

The Blog World

Wow!  Is there any better time waster than the blog world?  All you have to do is start at one blog and then start clicking on links and before you know it an hour or more has passed.  I am usually pretty disciplined about only reading blogs of people I know.  Otherwise my time just flies away and I'm left with neglected kids, dishes, mess, and no shower.  I've broken my own rule today and really wish I hadn't.  One good thing about reading the blogs of people I know is that I really know them outside of just their blog.  So, even if they never do a "keeping it real" post and only post pictures of all the wonderful things they've done I don't fall into comparing myself.  I probably already know their "real" and I am happy for the wonderful things they are doing without feeling like--"man, why can't I do that?," "my house doesn't look like that," "I didn't make homemade fill-in-the-blank...," and so on it goes until I leave the computer knowing that I just don't measure up to how wonderful everybody else is.  I fell into that boat today.  It started innocently but lead to finding a number of blogs of women who are doing amazing decorating in their houses and I am so not that person.  The problem is that I'm itching to really decorate for fall around here without spending a dime.  Actually--maybe a few dollars on some pumpkins but we can eat those later so I can justify that.  So, I have to hit that little "x" and close these blogs that are making me feel inferior or are depressing me.  I feel the same way about shopping--if I seldom walk into a store or the mall I have no idea of all the wonderful things out there that I don't have and desperately need but don't have the money for.  In these cases, ignorance is bliss.  Truthfully, I have NO time to be reading all these blogs anyway.  If I would quit researching and just get the kids, some construction paper, glue, and scissors, we could get this house decorated.  I won't be winning any awards for my decorating skills but we'd all have fun and I'd probably feel pretty good about myself.  I think I'll go check the construction paper supply--any suggestions for cheap and easy crafts for fall decorations?  I'm thinking fall--not Halloween.  I've got lots of great Halloween ideas but I try to play down the holiday even though we do dress up and go trick or treating and have carved a jack-o-lantern once.  :0)

Crepes and Vomit

I went to the library last week and checked out a big stack of cookbooks.  In my stack was a cookbook dedicated to crepes, pancakes, and waffles.  As Grace was perusing this cookbook she came across a recipe she was just dying to make.  It was a fruit skewer with squares of crepe interspersed among the fruit and served with yogurt.  Grace is the sweetest child, so easygoing, so compliant.  She often gets lost in the shuffle of her more demanding siblings so when she really wants to do something like this I try to make it happen.  So, I decided to just bite the bullet and make this on Thursday morning.  To be honest, I did this very grudgingly.  I tried to put on a happy face though.  A friend whose name I won't mention but it starts with an A and rhymes with Lan Sarie said that I should make sure to put on a cute apron, take pictures of myself and Grace smiling and being all perfect and then post it to my blog so that everybody thinks I'm some wonderful mom and gets all jealous.  Notice, I am NOT doing that to you my faithful readers. :0)  So, I'm in there making crepes (which were totally delish by the way) with Grace.  She made the batter, I did the cooking, she cut up fruit and crepes and made the skewers.  And then--Joe wakes up and is sick and feels like he's going to vomit.  He ran to the toilet about 10 times thinking he was going to vomit before we actually had real vomit.  So, I'm trying to be all happy mom and make crepes with Grace and every two minutes I have to run to the toilet with Joe and hold him while he tries to vomit.  Can we say stressful?  Anyway, the crepes got made and I think I faked a happy mom for Grace.  She had fun and the crepes were really good.  Once Joe was done vomiting all morning he ate two whole skewers along with a ton of other food.  He does this randomly, wakes up nauseated and throws up for a few hours and then proceeds to eat his weight in whatever he can find.  

Pumpkin Pie Play Dough

This is a great play dough recipe--it makes really smooth, elastic play dough and it smells great!  It makes a ton so you might want to half the recipe.

5 1/2 cups flour

2 cups salt

8 tsp. cream of tartar

3/4 cup oil

1 1/8 oz. pumpkin pie spice (1 small container)

4 cups water

red and orange food coloring

Mix all ingredients together.  Then cook over medium heat while stirring until lumps disappear and dough forms.  Add food coloring to make it orange.  Knead on floured surface until smooth.

Gooey Gunk

Ollie has been doing "science" with the kids a couple of nights this week.  He's using a kit that Hannah received a year ago for her birthday called "Kid Concoctions."  I've been meaning to pull it out and use it for the last year but never did so Ollie took over.  One of the things they made this week that was really cool is called "Gooey Gunk."  It reminds me of the slime that used to come in little containers.  It is really cool.  Here's the recipe if you want to try it:

Solution A--

1 cup water, 1 cup white glue, 7-10 drops food coloring

Solution B--

1 1/3 cups warm water, 4 tsp. borax laundry booster

Mix ingredients in solution A together in a medium bowl.  In a second bolw, mix the ingredients in solution B together until the borax is completely dissolved.  Slowly pour solution A around in solution B--do not mix!  Roll solution A around solution B 4-5 times.  Lift solution A out of solution B and knead for 2-3 minutes.  Store Gunk in an airtight containger or plastic bag. 

Homeschooling? How about "out and about" schooling?

In the last week we have been very busy here, there, and everywhere. Thankfully, this week we are HOME and doing some sit at the table and learn about nouns kind of schooling but I am also thankful for all the opportunities we have to add to our learning. Here's a sampling of our last week--
Today we had a field trip to a local courthouse and we got to meet a judge and ask lots of questions. He was very patient and the question and answer session went on for an hour! It started off with multiple questions about judges wearing those white wigs and I was concerned that the whole of our questions would center around wigs. Boy was I ever wrong! These kids had some great questions--we learned all about the courtroom, trials, jury trials, how they choose a jury, how old his youngest "criminal" was (6), what you have to do to become a lawyer, and so on and so on.

Here we are at Epcot. The kids participated in a fire safety game and learned a lot about getting out of a burning house and even got to practice. We learned about hydroponics and other modern methods of growing fruits and vegetables. We learned about how communication has evolved from writings on cave walls to the internet. And they learned quite a bit about sea turtles. All that counts as school, right?

This is my Aunt Lane and her friend, Toni. They were at Epcot for the day and we joined them for the morning and gave them the tour of the place.

We saw our first play of the season, "The Neverending Story." We go to a play at a local theatre about once a month and the kids love all the shows and so do I.

Poster

Hannah's theatre teacher asked her to do the art for this season's poster. Her assignment--a starry night, a forest, and a cityscape. The starry night was no problem, lots of anxiety about the forest, and no clue how to do a cityscape. So, I bribed her to at least try the forest--she ended up doing a great job! And, for the cityscape I suggested a collage. We had lots of painted tissue paper from a past Eric Carle project and she went to town--no pun intended. I love the way the poster turned out. It's great for her to have these opportunities to be encouraged in her artistic talent. It will be interesting to see what she ends up doing when she grows up (besides being a wife and mom I hope). She says she'd like to be an architect but she spends hours designing fashion. She now has a sketchbook where she puts all her latest ideas. She's come up with some great stuff.