Beauty and the Beast pics compliments of Amy!

Bunnies!

We have become pet owners--we are the proud owners of two new bunnies--Chloe and Rosie. Our friends needed to find a new home for these sweet bunnies and Ollie and I decided to take the plunge! I do not want to hear any horror stories, let's keep it positive...lie if you have to. :0)
My kids are thrilled and I love seeing them so excited. I've wanted to get Grace a pet for the last year so it was such a blessing to let them have these bunnies. They are very sweet and quite tame. The girls held them for a long time today and the bunnies did great. This has been a very exciting couple of days--Joe's birthday, Beauty and the Beast, and now bunnies! Could it get any better (in a kid's world)?

Happy Birthday to Joe!

Joe is 6 years old today! I decided to do a photo tribute to Joe's past 6 years for his birthday. Well, let's just say I got a little carried away. I have a file on my computer of all my favorite Joe pictures from the past 6 years because I recently did a photo album for him. So, I had way too many to choose from. Sorry I posted so many! We are blessed to have Joe in our family. We would not be complete without him--maybe a little more sane but not complete. Enjoy the pictures, in no particular order...

Beauty and the Beast

Beauty and the Beast opened last night with a great performance!! This is a really fun show and I can't wait to see it again tonight, and again tomorrow night, and one last time on Sunday...

Here are a couple of short videos from last night. The other videos I took didn't come out, but these are okay. In the one below, Hannah is the cup dancer on the right in the pink and green outfit.

Here are some pictures from after the show...

American Idol Recap

Last night's show was a little boring again.  I can't wait for them to just get to the top 12.  The standouts last night were Allison, Adam Lambert, and Megan.  The girl with the weird name did a good job too but she made weird faces and that kind of messed it up for me.  Megan had a weird little hip swingy dance move too but it was kind of cute.  Adam rocked the house and was fun to watch.  I still like the dueling piano player--Matt Giraud and I'd love to see him make it through despite a bad night.  The welder--came across as cocky and boring.  I hate when they don't just take the advice of ALL FOUR judges and insist that they did a great job.  No humility or ability to take the criticism and grow from it.  I also really liked Jasmyn and think she has great potential.  I do not like the interchanges between Ryan Seacrest and Simon.  Especially when they are full of sexual innuendo.  My kids are watching for crying out loud.  Granted most of it probably goes over their head but still.  Not to mention that it's awkward and weird.  They just need to shut up.  

So, my predictions for who's staying are Allison, Adam, and then it's between Megan, Jasmyn, and Matt.  We'll see tonight...

Update on the Vomit Chicken

The chicken wasn't so bad.  I don't know that I will make it again since it smelled so horrible but we all ate it and liked it and don't mind eating the leftovers.  On the other hand, it could be fun to add this recipe to my collection and give it its new name of Vomit Chicken.  Maybe this could be my signature dish that I always take to potlucks and to families in need of a meal.  

Vomit Chicken or Chicken Delicious?

I am doing all crock pot meals this week due to our busy schedule.  Today I've tried a new crock pot recipe--Chicken Delicious.  It's chicken with cream of celery soup and cream of mushroom soup and sherry.  Sounds good enough right?  Let's hope it is because it smells AWFUL!  I went out for a few hours today and came home and it smelled like someone had vomited in my foyer.  I'm not even exaggerating--it was sooo stinky.  So, I've dubbed this new recipe Vomit Chicken.  I'll let you know if it's any good.  Last night we had crock pot lasagna and it was delicious!  I highly recommend it.  

The dream again...

I have a recurring dream, I probably have this dream once or twice a month.  I dream that there is some room in my house that I didn't realize was there that could now be turned into the perfect schoolroom.  Last night I dreamt that we had moved into Marissa's old house (not a house that I recognize) but it was a big old house with a huge, scary basement (kind of like Marissa's house now).  I remembered that we had this basement and was really excited to now make this a schoolroom. When I got down there there were already tons of books and it was huge and perfect and even had a bathroom.  Then I woke up.  Disappointed.  I always wake up disappointed when I have this dream.  I would love a schoolroom, the little corner of the Florida room works fine but I don't have as much room as I would like to really spread out and hang things on the walls and stuff. Florida rooms are known for having all the walls full of windows, not wall space.  So, after telling some friends yesterday about my recurring dream I had the dream again last night. 

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak...

After standing strong all day yesterday in the face of serious cravings for anything sweet I totally caved this evening.  My downfall?  Peanut Butter Blossoms (peanut butter cookie with a Hershey's kiss).  I have to do some baking this week for Joe's birthday and for theatre and I knew I would be in the danger zone.  Finally I decided that I would have one of each thing that I make.  I need to sample it before letting other people eat it right?  Actually, I just decided to quit all this elimination diet stuff and just eat healthily and mostly stay away from sugar.  In some ways it's easier to just forbid it but then once my allotted time period is up I will just go crazy and that's not good.  So--in moderation.  I realized that it's been about a year that I have been on various diets and such and I just need a break.  I've learned a lot over the past year and formed some good habits.  I've finally fully made the switch to whole grain pasta and brown rice.  I've majorly cut the carbs and I've gotten used to having little or no sugar.  I've learned to eat fish a lot more often and learned what supplements help and which ones don't.  So...I think I'm going to go with that for a while and give myself a break.  

Hannah is in "Beauty and the Beast" this weekend.  I love show weekends.  They are super busy with shows every day for 4 days but I just love watching the kids on stage.  This will be the last show for a while, the space the class is using is being closed down and they have nowhere else to go right now.  I am hoping they find something by the fall.  We'll see...  I'll definitely treasure this show much more knowing that it will be the last for a long while.  Hannah is playing a "silly girl," and wears this hilarious blonde wig.  She gets to fawn all over Gaston.  

I'm really getting into TV.  We've never been much of a tv watching family.  We have never had cable and until this whole digital thing never got much reception so it wasn't that fun to watch tv.  When we did watch it was often really fuzzy.  Now though, we get great reception and I find myself wanting to watch tv a lot more.  I am already watching American Idol twice a week and The Office once a week.  Whenever people ask me how I have time to blog I just say, "well, I don't watch tv."  I guess I can't say that anymore.  So now when someone tells me how they have no time to blog and can't imagine how I have the time (this drives me crazy by the way).  I'll just tell them that I neglect my children and my house and my husband.  Which is partly true depending on the day...

I'm off to see what's on tv--probably Obama still.  I do have some Monk DVDs though.

A Simple Woman's Daybook

A Simple Woman's Daybook for today...February 23, 2009

Outside my window...it's a little chilly (for FL that is--maybe in the high 40s) and the sun is just coming up.

I am thinking...HOW could it possibly be the last week of February??? I felt like January blew past me and now February is gone too. Why can't time slow down a little bit. Before I know it the perfect FL winter will be over and I'll be hot all the time again.

From the learning rooms...Hannah and I move into France but will still be learning about Norway as we prepare for International Day. Grace and Joe will continue learning about space and everybody will be doing lots of the basics--Math, Reading, and Language Arts.

I am thankful for...a very productive Saturday and a relaxing Sunday, the perfect combo to start off a busy week!

From the kitchen...oops, forgot to think about that. Fish tonight for sure and easy peasy meals the rest of the week--no time for anything fancy. I will also be making lots of cookies for the bake sale at theatre this weekend and a cookie cake for Joe's birthday.

I am wearing...pjs--I'm never dressed this early in the morning.

I am reading...catching up on magazines (Reader's Digest, Guideposts, and Family Fun) in between books. I plan to start "John: The Last Eyewitness" by Tim LaHaye today.

I am hoping...for a productive school week.

I am creating...a presentation for International Day and a lapbook--all with kid's help of course.

I am hearing...Arthur on PBS kids.

Around the house...school, school, school and maintaining the house--i.e. keeping the clutter from piling up in the living room!

One of my favorite things...the Jim Elliott-Nate Saint End of the Spear story. I have always been fascinated by this ever since I first read about it. I have now shared the story with my kids by reading Nate Saint's biography and Rachel Saint's. They have also seen End of the Spear. Well, this week I received a report about Operation Christmas Child and there was a picture of Mincaye and his wife and grandkids. Mincaye was one of the men who speared Nate Saint and the other men and then later went on to be saved and become Steve Saint's special friend and a grandpa to his kids. It was thrilling to see a picture of him and to know he's still alive, exciting for my kids too.

A few plans for the rest of the week...Hannah is in "Beauty and the Beast" this weekend and we'll be at every show, Joe's birthday is Friday so we'll be celebrating that and then school and tutoring and normal daily life around here.

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

These are the "Goth" cupcakes the kids made last week. I gave them full reign with food coloring and they all overdid it. I'm assuming they tasted better than they looked and I hope my kids learned some valuable lessons about when too much is too much--especially when it comes to food coloring!

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

Amazing pictures of my kids

Thank you to Amy for some amazing pictures of my kids!!!  

I know I will regret this...

Grace and Joe are learning about the planets and in a moment of extreme silliness, I taught them the cute little "poem,"

"Boys go to Jupiter to get more stupider, Girls go to Mars to get more candy bars" 

Be a New Mom By Friday

That should be the title of the book, "Have a New Kid by Friday."  This book came at a perfect point in my parenting journey.  As most of my readers know, I have three children and one of them is extremely strong willed.  That would be my sweet son, Joe.  If you have never parented a true strong willed child you can not fully understand how exhausting it can be.  How discouraging it can be.  How maddening it can be.  I jokingly say that just like God's mercies are new every morning--so is Joe's will.  It's like every day we must establish again that yes, I am the mom and I am the boss.  Today is not the day that you get to run the house.  Probably the last 6 months or so I have become a very lazy, angry parent.  With Joe that is.  I've been avoiding conflict for as long as I can avoid it and then when I can't take anymore I would get furious and scream and yell and rant and rave and he would cry and scream and ultimately we would make up until the next battle.  Can we say, "completely ineffective and stupid??"  So, it was at this point that I picked up the book "Have a New Kid by Friday."  Within the first day of reading it I started putting some of Dr. Leman's suggestions into action and wow--it worked.  Most of what he has to say is totally logical and truly nothing extraordinary.  But--it's practical and easy and can be put into practice immediately.  The best thing that I learned was to "Say it once.  Turn your back.  Walk away."  Until trying that I didn't realize that I would give a command and then wait for the fit.  I started doing just what Leman says and Joe didn't stop pitching a fit but I stopped reacting because I was walking away going on about my business.  I chose to stop being angry and take control of my own emotions so I could better handle Joe's.  A week later and I have not freaked out even once because of Joe's behavior.  Although his behavior hasn't changed completely there are some radical changes that I am sooo happy about.  One of them is that he is completely dressing himself.  I know, the kid is almost 6, he should have been dressing himself for years. But, he's the baby and a strong willed one at that and so I've been dressing him so that he doesn't freak out.  I quit doing that and the first day he screamed for a half hour because he couldn't find the hole to put his head in in his shirt.  He finally found it and proceeded to dress himself.  He's continued to dress himself daily and after a week the fits are over.  He just does it.  I've noticed that he is obeying more and doing it without screaming or complaining.  We still have a long way to go but I feel much more confident now that I have a direction and tools for parenting him.  The basics are this:

• Say it once.  Turn your back.  Walk away.
• Let reality be the teacher.
• Learn to respond rather than react.
• B doesn't happen until A is completed. (they don't get what they want until you get what you want)

There is a great index in the back of the book with common problems that parents have with kids and with advice about how to deal with them.  It gives great advice for every age, particularly the ages my kids are right now.  I highly recommend it!  Even if your kids are easy and never give you a minute of trouble...are there any kids like that?

The Trampoline

We've had this trampoline up for two weeks now and I've just gotten around to taking some pictures. So far I've only got Gracie but she's by far the most into it. She's well on her way to mastering a flip. She just has to figure out how to land on her feet.

A day in the life...

Today was a FULL homeschooling day. We had nothing going on to shorten our day and I was determined to do everything I wanted to get done. It's the middle of February and I'm changing things up AGAIN! That seems to be the story of my homeschool life. I think it's the story of most homeschoolers' lives. I've decided to combine Grace and Joe instead of combining Hannah and Grace. There are a few reasons for this. One is that Grace absolutely loves Science and I was planning some fun science lapbooks to do with Joe. It would be almost cruel not to let her participate. The books I'm using are for 1st-3rd grade so it isn't below her level. Once I decided to do that I knew that it would be too much for her to also continue with Exploring Countries and Cultures. To be honest, she wasn't getting as much out of ECC as I would have liked. Mostly because she is not a strong reader. Also, I really want to spend more time with her on the basics (reading, math, and language arts) so I need to cut back in another area. Adding the science and taking out the ECC strikes the perfect balance for her. Joe is pretty happy about having a buddy working with him too. So, today was the first day of our new plan. Here's how it went...
I started with this--I don't always go for the caffeinated coffee but today I felt that it would help get me going and keep me going.
This (see the picture below) is what Joe does pretty much every day at the beginning of our schooling. He is such a smart kid but oh so stubborn. He even told Ollie that he does a good job at school after he pitches a fit. I've finally learned not to get angry and just let him do his little flip out and then he cooperates. Today the flip out was because he didn't want to figure out 6 + 3. Trust me, this is NOT hard for him. The kid is brilliant. Once he had the answer he was upset because his 9 looked like a balloon. I assured him that his 9 was perfect. All 9's look like balloons. After this fit he went on to do a great job on his math and then do his reading lesson. I love the new little desk area I set up for him at the end of the table. A friend of mine (thanks Kris!) told me that kids with sensory issues do better if their back can touch the back of a chair and if their feet can touch the floor. So, I set Joe up with his own little desk and he likes it. After finishing his work it was on to the computer to play Jumpstart World. This is part of his school and is what he does inbetween working with me. It's an awesome learning game and definitely a constructive thing for him to do! While Joe was throwing his fit and then doing his math Grace was working on her math and Hannah was doing her Wordly Wise lesson.

While Joe played Jumpstart Hannah did her math and I worked with Grace. We did her reading lesson (Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Reading), did some sight word flash cards, First Language Lessons, a page out of a Spelling Puzzles book, and she read to me from an Abeka reader. She is progressing by leaps and bounds with reading and I am soooo happy!!! After finishing all of that she was dismissed for a break to play with Joe. Then I turned my attention to Hannah. We did language arts (First Language Lessons Level 3), the Bible reading and other reading for My Father's World, made a small poster of the numbers 1-10 in Norwegian, a worksheet on the rivers of Europe, her Precepts Bible study that we are slooooowwwwllly making our way through, and she made a "Lapland Felt Square." The small poster and the felt square will be part of our display at the upcoming International Day. After all this I took a break for lunch. Hannah wasn't hungry so she continued working. Grace and Joe ate lunch.

Then after lunch it was time to get back to Grace and Joe. I read to them about the planets, answered a million questions--I really hope I got the answers right--and then got them started on one of the little books for their lapbook. They had to color all the planets and glue them into the book.

And, as it approached 2 pm we finally finished!!! I didn't get to Writing Strands with Hannah but tomorrow is a new day. I've come to terms with the fact that if I really want to homeschool my three kids the way that is important to me then I just have to block out everyday until about 2 pm to get it all done. And, it is going to require me to multi-task and wisely plan so that our time goes smoothly and very little is wasted. There was a time when we could be done by lunchtime but those days are over.

Idol Again

I just have to put in my two cents here.  I was thrilled with the results of tonight's show.  I think it was right on with who deserved to get through.  Tatiana even held herself together mostly.  I would not be a bit surprised if she isn't the wild card pick--she or Anoop.  The kids and I prayed for Tatiana tonight.  I told the girls that she needed Jesus because she had built her house on shifting sand and needed that solid rock to stand on.  I truly feel sad for her.  She is not emotionally stable and I think it would be hard to be her.  

I was thrilled to see Michael Johns and Carly!  That was a fun surprise.  I was also happy to hear that he has an album coming out soon.  

American Idol and other stuff

Last night was a little disappointing and even a little on the boring side.  Aside from a few really great performances these people did terrible!!!  I think Alexis Grace will be the only girl out of this group left in the running (unless the wild card pick is a girl).  For the other two spots I think it will be Danny Gokey for sure and then either Anoop Desai, Michael Sarver, or Ricky Braddy.  And, what was up with Tatiana???  She acted so normal, but we know she's not normal so what's up?  Is there a split personality there or did somebody tell her how stupid she acted during Hollywood week???  She was so calm last night it was almost scary.  I will say that she sounded great though.  Usually if anybody tries to sing Whitney Houston they bomb it but she sounded really good.  She's just weird and unpredictable.  Unpredictable makes me nervous.  Grace was funny last night after Alexis Grace sang.  Alexis has a two year old at home and Grace said that she likes Alexis but doesn't want her to go through because she thinks that Alexis needs to be home with her little girl.  

We are reading "Treasures of the Snow,"  I forgot how great this book is!  I love it.  I have two copies if someone wants to have one of them let me know.  The gist of the story is that there is this bully who causes an accident to happen to an angelic little boy and the book centers around this bully dealing with what he has done and the sister of the angelic little boy dealing with unforgiveness toward the bully and in the end the bully accepts Jesus as his Savior and the girl is part of that and with God's help forgives him.  Great book!

I am loving the trampoline!  It is helping the kids with school by providing them a place to get their wiggles out.  They do some school and then go jump for 5 minutes and then do a little school and go jump for 5 more minutes.  Grace takes her math out to the trampoline and does her work out there.  It's really been fun for them.  Let's hope and pray that no one breaks his or her neck.  I taught Grace how to do a mini flip last night (knee drop/flip) and Ollie told me that doing those fancy tricks is how kids get hurt.  Isn't learning to do flips the whole purpose of a trampoline???  

Well, their 5 minute break is up and it's time to hit the books!  I've changed up school a little bit (again).  I will post about that later!

What I think about "The Shack"--for what it's worth to anyone???

I finished reading "The Shack" a week ago and should have blogged about it right away.  I've probably forgotten some things I wanted to say.  Oh well, here goes...

I didn't hate it and I didn't love it.  It seems like most people are on either end of the spectrum but not me.  It was interesting and different.  In it, a man goes to the place where his daughter was murdered after receiving an invitation from God.  When he gets there, he meets three people--a big, black woman who loves to cook and eat, a man who works with his hands, and an Asian woman who is kind of like a spirit.  They represent God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.  This aspect certainly made for an interesting way of looking at the Trinity.  It bordered on irreverent at times though, especially with the woman who was God.  Like when she warned the main character, Mack, not to eat too many greens or he might get the "trots."  I enjoyed how each of the different characters related to Mack and the things they talked about.  I wouldn't base my theology on any of these conversations but some interesting things were brought up and made me think.  Here are a few of them...

I was reading this book while at the doctor's office waiting for results of my bloodwork.  I was anxious and worried.  So, the following really spoke to me at that moment.  Jesus was talking to Mack and said, "do you realize that your imagination of the future, which is almost always dictated by fear of some kind, rarely, if ever, pictures me there with you?"  This really hit me because I have spent a lot of time worrying about my future.  Will I always live in pain?  Will the medication that I'm taking to help with the inflammation and pain ruin my liver?  Will I ultimately end up in a wheelchair?  I could go on and on.  Nothing good comes from these kinds of worries.  Whatever I face in my future, God will be by my side.  That's comforting and helps me control my thoughts.

The next thing that I found interesting (again not necessarily theologically sound) but interesting to think about..."we didn't create man to live alone; she was purposed from the beginning.  By taking her out of him, he birthed her in a sense.  We created a circle of relationship, like our own, but for humans.  She, out of him, and now all the males, including me, birthed through her, and all originating, or birthed from God."  

There is another conversation with Jesus about trusting God with our lives and giving up control.  Mack tells himthat he doesn't know how to let go and give God the control and trust Him with his life.  He also feels overwhelmed at changing himself and the world around him to be more godly.  Jesus says to him," No one is asking you to.  That is the Holy Spirit's task and she (remember that in this book the Holy Spirit is an Asian woman) knows how to do it without brutalizing anyone.  This whole thing is a process, not an event.  All I want from you is to trust me with what little you can, and grow in loving people around you with the same love I share with you.  It's not your job to change them, or to convince them.  You are free to love without an agenda."  I really think if more christians would love non-christians without an agenda, then more non-christians would be wanting to have a faith of their own and would feel God's love and want to know more.  I know for a fact that many non-christians are completely turned off when christians are only out to save them without truly loving them for who they are.

And one more thing worth noting...Now Mack is talking with God about judgement.  There was this awesome section where Mack is taken into a cave and ultimately asked to judge God and he realizes how unworthy and imperfect he himself is and what a hard job God has.  If it were fresher in my mind I could elaborate more but it's been a week.  Anyway, what I liked was what God told Mack about when we fail continually.  Here it is:  "Remember, Mackenzie, I don't wonder what you will do or what choices you will make.  I already know.  Let's say, for example, I am trying to teach you how not to hide inside of lies, hypothetically of course.   And let's say that I know it will take you 47 situations and events before you will actually hear me--that is, before you will hear clearly enough to agree with me and change.  So when you don't hear me the first time, I'm not frustrated or disappointed, I'm thrilled.  Only 46 more times to go.  And that first time will be a building block to construct a bridge of healing that one day you will walk across."  

Those were the things that struck me in this book.  I do recommend it to anyone interested.  The beginning where the crime happens isn't as graphic or disturbing as I thought it would be.  It was scary and disturbing but not as disturbing as the opening chapters of "Lovely Bones."  I will say though that if you read this book remember that it is a work of fiction, and written by a man.  You should not base your theology on what this book presents.  That is what the Bible is for.  The Bible alone is the true word of God.  

A Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window...it's a beautiful day, perfect weather. I think the high today is in the low 70s and it's a sunny day.

I am thinking...that I really want to celebrate this holiday by taking a day off from school. Unfortunately, after 3 weeks off I don't feel like we have that luxury. However, I am extending our school year through the summer so what's one more day. But, I could at least do a little bit of school--the main stuff. But it is President's day, maybe if we talk about that and read some books about George Washington and Abraham Lincoln...the house is a mess and I could really use the day to whip it into shape and start fresh tomorrow. That's what is in my head this morning--pretty confusing huh?

I am thankful for...an awesome message on Sunday morning! Just a reminder that through these struggles, God may not be choosing to give me physical healing but He is right by my side and loves me and even likes me.

From the learning rooms...we have a lot going on in our little homeschool. In addition to the three R's we need to work on our Norway project for International day and I'm starting the "Space" unit with Joe and Grace.

From the kitchen...who knows? I haven't thought much about that. Right now we have to get through some leftovers. We'll probably try a recipe from "Cooking the Norwegian Way."

I am wearing...pjs.

I am creating...not much really, does school prep count? I spent an hour or so last night cutting and pasting to prep for Joe's new unit. A word of advice--if you are going to do lapbooking style projects with younger kids--PREP first!!!

I am going...to hang posters advertising the upcoming performance of "Beauty and the Beast," around town later today. I'll be going to the park tomorrow and I think those are our plans for the week! Woohoo--a calm week!

I am reading..."Have a New Kid by Friday," this is a great book! I've already applied the principles and things are going really well. I feel much more in control (of Joe) and much less angry.

I am hoping...that changing my diet (once again) will really be effective in controlling and reducing my chronic pain.

I am hearing...Little House on the Prairie. It's actually an episode that I've never seen, I thought I had seen them all!

Around the house...it's not in terrible shape but definitely needs some decluttering.

One of my favorite things...Little House on the Prairie.

A few plans for the rest of my week...mostly focusing on school and getting the house under control. Wow--no real plans, this is unusual. I like it!

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

This is our yard after the freezes two weeks back to back. Before the freezes this was a lush "forest." You couldn't even see the shed at all. Now look at it!

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

Help! I'm at the Computer and I Can't Get Up!

You know the feeling right?  You just keep clicking on blog after blog and link after link and looking up anything you can think of, all in an effort to avoid doing what you SHOULD be doing.  Right now my kitchen is a mess and the rest of the house could use a once over.  I spent hours cleaning out and rearranging Grace and Joe's room yesterday and it seems to have sapped me of all my energy to face today.  Couple that with the beginning of another elimination diet that includes NO SUGAR! and you've got one unmotivated mommy.  I've already had my Sunday afternoon nap and I really need to hit that kitchen.  The kids are begging to make a cake using the EZ Bake Oven.  I really am not fond of the EZ bake and will probably just let them make cupcakes instead.  We'll see.  Nothing can happen until the kitchen is clean though.  Doesn't that seem ridiculous to clean the kitchen in order that my kids can make a mess?  It's how I am though...I have to start with a clean kitchen.  Maybe that's because my kitchen is so small and I have no dishwasher.  The mess has to stay manageable or you really can't do anything.  I dream of having a big, fancy kitchen someday.  I don't think it will happen though but it's fun to dream.  The kitchen is what I notice in everybody's house I go in.  The kitchen is what I have to repent over being jealous about.  And a dishwasher...wow.  I can't even imagine that one.  Cabinet space--I could actually have more than two serving dishes.  A pantry...

Anyway...enough about the kitchen, I'm thankful that I have a home and a kitchen and food in the kitchen and able hands to do the dishes.

I'm getting excited about getting into a regular school schedule again.  We have lots to do and will likely be schooling into the summer but I'm okay with that.  We are heading into Europe with Exploring Countries and Cultures.  We will be focusing on Norway, France, and Germany.  I'm looking forward to trying some authentic recipes.  I have also decided that we will be participating in an International Day and our country is Norway.  So, we will focus our studies there for a while as we prepare our display and presentation.  I think it will be fun and be a great learning experience for the kids.  Any ideas???  Grace is making great progress in reading, it is finally clicking and that is thrilling!  Joe is doing well too and I've got some fun things planned for him to make it more fun and interesting.  We will be doing a unit on Space and a unit on Night Creatures.  I will be using Evan-Moor Theme Pockets as a guide.  I used these with the girls and they loved them and learned a lot.  

I'm off to clean the kitchen and deal with a screaming kid.  Guess who?

Happy Valentine's Day...

...from this adorable stranger. I was told that if I showed this picture to anyone I needed to tell them that it was a stranger and not Joe. He loves this wig and actually wore it into Walgreens the other day. Well, for a few seconds anyway before Hannah ripped it off his head in utter humiliation. I think he really thinks he's unrecognizable when he wears it.

American Idol

There were some great moments on tonight's show as they narrowed the contestants down to 36.  I'm thrilled that some of my favorites made it through--Megan Corsomethingorother, Stevie Wright, Danny Gokey, Noop-dog, Michael Sarver, and lots more.  I'm not happy that Tatiana made it to the top 36.  Yes, she can sing but she's so ANNOYING!!!!  And so emotional.  Between her and Nathaniel there is going to be some serious drama.  Maybe that's why they are in the top 36.  I did soften towards Nathaniel tonight though when they showed his story and interviewed his grandma.  He is one lost kiddo and I am afraid the pressure of the show is going to be tough on him.  He will likely get voted off early and probably won't take it well.  Just sayin'.  So, Joe has decided that he loves Tatiana.  I think he is only saying this because he knows how much I can't stand her, he loves to disagree with me.  He is funny though, talking little boy smack.  He kept saying to me, "you're a fan, you're a fan, you're a fan of Tatiana," in that singsong little voice kids are so good at.  He also kept telling me, "She's awesome, I love her."  Grace likes her too and gave me a short lecture about judging people based on their personality.  Grace says she is a great singer and because of that she really likes her.  Quality family time happening at our house thanks to American Idol.

A few more thoughts--I think the sing off thing they did tonight was just plain cruel.  The one who won could hardly be excited for him or herself because they had to show sympathy to the other.  Especially putting two friends up against each other.  I love it though that both tough guys got through.  I thought Jen should have won out over Kristen.  I'm not liking Kristen, she plays the victim and it's awkward.  I felt bad for Jamar not getting through when his buddy Danny did.  He handled it so well though.  Very mature.  I think I like Nick/Norman.  Not sure but he is funny.  I hope he goes on the show as Norman Gentle.  I'm getting way too into this show.  I actually kept a list of the top 36 tonight.  Somehow I missed one though.  At the end I only had 35.  Am I a nerd or what???

So, what did you guys think???

A Funny Picture

I know I shared this picture last year but it's just too funny not to post again.  This is the lady that yelled at Grace at the nursing home 2 years ago.  When Grace handed her a Valentine this woman said, "I don't want no Valentine!!" and proceeded to launch the Valentine back at Grace and it flew over her head.  Grace was surprised but I was right there and whisked her away before she could get too upset.  Amazingly, this has not scarred her for life and she willingly goes back to the nursing home on Valentine's day every year.  

Some Pictures from Our Busy Week

We started our day yesterday going to see the play, "Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business." I enjoyed the play, the story is really cute, and I liked the way they made it into a musical. Unfortunately, it kind of got on my nerves because of my pet peeve--adults talking like or acting like little kids. Really gets on my nerves. And--this play had no kids in it. Just adults acting like kids. I tried to look past it so that I could enjoy but...it still got on my nerves and I had to look away at times. The kids loved it though and it was well done.

We made it back to town just in time for our Keepers at Home tea party. The girls had tea and learned some etiquette. I learned some etiquette too. Did you know that the word "fork" has 4 letters and so does the word "left" so the fork goes on the left? Works the same with "spoon," "knife," and "right." I'll never forget that now!

Today we went to the nursing home to bless the residents with some Valentines and some sweet kid singing. They weren't ready for us so we started with the singing. We sang some very simple songs over and over again to try to kill time. Thankfully, the kids were patient and cooperated and sang their little hearts out. After singing we passed out the Valentines and it all went well. Nobody got yelled at like Grace did a few years ago. :0)