Thankful....
Although we live in a culture where the landscape seems to always be changing and the news is bad, I serve a God who is never changing, always the same, yesterday, today and tomorrow and fear has no place in my heart because greater is He who is in me, than he (satan) who is in the world.
Thankful that I have been able to spend 1.5 years homeschooling Benjamin, despite the many tears that have been shed over this difficult, yet rewarding job.
Thankful that all three of my boys, to some degree, enjoy hunting and can share that with their dad, who is passionate about it.
Thankful for a husband that provides so well for our family and I don't have to work.
Thankful for my local library where we can check out great books and movies for free entertainment.
Thankful for my pinochle group, who I have been playing cards with for over 8 years.
Thankful for our stairs because they help us 'run' Bree when the weather is really cold out.
Thankful for my health and that of my family.
Thankful that my 'never sit still' kid (Jacob) can spend hours sitting next to me talking as we work a puzzle.
Thankful for white, cream gravy and that my boys are learning to love it too and requesting it.
Thankful that God can restore the years the locusts have eaten.
Thankful for the bucket list items we checked off this year...attending an NFL football game and a Christian music festival.
Thankful for all the wonderful finds I have found lately at second hand stores.
Thankful for all of JR's clients, who provide amazing job security.
Thankful for the 5 years of hard work by Joseph in speech therapy and that I can carry on conversations with my youngest.
Thankful that for the first time in over 15 years, I will be spending Christmas at my mom's with my 2 siblings and their families. (Although my boys are not sure about not having a white Christmas)
Just a few of the things I am thankful for...what about you?
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
We have been working a lot on the words that we speak at the house and to each other. One morning recently I heard Jacob say to Joseph "What do you mean mom does not know anything....she knows how to cook and she knows 100 x 100." I just had to laugh at the simplicity behind the statement and that Jacob would stick up for his momma.
Speaking of multiplying, Benjamin and I each week go into both Jacob and Joseph's classroom to help. The kindergarten kids really like Benjamin. When we were in Jacob's class this past week, Jacob challenged Benjamin to 'Around the World'. Benjamin squared off with Jacob on a multiplication problem and the first one to answer moved on to challenge the next student. Benjamin worked his way around the whole room. The kids were in awe of how smart he was. The teacher just kept telling them that if they practiced, they too could be that good at their math facts.
At 4H, the kids are on different committees and our boys are on the recreation committee. At the last meeting the adult who sits on that committee told me they were very impressed with Benjamin. He made it a point to throw out some inexpensive/free activities. He wanted to make sure that everyone could participate. I am so glad to see some of my frugal-ness starting to stick.
I gave both Jacob and Benjamin a clothing allowance this past year. It has been very eye opening for all of us. First off, I need to give them more money this year. Secondly, they have seen how far, or lack there of, the money goes. Benjamin still has some left and him and I have recently hit Kohls, with coupons and sales. He bought 2 shirts off the clearance rack and they were $1.40! He was so proud. He found some sweats he wanted and then quickly realized he was not willing to part with 30 bucks to buy them.
Back to our Denver trip...one of the places we visited was Red Rocks. I never knew this huge amphitheater existed until recently. It sits west of Denver and holds about 9600 people. The weather was beautiful so there were lots of people there. I was amazed at how many people go there to work out. They would run up and down the rows, run across the rows, do jump squats up and down, do inverted push-ups. It was crazy. Definitely a place I would love to work out! The lighting was terrible (for pictures), but if you are ever in Denver, check it out.
Since we had never been there, I had no idea where to go or park. I foolishly parked at the very bottom and this was the view as we started up to get to the amphitheater.
Then we got up to the amphitheater and found we were at the bottom of the amphitheater...so more stairs to get to the top.
This was a to scale model that was in the visitor center.
The view from the top with Denver out to the east. I can only imagine the sound of concerts here!
At 4H, the kids are on different committees and our boys are on the recreation committee. At the last meeting the adult who sits on that committee told me they were very impressed with Benjamin. He made it a point to throw out some inexpensive/free activities. He wanted to make sure that everyone could participate. I am so glad to see some of my frugal-ness starting to stick.
I gave both Jacob and Benjamin a clothing allowance this past year. It has been very eye opening for all of us. First off, I need to give them more money this year. Secondly, they have seen how far, or lack there of, the money goes. Benjamin still has some left and him and I have recently hit Kohls, with coupons and sales. He bought 2 shirts off the clearance rack and they were $1.40! He was so proud. He found some sweats he wanted and then quickly realized he was not willing to part with 30 bucks to buy them.
Back to our Denver trip...one of the places we visited was Red Rocks. I never knew this huge amphitheater existed until recently. It sits west of Denver and holds about 9600 people. The weather was beautiful so there were lots of people there. I was amazed at how many people go there to work out. They would run up and down the rows, run across the rows, do jump squats up and down, do inverted push-ups. It was crazy. Definitely a place I would love to work out! The lighting was terrible (for pictures), but if you are ever in Denver, check it out.
Since we had never been there, I had no idea where to go or park. I foolishly parked at the very bottom and this was the view as we started up to get to the amphitheater.
Then we got up to the amphitheater and found we were at the bottom of the amphitheater...so more stairs to get to the top.
This was a to scale model that was in the visitor center.
The view from the top with Denver out to the east. I can only imagine the sound of concerts here!
Friday, November 20, 2015
Looks like the snow is here to stay! I just don't like cold. And one of the things I really don't like is having to get out early in the morning to take the other 2 to school. We don't live that far from the school (3/4 mile) and they ride bikes when it is warm. But since I don't like cold, I have driven the boys. However, we have struck a compromise. They said if they had some hot chocolate to drink on the way to school they would walk. So, this morning I set them off with cups in hand, looking so grown up! They were actually excited. A pretty good trade off I think. I get to stay in the warm house and they get some hot chocolate.
I was recently talking to a friend of mine about the boys and some of our issues. She asked me if we knew anyone that we could hire our sons out to. No one really came to mind and she told me she knew a couple who had been very instrumental in hiring her sons and teaching them about work, discipline, etc. So, Benjamin and I went and met Connie the other day and they hit it off. He had his first day (2 hours) of work with her yesterday. He hauled some wood into the house, winterized some rose bushes ~ he was pretty impressed with that little bit of knowledge learned ~ and took out the trash. I think he was pretty nervous going into it, but we talked a lot about looking people in the eye, asking clarifying questions if needed, not grumbling, etc. I told him that if he does a poor job, she will not pay him his full hourly rate, which is $5 an hour. When I went to pick him up they both had a smile on their faces. She said she was very impressed with him. She said for his age, he was really good at filling in the gaps ~ if she told him step A, B and C, he was able to figure out D, E and F. I think this is going to be a great thing for him! He will probably work 2-3 hours once a week. I am hoping when the summer gets here that both Benjamin and Jacob can spend more hours out there working. They have a little bit of acreage and some farm animals, so definitely being exposed to a type of lifestyle we don't have. One of the coolest things about Connie is that she does cake decorating on the side ~ one of Benjamin's hidden passions that I have been wanting to feed. So, they have already talked about trading services, so to speak, so he can learn more cake decorating technique. And that my friends, is one thing I love about homeschooling. Getting them real world training that can't be taught in the classroom.
One of the things we did during our Denver trip was visit a trampoline park. We had never been and not real sure what to expect, but the boys had a blast. It was during a week day, so only one other boy there. Would have been fun to have more kids, but they all got their exercise.
In my little experience of taking pictures, I have to say an indoor trampoline park is one of the worst places. It is dark, there is lots of fast movement and lots of glass and glare. They had a basketball court.
The main jumping area.
A huge foam pit
A dodge ball court
Look how deep the foam is in the pit. I got into the foam pit and thought I was never going to get out!
They loved taking flying leaps into the foam pit....just bummed I couldn't slow down shutter speed for better pictures.
They had some really cool inflatables that I had never seen before for the little kids.
This guy loved tumbling. Just looking at some of my other blurry pictures, he just moves and runs like a gymnast. I remember all those years of watching Mary Lou Retton running down the mat and that form just comes natural for this boy.
They also had a mechanical bull that the older two were able to ride. They were amazed at how hard it was to stay on. Yes, I did try it, but for obvious reasons, I am not posting those pictures...it was not pretty.
A relatively quiet weekend. Benjamin is in the middle of a Lion's Club basketball league, so he has practice and a game. Other than that, I am hoping to bang out some projects!
I was recently talking to a friend of mine about the boys and some of our issues. She asked me if we knew anyone that we could hire our sons out to. No one really came to mind and she told me she knew a couple who had been very instrumental in hiring her sons and teaching them about work, discipline, etc. So, Benjamin and I went and met Connie the other day and they hit it off. He had his first day (2 hours) of work with her yesterday. He hauled some wood into the house, winterized some rose bushes ~ he was pretty impressed with that little bit of knowledge learned ~ and took out the trash. I think he was pretty nervous going into it, but we talked a lot about looking people in the eye, asking clarifying questions if needed, not grumbling, etc. I told him that if he does a poor job, she will not pay him his full hourly rate, which is $5 an hour. When I went to pick him up they both had a smile on their faces. She said she was very impressed with him. She said for his age, he was really good at filling in the gaps ~ if she told him step A, B and C, he was able to figure out D, E and F. I think this is going to be a great thing for him! He will probably work 2-3 hours once a week. I am hoping when the summer gets here that both Benjamin and Jacob can spend more hours out there working. They have a little bit of acreage and some farm animals, so definitely being exposed to a type of lifestyle we don't have. One of the coolest things about Connie is that she does cake decorating on the side ~ one of Benjamin's hidden passions that I have been wanting to feed. So, they have already talked about trading services, so to speak, so he can learn more cake decorating technique. And that my friends, is one thing I love about homeschooling. Getting them real world training that can't be taught in the classroom.
One of the things we did during our Denver trip was visit a trampoline park. We had never been and not real sure what to expect, but the boys had a blast. It was during a week day, so only one other boy there. Would have been fun to have more kids, but they all got their exercise.
In my little experience of taking pictures, I have to say an indoor trampoline park is one of the worst places. It is dark, there is lots of fast movement and lots of glass and glare. They had a basketball court.
The main jumping area.
A huge foam pit
A dodge ball court
Look how deep the foam is in the pit. I got into the foam pit and thought I was never going to get out!
They loved taking flying leaps into the foam pit....just bummed I couldn't slow down shutter speed for better pictures.
They had some really cool inflatables that I had never seen before for the little kids.
This guy loved tumbling. Just looking at some of my other blurry pictures, he just moves and runs like a gymnast. I remember all those years of watching Mary Lou Retton running down the mat and that form just comes natural for this boy.
They also had a mechanical bull that the older two were able to ride. They were amazed at how hard it was to stay on. Yes, I did try it, but for obvious reasons, I am not posting those pictures...it was not pretty.
A relatively quiet weekend. Benjamin is in the middle of a Lion's Club basketball league, so he has practice and a game. Other than that, I am hoping to bang out some projects!
Sunday, November 15, 2015
All is well here! We had a wonderful trip recently to Denver for the football game. Just before we left on our trip, I traded in my 'dumb' phone for a new to me smart phone. It has been quite the learning curve and I just have not had the energy to try to get the pictures off the phone ~ I don't have too many, but still.... Hopefully I will get a Denver post up soon.
We have already had several snow falls ~ fortunately the biggest came while we were in Denver. However, it has warmed up a bit so most of it has melted now.
Hunting season is in full swing. We have already processed a deer, a cow elk and then another friend just today gave us his deer. He just hunts for fun and does not want the meat. So, several of my evenings have been committed to helping JR with that. I think after this season, we are going to upgrade our grinder and get something better. Benjamin is now old enough to hunt and I might hunt some, so a more efficient grinder is needed. It sure is nice to have an almost full freezer. We have already had burgers and JR smoked some of the meat! Really good meat.
We have to be careful with Bree (dog) because she is just tall enough to get her front paws on the counter and if food is left too close to the edge, she helps her self. We found out the hard way with about $8 a pound meat!!
Recently had teacher conferences at the school. Joseph's teacher said he is well liked and sought out by friends, especially on the playground. She also commented on his work ethic and how she appreciates his 110%. He is still struggling with reading. She said it is so interesting how he seems to regress at times. I just smiled and told her that was very characteristic of his apraxia. She said Christmas time is usually her mental deadline for kids learning their letters and sounds so she was not too concerned. However, this is his 4th year of formal school ~ he had two years of special needs preschool and one year regular preschool. I am hoping after the holidays that she will start some one on one with him. I just don't get very far with him. Jacob is rocking it at school. As expected, she mentioned his blurting out. He just has so much energy and has a hard time controlling himself. Both teachers talked about how great their math minds are!
Benjamin and I continue to move along at home. Our main emphasis has been math, with some grammar and typing. History and science are sprinkled in because those are so enjoyed by him. He has been going to a tutor once a week and they have started doing more computer coding. He recently made a video game! Coding might just be a perfect fit for him.
Off to get everyone in bed! I am hopefully able to post some pictures later this week!!
We have already had several snow falls ~ fortunately the biggest came while we were in Denver. However, it has warmed up a bit so most of it has melted now.
Hunting season is in full swing. We have already processed a deer, a cow elk and then another friend just today gave us his deer. He just hunts for fun and does not want the meat. So, several of my evenings have been committed to helping JR with that. I think after this season, we are going to upgrade our grinder and get something better. Benjamin is now old enough to hunt and I might hunt some, so a more efficient grinder is needed. It sure is nice to have an almost full freezer. We have already had burgers and JR smoked some of the meat! Really good meat.
We have to be careful with Bree (dog) because she is just tall enough to get her front paws on the counter and if food is left too close to the edge, she helps her self. We found out the hard way with about $8 a pound meat!!
Recently had teacher conferences at the school. Joseph's teacher said he is well liked and sought out by friends, especially on the playground. She also commented on his work ethic and how she appreciates his 110%. He is still struggling with reading. She said it is so interesting how he seems to regress at times. I just smiled and told her that was very characteristic of his apraxia. She said Christmas time is usually her mental deadline for kids learning their letters and sounds so she was not too concerned. However, this is his 4th year of formal school ~ he had two years of special needs preschool and one year regular preschool. I am hoping after the holidays that she will start some one on one with him. I just don't get very far with him. Jacob is rocking it at school. As expected, she mentioned his blurting out. He just has so much energy and has a hard time controlling himself. Both teachers talked about how great their math minds are!
Benjamin and I continue to move along at home. Our main emphasis has been math, with some grammar and typing. History and science are sprinkled in because those are so enjoyed by him. He has been going to a tutor once a week and they have started doing more computer coding. He recently made a video game! Coding might just be a perfect fit for him.
Off to get everyone in bed! I am hopefully able to post some pictures later this week!!
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