So Many Books, So Little Time

From September 2006 to September 2007 the kids and I tried to keep track of the books we read. Each time we completed a book we made a paper ring and added it to our paper chain. We finished the year with somewhere around 200 books read. This included picture books and chapter books. Because of the age of our kids we read a variety of books from board books to about middle school level.

We were recently cleaning out our homeschool room and decided it was time to recycle our paper chain, but wanted to keep the memory of the accomplishment in a photo.

The boys would hang the chain from upstairs and it would still leave a large pile of paper chains on the floor below.

This year we're not keeping track, but we're still busily reading.

Paper Crafters on a Field Trip

As mentioned earlier, I'm teaching a paper crafts class at our homeschool co-op. We've made thank you cards, we're working on an "About Me" book and yesterday we went on a field trip to a local paper crafts store.
We learned about the business of paper crafting, a bit of the history of scrapbooking, how a local individually owned business can compete with the big box stores and we learned a new craft.
We made marble magnets. We were blessed as the owner of the store provided the craft supplies at no charge to us.
There was one bummer of the trip though...I brought my camera and with all the excitement, I forgot to take any photos. What kind of scrapbooker am I??
I will post photos of our projects soon.

The Craft Show

We shared a space with some friends. Our friends were trying to raise money for their upcoming adoption. It was a good experience for all.

Craft Show

Here are some of the crafts we completed... gift tags, bottlecap necklaces, bottlecap bracelets.

Preparing for the Homeschool Craft Fair

A couple months ago, the kids participated in a local homeschool craft fair. They made distressed Christmas gift tags, bottle cap necklaces, bracelets, French wire baskets, and more. It was a great experience! They worked so hard completing their projects. I will post our craft photos on the next post.

Fun with Papa

Office

One of the great games the kids have been playing lately is "Office." Our oldest expressed interest in learning how to type. I figured the computer keyboard wouldn't be quite the same as learning on a real typewriter. I mentioned this to my mom one day and she said she had an older typewriter she was planning on getting rid of because it was not being used. So on her next visit she brought up this typewriter that we used when I was at home.
The kids couldn't wait to pull it out, set it up and get to work. One sits in the chair, or at the "desk" and types away all forms of pertinent information. Most of the information gathered reads something like, "eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff," and the like. It's such good fun, and they are so official when doing it.
Lately, next to the typewriter they've set up the adding machine. So one does calcultions while the other pecks away at the keys.
The kids have had a great time using these archaic tools!
Just think of the days when young girls aspired to one day grow up to be a "Secretary." Look how far we've come!

Reflecting on the Fall

I realized today that months have passed by since we posted. I can't believe how quickly time flies. I know that sounds cliche, but it's the truth.

Last fall, I taught a class at our homeschool co-op. It was called Ahoy Mates and we learned about Pirates. There was so much to know! We followed the Magic Tree House supplemental book to Pirates Past Noon called Pirates. We did things like make pirate flags, we learned about knots (sweet husband knows quite a bit about knots and did a great demonstration), we made our own dubloons, we made hard tack, we dressed like pirates, and we finished off the class with a party worthy of a great pirate. It was all great fun! I've posted some photos from our party. I made the two cakes- the pirate ship and the treasure chest. Both patterns I was able to find on the web.

This quarter I'm teaching a class on Paper Crafts. So far we've made "Thank You" cards and are currently working on an "About Me" chipboard book. I will post photos soon.

Last quarter the boys also took classes on The Civil War and pioneer life. So much great learning going on!

Happy New Year Pneumonia!

Well this year started off with a bang! Sweet husband came down with influenza at the end of 2007. I regret I didn't show a great deal of sympathy and care. I didn't realize how bad it was until New Year's day when it came on me. I can't say I've felt that bad in a long time. Fortunately, sweet husband knew the pain I was in and cared for my every need along with taking care of our 3 dear kiddos.

After about a week with the flu, I came down with pneumonia. I knew it was bad and was keeping up with my symptoms and diagnosis by reading www.webmd.com A trip to the doctor and a chest x-ray confirmed what I knew. I had a case of bacterial pneumonia. I don't know if I've ever felt as overall miserable as I did with pneumonia. Kidney stones gave me intense pain, but the inability to get enough air was startling.

I'm happy to report after about two weeks, I'm now officially on the mend. I feel much better and am looking forward to a better year. I'm still trying to lie low and get plenty of rest. Relapse would be terrible.

So what have I learned through this?? I've learned that I'm surrounded by amazing, wonderful, and giving family and friends. I've had family and friends sacrifice their own time to come and care for me and our family. I've had friends pray, encourage, cook, clean and show great care. What a blessing!!

I've also learned that this may be my year to really experience rest and relaxation. I know I have a hard time just sitting. This has shown me that it's okay to just relax. Remind me if I start neglecting down time later in the year.

I've also learned it's good to be quiet. When you have limited oxygen, you learn to be quiet. It's a good thing!

I hope you all are doing well.

Happy New Year!!