Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

Well, it started snowing about 1 on Friday afternoon and has pretty much been snowing since (off and on). Our grand total for this round of storms is about 12-14 inches. Needless-to-say, we have spent much time outdoors enjoying the winter wonderland we call our yard. Its been several years that we have had "real" snow for us to enjoy (except when we were visiting new Hampshire last winter). So, the children are just soaking it all in. Like myself and Rich, our children love the snow but are not fans of the cold...or should I say the discomfort that comes with staying warm...
the winter coats that never quite feel "right,"
the hats that make your head sweaty,
the gloves that aren't long enough to keep the snow from sneaking down your sleeve,
the two layers of pants--under your snow pants-- that, believe it or not, give you a wedgie,
the socks that sink into your boots despite your best efforts to tuck them under the three layers of pants,
oh--and since I mentioned boots, or rather, the brick on each foot just to make the waste deep snow a little more difficult to trudge through,
the turtle neck that chafes your chin because its wet from the snow your brother threw at you, and the runny nose that you just can't seem to wipe dry with your snowy mittens,
so now that you're warm and dry, have as much fun as possible...if you can move!

I actually like that feeling of safety that being wrapped in so many layers provides. I have this sense of invisibility out in the snow when I throw my body around in ways I typically would not. I'm all wrapped in softness...the snow looks fluffy...I'M UNTOUCHABLE...until I sled down a hill, hit a bump, my aging body is tossed through the air, and I land--face first into the fluffy snow, and then I remember...I'm not invincible, and snow is cold.

So each time we attempt to leave the house, I listen to the whining about the jackets, the hats, the mittens, the general discomfort of sitting in a car seat with a winter jacket, and I remind my children...and myself...we live in Massachusetts...we will be wearing all of this until sometime in April...get used to it and embrace it!
Here we are embracing winter it in front of out snow forts. We really have had a great weekend.

All I want for Christmas...

Yep, you guessed it...
MY TWO FRONT TEETH!!!

Wish I had a digital camcorder...

Well its times like these that I wish I had a digital camcorder to post my children's antics and funny moments (I'm pretty sure it sounds funnier when Leah sings it). I've mentioned before how Leah makes up her own words for things and fills things in when she can't decipher what it is like here or here or here.

Leah's version of Jingle Bells
Jingle Bells, jingle Bells,
Jingle all the way,
You know how much fun it is to ride
In a hoatin' hoatin' sleigh! Hey!
(What was that?... a houtin' houtin'?)

If you have heard me sing and my inability to process and memorize lyrics (or anything else for that matter) you would understand how she has come to this version. We just fill in the words and ideas with our own.

99 things... I've done or not done

My dear friend, Brittney, posted this fun list on her blog. I hadn't seen this one and it provoked some thoughts about all the things I would like to do in my life and have done. Final result, I need to do more traveling, especially aboard.

The items I have done/experienced are in green...and my cynical comments or explanations are in red...


1. Started your own blog (it appears that way)
2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band. (no, and consider yourself lucky!)

4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world (several times, but not as an adult)

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo (does the shower and car count?)

11. Bungee jumped (I wanted to when I was less responsible for other beings)

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables (does AeroGarden count?)

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked (with my dad when I was young...he ran out of gas...we were picked up by the police)

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon (does a half-marathon twice count?)

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset (one of my favorite past times)

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person (my next road trip)

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language (I can barely speak English these days)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving (see explanation at #11)

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check (since I don't balance my checkbook...what do you think)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt (I was in 8th grade...and it was VERY crooked)

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades (we were almost there, Brittney)

75. Been fired from a job (kind of...but I fought it...and they changed their mind...still proud of that)

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book (working on it!)

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car (hopefully never have to buy used again)

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible (working on it)

86. Visited the White House (and going again in the spring)

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (really???)

88. Had chickenpox (oddly enough, I'm actually immune to the disease)

89. Saved someone’s life (apparently my younger brother from drowning in a pond, however I don't really remember it, but if he's giving me credit...)

90. Sat on a jury (arson case)
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

Alright...now that you know a bit more about me, I wanna know more about you! So, copy this and paste it on your blog, answer the questions, and then leave me a comment so I can read it!

Things I have learned...

Hello friends and loyal blog followers ( all three of you),
Its been a busy couple of weeks--as it probably has been with most everyone. I've been working at Target nights and weekends for the holiday season. I have learned a few things through this opportunity...
(1) I don't need to get out of the house as much as I thought I did
(2) Black Friday is not all its cracked up to be,
(3) a simple smile and greeting can have a huge impact on some one's attitude--no small feat in New England,
(4) parents let their children wander off in stores very often AND are then surprised when their child is lost,
(5) shoppers are surprised when one says "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays" and we're in a sad state of affairs when its "uncomfortable" for someone to recognize the true meaning of this season,
(6) laundry piles up very quickly when you work days (homeschooling) and nights,
and...
(7)I'm very grateful for my education and the career opportunities I will have when I will go back into the workforce.

So I have been working more hours than I originally planned (25-30+ hours) and it has just thrown off our balance at home a bit. No big deal, and in this economy, I'm grateful I'm one of the few to find a part-time job.

Like the rest of you we're working on Christmas cards (I promise to get them out this year. I was thinking of sending last year's photo and letter as well since they were never mailed.) If you would like to send me a little guilt for not getting our cards out with our new address, just drop me an email. I won't post it on-line in case we have one of those crazy stalkers reading my very interesting and very exciting blog.

I'm also attempting to launch a web-based business. Rich is working on the website s-l-o-w-l-y! (good thing he never reads our family blog!) More details to come after the holidays. It may not make me much money, but its been good for my quickly-digressing intelligence.

We have a few stories and service projects to post about and I'll have them up soon. The children and I have been trying to consciously "SERVE" someone each day of Advent. So far, it hasn't been difficult to find someone in need. We've learned some sweet lessons from this project and one never knows where serving will take you.

First Snow Fall 2008

We got our first snow fall for the season today...its going to be a long winter. But as far as I'm concerned, if its going to be cold, we might as well have snow. We only got a few inches, but since we have a pretty large back yard, Benjamin and daddy were able to roll a pretty impressive snowman.
Unfortunately, Leah was sick with fever and cold, so she hung inside with some Christmas videos and snacks on the couch.

The True meaning of Christmas

I know its not even Thanksgiving yet...but this year I am both overwhelmed by the imminent holiday madness and excited by the possible spirit of the season. So, as you gear up for black Friday and the rush of the holidays, keep this gentle reminder in mind...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn10FF-FQfs

Merry Christmas!

Funny Friday

OK, I know I am not the only mom to have these conversations with my children...just maybe the only one foolish enough to share...
Conversation with Leah...

M: Leah, please take your finger out of your nose.
L: Don't worry, Mom. You cut my nails too short. I can't even pick.


Really???

A sneaky peaky of leah's room

This is a little peak of Leah's "Pink Parfait Garden." It may never be done, but we're having fun doing bits at a time. I'll post as we get more done.
(don't even ask about Ben's room...remember I lost the nomination for mother-of-the year and it wasn't for NO reason.)

Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA

History comes ALIVE at Plimoth Plantation!!! Last fall when we were studying Thanksgiving and its history, I was really disappointed that we could not come up north to visit Plimoth plantation. So, we certainly were not going to miss it this year. Despite the COLD (barely 30 degrees) and oodles of school children (for another post), we enjoyed our visit.

For those of you who did not go to Plymouth Plantation as a kid with their own school group, click here to learn more. The children got to "touch" the history they have been studying which is even more extraordinary since its virtually in our backyard.

The view of the colonists' plantation as it was in about 1629 from the guard tower. This was after several years of hard work.

This is Governor Bradford's wife posing (not so cheerfully--life was hard in those days) with the children.

The children in front of a wetu (a traditional home ) of the Wampanoag tribe. Interestingly enough, the Native American family on site are not actors (as in the colonist homesite).

We also visited the Mayflower II. A reproduction of the Mayflower that the English Settlers navigated to America in search of a new life.

And last, but not least: Plymouth Rock--or as Benjamin put it--Plymouth Pebble. Its not as impressive as many people expect it to be, but historical none-the-less!

Wordless Wednesday

A day to offer a little thanks

What does Veteran's Day mean to you? A Day off? A "floating holiday"? A day to remember those that have lost their lives fighting for the many liberties we have? Today was a day that humbled my heart.

I always remember my home being a PROUD-TO-BE-AN-AMERICAN sort of home. My father is a veteran of Vietnam. My grandfather and many uncles all veterans. My youngest brother served two tours in Iraq. AND my husband, Rich, did a tour in Bosnia (shortly after we got married). I am proud of the country in which we live, the freedoms we have and the liberties we enjoy. I strongly believe there is no better country on earth. Now, we have our issues. We are self-centered, selfish, pompous, wasteful, ignorant...I could go on. But, we still live in the best country in the world. It IS the best because many people have given their lives to ensure those freedoms and liberties. But on this Veterans Day, I was humbled by those Americans who have given their quality of life for those freedoms and liberties.

My dad--truly my real-life hero--wanted to visit some disabled veterans at a nearby Veteran"s Hospital and invited us along. I believe Service projects offer hands-on learning opportunities for the children and help tie-in the lessons of service and giving we read about daily in our devotionals. Since my children love being with their Pepere---they would shovel poop with him if it meant spending the day with him--we we thrilled to go along.

The Veteran's hospital was having a special program honoring their vets with a "Barber Shop Quintet" and cake and cider. We we fortunate to sit with a few gentlemen and talk about their service and the stories that brought them there. (If any of you know a vet--or just someone old--you know they love to tell their stories.) But for me... the humbling moment came when we sat in the back of the room and glanced of the sea of grey-haired men and women who had given up their quality of life--for me. All of the Veterans were disabled. All of them had given up something--for me. Many of the Veterans were in wheelchairs. Many of them were mentally impaired as a result of their service--for me. It certainly was humbling and a lesson for my children to refer to when we forget why we live the rich life that way we do.

Take a moment to thank a US Veteran today.

The children made "Thank You" notes to hand out to veterans.

This is Mr. Howard who served in World War II in the Philippine Islands. He obliged us with stories and a photo.

It's "ELECTRIC" Day!

The children participated in the national mock election last week, splitting their votes to the red and blue. After "carefully and thoughtfully" weighing the issues, the children decided which candidate represented and supported their issues best. They submitted their ballots and supported their candidate. I'm pleased to say that it did not divide our home as much as it did our country.

Yesterday, we woke to celebrate our right to vote and make our voices heard. We started with "All American" pancakes.

Then, we created our own "VOTE" signs to adorn our front yard.

We stood on the lawn waving our flags after our short...but proud parade in the driveway.

And then they accompanied me to our voting station. They had the perfect answers for the many questions that were asked of them by fellow citizens:

Fellow voter: "Well, hello young man. Are you here to vote?"

Benjamin: "No, M'am, I can't vote in a real election, I'm not 18 yet. But I did vote for McCain in the National Mock Election. Who are you voting for?

Or this one at the post office:

Leah: "Do you know what day it is today?, Its ELECTRIC Day. You can vote for President today."
Post Office worker: "Do you know who is running for President?"

Leah: "Yep. Obama. I voted for him."

(After some other small talk)...

Post Office Worker: "Did you know that for $.42 you can mail a letter anywhere in the country including Hawaii and Alaska."

Benjamin: "Oh, Hawaii. That's where Senator Obama was born."

Post Office Worker: "Oh, son, I don't think so. He was born in Africa or something like that (and she wasn't referring to his heritage, either).

Benjamin: (politely correcting an adult--since its really an issue around here)"No I don't think he was. You have to be born in the United States and at least 35 years old to run for President. I believe he was born in the capital city of Honolulu, right Mom?"

Post Office Worker: "Hmm. I'm not sure?"

Mom: (a little embarrassed for the PO worker, but REALLY?????) "OK, friends, lets drop these letters in the mail slot."

These were just a couple of the conversations shared throughout the day. At least I know they are listening.

Halloween 2008

Halloween was a wonderfully busy day! Ben and I had some dental work done in the AM just in time for candy. We had a Halloween party with our homeschool coop. It was great fun. We played games, danced, created seasonal crafts and ate some delicious snacks. Here's Ben-jamin' at the party.

And Leah jammin' at the party.

Next, we visited with my parents to show off costumes. Here are the children with my mom.

And "The Ninja" balancing his sword on his on his chin.

Check out this Snow Princess.

Rich's brother and his family live in a nice neighborhood for trick-or-treating so...... we invaded his Halloween (but we brought pizza). One of Rich's sister's also joined us with her three children. And the whole gang took-on the neighborhood and scored BIG with candy.

BUGS in your body!

During construction, most of our lessons (with the exception of a few busy workbook pages) were put on hold, including our Human Body unit (that's dragging out forever). Those of you who know me in a 'teaching' capacity, know that I'm certainly OK with that...y'know...learning-takes-place-in-everyday-life-philosophy. I'll blog about some of the input and help they gave the real carpenters in the renovations later on. But, today, I interupt this broadcast to inform you that you actually came from BUGS: per Leah.

As I was cleaning Leah ears this morning (I know: stick nothing in your ear but your elbow, but I have this THING for dirty ears).

Leah: (after witnessing a yellow Q-tip being carefully drawn from her ear) "EEWWW! That's disgusting. Is that the wax?"
Mom: "Yes, your body produces wax to keep out germs, dirt and maybe even bugs."
Leah: "BUGS! Did you know that boys have bugs in their penis, too?"
Mom: "What? I don't think so honey." {as I'm running through my possible conversations about the human body I may or may not have had, knowing we have not gotten to the reproductive system yet.}
Leah: "Yeah, I saw it in a book about the human body. They ARE in the boys penis! I just know it."
Mom: {having a moment of relief that I actually know where she's coming from} "Oh, honey, those are not bugs they are special cells called sperm cells that are used to make babies. {This is no time for white lies, this is a teaching moment, right?!}
Leah: "Oh," {moment of thoughtful silence} "I was made from a BUG?!"

Oh dear! I guess I can't really skip the reproductive system. Can't have my children running around yelling "you have bugs in your penis." Then again, perhaps that would keep her away from those "bugs."

Is this blog messed up????

Attention blog followers...Is my blog coming up with random print throughout the text? Or is it just on my computer? Does anyone know how to fix this problem that might not really be a problem?

Happy 5th Birthday, Sweet Girl!

My baby is FIVE! Although it breaks my heart, she growing into this little girl with so much personality and sweetness.

She already has a love of God and it amazes me how often she thinks about and refers to God. She's sassy and sweet at the same time......truly a gift! She loves hard and will have her heart broken repeatedly as a result of this. She loves and admires her big brother and believes him to be the funniest person alive. All-the-while, won't give him an inch! She loves all things girly but isn't afraid to do boy-ish things with her girly flair (eg. searching for worms in the mud dressed in her princess gown). She adores her father and has him wrapped tightly. She's smart and learns through her own unique process, which I love being witness to every day. And she is ever SO curious about SO many things. She is tender and kind and will share her very last {anything} with you...just because!

I already admire the young girl my daughter has become, I can't wait to see what His plan will be for her.

Stay tuned! It's going to be exciting!

I love you, sweet girl!

--Mama

**{WE'RE UNDER CONSTRUCTION}**

This time its not my blog, it our home (well, my father-in-law's home). It looks like we may be living here for longer than we thought. So, we're trying to make it a little more conducive to our family dynamics--two children of opposite sex (they were sharing a room). It started with repairing the upstairs bathroom floor and has led to a new bathroom and two new bedrooms. We're really excited! I'm especially excited for my kiddos who have sacrificed lots--although I'm not sure they know that they have--and will have their own VERY COOL spaces to where they can retreat. I have some photos of the renovation process, but I believe I'm going to save them all for one post. but here's a sneaky peaky hint of whats to come: a beautiful pink parfait garden and a super stealth submarine.

Stay tuned for updates.

NEW POSTS BACK-DATED!

Scroll past Word-y Wednesday and Is that a Green...thumb? to check them out.

Camping at Horseneck Beach, Westport, MA

We had the greatest weekend camping at Horseneck Beach in Westport. We really like camping there because you basically camp right on the shore (our site was about 100 yards from the water). Saturday happen to be the perfect family day for me...

It started with a quiet walk on the beach for MOM--nothing like a walk on the beach with some Chris Tomlin on your MP3 for some quiet prayer and reflection time. We then all went for a long walk/bike ride down the beach road in search for the tallest sand dune (without the camera, though). We explored the dunes, rolled down the sand and jumped off a few sand cliffs. We returned to have some lunch and then ***get this folks*** took a FAMILY NAP!! Benjamin wasn't feeling well and we took complete advantage of it! Family naps are so rare for us, they shouldn't even have a name. It has probably happen twice since Benjamin stopped napping about 5 years ago! Next, we played on the beach, built a sand castle (a family favorite), and watched Daddy take his annual salt water dip (the water and air has gotten pretty cool already). Leah--my little romantic--was the only one to join me to watch the sunset and posed for a few shots while Ben and Daddy started the fire. We concluded the day with s'mores and books.

It was just a perfect day!

I want to be like Dad!

We recently bought a treadmill from my sister-in-law for a steal to add to our Bowflex routine. We thought it would also be good for Papa to walk on once he got his back "fixed" (we even put a TV in there so he can watch his Judge Judy in the afternoons!

So Rich and I try to work out together several times a week. It at least gives us a common goal and together time. And when Rich does something, he usually does it 100%--exercising is no exception. Since Benjamin totally admires his Dad, he's joined in, too! Thank goodness they are healthy habits. He runs (for about 1/2 mile) and "lifts" with us a couple of times a week. Of course, we have found ways to incorporate into our Human Body unit!

When Life throws you apples...

...conduct a blind experiment, of course!

That's what homeschoolers do with a peck of apples! The children predicted which apple they thought they would like best and why. And to tie into our human body/senses unit, we tried to use our senses other than vision to identify our favorite apple. Our hypothesis was that if we could identify the apple by its color it would influence our pre-developed opinion of our favorite apple. We also proved our hypothesis correct.

So, I peeled the apples, presented them to my blind-folded subjects who felt, smelled, licked, tasted each apple slice. After tasting all four apple types (Red Delicious, Gala, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious), they identified their favorite. Interestingly enough, they both liked apples that were not initially identified as their "favorite."

We had so much fun!!! And they were so surprised that they actually liked apples they thought they wouldn't. And, of course, anytime you put blind-folds on two silly children, you can expect lots of giggles!

Word-y Wednesday

Unlike many homeschoolers, we have found ourselves homeschooling for many different reasons. And, although that is a post for another day, today I wanted to share just ONE of the many benefits to homeschooling...TIME! As I look around at traditional families schooling traditionally, I can't help but notice how hurried life looks. And we have our fair share of afternoon activities, weekend soccer games and family obligations. BUT, the biggest difference is the family time we share during the day for moments like this one pictured above. Let's take a look at your average 2nd grader attending school. They hurry through their morning routine, get to bus (or into mom's taxi), they spend 7 hours in school, they come home to complete homework before soccer practice, hopefully eat dinner as a family, come home to shower and get to bed-- to wake and do it all over.
It saddens me that the little down-time they may have probably is not spent reading to their little sister and giggling so hard about the book that they fall right off your chair, or collecting shells on the beach during our last hot day of the year and finding a "local" to teach us which animal lived in each type of shell we found, or taste testing the apples they picked together to conduct a blind study, or helping each other find locations on the map that accompanies their historical fiction read aloud, or listening to audio stories in the hospital waiting room while waiting for their Papa who is having a procedure, or running to the library (for the third time in a week) the minute that coveted chapter book you had on hold was in, or gathering a pile of their own books to donate to the hospital for other children who may need to wait for their grandpa and don't have any books to read, or visiting their Memere in that "scary" nursing home because "old people are going to die and go to heaven soon" (Leah's rationale)---AND that was just this past week!!!
Now, I admit that not all days are rosy, but all days have roses. And I recognize that we are blessed to be able to enjoy life a bit and all those moments that are more readily available because of the time we have together.

Is that a green...thumb?

Well, sort of. Remember the confession I made earlier about cheating the whole gardening thing? Well, here are our results after 4 weeks! The children are thrilled because its almost instant gratification. We've made very informed (not-so-much) predictions, we've estimated growth to a quarter-inch, we graphed, we've harvested, and yes...we've cooked with our herbs. Although, since you all know that my cooking is right there with my gardening, we've also learned the art of {improvising}. One thing I've learned about cooking with herbs...two much basil is NOT necessarily a good thing. But the children are ready to sell them on the front lawn (at their Lemonade stand/Book Sale--books they plan on writing themselves). So, if you're in town and are looking for some fresh herbs for dinner and want to read a book while sipping your over-sweetened lemonade, just come on by! I'm so proud of my little authors-turned gardeners-turned young entrepreneurs!

Fall means Apple Picking!

Today we went apple picking with my mom (aka Vavo) in Portsmouth, RI. The apples were plentiful and beautifully ripened. Today's pick-able apples were Gala, Red Delicious and Golden delicious. We made a delectable apple dessert to serve to Uncle Mark and Auntie Jenn.