• Jul. 5, 2008
Starting early.. Whats a mom to do?
The other evening we were just working
around the house and Carl leans over and
says "You are so beautiful."
I say to Superboy. See Son thats how you should
talk to women.
Doesn't he just get that twinkle in his eyes and
with a smirk on his face he says...
"Oh, Should I lie like daddy."
Little bugger. lol
Nikki
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• Jul. 2, 2008
Morning Wake up!!
Last night we took the kids shopping for bike
Helmets. We also got Training wheels for a little
bike Superboy had that now Spirit can ride. It was
late when we got home but the kids went and rode around
a little with their new helmets and Spirit with his new
knee pads and elbow pads.
Anyway my wake up this morning went something
like this. Spirit climbs in bed with us and puts his
face real close to mine.
"Mommy .... Bike" (time 6:00 am.)
I say yes you rode your bike last night. Knowing
full well what he wanted. He smiles and pats
his head and says...
"Bike Helmet"
I procede to tell him we will ride later today
that it is to early to ride bikes. He accepts
that and climbs over daddy, with andumph from him. lol
All the sudden he appears with a Thomas puzzle.
Climbs over Daddy again. Umph..
and dumps the puzzle on my bed. He quietly puts
it together and umph out the bed over daddy again.
Now mind you he could just go off my side. lol
Now he comes back with a sponge Bob.. He
giggles as he pretends to squish it on my head.
Then he procededs to try to make mommy kiss
sponge bob. Which I grab a squirmy toddler
hug and kiss him as he giggles away.
Daddys says.. mummble something about having to
get up .
And so the day begins.....
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• Jun. 27, 2008
Mud Splashing kind of day!
What a great day we had today. We went out early to
a nearby neighbors house for a yard sale and did we
ever hit the jackpot. I only spent a few dollars and
had some great finds. I bought...
United States map laminated 25 Cents
World map laminated 25 cents
Tell time Quizmo 25 Cents
M&M counting game 10 cents
Money matching game 10 cents
name plate cards 10 cents (we will use for spelling words)
ABC strip cursive and print 10 cents each
2 large story books 25 cents each
Bible game book 10 cents
another bible games book 10 cents each.
I was floored by the prices of the maps. They had
price tags of $14.95 orginal price and they were
In perfect shape. I got a steal there. Also on the bible
games books which are huge books filled
with awesome bible games. I am so excited about them.
The kids came home and played with their finds.
Superboy found a Kinex box for $1. and animal videos.
Princess found some music CDs and The movie Sarah
Plain and Tall which we read just this year.
She also bought the board game the game of life.
Spirit got a truck that pulls a marine boat.
Each used their own money that they saved .
They wanted to spend more but they couldnt.
They had to makedecisions about what they bought.
Except Spirit of course who is to small.
WE came home and each found something to do
For awhile but we soon found ourselves in a robust
game of Life. So many skills here and they didnt
even know they were doing anything of value.
Later they got out all of Superboys Kinex and
built a few things. Superboy made a race car
but had trouble with it because the battery wouldnt
quite move the wheels. He had to figure out what he did
wrong . He did figure it out and off it went.
In the evening we had a bit of rain. It came down slow
at first and then down poured. The kids went out to cool
off. I went to grab my camera but before I got to it
the two older ones were finished and drying off.
I did happen to catch Spirit happily playing in a mud
puddle. :)
I love how he ducks here like he can squeeze
between the rain drops. :)
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• Jun. 27, 2008
4 Goats and a Chicken
Thursday the kids and I decided to get out
of the house. You know how it can get being
home all the time. Sometimes you just need out.
My house is immaculate and the kids were starting
To bicker. I saw at the library they had an animal
day. So we grabbed our library books and headed
out to the library. I was a bit disappointed when
we got there. They had for show 4 goats and a
Chicken. However the kids made the most of it
petting the goats and feeding them animal crackers.
Spirit wouldnt go near them for awhile but after
a bit he want up and petted one. We made our
way to the library doors to return our books and
get some new ones but alas the doors were closed.
I thought it odd they have a program with animals
and then not have the library open . I suppose
it isnt for me to understand . So we dropped them
in the drop box and headed out. Since
we had time we went to my moms house.
We all went for pizza at genovas and then
we did our shopping at Walmart. I was
disappointed a little at our library. There
were other families there that felt the same way.
The flyer said from 10-12 was the animal program.
One family was dropped off to enjoy the 4 goats
for 2 hours. Long time to feed goats. lol I really
expected more but we made the most of it and
The day went one.
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• Jun. 23, 2008
AHH Summer
Ahh the lazy days of summer...
Spending time withone another.
This morning I had all the kids get
their chores done. Which for some reason took all
Morning long but today I didn't care if it took all
day or it didn't. My chores were all finished so I
sat with Spirit playing with him and tickling him
on the floor. Nothing like that little giggle
belly laugh. As I was playing one of the talk shows
came on and they were talking about being to
clean, and how it affects your life. However
they did do some tests on
a few hotels, Even the Ritz. They put a camera
in the hotel bathroom and apparently maids
do not take the bathroom cups to be washed in a
dishwasher. They rinse them in the sink and call
them clean for the next person. Eww how gross is
that. That has to be a health violation. Yuck.
By the time the chores were finished
it was already 11:00 so I figured we better
eat lunch before we go out. While the kids
were doing that I had a chat with Carls sister.
Just some random family stuff. Then grabbed the
kids and we headed to Walmart. Heart had seen a
bathing suit she just had to have but wasnt sure if
it was something mom would like or if I thought it
was modest enough. Mom appoved and we were
out of there in no time flat. Its really different
Its cut like a 2 piece but the front is all one material.
It covers plenty just has more of her back out
but not to much out .
Next stop Aldi. If you dont have an Aldi
near you the prices there are much cheaper especially
on canned goods. I only stopped to stock up on a few
things and now home we are.
The kids are outside squirting each other with
water at this point and I am about to start preparing
dinner. I think we are having bar b que chicken,
garlic and olive oil pasta and baked potatoes.
Hope you are having a good day too.
Nikki
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• Jun. 22, 2008
Sunday fun!
Good morning , afternoon or evening depending on when you
read this. Its early morning when I type this. It is so nice to
sit here in the morning quiet with the cool summer night
breeze coming in the window. It smells so fresh. The house
Is spic and span and that feels good too. I worked all day
yesterday getting it cleaned up. It's so great to wake with
the chores finished. The kiddos are all snug in their beds
probably tossing a bit by now and will soon be coming down
the stairs and getting ready for church services.
We have a big day today. For Nursery services this morning
I planned for the children to make paper watermelons with
black bead seads and Ant hills. They will use the end of
a pencil eraser in an ink stamp and make little ants on the
hill. I also found a mini book from Daniellesplace about ants
and faith that the children will staple to their ant papers.
I'll show them to you after the kids make them.
We begin today our Summer session of Sunday school. I have
the toddlers. Depending on the week I could have up to 5
little ones. I may advertise in our church newsletter that
the class is available. This week we are reading from
The bible book Mommy and Me bible. I love this little bible.
It has a tiny short story on the page and mostly is about
interacting with the photo on the other page. I have
a mini book for them to color and a rhyme to learn. Then
they can play with one another which they love.
Services end for us at about 12:30. I start work at 8:00
We have a contemporary service first , then sunday school
then a family service. Both services I am in the nursery
working. There is one early morning that the children
and I attend before actually working in the nursery. :)
Well sort of attend. I usually come early and work on
preparing things while I listen to the sermon on the speakers.
After the service we have a family reunion to attend.
This year we are meeting at our local park. It is our
families turn to run the event . I volunteered for the
part of childrens games. Usually I come up with some
wild games but this year I went traditional. Egg on a spoon,
Drop a clothespin in a jar, sack race ... etc...
By the time that is finished we will probaby visit with my
mom for a bit since going home seems futile. At 5:30
we will head back to church for youth group and
this week our new coordinator is in charge. I can
hardly wait to see what we end up doing. So that's
it for now.
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• Jun. 20, 2008
Graduation!!!
Last week my Step son Graduated from
High School. We were all so proud of
him. He has come through many trials and
still has a lot of things to learn about life but
I really believe he will make it through. In
the fall he will be heading to a Culinary Arts school.
He will pursue his love of cooking and will be
fabulous chef one day.
Here is one of my favorite photos with Heart.
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• Jun. 9, 2008
Heat, Yard Sale and Pools!!
It is sooo hot here. I mean frying bacon
on the pavementhot!! On friday we had a yard
sale at our church and thetemps were 102.
No wonder we hardly had any customers
the people probably didn't want to go out and
who can blame them. It didn't matter much to
me though sincewe took all that junk then to
good will and soo less clutterfor us to deal
with. The heat hereis terrible. Especially since
the one of our air conditioners went out. That
means it is really hot in here. You can't walk to
get a tissue withoutbreaking into a sweat.
We are trying to findways to be cool.The kids
have taken to nappingbecause it is just
so terrible to move in the afternoon.
Yesterday we had our youth pool party/picnic.
Spirit enjoyedhimself . He tired me out
getting in and out of the pool. Since he is in
pull ups each time he got out of the pool I
changed him . This in itself was a tiring
event.Yet we managed for the day to
stay cool At first when the older boys
would splash he would Yell ooohh and hold his
breath with big eyes. By the
end of The evening he was getting water in his
face left and rightand didn't seem to mind one bit.
Superboy enjoyed it too. Heeven was given some
swimming instructions from one of the
youths fathers. He was so excited to show it to
us as he swam and turned his head to take a breath.
Princess was having agreat time. It was
amazing to seeher jump off the diving board
as last year she stoodthere for hour
saying she wanted to butwas afraid. lol It is
so wonderful how they grow and change
and to be able to see that in all they do.
Between Swimming Spirit rode his bike around
with anotherboy . Sometimes scarying me at how
fast he goes. Onedad kept assuring me he
would be ok.I wanted to just rushout and wrap
him in bubble wrap . lol Sometimes it's hard to
let them just be kids and watch
when quit possibly they may get a skinned
knee here and there.
I don't have photos to share of the picnic.
It can be hardto watch a toddler around a pool.
You can't keep your eyes
off him for a second. It was a fun day !!
What were you up to this weekend?
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• Jun. 6, 2008
Fridays come and Fridays go
Fridays come and fridays go. Its sort
of a dreary day here in Pa. The sky is rather cloudy.
Our day is relaxed , so far. We are sitting
here wrapping up some of our lessons. As we
are sitting here I have the distinct feeling Spirit
needs changed. I ask him about it and
he says.. "No Superboy do."
I said no he doesnt I think you do.
He then goes through the entire family blaming
the smell on all of them. Including myself at
which time he pulls on the back of my shirt and
says see as he giggles lol Silly guy he is.
I have a great deal planned for the day
but I am taking things easy and slow and I
know I will get it finished. Tomorrow we are having
a yard sale at our church. I gathered all of
our belongings for the sale and now
need to tag it and put it in the car for set up
this evening. The kids priced their own things
so I don't have to much to price. I do
want to make some brownies for a snack for
the kids to eat while we are selling things
tomorrow. I think I may even do some face
painting for a little extra. The table costs
$10. per so I am thinking I might be
able to make my money in face painting
For the table cost and then have the rest for
ourselves. Which wont be much in my area.
The kids each have their own things to sell
and the deal is that they get half of what they
sell for theirselves and the other half goes in
their bank acounts. A little lesson on saving . :)
Yesterday was the last day for public school
children in our area. Right away after school
(Which was about 10:00 for their last day)
I had a house full of children. I think most of
them didn't have anyone home at their house
and they didnt have any thing to do. So our house
became the hang out house. I felt like
I fed an army for lunch and had to go out
and buy a few things last evening in anticipation
of it probably happening again. I dont mind
the children here. I know I could be upset that
their parents just assume that since I am
home I dont mind but I am not. I would
rather they were all here where I could keep
an eye on things and make sure they
are doing something productive rather than
damaging something or someones feelings.
Part of me feels sorry for them that they have
no one at home to spend time with them.
Well I suppose I should get off the net for
now . Princess need the pc to finish up some
lessons. I need to do wash , price that yard
sale stuff, load it in the car, and make brownies.
Oh and spirit wants me to read him a story
so that comes first.
Dont you just love homeschooling!!?
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• Jun. 5, 2008
Summer Fun!!
Summer is when I start going barefoot and when
For the first time my feet hit the water. Either in
a creek or in the sea. That is summer.
Fireflies, warm nights, evening picnics, fireworks,
Ice cream, walks in the woods and campfires those
are some of my favorite summer past times.
What are we doing this summer...
I don't think we are going anywhere far away this year
but there seems to be a lot of free things to do
around our community that we will take advantage of.
Libraries summer reading club
Letterboxing for kids in conjunction with the
library program this year
Newspaper summer activites
you fill them out and get free passes to
hershey park
Free tennis for 5 weeks
Free movies at Regal
and Free Harpiscord lessons at our
local state park
I am sure we will also swim quite
a bit in our church families pool
All that and we should be pretty busy
despite staying home this year and you
just never know what we will come up with.
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• Jun. 5, 2008
Converstation with a Teenager
This is the conversation I had with
my teen on text this morning.
Heart- Can I stay after from ______
Today and go to a cookout
Mom- whos cookout
Heart- I have a ride home.
mom - with who and whos house are
you going too.
Heart- A is driving me home
Mom- who is A
SILENCE......
Mom- You are being to vague. I need
to know whos house you are going to.
Who you are going to be with
and that an adult or experience driver is
bringing you home.
Pause...
Heart- Never mind then
Dont ya just love it...LOL
Like I was gong for that one. They
can't help but try.
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• Jun. 2, 2008
Prom
My Step son went to Prom and danced
the night away. I think he looks pretty good. :)
Thats his girl Katie. I didnt realize all the
neighbors junk was showing in the background. lol
Oh well they had photos taken at the dance so
we will have perfessional ones too.
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• May. 28, 2008
Fishing we will goo....
Fishing we will goo....
We started Spirit early and he is
doing great!!
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• May. 28, 2008
Family Time
Hi everyone!! I know I seem like I am missing in action
lately but I promise we are all ok and doing fine.
We've been dealing with financial stuff . I thought
things were tight before but with gas prices so high I
basically am staying home to save. We did get our
car inspected.I was so excited for the first time ever
to have nothingwrong with a car . I have never had that
happen and was so thrilled.I am dealing now with a
different mechanic and think that we made
a right choice. He definately is fair.
To be completely honest
I rather enjoy the less stressful day of carting off here or
rushing there. You would think that would give me more time
for blogging but really I am taking the time with the children.
Keeping them busy playing games or crafting.
Last night for example we all played a round of scabble. The
kids did great and it just so happens to be my favorite game
so we all win.
The kids are still working hard at their lessons.
Superboy is working on the medieval era.
He is building a castle and today we added a catapult.
I'll post some photos when he is finished with it. Both
children are doing a lesson on rocks. I dont know how many
times we have done this particular topic but the children
seem to want to do it again and again.
We are also working on displays for our homeschool potluck
share. I am so excited about this idea and can't wait
to share and see other ideas.
So stick around I have a family photo to share
and some really great freebie links.
Nikki
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• May. 26, 2008
Picnic Fun (Part 1)
Of course the Holiday wouldn't be a holiday
without a picnic. We went to a farm of a friends
for our picnic. While we were waiting for
the food to get finished . The kids and I had a little
photo shoot. Enjoy the photos....
This was our view from the picnic area.
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• May. 26, 2008
Picnic Fun (Part 2)
The sky was so beautiful .
It was a day of fun!!
And we had plenty of time to rest...
Then there is my dad. lol He thought
the boys should wear Goggles while playing
in the sand. lol
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• May. 20, 2008
Weekend/Music/Cleaning/Party!
This weekend was full of fun !
Friday...
Friday evening I had my last offical J-train
event for the year. Music night went off without
a hitch. Majority of the children were in attendance
this time which made for a entertaining evening.
Some of the sang, some of them played an instrument,
some of them shared art, and one mom did an amazing
Tall tale story. I have to remember to enlist her for
more activities.
Saturday....
This was clean up the house day. I finally got to
Princess clothing. We put some in a bag for rummage,
some in a box for storage and the rest in her drawers.
She had no space at all anymore and had to stack
thing on the outside in front of her dresser. Two
seasons of clothing just doesn't fit in her space. It
felt good to do all of this and make a dent in the
chores. The laundry was complete as well.
Sunday....
As usual we went to morning services. Nursery was
really full this week. I threw a few things on the
tables for some of the older children to do beading,
coloring and pipe cleaner play. We had so many
children this week I didn't get a chance to listen to the
Pastors sermon over the speaker like I usually do.
After ,we headed out to my dads 60th Birthday Party.
Mom was running behind so I took the decorations
and set them up for her. Happy Birthday !!
He had so many gag gifts , like this neon vest
he's sporting. We also played a game
to see how many things we new about him.
We ate cake, played games, and dance the
chicken dance. lol
Spirit with his balloon.
Princess dodging a photo while eating her cake.
And the chicken dance. lol I took a lot
Of photos these are just a few.
Then after that....lol
We were off to youth group. It was a
somber evening but a nice time
of worship.
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• May. 15, 2008
Stranger things can Happen
I had the oddest experience at Walmart
yesterday. I was about to leave the store and there
was a women there at the pay phone crying. Trying
to figure out where she was. She asked where we were
and I told her . She relayed the message to the other
person on the phone. I asked herif she needed help and
she said she did. I was thinking she might need
some direction that she was just lost and upset. Well ,
not the case. This women then proceded to tell me that she
had run away from a grouphome and that she really
didnt belong there. She was shaking as she
said this . She wanted me to take her back to
the home but didntremember where the home was.
Then she wanted me to take her to a
bus depot. Well I told her I can't do that I have
my little children with me. Just noticing them for the
first time she says ok never mind I'll ask
someone else. I left walmart , came home, and
then proceded to call 911. I am not sure what happened
in this situation I hope that the women
was found and taken care of . She was so upset
and distraught. Itis so upsetting to me to not help
someone that needs something and yet
I just didnt quite feel right about that situation.
I felt better in sending help to her via the police.
Hopefully things worked out for the best.
Whatever that may be.
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• May. 12, 2008
Happy Mother's Day!!
Happy Mothers Day!!
"When lessons and tasks are all ended,
And the school for the day is dismissed,
The little ones gather around me,
To bid me good-night and be kissed;
On, the little white arms that encircle
My neck in their tender embrace
Oh, the smiles, that are halos of heaven,
Shedding sunshine of love on my face."
Charles M. Dickinson
I had a fabulous Mother's day but everyday is a great
day with my kids even the bad ones. :)
Saturday I went to a nearby homeschool convention in Harrisburg.
I really enjoyed my time there. I would highly recommend it if you have
never been to one ... please go. It renewed my spirit to be my childrens'
Mom and to enjoy doing it . I'll talk more about that another day this week.
For now let me tell you how special my children are to me. The great
thing about Mothers day is that it always falls on Sunday. Which
means that I get to spend it with my family blessing the Lord. It also
means that most of the time the children create something in Sunday
school that I haven't actually had my hand in. Princess wrote me a special
note that I am not posting on the blog it was her private thoughts and I will
cherish it. She also picked flowers for me when she stayed at my moms on
Saturday while I went to the convention. (with Grams permission of course)
There are a few wildflowers in there but they are so lovely because
they came from the heart..
Superboy gave me this little banner to hang up.
Which I did right in our school room.
Heart gave me a hug :) and Spirit made these in
Sunday school. Honestly on this one I am his teacher but
lovely anyway.
Dad left me take a nap. I was so wiped out after the
convention and then Church . I woke up to a great big surprise
in that my step son Toad came for the evening. He brought me
a chocolate strawberry cake which we have almost gone (lol)
and Carnations.
I Feel Blessed to have a family that cares so much about me!!
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• Apr. 23, 2008
Challenges
It has been a long week so far and its only
Wed. I try so hard to enjoy each day but sometimes. ...sigh..
Over the weekend we were given a sofa and new recliner.
Well not brand new but new to us and it is in really great shape.
Carls Aunt bought a new house and her living room furniture was
only a year old but she wanted new for the new house. Soo
We were blessed to get a much needed sofa. Our step son
also was given a bedroom suit. When he had moved in with us
last year we got him mix match so its nice now that
he has something nice to take with him when he moves out.
Which might be in a year or two. He graduates this June!!
We got a lot of school things done this week too .
We are working on two lapbooks and math skills.
Oh its so hard when you have a dyslexic child. I feel
like I bang my head against a wall at times. Princess is in a
math 4 book . Just started it. You know how the books
tend to reveiw basic skills at the beginning. Well she was
to do basic subtraction. First time around she forgot
what regrouping was. So we reviewed that. Second time
around she reversed the subtraction. So if she regrouped
and the ones said 16 -8. She'd say 8-6 and her answer was 2.
It can be so hard sometimes. You think she has something
and then later she has forgotten again.
Superboy is stuggling alone with reading . He doesn't
like to read much at all . I keep looking for books
that he might enjoy but as this point we are doing to
much sounding out to really enjoy much.
I also have been working on a fun surprise game
for my dads big birthday party. It was moms ideas
so I won't share the neat game until after the party. I
don't want to spoil it for anyone. It is a challange to figure
out and takes awhile to do. With both mom and
I working hopefully we will be done by May 10th.
Wish us luck!!
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