Dec. 13, 2006 - Downtime?

What is downtime to you?  For me it's different things at different times.  Mostly though it's just a change from what I've been doing to enjoy something different. 

The crazy hectic schedule that finally gets a break is usually what I call downtime.

This weekend we went to the coast with our friend. We played Pinnochle until the wee hours every night and the kids watched movies and played games. We toured the Oregon Coast Aquarium and made a pit stop though the Evergreen Aviation Museum (home to the Spruce Goose).  Now we are back home and I'm enjoying being back in our routine of school and preparing for our "Happy Birthday Jesus" celebration this evening with our AWANA group.

Sometimes it's taking the time to spend an hour or two in God's word, and actually trying to digest what it is I'm reading. 

Sometimes it's just stealing away a few hours to work on a project like a scrapbook or an afghan.  Although sometimes I need downtime from my downtime (Ever had your scrapbooking consume the family dinner table for too many dinners in a row?).

Today my downtime is stealing away a few moments to connect via my blog before I run off to write out some Christmas cards and wrap gifts for my Awana Leaders.

Have you enjoyed some downtime lately?

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Aug. 1, 2006 - New (to me) blinkies

It's easier for me to post these here...I'll get them in the sidebar eventually.

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Aug. 1, 2006 - Two month review

No time to blog...I'm late...I'm late!

 

I have so felt like the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland these last few months!

 

DIY Home projects have been our theme:

·       Rip out old carpet downstairs. Paint floor with Kilz (previous pet stain issues). Install Bamboo Hardwood Floor (living room and both kids rooms are on this floor)

·       Rip out carpet mid level, dining area.  Kilz again. Install 'Peel n Stick' slate looking tile...bye by stinky smells!

·       Tape off and prep exterior of house for painting - 3/4 done with the spraying and most of the trim. (still have railings around entire back porch to do)

·       Relocate overgrown plants from front of home and frame in/build out flowerbeds along front walkway (project still in progress)

·       Install new lighting in dining area, hallways, exterior (killer sale at Lowes - $140 chandelier for $35!!!)

My dear husband is somewhat of a tornado with the home improvement projects. He has done the majority of the work while I just stare in bewilderment. (He'd tell you that's not true, that I've been a big help...but compared to what he's done I feel like I've just been sitting and watching!)

 

Also in there we have had a birthday party (Nicole is 8!), Scott did a 24 mile hike, we helped friends install new lighting and a home entertainment system (Scott), helped with a sewing project (me), helped plan a barbeque for our co-op, assisting a friend with a huge homeschool conference (WATCH), sustained and recovered from a lower back strain and somewhere in there we found time to go golfing!

 

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Jun. 1, 2006 - Mr. Potato Head

This actually explains a lot.

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May. 31, 2006 - Adventures in camping...

Our group dwindled quickly as the weather report turned to rain. We had nine familes last year. This year there were four. The weather was cold the first day and only very light showers.  I got a sunburn on Monday. I made sure the kids all had sunblock - smart!

 

I was struck with a sinus full o snot the day after we arrived. I made it on one hike and that zapped pretty much all the energy I had for the whole weekend.  I still feel like mush but we did manage to do most of our schoolwork today. Yeah!

 

I'll have pictures soon as hubby gets them to me. 

 

The group (I was at the pool with the non-hiking children getting a sunburn and draining my nose) had a close encounter with a Diamondback Rattlesnake on their hike to Smith Rock. They were coming back from Monkey Face when someone from another group had run ahead. They saw him stop short on the path and then signal to them to stop.  The snake had jumped at him and snapped just short of his chest.  Whoa Nellie!

 

Last year the kids found a black widow spider. I've yet to see spider or a snake. I may not be so eager to camp in this area if I do.  I did see a porcupine! It had climbed up a tree and was just loafing on a branch. We were all standing around looking at it. Poor thing was quite nervous. I did get to see his face, so cute. He preferred to turn his back side to us so we kept a good distance as no one really knew if or how far a porcupine could 'throw' his quills.

 

It was a wonderful time. I had moments alone to reflect and read my bible. Time to process deep thoughts with out distraction.  That's a time I would have missed if I'd been in better health.

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May. 22, 2006 - Introducing - My niece...

Ryann Wynne

5*2*2006 12:16am 7lbs 11oz 19inches

 

Here's a smooch!

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May. 22, 2006 - Sweet or Dill

Thank you to those who responded to my last post. I apparently worried Scott as well. This blog thing could be good!  I don't typically express to him my 'feelings' on homeschooling, because by the time he's home from work, that part of the day is long over and far from my thoughts.  (I like bright shiny things too)

 

Our discussion produced two major reoccurring themes:

 

 I'm too hard on myself - I am. 

Perhaps I could try to be more scheduled - cold shivers run down my spine

 

Ok, Heidi. I'll jump on the boat with you. I'm excited to school year round. It truly will take the pressure off.

 

We started English from the Roots Up today. The kids seem really curious so hopefully that doesn't wear off to quickly.

 

Oh, it stopped raining again, time to throw my plants in to my nicely tilled garden (Thank you Sweetie!)

 

So Friday was Dill Pickles, today it's Sweet Pickles.

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May. 19, 2006 - Fickle Pickle

Schooling Forever...I mean Year Round.

 

That almost sounds like a life-sentence.  It's just the reality of what we need to do though.  With home selling and home shopping last year, we had an early finish to last school year and a late start this year.

 

I'm feeling very selfish. Lord, is my heart in the right place? I just see it getting harder as the weather gets nicer. Can I successfully school through the summer? I want to be outdoors and playing in the dirt.  So many plants to plant so little time.  That makes it really hard for 'teacher' to stay focused.

 

It makes me wonder about other homeschool familes. I mean how DO they do it?  They seem to have science projects and field trips, colorful reports, grand art projects and, and, and.  Do these women have other interests outside of hs? I like to garden, crochet,  go to the movies, sew, decorate my home, stamp, scrapbook.  I have great inititave in my homeschooling plan, I just feel a lack of sticktoitivness right now.

I want my kids to learn to love to learn. I want them to learn how to find the answers to their bazillions of questions, not just memorize facts in their heads.( I also want them to have neat penmenship and know how to form proper sentences.)  How does one 'grade' that?  Is 2nd and 4th grade too early to tell if I'm doing it right? What if I miss the boat and we find out they're seriously defunct in a major need.

 

Have you ever bought a supplement for your curriculum to help spice it up a bit? I do this sometimes, more for myself than the kids I think! I get stuck in a rut too easily and need to shake things up, only to loose complete focus on studies altogether in the end.

 

I recall a bubble science kit purchased 2 years ago....it had something like 10 bubble experiments to try. I think we did one.  I remember reading the instructions and something in them just made me gloss over and produce the 'cat in the headlights' feeling in my stomach. Why?  Still my bubble loving daughter brings the kit out on occasion and asks if we can try one today.  I usually break out in a cold sweat and run in to another room and fuss about how messy it is and distract her from the thing.  I really do want to know how to make a square bubble - the kit says I can. 

 

Oh, fickle me! God must have a purpose and a plan for all my ambition and creativity.  Now if only I could sit still long enough to hear what it is.

 

Now about this English from the Roots Up program...when do I plan to fit that in? Oh, look it stopped raining.....

 

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May. 17, 2006 - Humor from Maxine

Here are a few Maxine funnies I thought might brighten someones day.

 

The ADD Homeschool Mom's  Organization chart!

 

 

 

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May. 16, 2006 - days go by

Our lives have been full this past week. The weather is absolutely gorgeous! The kids started swimming lessons.  Getting out of the house be be somewhere by 9:30am proved interesting!  Even though the lessons took out what would normally be a big chunk of our homeschool time we seem to be moving along though our studies at a better pace.  Perhaps we need to start everyday off with a good swim!

 

Saturday was eventful. There was a surprise baby shower for my friend Zoe.  Birthday party for my daughter's friend Faith. At 5:30 Scott taught 23rd Ave (2nd & 3rd grade sunday school) I held babies in the nursery - baby fix! Then I went back to get my daughter who had stayed for the rest of the party. My friend Renee and I watched a couple of home shows - love 'em!

 

Sunday was Mothers Day! (My 2nd on this year - they had Mother's Day in Ireland while we were there too)  I had my 'slave for the day' help me in the yard....ok Scott would have done this stuff anyway but I think he worked extra hard just for the day. I now have a garden spot tilled up and we moved another over sized Laurel bush to the front of the yard, away from the house.

 

Sunday night I felt really queezy.  Monday I was bed-bound, along with about five other adults and several children (my daughter included).  Seems someone brought an extra gift to the birthday party on Saturday and we all came down with a nasty virus.  Still a little weak - didn't experience the 7 pound weight loss like my friend Renee did...that's a bummer.  Could have at least gotten looser jeans from it all!

 

Praying that Scott doesn't get the virus and we can return to normal tomorrow.

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May. 11, 2006 - broken images

For those of you not able view pics...here the explaination.  They are loaded on my xanga site (I only use it for loading pics to here).  Xanga is having a server upgrade and should be back up by 2pm EST...I won't hold my breath.  I have a husband with an IT background....upgrades rarely go off w/out a hitch.

 

In the mean time enjoy the music vidoes! (I feel so techie getting those up here!)

 

Have a blessed day!

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May. 10, 2006 - Mama never told me...

there'd be days like these!

 

Then again Mama never homeschooled.

 

"Did you finish your math?:

"No, not yet, I'm hungry can I have a snack"

"Yes, go grab something then get back to your desk" 

Ten minutes later  "MoOoM?!?" 

"Yes?" (still mainting the sweet/caring tone in my voice) 

"What can I have?" 

"Oh, you have GOT to be kidding?"  (not so sweet...and yes it came in to my head and out of my mouth simultaneously) Child has been standing motionless in the center of the kitchen for 10 minutes and still has no snack?  "Ok, get back in here...you're not hungry!" 

Child stomps in, pouting...uttering under breath about their barren stomach (child just ate something 45 minutes ago!)

"Mom?"

"Yes?" (back to sweet/caring)

" I don't like my chair...I can't get comfortable"

"Honey, then move to where you can be comfortable" I proceed to offer every chair in the room to appease the child...and just make the noise stop.  To no avail, because as I already know it has NOTHING to do with the chair and EVERYTHING to do with the worksheet.

 

silence - two minute fidget

 

"It's not my chair Mom, it's my desk...it's just not right!"  statement is followed by a long dissertation about how their siblings desk is better because, because, because. 

 

I offer a long retort on coveting, and starving children in Etheopia that have no desk at all.

 

Child rolls eyes picks up pencil and kicks at the dog who has come to see what all the whining is about (perhaps it thinks it'll find some cheese near by?)

 

Ok, that did it. Mom is on a rampage now!  "You DON'T kick at the dog or your sibling or your chair, or your desk, just because you are upset that you have spent the better part of an hour an a half twidling on a worksheet that should take no more than 20 - 30 minutes to complete!" At least in my head that's what I said...what came out sounded more like:"You DON'T kiack at thdogr your chesk, just becuse yrupst that YOU have spent the butter of an hour halftw-twa-twidlingon a stinkin' thingamagigerabob - BE DONE!!"

 

Mind you I am not set off that easily...there were events building up before the hungry/chair/desk thing.  The child had asked to do reading outside. Great, we sat in lawn chairs and read.  The sun felt soooo nice. I instructed the children to bring me their math out doors so I could instruct them and then they were free to do them where ever they pleased. While waiting patiently in the chair I was lulled to sleep by the warm sun.  I came out of my sun induced stupor about 20 minutes later to laughter from the swing set.  (that looks nothing like a math book to me?!)  I redirected the troops back to the 'classroom' and set them back on track.

 

Does teaching at home mean one must stand over their children every second until all subjects are completed?  Am I expecting too much of my 7 and 9 year olds? I try to have them self direct as much as possible....seems they are just finding ways to bide their time until Mom is occupied and then sneaking off to play.  I don't think I should have to handcuff them to their chairs to get action from them...is this what I signed up for?

 

I LOVE MY CHILDREN - I LOVE MY CHILDREN - I LOVE MY CHILDREN

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May. 10, 2006 - Compliment Your Husband

Todays "Simply Romantic Tip" has inspired some retrospective thought. I hope it inspires you as well.  (I hope I'm not breaking any rules by posting this here?)

 

Compliment your husband in front of others. You may be the only one in his life who’s doing it. Buy the Tips to Romance Your Husband book

I have a lot of female friends. It's my ministry to talk and listen, I've practiced the talking part a lot, the listening part is maturing. A recurring theme that breaks my heart at times is to hear women vent about the things their husband does that irritate them. I'm not talking the occasional "I can't believe this happened" but the consistant "Do you know what HE did THIS time" kind of venting.  I hear so little about things they do that they are proud of.  I propose we take some time now and think of what our DH has done that we appreciate and can share with someone else, particularly if DH is in earshot!

 

Ok, I'll go first.

I am so proud of Scott. First of all let me edify what I'm about to say with this. I have so many ways to be proud of my husband I am having a very hard time narrowing it down to something I can share in a short blurb. I could fill pages of a book with all he does that inspires me and others.  Here's my pick for today: Scott has a whimsical and fun way of communicating with kids. He teaches a Sunday School class to 2nd & 3rd graders.  The kids just love him! I hear from Mom's all the time about how when they get home they keep hearing "Teacher Scott said this, Teacher Scott did this" and the kids are excited and ready to come back for more.    The energy level in that class can take the paint off the walls at times! He has so much kid in him to share and he is so patient with them. They just love him there.  I am so proud.

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May. 8, 2006 - I'm an Auntie!

Ryann Wynn Lally was born on Tuesday May 2nd at 12:16am.  She weighed 7lbs 11oz and was 19 inches long. A FULL head of hair too!

 

Wouldn't you know it, I left my camera at home.  That's ok, though I was a bit overwhelmed from the experience. My sister wanted me there for the birth. So when she called me on Saturday at 2pm, I showered, packed my bags and headed south. (She lives a little over an hour a way). There I stayed, and stayed and stayed. She labored for two and a half days!

 

Scott was out of town all week last week too. So it was a full week, hence the late blog log.

 

I'm going back for a visit in a couple of days so I'll bring back pictures then.

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May. 8, 2006 - Our Trip Abroad

Here's the long awaited final installment of pictures from our trip to Rome.

 

I can't even begin to imagine all the painstaking efforts that went in to creating the Vatican.  I made this picture big, not because the kids are cute (though they are), but because I wanted you to see the detail in the rock and marble that is used in the floor and on the walls.  All the intricate patterns and designs and it just seems to go on forever.

 

 

Baldacchino by Bernini (pictured below)  St. Peter's tomb is below the altar here. I thought the canopy was amazing but it seemed almost out of place to me. After learning the history of the altar I now know why. The Baldacchino was the first piece of art in the bascilica contributed by Bernini. It was comissioned to make the altar 'more impressive'. It's made entirely out of bronze and Bernini was given free reign to create, no dollar limit was set. This is the altar where only the Pope celebrates Mass. It is felt that the canopy fills an otherwise dominating empty space. I agree...but it still doesn't look like the rest of the bascilica to me.

 

The talent it takes to make such soft flowing beauty out of cold hard stone. Scott took over a hundred pictures here. It was hard to narrow it down. I'll have fun making the scrapbook from this trip for sure!

 

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Apr. 27, 2006 - Does this disturb you?

 

There is something seriously wrong about this!

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Apr. 26, 2006 - Rome pics, day two

Things we learned this day:

 

1. Order a Latte in Italy and you'll get a glass of warm, foamy, milk  If you want the caffeine kick, make it a Cafe Latte

 

2. Wear comfortable shoes

 

3. Italians seem to have no concept of what a 'line' means.

 

4. Beware of people pushing past and digging in your pocket at the same time! (be prepared to yeild insults in Italian if you foil their pick pocketing plan.

 

5. Don't make eye contact with the street vendors unless you really want what they are selling. (They'll follow you even after you've said "No, THANK YOU!")

 

6. Don't wear shorts if you're planning to go to the Vatican (the Pope finds it disrespectful and you'll be asked to leave)

 

7. Bring a spare pair of comfortable shoes for when your first pair gives up on you.

 

 

Inside the Colosseum Nicole snapped this great picture! I was surprised to see the labrynith inside the Colosseum. I had no idea it was there. The Colosseum's true name is Flavian amphitheatre. Fires, earthquakes and finally a quarry for building materials brought the magnificent building to it's decay. Reconstructive efforts are in process and it is quite a site to see. It is NOTHING like looking at pictures or seeing it in a movie. It's just so awesome to behold in person.

 

Here's a replica of the pully system used to bring the animals and gladiators to the arena from below.

 

No Lies Here! Bocca della Veria

  Actually a drain cover in the form of the mask of a river god. According to medieval tradition it would 'bite' anyone who dared tell a lie with his hand inserted between the jaws.

Waiting in line...killing time.

 

"The Ruins" That's what I recall this being titled. I know the ticket we bought for The Colosseum also got us in to this area so I think it's in whats called The Palatine. We could have spent all day here if there would have been food...somewhere anywhere inside!

 

I intend to imitate this on my kitchen wall...

 

Circus Maximus

 

Kids by a fountain in St. Peters Square

 

I'll save the rest of St. Peters Square and the Vatican for tomorrow. Time to move on with my day! (That and I'm afraid I'll do something and erase all the stuff I've uploaded!)

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Apr. 25, 2006 - Trevi Foutain

My Uncle Charles has graciously supplied me with the missing info regarding the fountin the children and I are in front of in the last blog post.

 

"The fountain photo that you all were in front of is the world famous

Trevi fountain built in the mid-1700s.

The legend goes that if you throw a coin into the Trevi fountain, you will return to Rome.

They have filmed many, many movies there.

Trevi became famous for a scene in Fellinis "La Dolce Vita", when Anita Ekberg takes a late-night bath in the fountain. And I think the 1954 classic "Three Coins in the Fountain" has a scene or two from there.

Plus the modern "classic(!)" "Sabrina Goes to Rome" (1998) - with Sabrina the Teenage witch."

 

Fun stuff!  I'm loving this blog thing. I'm keeping in touch with so much more of my family now.  It's such a blessing!

 

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Apr. 25, 2006 - Pics from Rome, day one

We were in Rome at the end of March. Sorry to keep you all in suspense so long!

 

Here are Scott & Scott with the Tourist Trap Roman Soliders.  Scott Sr. discovered quickly how some Italians like to make a living.  They dress up and pose with you and then tell you to give them 10 Euro for letting them pose with you!   I think it really caught him off guard or he would have told them to take a hike!  Considering the night we had (see yesterdays blog post) we'll just chalk it up to being a little fuzzy brained!

 

 

 

The boys walked around taking in the sites while Nicole and I caught up some much needed "ZZZzzz's" (again refer to yesterdays blog)

Just look at those cute pale American Boys....I'm lucky they weren't snatched up!

 

Now we have joined up as a family and are out and about on a horse drawn carriage tour. (I'm not sure what this fountain was called, it was really beautiful though!) It was really a blessing for poor Nicole. She perked up to ride up front with the driver. But she truly was not in to her usual adventuresome spirit.

 

Another magnificent fountain...I think this is the shot that the carriage driver just pulled out in to the middle of traffic for. Scott had asked him if he could get closer for a better picture....we didn't mean right that second! CRAZY! It might not have been this fountain, it may have been a building...he took over 500 pictures in two days of site seeing (now do you understand why it's been such a chore for me to sort and post?) Still it's a funny story!

 

Pictures from day 2 in Rome to follow....

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Apr. 25, 2006 - Pastor's Business Card

Hadn't read this one in a long time, still made me chuckle.

 

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners.  At one house, it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote, "Revelation 3:20" on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned.  Added to it was this cryptic message, "Genesis 3:10."  Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter.

Revelation 3:20 begins, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." Genesis 3:10 reads, "I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked."


"A cheerful heart is good medicine" (Prov. 17:22)

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