Tuesday, December 15, 2009 - Latest baby updates on facebook...
Just to let you know... I will be giving the latest updates on our new facebook group... so feel free to join and hear the latest on when the newest addition (who WAS due the 13th) will FINALLY decide to enter the world! :)
Click on the following link: THE VERLENNICH BABY'S COMIN'!
Dec. 15, 2009 - sickies...
We have had a few weeks of sickies around here. It seems like it's been two different bugs, but could be the same one? Either way, we are all hoping to be better by Christmas. Neko is stuffy, and so we're keeping a real close eye on him. Doctor said to bring him in if he gets a fever. So far, the sickest are Harrison and Charity. Everybody else is tired and a little ill-feeling, but not full on sick yet.
I made a list that I put on the refrigerator yesterday. It gives seven things that the children are to eat or drink each day. There are vitamins and garlic and some of my other "secret weapons" I'm hoping this bug gets out of our house quickly, but in the meantime, we are listening to stories, coloring and blowing our noses :)
Dec. 13, 2009 - Our Count Down to the Birth of our King!
A few years back I decided to make a fun way for the kids to count down to Christmas. I had more time and less kids back then. haha It was much fancier and started the first day of December. The kids have been asking me to do it again this year. We were not able to start at the beginning of the month, since I didn't get the cards done, and we will only be counting down the last 12. I figure, hey something is better than nothing. 
Here is a picture of what I did this year with an explanation.
In each of the 12 envelopes is a card. On each card is written 3 things.
The first is something to remind them how blessed they are or to remember something about God. For example: favorite vacation memory, Bible story, someone you love and why, a scripture you know, etc...
The second thing listed is a way in which they can serve, since Jesus came to serve and paid the ultimate price for us. So I listed things like, dust the living room, vacuum under the couch cushions, fold 20 pieces of laundry, etc...
The third thing listed is a special treat, since Jesus came as a gift for us and was given gifts by the wisemen. I included sitting in Dad's chair at dinner, going to the store with Mom, being the dinner helper, eating off a glass plate rather than their kid ones, etc...
For school we are working on our Christmas lapbook and reading Christmas stories and the passages in the Bible that help us remember the real reason we celebrate.
Merry Christmas!
:>Michelle
Sunday, December 13, 2009 - Post from the Past: free SHMILY time ideas
Some of you have written asking for some ideas at little or no cost for The 12 Days of Christmas. I understand COMPLETELY what it's like to be "strapped for cash", especially this time of year as gift giving is in full swing.
Here are some FREE ideas for you to love on your hubby...
- Massages are a great gift to give! You could even make a coupon to give to him in the morning (so he would be looking forward to it all day) or mail it to him at work. To take it a step further, you could even make this a gift for the entire 12 days, picking a different body part to focus on each night (uh... I don't have to tell you what to save for last right?) A good massage is at least 30 minutes. Sometimes it may seem longer to you than it really is, so be sure to look at the clock by your bed before you begin so you don't cut your sweet husband short!
- Breakfast in bed with a smile (and nothing else but a smile).
- Making coffee every morning and greeting your hubby with a cheerful "good morning". How we start our husband's mornings have a HUGE effect on the rest of their day, as well as how eager they are to come back. (I know that I wouldn't want to come home to me some days!) Make it your goal to be cheerful each day for the 12 days. Start his morning with a happy wife. If you work outside of the home and leave before him, then having the coffee pot with coffee and a sweet note would be a thought too.
- Pray for him each day. You could use The Power of a Praying Wife for this as well. Whatever you choose, and regardless if your husband prays with you or not, get out of bed each day with your knees hitting the floor before your feet do. Pray for the man God has blessed you with. Thank Him for your husband. Even if you're struggling in your marriage, ask God to give you the strength to get through the 12 days with love and compassion and to renew your marriage. You might be surprised what happens when he finds out that you're praying for him every day. Cover your husband in prayer each day... it may seem crazy, but YOU will become a better woman for it.
- Hmmm... this next one... well, it's REALLY simple and may get one of the biggest reactions from your sweetie... but if you can't afford to get some "blessings" to wear... you can always do what God intended from the beginning! That's right... NO panties. Be sure to whisper it in his ear at the grocery store, church, or before he leaves for work.
- One of my personal favorites (and my Beloved's)... Clean Lovin'.
- Take a marker and write SHMILY somewhere on your body for him to search for.
- Find out what he really likes by having him fill out the "I Feel Loved by You When You..." sheet... and then do it!
- Ice cream in bed together naked... one spoon. For the ice cream lover, you could get the pints of ice cream and have ice cream in bed every night. Don't worry about the diet... this is only 12 days... get fat on each other's love!
- Some "Christmas socks" you wear... and that's it!
- 12 pair of sexy panties... one for each day.
- Mistletoe (need I say more?) You could used this throughout the 12 days as well by having it show up in various places in the house... or various times... and it could mean more than just kissing. Write up a note and let your hubby know... you may want to even make it a "treasure hunt" by hiding it in various (obvious) places... and then follow through when he finds it!
- Three bows (or other wrapping ribbons for all over your body and hair) and place strategically on your body for him to "unwrap".
Dec. 13, 2009 - a smile
For about three weeks now I have been seeing it. Well, maybe dreaming or hoping, but I think it's there - the pre-smile. I am sure, I assume, that Neko wants to smile at me. I imagine that he is just gearing up, psyching himself up for that first big smile. Of course, I am confident that he wishes he could say "thank you" for all of the hour long feedings in the night, as well as the many poo-poo diapers I've changed, and for sure, my diligence in keeping him safe from the over zealous loving arms of siblings. With each one of the children, I have longed for the smile, the one that really makes everything more than worth it. Not like it isn't worth it anyway, but you know what I mean...it's just the icing on the cake.
So...I went grocery shopping a couple of nights ago leaving the children with Will. He ended up holding Neko for about an hour, and the two of them had a ball. He claimed that Neko had smiled at him, and quite honestly, I didn't believe him. Not that he would lie, but I just couldn't bring myself to accept it. However, last night while Will held him, I leaned over Will's shoulder and watched with wonder as Neko smiled several times with a beautiful full mouthed grin. He wasn't looking at me, he was smiling at Dad! Was I jealous? Not even a bit...I realized this time as before, that Daddy is very deserving of the first smile. After all, he's the one who puts up with my bursts of energy that usually result in a crash somewhere along the way, and he's the one who willingly gets up early to take the baby so I can have an hour more of sleep. He's the one who will sacrifice his health and comfort sitting up all night holding a sick child and he still goes to work the next day. He is a good listener and a hard worker. I think the smile was rightfully his!
Don't get me wrong, I'm still waiting...and thinking, maybe...oh, wait, was that a smile?!?
Dec. 11, 2009 - SpellQuizzer - A spelling and vocabulary software program (review)
SpellQuizzer is a spelling program that helps kids learn their spelling and vocabulary words.
Having homeschooled "officially" for about 8 years, I am always thrilled to find a product that will help me help my children. One subject that is ever so important to producing good readers, writers and communicators, is spelling. I loved spelling, but didn't always like the studying that was involved in preparing for my weekly spelling test. My folks were very good about drilling me, and testing me at home so I'd be adequately prepared, but I'll bet if a software like this had been available, they'd have been thrilled.
For my own children, I find that each one needs individual time with someone else who can quiz them orally. Though I enjoy this, it is time consuming, until now! I recently came across a wonderful product called "SpellQuizzer". Each week, I use my microphone (which can be purchased very inexpensively) to record each person's spelling list for the week. Sometimes I use a silly voice and sometimes I include a little sentence or definition to help aid vocabulary building. The kids love it! They take turns with earphones, listening to and then typing in the spelling word. "SpellQuizzer" checks their work and allows them to repeat the missed words until they get them correct. I could see right away that they enjoyed using this program, however the results that came out of it, showed me that we needed to implement this into our spelling program for the rest of the year. Two of the three received 100% on their tests and the third child missed only one word.
A time saver, a fun activity, and a help for learning to spell well...I'm in!
The SpellQuizzer web site has pre-made downloadable spelling lists that you can download and use with SpellQuizzer.
SpellQuizzer is great for homeschoolers.
Dec. 11, 2009 - The BEST Christmas cookie dough!
A friend made these cookies at our ladies tea last night and cut them out with tiny Christmas cookie cutters and decorated with icing and sprinkles, they were adorable and delicious! I can't wait to try them with the boys.
The original recipe is for Santa's Whiskers cookies but she simply used the dough from that recipe to make her own cut out cookies to decorate.Best of all, the raw dough is safe to eat because they have no Egg! My chunky monkey can eat them and the boys can eat the raw dough! (the best part)
Easy kid-friendly recipe for slice & bake refrigerator cookies.
1 1/4 cups butter, softened (2 1/2 sticks)
1 cup sugar
4 teaspoons milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla
3 cups all-purpose flour
In a large mixing bowl, preferably with an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, beat again and scrape bowl. With mixer on low speed, add flour one cup at a time and beat after each addition. Shape into logs approximately 2" in diameter. Roll the logs in parchment paper or plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or a silpat liner and give them a light spray with vegetable shortening. Unwrap logs and slice into 1/4" thick slices or roll out to cut out shapes. Place cookies on prepared cookie sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes or until very light brown and the sides are slightly firm.
Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack. Cool completely before storing in air tight containers.
We are sharing and discussing Christmas Cookies at The Forum on The Homeschool Lounge... come join us!
Dec. 11, 2009 - me and my boy
Thank you Lord, for Neko, and for the priviledge of being able to be his mommy...would You always give me grace and mercy in loving my children and allow me to see them as Yours, on loan to me for a little while. Help me to do everything I do with the good of their eternal souls. Raising them to love You and worship You for all their lives. You are so good...
Dec. 10, 2009 - Neko at the doc's
Today was our first pediatrician visit for Neko. It took a couple of weeks to get an appointment with our very much in-demand doctor. We love her to pieces and appreciate her gentleness and calm demeanor with the children. Today was a bit of a challenge since the rooms are very small and all six children were going to be in the room. Tucker volunteered to read books to Harrison and Ellie, Chloe had Charity, and I was in charge of the star of the show. It ended up that Charity took over holding Neko since Charity was rather "busy" and needed a little more Mommy attention.
Neko had gained over three pounds in his nearly 7 weeks, and is now in the 25% of the growth chart. This little fella eats all the time...he's gearing up for his wrestling career apparently! Neko loved having his clothes off and wiggled, kicking and squirming on the little exam table. He was bright and alert during the visit and our doctor was very pleased with his good health. She has high hopes - as do we - that he will not struggle with health issues as Charity has.
Our evening was fun-filled as well. We headed over in our coordinating outfits to the Sear's Portrait Studio for family photos. We haven't done this for three years, so everybody was understandably excited. The photographer was good about getting Charity and Harrison to smile, so we ended up with a number of cute poses. We all had a great time clapping and cheering trying to get each other to smile at the appropriate moment. She even managed to get Neko with his eyes open looking at the camera.
So, feeling rather tired and thankful that so much was accomplished today, I'm off to bed, hoping for a couple good hours of sleep...
Dec. 16, 2009 - 1000 Gifts
#113. brilliant sunshine gleaming through the windows after a month of rain,
#114. watching my 8yr old encouraging his 5yr old brother to learn to skate,
#114. tea with a friend,
#115. the first soft white snowflakes falling to the ground,
#116. the blessing of children,
#117. Hubby's delicious pasta & chorrizo,
