Tuesday, October 27, 2009

but I feel like life is exciting....

Maybe it is due to the fact that I do not have a camera YET!!!!!!!!!!!, and I do not diligently record in words all the funny antics of these youngin's. But I do feel like our life is exciting and blogworthy....

So, my weekly updates are becoming just that. I know there are a certain few who shall remain nameless who actually do read and enjoy our comings and goings, so for you, I write this post.

We are entering Greece of ancient times in school, we feel like Patricia Polacco is living in our house since we have about 20 of her books around everywhere as we study her for this month's author. Stephanie just finished the most current collection of American Girl books, Rebekah. She loved reading about the Jewish family and their journey to this country.

Steve and I have been loving our Fireproof bible study we are a part of....it is lots of work, but well worth it in the long run. A good marriage is worth making great.

The pool is closed up and ready for the winter, we thought that might magically make it stay in the seventies instead of the nineties!!!!!!

Cooking has changed around here since we are improving our eating habits and trying to lose some inches and pounds around here. It is like a new adventure. We each are at the twenty pounds down mark....so we will keep going.

We love our church more than ever, and looking through some old photos made me see even more how awesome it is when God directs our steps and we obey.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Confucius say...



It was a blast taking time to learn about ancient China and it's inventions, the map, silkworms and the making of silk, the lantern festival, the ancient flag...making dragons out of hand prints and drawing on a piece of rice paper. The best part of the day was tasting all the goodies from China and learning some Confucius "sayings". It was a very calm day, and we really enjoyed the extra guests of Grandparents and a Dad.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

free educational fun...Dade Battlefield State Park

What does one do on a hot humid day in mid-October when friends are down from Maryland and eveyone's budget is tight? Find something free to do. We called our local state park, and the friendly ranger invited us over for a time to hearing about the first battle of the second Seminole war here in Florida. It was amazing. We learned so much. It was minutes from our home.

The kids saw guns, uniforms, weapons and other artifacts from the time period. Whatever ones feelings are of the Indians vs. American soldiers, it is a time in our history that needs to be accounted for. The efforts were enormous and paid for with lives. Larger courage and bravery were exhibited on that day in Bushnell than imagined. We will look forward to going to the re-enactment of the battle in early January, with the story better known by all of us. We found out about the owner of the name of our street. His nickname was Alligator. Wish it was the one we used on all of our mail. But it is not. The paintings we stared at and learned about were incredible.

We owe a big thanks to Ranger Wicks. Thanks.




Fort King=Ocala Fort Brooke=Tampa


Alligator aka Tustenuggee
Memorial marker of an officer
Sword worn by a horseman in battle.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Friends and family

Friday we started all the fun with a day of school and wrapping up our study of Egypt. The kids had such a great time, they dressed up as Cleopatra or a pharaoh, painted their pots from last class, made pyramids out of sugar cubes, made a collage and ate hot dog mummies. We celebrated a friend birthday at the park at the end of the day and we came home with two extra kids. It is always fun to have friends spend the night.
Stephanie
Olivia
Sugar cube pyramids
Saturday I went yard sale-ing and found a few treasures. New dessert cups and battleship. Hmm, that is a good math x and y axis game, mapping and drawing conclusions...always thinking, I am! The Metallica fans headed out about four, for the concert and us girls went to see Kay-kay gettin pretty for Homecoming. Then we headed home to do some cooking. My little chefs donned their garb, and we made these yummy key-lime layered desserts. They were tangy, but so good. And pretty too. Then they stayed up late to learn how to "build" lasagna. They were so funny and cute. I heard all kinds of things...this is just like playing with legos, you just keep making layers....it is kinda messy, but I bet everyone is gonna eat it up!....thanks mom, when I grow up I am gonna be the best cook, just like you.
And then came Sunday. The men had returned LATE from the concert, but family was coming over to celebrate Kaitie and her new addition, he is due in February. Plus, she is a new bride. SURPRISE! Uncle Todd came and was his charming self, even brought Spike. This was a pic in a moment of behaving.
And this was moments later, when the big brother wanted a peek at the plump belly. As you can see, my kids are being squished and pushed over the railing. Family!
This is Spike. He really likes to be indoors. I don't want animals indoors. He likes to chase the ball and jump in the pool, then come in for a rest. NEGATIVE. So, I was the bad guy. That is okay, I can wear that badge proudly. My brother called me a dog-hater. Am not!
Sister Sherri, getting a new pic for Facebook.
And Conrad who is sportin' his new shirt and still looks tired from spending the night outside "camping" on Friday. Long story. You will have to ask him or Steve. or Maria.

Whew...family and fun....friends and relatives. They can tire a girl out. Glad I have them.