THMJ Week of 1/19/14

    In our homeschool this week…
We are using Science4Us.com for science now.  We finished our Apologia just as this opportunity came up with the Schoolhouse Review Crew.  KinderBach is our new music class.  Still plugging along in Math U See and reading God's World News for current events.  

    What we're reading... 
 The Boxcar Children


    Around the house... 

Enjoying rainbow cake.

Xav was this week's birthday punk.  He turned seven and chose a rainbow cake to celebrate.  I've made them before and I think they turn out much better when I use all six colors in both layers.  I told him I'd even make ice cream.  He went with peppermint candy ice cream, but wished I'd used more candy canes in it.  He invited B over from next door.  She and one of her brothers came over for a couple of hours to hang out.  Xav was super excited about having his first brand new bike.  

We gave him a scare about birthday spankings and he quickly tried to protect himself.

    Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We had Rangers and I taught Rainbows this week.  The boys are learning ABC Bible verses.  This one is M - My son, give me your heart.  Proverbs 23:26

    My kiddos favorite thing this week was…
While Xav's birthday was probably his favorite thing, it was definitely not Mal's favorite.  He was a little grumpy for a couple of days and said he wished his big day was sooner.

    Things I’m working on…
I finally sent out the birthday present for my mom.  Aaaaand I didn't take a picture of it.  Pleh.

    Things Dad is working on...
Pinewood derby cars.  The boys are doing theme cars this year.  Mal made the train from Toy Story 3 and Xav's is a plane from the Disney movie Planes.  I'll share pictures in next week's post.

    I’m cooking…
Barley risotto.  Oh. My. Yum!
Birthday cake.

Rainbow cake batter.

Ice cream.
Cookies using the rest of the cocoa nibs Christine gave me.  This time, I used a basic cookie recipe for chewy cookies and added the nibs.  They were so good.

Join the linky!

Square Marshmallow

This is salted caramel cocoa mix from a coffee place whose initials are SB.  Disappointing, kind of bitter.  On the lookout for "homemade" marshmallows, we stopped at a local chocolatier on Church Street in Burlington. They had a beautiful display of square marshmallows in the window and not one plain one for sale in the whole shop.  We headed into the mall and I wandered into Williams-Sonoma.  They had jars full of them.  When I said I only needed three or four, they were happy to let me take them.  Lovely, square marshmallows, all individually wrapped.  I doctored the plain ones with a bit of melted chocolate and crushed candy cane.

Homeschool Essentials: Co-op

It's Friday of our Homeschool Essentials week.  And my favorite thing about Friday is Christian Friday School, our homeschool co-op.

There was a time when I really felt lonely for women friends who were "like me," women with littles, who loved God, who. LIVE. NEARBY.  I used to pray and cry for a deep friendship.  Since then, I've gotten to know some wonderful ladies and have grown ups to talk to on Friday (and other days, too!).  This is actually the first year, that I haven't taught or helped in one or the other of the Bigger Littles classes all day.  I'm in the nursery third period and on the clean up crew fourth, so I actually have more time to talk to people over four feet tall.  It's seriously Heavenly.

I have lovely Christian women to turn to for prayer and strength, veteran homeschoolers to guide me through Vermont's homeschool requirements, and families to share and laugh with.  I even gained a few baby sitters among the teen girls.

My boys have friends to interact with and older students to look up to.  This is especially important to Xavier who craves social opportunities.  They get to learn things I probably wouldn't be teaching to them.  Even with the classes I teach at co-op, we probably spend more in-depth time on some subjects than we might at home.   Merrick even sometimes participates in a very active class for the littlest littles.

Micah also teaches at co-op.  This is his second year teaching.  He works with the older students and teaches exciting things like electronics and survival skills.  He hasn't lost a student yet!

Co-op is exciting and exhausting.  Every other Friday we are about to drop in our tracks, especially since our library trip is usually after co-op.   But I've grown to love many of the families and I don't know what I'd do without them.


Lisa @ A Rup Life
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

Cocoa in a Peacock Mug

This week's cocoa is a K-cup with a squirt of whipped topping from a can and some mini-morsels sprinkled on top.  I love this mug.  The color is so pretty.  My mom got me these to go with some Corelle dragonfly dishes.

Homeschool Essentials: Routines and Attitudes

We need a schedule, at least a loose one.  Mal likes to know what comes next and what is the last thing. He will drive me to distraction if I don't give him the information he needs.  When are we done?  Are we done after this?  How much more?  And on it would go.  I have sometimes been lax and it shows in our school time attitudes.

I know what is best in our school for all of us, and sometimes around the holidays (where we generally keep plugging away, but take random days off on my whim) or when something unusual happens (like the nearly eight days of frequent power outages during the ice storm), I don't keep us on track and we pay for it.  The longer we are off the schedule, the more difficult it is to get back on track.

While I know not everyone needs a routine, we have definitely found out how helpful one is for us.  Do you have a schedule?  Do you have a program or form you follow?

Don't forget to visit these other Crew members' blogs.  I hear there may be some giveaways on this crazy carnival.  Click the button at the top of this post to go to the big list of all the bloggers.

Lisa @ A Rup Life
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

Homeschool Essentials: Daddy Times Two

My husband is so stinkin' incredible.  I thank God for him often.  He is funny and smart and quizzes and jokes with the boys in ways I cannot.  We don't think alike.  I may have mentioned the technology thing, and it doesn't stop there.

His parents raised him to be appreciative, to work for what he gets, and to be resourceful.  They also gave him an absolutely delightful, twisted sense of humor. It was the second thing I noticed about him, because, I have to say, he is CUTE!  Be still my heart!

Micah works so hard to care for us and our home.  The man seems to never tire.  Well, at least not until around 8 PM, when he has been known to drift off in the recliner.  Zzzzzz...  Without Micah's job, his support, and his strong sense of responsibility, it would be much more difficult, if not impossible to homeschool the Bigger Littles.

Now, I mentioned Daddy times two in the title of this post.  While I love my Dad, step-dad, and father-in-law, they are not the other daddy to which I am referring.  I mean my Heavenly Father.  He gets me through every single day.  Without His strength, I would not be doing this homeschool gig.  I cannot tell you how many days I thought would be my last homeschool day.  Some days have been rough.  High expectations.  Restless boys.  Short tempers.  Even apathy.  These things steal the joy from the idyllic family life I imagined when we made the decision to homeschool.  I am not above stopping everything and praying.  I'm also not always in that spot.  Once the snowball is rolling, sometimes we forget that God is for us.  Nothing can stand against us, not even that bright yellow school bus.

"What a privilege to be challenged so beyond our ability we must rely on our great God. Because if we could be a great mom on our own, then we wouldn't need God." - Heather MacFadyen of God Centered Mom

Please go read some of the other bloggers in the Homeschooling Essentials carnival.

Lisa @ A Rup Life
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

THMJ Week of 1/12/14

    In my life this week…
I helped Xav play a prank on his Daddy.
He planned it all out on his own.  He hasn't been sleeping downstairs since the other night. He sneaked down and got into bed.  My role was to send Dad to bed early "so he doesn't miss a second of work." says Xav, tell him I wanted to sleep alone, so he should go downstairs.  (I had to send him early so Xav would still be awake.)  Micah actually didn't see Xav go downstairs.  He played along with the rest of the joke.  When he got to the basement bedroom, he shouted, "Hey! Is this some kind of trick?" just like Xav wanted him to.  That kid was so tickled to be able to pull one over on his Dad!  He thought he could do the same thing the following night with the same results, but I told him I didn't think Daddy would fall for it two nights in a row!

    In our homeschool this week…
I shared this story on FaceBook, but here it is again.

We were having a MISERABLE day. After everyone took a rest (separate rooms, quiet time), I had them come out to the computer to see our first Kinderbach lesson and I told them how fun this game was. Mal crossed his arms and yelled, "I hate singing and dancing and I'm not going to do it!" I told him that it wasn't singing and dancing and he would be playing the game. I started it up and Xav got so excited. "We used to play this game in recorder class!" It didn't take Mal long to catch Xav's enthusiasm. He played along and laughed and flopped around. They enjoyed it so much, they played it three more times. We were all laughing by the time it was done. I wanted to cry, and not out of anger and frustration!
Already, the Schoolhouse Review Crew is blessing us!

    In our homeschool co-op this week... 
Picture day!
Magic Schoolbus Science -  Color!  We watched the rainbow episode, looked at the world through rainbow glasses, did the colored milk experiment, and played with light paddles.
Duct Tape Art - Mal made beads and strung a necklace.
Nature - Xav used two soda bottles to make a tornado.
Amazing Body - Mal took a short break to read a book and then joined the class and started preparing the parts to stuff into his skeleton.
Art Class - Xav created a little snowman scene on a blue paper plate.
Archery was cancelled.


    What we're reading... 
The Boxcar Children #2



    Around the house... 
High temps this week were in the 40's.  After -23* one night last week, it was super pleasant, except for the rain.  I was reminded that old frostbite can still be felt even when the temperature seems high.

    My favorite thing this week was…
Merrick's birthday!  Happy birthday, Baby Monkey!  While he loved the taste, he did not like the mess.

    My kiddos favorite thing this week was…
Xav definitely enjoyed all the cupcakes.  It's all about food with that kid.

    Things I’m working on…
My blog.

    Things Dad is working on...
Organizing files and pictures on the back up drive. 

    I’m cooking…
Birthday cupcakes!  Colleen told me how easy it is to use a decorator to frost cupcakes.  I am not a talented cake decorator, but I have one of those tube jobbies with several nozzle thingies.  The whole time I was messily loading it with frosting, I was thinking about how much grief I was going to give to her over this.  And then I piped the frosting on a cupcake.  Be still my heart!  It was so easy and looked so nice.  The only thing I didn't expect was how much frosting it would take!  Thanks, C.  I take back every mean thought I had that day.

I also made some shortbread-type cookies with these yummy cocoa nibs that Christine gave me.  I'm sad to say, the cookies were NOT tasty, but the cocoa nibs are.  I only used half the package, so I will use the rest in a different cookie recipe.

    Out of the mouths of boys... 
Long after bedtime, I had to go into the Bigger Littles' room and tell them to quit playing and go to sleep.  In a sing-song voice, Mal said, "But, Mom, I'm playing Jer-i-cho.  Bible stories are your fav-o-riiiite."

    A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
Homeschool Barbie

Follow us over to The Homeschool Mother's Journal Linky.

Homeschool Essentials: Technology

Welcome to day 2 of Homeschool Essentials Blog Carnival!  Be sure to click the banner to see what some of the other ladies from the Schoolhouse Review Crew need in their homeschools.  Over 90 bloggers are participating!

Around here, we {big, fat, puffy heart} the technology.  Some days, too much.  Some days, it does not like us (read, me) back.  Some days we have plenty of techie time on the computer and some days I catch my laptop on fire.  Yes.  Literally. Some days, we read on the Kindle Fire and some days, I. Can't. Turn. The Kindle. On.  Thankfully, technology is also for the Technologically Impaired.  And God saw my ineptitude and married me off to a gEEk.

We started the Bigger Littles way back when on Starfall.com which was a huge hit around here when they were just the Littles.  We've used the internet for various things ever since then.  One of my favorite things in our school ever is Amanda Bennett Unit Studies.  (You can read our reviews here.)  I always have loved how videos from the interwebs were hosted on a special Download N Go page so you don't see the sometimes questionable suggested videos.

Right now, our current favorite websites for school include Reading Eggs, KinderBach, and Science4Us.com.  Xavier is doing so very well on Reading Eggs.  I have loved seeing him blossom and gain confidence as a reader.  Reading came so easily for Malachi.  We used the free trial and let it run out.  Eventually, I received an email with a special rate I could hardly pass up.  Mal liked MathSeeds, Reading Eggs sister site, but he and Xav were way beyond that one.  We recently started KinderBach and Science4us.com through the Homeschool Review Crew.  I'll will have full reviews on those sites near the end of February.

What is your favorite piece of technological wonder?  How do you use it in your homeschool?

Can't visit all 90 of the participating bloggers?  Take a few minutes to say hello to these wonderful ladies.

Lisa @ A Rup Life
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

Homeschool Essentials: Library

This week, The Schoolhouse Review Crew is sharing what we believe are five of our most essential homeschool needs.  I hope you'll join us all week and check in with some of the other mama bloggers.

There is a bit of a love/hate relationship with the library.  Our small, local libraries (we may have cards at three of them) aren't online and getting things in there can be problematic.  The bigger library is 30 minutes away.  And don't let the word "free" in the name fool you.  It's only free for residents of that particular town.  We pay $15 each year for a card there, but it does offer more than the two local places.

Despite that feeling, they are invaluable to our studies.

For one thing, the larger library is conveniently located on the internet.  That's great for reserving and renewing.  (Provided you *remember* your password and get on in time to renew the DVDs which carry a ridiculously high daily fine and can only be kept for one week as opposed to the three weeks everything else can be borrowed for.  Ask me how I know.  ahem)

Though we can't take advantage of all the events I'd like to (who wants to drive over an hour for an hour event?), there are often things going on the days we will be in town anyway.  They hold movies and popcorn nights, explorations in the resource room, story hours, open houses, reading groups, etc. there.

As a fan of unit studies, I love the theme bags that are available.  I mentioned them HERE before.  Friday we picked up the art bag.  Malachi mentioned that he'd like to get the transportation bag again next time.  The only thing I don't care for is all the VHS tapes in the bags.
 

The resource room in the Children's Library is fantastic.  Merrick got his first taste (literally) of do-a-dot markers there.  We find games, picture books on CD, a fun assortment of toys that rotates regularly, graphing projects, and other things I would not be too quick to pull out at home (like the shaving cream and cornstarch goop they had last week).  I need to take a page from their book (puns may be intended), and start rotating toys at home.  They really do seem to enjoy the surprise of finding out what will be available at each visit.

Additionally, we do attend the smaller libraries' events.  Our local science dude holds events at most of them, instructing on anything from the science of milk and eggs to nature hikes.  He's very hands-on science and is great with all the littles.

Be sure to go see what these Crew friends have found to be essential in their homeschools.  Pssst... Jennifer has some giveaways on her blog this week.


Lisa @ A Rup Life
Jordyn @ Almost Supermom
Jenn @ Teaching Two Stinkers
Crystal @ Crystal Starr Blog
Jennifer @ Chestnut Grove Academy
Brandi @ Brandi Raae
Wendy @ Simplicity Breeds Happiness
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break
Lynn @ Ladybug Chronicles

Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal Review

This post contains affiliate links.

I can't believe that, until very recently, I'd never read any of C.S. Lewis' non-fiction books.  I've enjoyed the Narnia series, of course.  A while back, I practically inhaled The Screwtape Letters, and while certainly Christian, it is decidedly fiction.  I've had Mere Christianity on my reading list for some time, but just never got around to buying it.  I like to own non-fiction rather than buy it because I like to highlight.  A lot.  When the occasion arose to review Stacy Farrell's newest offering, Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal, I was quick to accept.

The Homeschool Adventure Co.'s books are intended to provide parents with practical resources to educate their children while cultivating a biblical world view.

•  The Wise Woman with Literary Analysis Journal Questions
•  Philippians in 28 Weeks™
•  Philosophy Adventure™
•  Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal

Without the Critical Analysis Journal, I would have definitely read Mere Christianity eventually, but it is much too easy to read a book like that without absorbing much, if anything.  If I am taking the time to engage in a deep book, I really want to walk away with a real sense of understanding.  This journal will help you delve deeper and consider more seriously that which is in Lewis' book.  Ten or more questions for each chapter, help promote a deeper understanding of his work.

I'd recommend this book for teens and adults.  Anyone who is curious to learn about and study the aspects of what exactly constitutes "mere" Christianity, the most basic characteristics without regard to denomination will benefit from using this Journal.


The Critical Analysis Journal is available as an editable digital download ($18.95) or a spiral-bound paperback edition ($28.95).  I liked that I could email the PDF document to my Kindle and have it with me without taking the laptop or printing the entire book.  My printer and I are not the best of friends, so I don't print as much as I might like.  Instead, I only needed a small notebook to record my answers to the questions, my trusty, old Kindle, and a paperback copy of Mere Christianity.  Re-writing the questions in the notebook (though you certainly could just jot down your answers) helped me to focus on what I was reading and to more effectively remember critical elements.


Order now.  Save 10% through January 31st.

If you don't have a copy of Mere Christianity and would like one, you can download it here for free.


Get to know more about Stacy Farrell in this interview post or go to Stacy's blog -- On Loving Jesus

Stacy Farrell Author Interview

*This post contains an affiliate link.

Recently, I was blessed to be able to meet Stacy Farrell, author of Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal.  It has been a real joy to get to know Stacy and to be able to experience Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis through her eyes and with her guidance.  Thank you, Stacy, for being willing to answer a few questions for my blog readers.

Author Stacy Farrel

Think of eternity, always. Imagine that moment when you will stand before God and give an account for what you have done with the talents He entrusted to you. Let that guide all your decisions.

Q. When planning a new book, how do you go about planning for it? Do you have a method you use, or is each one different?

Proverbs 16:9 declares: “In his heart, a man makes his plans, but the Lord determines his steps.” If you had asked me this question 20 years ago, I would have told you how I outlined and scheduled and planned. I’m a planner by nature. However, I have learned the hard way that “unless the Lord builds the house, the workers labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Each book I have written for Home School Adventure Co. has a unique story behind it—and not one would have been completed without the support of many faithful prayer warriors.


Q. Do you have a certain writing space, somewhere you go *just* to write your books? An office, a lake cabin, a hotel? What do you love about that space? How does it inspire you?

Writing resources for Home School Adventure Co. has pretty much demanded everything I can give to it (and more!). So, wherever I go, my writing goes with me.

I am especially grateful to my sons for helping me lug around the backpack and bags that contain my laptop and research materials.

Q. What would you say to a young person who aspires to be a writer? What advice would you give? Also, what would you tell his/her parents in order to help them be supportive in their child's efforts to pursue writing as a career?

Writing is hard work. Sometimes inspiration hits and the words simply flow. However, the writer who consistently writes can ultimately surpass a more talented writer who waits for the Muse before picking up his or her pen (or keyboard).

Think of eternity, always. Imagine that moment when you will stand before God and give an account for what you have done with the talents He entrusted to you. Let that guide all your decisions.

Parents, encourage your students to write every day. Then take the time to read and comment on what they write. Even if you do not consider yourself a writer, surely you consider yourself a reader. What is clear? What is confusing? Applaud their efforts and tell them the truth.


Q. Would your advice be any different for an adult who would like to break into the business? How?

Pray. Listen. Obey.

“Count the cost.”

Luke 14:28 tells us to consider the price we must pay before undertaking a work, but there is also a cost associated with not undertaking a work to which He calls us.

That said, as parents and family members, we would be wise to maintain a measure of balance. Remember Solomon’s words: “The writing of many books is endless” (Ecc. 12:12). Books will pass away; people are eternal.

Do not allow your writing to interfere with your loving.

Q. What is your goal with writing? Is it the same with every book?

My goal for every book is the same as my goal for life. I pray that all my efforts help people more fully know and love Jesus.

Q. What other projects will you be working on in the near future?

In 2014, we hope to release a print edition of Philippians in 28 Weeks – King James Version.

Q. What is one lesson you learned from writing this book?

Simple truth packs a punch.

In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis tackles some hefty questions. Yet, upon pondering his answers, I realized that much of what he says distills down to common sense.

(Voltaire would argue that “common sense is not so common.”)

Q. With all of the duties that you juggle, when do you fit in the time to write?

This is a great question. There is no denying that writing requires many sacrifices. Truth be told, all too often my sons have heard me say, “I need to concentrate. Please don’t talk to me right now!” However, because my sons need and deserve my focused attention during our school days, much of my writing is done before dawn (while my household sleeps), or late at night.

Q. What is the Scripture verse that you would call your favorite?

At a writer’s conference some years ago, I came to believe that Philippians 2:14-16 might be my “life verse.”

I could not pick a favorite verse, but I can say that I feel particularly convicted to live out Philippians 2:14-16:

“Do everything without grumbling or arguing,
so that you may become
blameless and pure,
children of God without fault
in a warped and crooked generation.
Then you will shine like stars in the sky
as you hold out the word of life.”

More about Stacy and Homeschool Adventure Company:

Stacy Farrell’s worldview changed when she embarked on her homeschooling adventure in 2002.
Her background as a consultant and writer well-prepared her to teach communication skills; however, only hands-on experience (and much time spent on her knees) equipped her to mentor her sons through the character-transformation required to help them work toward their full potential.

Stacy has spoken at a variety of homeschool conferences and has published articles in leading Christian magazines. She wrote scripts for Willow Creek’s youth ministry, copy for Pastor Bill Hybel’s “Defining Moments” Audio Newsletter, and a broad range of material for corporate and non-profit clients. She also managed a law firm that specialized in civil rights litigation and constitutional law. Today, she loves to help empower students to recover territory lost by “fuzzy thinking” and low expectations. To that end, she created:

• Philosophy Adventure™—Pre-Socratics – designed to help students 6th-12th grade cultivate and defend a biblical worldview by teaching them how to write skillfully, think critically, and speak articulately as they explore the history of ideas

• Philippians in 28 Weeks™ — a simple and painless way to memorize an entire book of Scripture

• The Wise Woman with Literary Analysis Journal Questions – an enchanting fable that unmasks the ugliness of pride and selfishness

• Mere Christianity Critical Analysis Journal -- a powerful tool to strengthen critical thinking while cultivating a biblical worldview.

Although Stacy loves to write, speak, and teach, she considers her role as wife to Roger and mother to two precious sons to be her greatest work and privilege. You can learn more about her resources at Home School Adventure Co.

Medicinal Cocoa

The second cocoa I'd like to share is purely for medicinal purposes.  I think the picture says it all.
 

THMJ Week of 1/5/14

    In our homeschool this week…
We're reviewing parts of speech (noun, adjective, and adverb) and finishing up thank you notes.

    What we're reading... 
The Boxcar Children #1

Mere Christianity
Homeschool Adventure Co.'s Mere Christianity: Critical Analysis Journal

    Around the house... 
Xav has spent several nights sleeping in the basement.  I was pretty surprised that he was willing to stay all night.  He has asked if we would build him a real room down there.  Wednesday night (his fourth night in the guest "room"), he asked me if it would be OK if some night he came upstairs and got in his own bed.  I think he is lonely down there.  He is such a sociable kid.  He ended up coming upstairs on Friday night and has been in his own bed since. 

    Things I’m working on…
I used a pool noodle to seal the garage door to the laundry room.  I'm hoping it works.  I cut the noodle to the width of the door, then slit it open.  It was too thick to fit under the door, so I used a serrated bread knife to slice out some of that part.  It fits nice and snug.

A birthday present.  Still. *whistles*

    I’m cooking…
Root beer cookies.  Aww, yeah.  I made about three dozen little sandwich cookies.  I really make the filling root beery.  The longer the cookies sit, the better they taste.

     A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
One of our rabbit trails this week.  Ben Franklin's glass (h)armonica.  See it played here.  I used to work at the Corning Museum of Glass.  They have one there and I always loved to listen to it.  There seems to be a discrepancy on the spelling, but the Franklin Institute refers to the instrument as an armonica, so I'm going with that.

Linking to The Homeschool Mother's Journal.

A Winter Full of Cocoa

I like chocolate.  I know.  You are probably shocked.  "Hi.  My name is Jodi and I love chocolate."  I super duper love bitter-sweet or dark chocolate, like 65-80% cocoa.  It's a sickness, I tell ya.

You may also be surprised to know that I like to drink hot cocoa.  I decided to start sharing a hot, steamy mug of cocoa  each week, all winter.  Well, you need to eat something with your cocoa.  It's a rule.  It may have been unwritten until just now.  When I just typed it there.  I wouldn't want you all feeling inspired to sip cocoa and go all rebel and not have a snack with it, too.

To kick us off, this is a basic cup of Swiss Miss, a peppermint stick, semi-sweet morsels, and a scented candle.  This surprise was lovingly created by my number one guy.  I {big, fat, puffy heart} him.

THMJ Week of 12/29/13

   Happy New Year!

   In my life this week…

The boys have all been busy building with Legos.  It's nearly an every day event around here.  Each punk got a Toys R Us gift certificate for Christmas.  We shopped one night and they all got more Legos.  Even Merrick got Duplos.  He must have built with the "Toddler Starter Pack" for over an hour before bed and he got right back into them before breakfast the next day!

    In our homeschool this week…
We did take New Year's Eve and Day off, but we kept at it the rest of the week.  Thank you letters were a must and we will be writing them next week, too.

    In our homeschool co-op this week... 
Friday School was canceled due to the frigid temperature.  I was disappointed and excited.  Xav cried.  Next time, class, we'll be looking at rainbows!

    What we're reading...
The Boxcar Children #1
 
Mere Christianity
Homeschool Adventure Co.'s Mere Christianity: Critical Analysis Journal

    Around the house... 
We lost a chicken to the cold.  The survivors got more hay and another heat lamp.  They still aren't laying.  I hope they make up for it in the spring.  Or maybe not, since there will be plenty of eggs then anyway.

  
    My kiddos favorite thing this week was… 
Mal loves his first G-Gauge train, The Polar Express.  And Legos.
Xav enjoys flying a remote control helicopter.  And Legos.
Merrick played almost non-stop with his Tall Stacker Smart Shapes puzzle.  Until he got Lego Duplos.
Sensing a trend here?

    Things I’m working on…
A birthday present...

    I’m cooking…
I made an apple and oat thingy in the slow cooker.  It had good flavor, but it was too dry for all the oats and the apples got too mushy overnight.   

    Out of the mouths of boys... 
     We rewarded the kids this week by…
Micah to Xav:  You need to get some sleep.  You've got something important to do tomorrow.
Xav (sighing):  I know, bring in wood.
Actually, Xav earned a rock climbing day with Dad and Rangers Discovery Kids.  He memorized the first ten verses for the year.  Mal knows them, too, but of course he won't  tell them to anyone at Rangers.  He gets to stay home with Merrick and me.  He's much happier at home anyway.

We also went to E I O's for lunch.  You know, as in old McDonald had a farm.  Merrick has been calling it that for months.  Merrick ate an entire four-piece McNugget and fries!  When we finished there, we headed over to Pizza Hut to grab the individual pizzas Mal and Xav earned with the Book It! Program.  Mal ate all of his right then and Xav ate half of his pizza.  I'm sure I will say this a million times before they're grown, but I dread feeding three teenage boys.

    I’m praying for…
All of those people who have to be out in this wicked cold being experienced all over the country, road crews, postal workers, etc.


    A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
Skit guys:  This year will be different.

Linking up over here.

THMJ Week of 12/22/13

  Merry Christmas!

    In my life this week…
We finished Christmas prep, did less cooking than I intended because of all the power outages, entertained Christine, tried to stay warm...  It was a good week.

    In our homeschool this week…
We were frequently interrupted by power outages all week.  We maybe didn't have much school this week.

    What we're reading... 
We finished Jotham's Journey

Mere Christianity
Homeschool Adventure Co.'s Mere Christianity: Critical Analysis Journal 

    Around the house... 
The power was out for over 90 hours this week, at least part of every single day except Christmas. 

    Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
We dragged Christine to Church Street for some wandering and shopping.


    My favorite thing this week was…
Christine was here!  She brought T-Rex with her.  We cooked.  We went to "the city."

    My kiddos favorite thing this week was…
Christine was here!  She is way more fun than mommy.  :)

    Things I’m working on…
Baby crinkle paper.  This went into some tactile wipe container toys I made.  Merrick still plays with his.  I made three more for Christmas gifts.

    Things Dad is working on...
Micah made (yes, I said he *made* them!) Tetris cookie cutters and The Bigger (Dave) made me some cookies with them.  One of the most thoughtful gifts ever.

 

    I’m cooking…
The usual ham, scalloped potatoes, and sweet potato casserole for Christmas dinner.  After Christine arrived, we did some fun cooking, although not as much as we would have had we had power all week.  She made a barley and parmesan thing that was so yummy.  We made hummus and a soup with quinoa, spinach, and potatoes.  

    Out of the mouths of boys... 
Talking about safety with Mal and Xav, I asked them our address, phone numbers, and Mommy and Daddy's names.
Mal:  Mr. and Mrs. Gxxxxxx?
Me:  Well, yes.  But what are our first names?
Mal:  Um, Jodi.
Me:  Yes.  And Daddy is...?
Mal:  *blank*
Me:  What does Mommy call Daddy?
Mal:  *brightens*  OH!  Loverbutterbean!

    I’m grateful for…
So many things, I'm planning a post for it.

    I’m praying for…
The homeless and hungry.  

    A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
A great article about the value of the teenage workforce.  Are we helping or hindering them by overpaying?

Link up over at The Homeschool Mother's Journal.