Stella was a fickle storm.

Stella has finally moved on and we're still moving snow.  It's funny how much snow was forecast for much of the areas to be hit by her, including the cities, that never materialized.  We, however, received *plenty* of the white stuff.  After the 22.25 inches I shared with you the other day, I know we had three more "shovels" of about 3-4 inches each for a grand total of around 31-34 inches.  Luckily, it is settling down and getting damper with the sun shining on it.  It's no longer dry enough to be blown all over (making driving dangerous) and the kids can make snow people and tunnels and whatever else strikes their fancy.

Daddy got the roof rake out and pulled a bunch of snow into a substantial pile in the front yard which will be made into a wonderful fort this weekend.  The boys were forbidden from digging into, climbing on, and otherwise touching this snow.

Roads were still pretty cruddy over most of the area yesterday.  Some places much cruddier than others.  Even so, we ventured out to Tae Kwon Do and AWANA.  We lived to tell about it.

I'm glad to see the end of the storm even though it didn't greatly effect us this time.  We didn't lose power and Dad worked from home.

Stella - 24 hours in.

I know you've been waiting on pins and needles to see how much snow we ended up with overnight.  I know I was excited to take a peek in the daylight.  I took a few pictures around the front and side of the house today, too.

Clicking the pictures should "embiggen" them.

Our total at 24 hours of snow fall was 54cm.  Unlike most homeschoolers in the US, I do not have a yard stick.  I have a meter stick, so...  Presumably, most of you are also homeschoolers, so I wasn't going to translate that into inches.  Since it's a snow day, I decided I would.  That's about 21.25".  

Pretty decent total, I'd say.  I think there are some boys who will really 

enjoy making forts and tunnels out there once it packs a bit.

The pic on the right is our bridge into the woods.  That gives you a pretty good idea of the depth of the snow.

Out front, I found these funky tracks (right).  Anyone need a table? It's free.  

 

Saw the abominable snow monster across the road.  He walked his snow plow up the road and worked on our driveway, too.

That's it for now.  The kids have gone out and knocked the snow off the bridge, table, and back steps, so I'll have to actually go out and find unmarred snow to measure later.

What's all the hype about this snowstorm?

For whatever reason, winter storms now get named by The Weather Channel.  See Wiki for a mildly interesting article about that.  Since storms are generally named alphabetically, I have to wonder about this week's winter storm "Stella."  S is the 19th letter of the alphabet.  What happened to storms A to R?  Why have I never heard of any of them?  Who gets to determine if a storm qualifies for a name?

Well, regardless, we do have a storm this week.  Last night, local schools were given an early dismissal for today.  At 5 AM, they were cancelled.  Snow began gently falling around 9:30 AM.  I began taking a series of photos around 10:30.  This afternoon, I noticed many friends were doing the same thing for "The Facebook" (as in, FB knows all, FB tells all).  Great minds think alike, I tell ya.

So, this post is a bit of a cliffhanger, as we're only halfway through the storm and the last photo I took was at 7:15 PM, but tune in tomorrow for more photos.  The color in these pictures is all pretty true to life.  There was a lot of white air and the evening shots were incredibly blue.  All kind of weird.

10:30 AM Snowing 1 Hour

Kitties are ready to come back in.

Most of that snow was already here.

Noon and 2:30 PM

@2:30 it really started to snow.

3:30 PM and 4:30 PM

5:30 PM and 6:45 PM

7:15 PM  Snowing 9 hours and 45 minutes.

Last picture before dark.

Let it Snow!

While the boys are waiting for more snow outside (we haven't had a decent snowfall since the one in October), Merrick found a way to allow C3PO to partake of a favorite winter pastime.  Here he can be seen making snow angels.  This is very similar to a scene that was cut from The Empire Strikes Back.

The punks are hopeful to get some snow soon for their own angels.  The forecast is calling for some next week.

THMJ Week of 2/16/14

    In my life this week…
Getting some blog reviews ready to post next week.  Some pretty cool stuff to tell you all about.

I was telling Micah about an email I got from Chili's asking why I never use the coupons they email me (kind of creepy that they know), so I gave them some feedback that basically said the coupons are all dine in, they are an hour away, and I have three young boys, so we are more like a take-out family.  Micah listened quietly then told me to go look on the counter.  I hadn't even seen him bring them in...  *giddies*  My favorite southwest eggrolls from Chili's!  He's terrific!

    In our homeschool this week…
I've found that giving Xav the "job" of working the mouse for Merrick when he plays on StarFall makes for a more harmonious home.  He and Merrick are engaged and Mal is left alone.  Peaceful.
We are using a new book, Asia: Its People and History this month.

    In Rangers this week... 
Malachi said he had a tummy ache, so he and daddy stayed home.  Merrick refused to finish getting ready when it was time to go, so he ended up staying home out of stubbornness.  I headed off to Rainbows with Ms. Teri and Xav went to Ranger Kids.  He heard about Ms. Sue's daughter's miraculous recovery, came home with a paper airplane and more paper to make another because, apparently, "their paper works better than ours."  P verse:  Praise the Lord for it is good to sing praises to our God. Psalm 147:1

    What we're reading... 
Egg-cellent Easter Adventure again and again...
Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims
Encyclopedia Brown 

IndoctriNation 

     Fun boy stuff...
Using two adjustable rods, we put up our hall tent.

 

Outside, there were tunnels to dig.  Micah started one.  Xav and I expended the first and added the second entrance to make a tunnel.

 

The next day, Mal helped dig and they put a third entrance on the other side, digging a Y into the snow pile.  That's Mal inside the original entrance.

     Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
The library was exciting for Merrick this week.  As well as the usual dot markers, he got to use one of their iPads for the first time.  He played an Elmo ABC game.

Listening to a family favorite, The Monster at the End of This Book

 

Saturday involved a trip to Lowe's Build and Grow.  They hadn't gone in a long while.  The project was a claw game of their very own.  This trip also involved donuts and Toys R Us.
 
    Things Dad is working on...
Being sneaky and devious.  He sent me off to the store and when I got back, he had installed lighting under the upper kitchen cabinets.  Sneaky. 

    I’m cooking…
Sunday I cooked a few meals to get them out of the way.  I made shells and cheese for Mal for his lunches.  It lasted two days.  I also made plain pasta in sauce and sloppy joes.  Xav decided he loves messy burgers and this makes me happy.  I also marinated chicken in speidie sauce.  If you are ever in western NY (anywhere near Binghamton), find a speidie.  Yum.  I like the chicken grilled with veggies or fried with peppers and onion on a nice, chewy roll.

    Out of the mouths of boys... 
Xav: Was there an actual battle from the Evolutionary war fought at our house?
Me: Revolutionary?  No.  I don't think so. 

    I’m grateful for…
OK, this was foolish, but I freaked out Monday when Xav was out digging a tunnel in the front yard and he disappeared.  I went to the door and yelled and YELLED.  Nothing.  I went in and threw on my boots, saying, "Please, God, let him be OK."  I headed out the door and there he was across the yard traipsing through the path Micah and Mal made snowshoeing.  He was around the house and hadn't heard me.  So, of course, I started bawling.  I thanked God, and bawled, and thanked Him again.  

    I’m praying for…
Friends with health issues, life changing decisions they need to make, and wisdom to deal with some sticky issues.  Venezuela.  China.  Of course, I'm always praying for my family and myself.

    We rewarded the kids this week by…
We used our Book It rewards at Pizza Hut this week.
Dad took the punks to Toys R Us with some fun money Grandma of the Forest sent out for them.  They brought home pizza and donuts.  We never eat out or get take out this much.  I'd say I was rewarded this weekend because I didn't have to cook three meals! 

    Something I am ogling or have my eye on…
UGH!  I saw a Cricut on clearance.  I've kind of wanted one for a long while.  Now I'm thinking about all kinds of things besides scrapbooking and card making I *could* do with one.  I'm hoping it's still there when I go back.  Kicking myself!
Yippee!  Wahoo!  I went back on Saturday and it was there!  Mine!  Mine!  Mine!

    A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
A great quote.
When you allow the wrong people into your house, stuff will come up missing, like: joy, peace, love, hope, faith... (Yes, people steal these things.)

And as a wise friend pointed out, it isn't just your house, but your life and your heart.  I just googled the quote so I could give a proper attribution.  I didn't find anything earlier than this.  I know nothing about the blog or blogger, but thought the quote was worth a reminder.


I am trying to link at the following places, but my posting schedule isn't quite working out. I end up posting a week late, if I remember.  I don't finish my wrap up on Friday because I run on a calendar week and include weekends.  It's usually Tuesday when I finish a post.  I'm not sure if I need to rethink my schedule or look for new link ups.  Do you have any suggestions?  Please let me know in the comments or tell me when you see me.

The Homeschool Mother's Journal
Christian Fellowship Friday
Weird Unsocialized Homeschoolers

What in the World Was *THAT*?!

Christmas morning, standing in the kitchen, I heard a loud boom and felt a bit of shaking.  I thought something fell on the roof, but saw nothing when I looked around.  The following day, the Saint Albans Messenger posted a query on their FB page asking if anyone had heard a loud boom Christmas morning.  Many people responded from area towns with different times for the occurrence.  

It turned out to be Cryoseisms, or ice quakes.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cryoseism  The water underground freezes and expands, putting pressure on the rock, which is released as an explosion.  There were many all over Vermont, but all of the news articles Google turned up were from Canada.

_______________________________________________________

Here are some pictures from the ice storm which left us without electricity for just over 60 hours leading up to Christmas and then on the 26th for about fifteen hours.  It's gorgeous out, but I feel just awful to see so many trees bent over and broken.  

I'm worried about the cherries and blueberries.  I didn't realize there would be growth on them at this time of year.  

Here are some shots after the ice storm and after the first snowfall.  We've had more snow since then today.

The Weather Outside is Frightful!

Frigid temps do not equate fun to mom.  Apparently, boys are impervious.

Xav body sledding (video).

Mal body sledding (video).


These webs, that were practically invisible under normal circumstances, became works of art in sub-zero temps.

THMJ Week of 12/1/13

    In our homeschool this week…
I am trying to figure out a way to have school in the morning even though Merrick is awake.  He is so busy, it's hard for the bigger littles to concentrate.  And there have been a couple days over the last few weeks when we have *all* needed a break and I chose rest time over school.  Also, when there has been significant snow, the boys like to go out after lunch and I hate to call them in when Merrick goes down for a nap.  There just has to be a good way to do this.

    In our homeschool co-op this week... 
Mal was kind of out of control this week, floppy and vocal, but he participated well in at least two of his classes and helped with clean up in the nursery.

Xav had a good day at archery.  He loves that class and was excited to pop balloons while being timed.

Merrick participated in Wiggles and Giggles (for preschoolers).  He's gone a few times, but some days he just needs to head to the nursery.  Apparently, my little escape artist made a run for it during a rousing game of follow the leader.  As soon as he got near the door, poof.  He was outta there!

In Magic School Bus science class, we watched the holiday special episode about recycling.  I told the class how recycling centers work, we talked about what could be made from recycled bicycle parts (from the Scholastic activities website), and they learned all about upcycling.  I'm sure some parents will want to strangle me when the gang all start picking through the trash to create.  BWA HA HA HA HA!  Best part?  When I asked who knew what recycling was, *Malachi* gave a fairly long-winded and accurate explanation.  I was surprised and pleased.

Mal participated well in duct tape art and made an ornament almost entirely by himself.  Xav learned about the platypus in nature class.  In Your Amazing Body, Ms Trish showed the class a Magic School Bus video also.  It was a video kind of day for many of the kids in that age group.  Xav made a cute snowman lantern from an *upcycled* milk jug and a string of lights.


    What we're reading... 
Read Alouds:
Little Pilgrim's Progress (mostly on hold  while we read Christmas books)
Jotham's Journey

I'm reading CS Lewis' Mere Christianity for the first time ever.  I have a review opportunity for the new Critical Analysis Journal from Homeschool Adventure Co.

    Around the house...
 Jolly old St. Nicholas arrived a day late.  Shhh...  Don't tell the boys!  They had no idea what day he shows up.  Oblivious. 

Merrick got a hair cut. *sob*

    Helpful homeschooling tips or advice to share…
Knowledge Quest has a free recipe book here, Figgy Pudding, Stollen and Tamales: Gathering the World Around Your Christmas Table.

    Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…
Friday School (our co-op)
The library

We also joined a 3 mile fun run/walk for the Enosburg Food Pantry.  Micah was the only one who ran.  The rest of us walked, except Merrick who hitched a ride.  We warmed up at McDonald's, which Merrick calls EIO (as in Old McDonald had a farm).

We all had to wear Santa (or in Xav's case, elf) hats.

I didn't even realize Xav was drinking the syrup until just now!

    My kiddos favorite thing this week was…

First snowman of the winter.

Getting some decent snow to play in.  Until it melted mid-week.  But, hey, it's Vermont and we'll have more before we know it.

    Things I’m working on…
*whispers*  I can't tell you...

    Things Dad is working on...
Micah made some cool dragonfly key chains for our co-op's 2nd annual silent auction.  He's also painting some windows and going through our massive book collection to see what we can part with.  

    I’m cooking…
Pumpkin pancakes!  It is so nice to change up the required 3-4 batches of pancakes per week with a bit of pumpkin.

    Out of the mouths of babes... 
From FB, a conversation I had with Xav.
I asked Xav what he wanted to get Daddy for Christmas. He was psyched and apparently had thought really hard about it.
X : A tank! We'll park it on the hill and when bad guys come here, Dad can blow 'em up! Dad can live in it and come down to visit us and eat with us.
Me: Daddy might want to live with us, since we are his family.
X : Oh. OK. We can build a conveyor belt that will take him to the tank whenever he wants to go there.

    We rewarded the kids this week by…
Going to the library after Friday School.  I try to take them there pretty regularly, they all love it, but sometimes it's been too crazy at school or Merrick is just ready for his nap.  But we headed there this week and Mal brought home Herbie Goes Bananas, Merrick gravitated to the do-a-dot markers as usual, and we brought home many books.  Afterward, we got pizza from Domino's.  They inhaled it.

  
    Something I am ogling or have my eye on…
A comb-binder.  Suggestions?

    A photo, video, link, or quote to share (silly, serious or both!)…
This incredible speed painter.




The Homeschool Mother's Journal Linky.

 

Spring in VT

Everyone got a sweet new haircut. Except for me. I'll have to remedy that soon.Yeah, he shaved again. :)

"I'll need one million helicopters and a dollar!"

Spring life in snow.
March 8.

More Snow

Anyone sick of it yet?

Off the back roof.


See that little piece of wood on the lower left of this picture? That's the deck floor. About three feet above the ground. Gosh I love winter.At least it's toasty inside.

When Winter Works Against You

The back deck is about 3 feet off the ground. We've got a bit of snow in the yard, as you can see. The snow hasn't come off the roof out there yet.

After shoveling the entire driveway,



this was Micah's reward.



The snow slid off the roof just minutes after the van was moved down the driveway and about 15 minutes after the boys came in for lunch.

Frozen Bubbles

The temp this morning was a balmy -20*F, so I threw on some wool socks, a scarf and a wool sweater over my flannel jammies and blew some bubbles. I love what happens to soap bubbles when they freeze. We did find out earlier this week that 5* ABOVE zero is not cold enough.




An hour after I blew these bubbles, the unbroken ones were still rolling around the porch. :)

Winter Wonders Week in Review

Well, it *is* Vermont. And winter *is* wonderful here, assuming you don't have to drive anywhere or be out of doors for an extended period of time, or *ahem* dig up the last of your carrots when it's 20* outside. :) The mountains nearby, the snow on the trees, the birds at the feeders all combine to create beauty all around us. We are so blessed to have such a nice place to bring up our littles.
This week, we've been exploring Download N Go's Winter Wonders unit study.

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,
summer and winter, day and night will never cease.” Genesis 8:22 (NIV)

Winter Wonders has a five day plan with a different learning objective each day.
Day 1: What is Winter?
Day 2: Science Secrets of Winter
Day 3: People and Places of Winter
Day 4: Time for Tips and Treasures of Winter
Day 5: Goodies and Gadgets of Winter

We have found so many rabbit trails to chase this week, that we are taking two weeks to complete this study. For instance, we found out THE Snowflake Bentley lived very near us. I'll be taking the littles to see his exhibit in Jericho, VT. After our attempts to capture, magnify, and photograph snowflakes, we really got an appreciation for the struggles Mr. Bentley endured during his work. If you go to the Snowflake Bentley exhibit page, you can play a Match the Snowflake game.



Download N Go is a lapbooking/notebooking unit study series created by Amanda Bennett. Intended for grades K-4, my four year old loves them as well! DNGs are formatted for a five day study, but with suggested reading and your family's favorite rabbit trails, it could easily expand well beyond that. They are bright and colorful and chock full of information. One thing I really like is the special DNG video page that youtube videos open up in. DNG units each have five daily objectives with components for a smart little lapbook, clickable links to videos and websites, vocabulary, history, geography and more.

I just spend an hour or so reading the introduction and searching our library's online catalog for some books. I print some lapbook sheets, depending on our needs for the week and do some cutting. The rest is done for me!

Here are some of the great books we found at the library. Snowballs was super cute. I've really enjoyed all of the books we've looked at by Lois Ehlert. We also like the My First Little House book series.

You can purchase Winter Wonders here. It's on sale today for $4, regularly $7.95.

Need some more convincing to give Winter Wonders a try? The Winter Wonders blog hop is located here. You can just jump right to the next blog from here.


***I was provided a copy to use with my family in exchange for my honest review.***