What Do I Love About Homeschooling?

...What the day inspires. I love that my little guy wanted to "do math" so big brother gave him some problems to work out. And so what if they're lying in the middle of the living room while I'm trying to vacuum? They're learning and sometimes on their own- such a beautiful thing.

A Pain in the Neck

That's what he'll have today. Falling asleep sitting up against a pillow-doesn't look to comfy to me. Perhaps he'll need a little massage this morning!

Send the Animals-Two by Two

The beginning stages of the flood.

Hoowee, it's been a wet one. I should have known what was in store for us when I left in the dark this morning to go to the gym and helicopters were hovering near our house. That river...again, I concluded.

Rains came in hard yesterday and continued through the night. Eerily, this morning the river was rising to the side of the road. We decided to go ahead with our plans to see the matinee of Robin Hood even though we (I) knew it was risky.

Funny that a few school buses didn't show for the play. Let's see...could it be...the weather?! Half way through the show we got wind that things were getting bad fast so against my daughter's wishes, we split. Fast. Anxious.

Now you have to understand that there is only one road to my house. One long and lonely road. Did I mention long? Oh right- so as we neared the parallel to the river, BOOM! Flooding. No way we should try to cross. So we backed up and parked at someone's house. We were about a mile from home so we couldn't carry much- just the essentials (my purse, the popcorn and some webkinz).

We thought maybe we could Lewis and Clark our way around the water-covered road but no such luck. It was too wide and too deep. Just then this very kind man appeared in a massive truck and drove us across. Thank you Mr. Oil Truck Man!

We continued to walk home and watch the flooding from the house. Whole trees flew down the river. I think I might have even seen a few houses and condos and okay- that's exaggerating a bit.

About 4pm we wandered out again because I could no longer see the road. Sure enough, the road as far as we could see was covered in water. (The same road we walked home on). And there were more curious on-lookers. Our small little block all out with umbrellas marveling over mother nature- what a sight.

It's dark now and I have no idea what's happening. Have we crested yet? Will my husband be able to get back to his car in the morning? Will my anesthesiologist neighbor make it to her 6am surgery? Will this cause hardship for many? And just how did the play end? I have no answers, I just have to sit patiently inside and wait for the sun to come again. We're stuck after all-better make the best of it.

Venerating Veterans

Recently a friend confided with me that upon visiting her ailing father at a veteran's hospital, she found there to be many lonely vets. Along the way they've been somewhat forgotten. Not one soul should have to feel alone or abandoned, especially at the end of their life.

So, when said friend suggested that the homeschooling group write letters to these patients, we jumped on it. In our case we can deliver them to the priest that oversees our local Veteran's Medical Center. They don't have to be personally addressed- make them simple, showing our respect, gratitude and prayers. To look up a facility near you, click here.

And to all those who have served, men and women, young and old- thank you.

Get Expelled

I have been wanting to see Expelled for a long time now but being that we NEVER get to the theater, I had to wait for video. Even better- I got Netflix. Now, this isn't necessarily an endorsement for Flix but I have to say- I am really enjoying it. No more late fees, no more standing in the movie store trying to deter little eyes from seeing things they shouldn't have to see...you get my drift.

Okay, back to Expelled. It was so well done and what a powerful message to the audience. From the Holocaust to Planned Parenthood- that Ben Stein is one intuitive guy. I enjoy science (even though I'm one of those religious morons as the movie tells me) but I have to say I never knew there was so much pressure to conform in the science realm.

Even if you aren't the mailbox plan like me, go to your local store and get it this week, I highly recommend it!

Blessed Sacrament Sunday

Yesterday we trekked into the city for an investiture ceremony for both my little Tiger Cub Scout and my American Heritage Girl. What's an investiture ceremony you ask? I didn't know either but when I looked it up, google pointed me to many scout ceremonies welcoming new people.

Ours was a little different. We met for Mass, then processed carrying the pack flags, listened to impassioned speeches as to why we mold our children to do good for God, recited our pack promises and received a blessing from Father. Afterward there was a good party across the street and all had a fun.

There are days that I say to myself- next year we are not getting involved in so much. We drive like mad to get from one activity to the next. However, yesterday confirmed that a portion of our craziness is good, really good.

There's a New Fairy in Town

My little one is overjoyed with his sandbox our landlord built for him. The big kids don't think it's too shabby either. Lately they have been collecting sticks and re-enacting Little House as settlers building their new lives.

One afternoon as the big kids got too chilly and came to seek "real" shelter, the little one protested wildly, "But I want to play Little Fairy in the House!"

"No, silly" my daughter laughed, and told him the right way to say it.

Even louder came his next protest- "BUT, BUT, BUT, I'm not done playing Little House on the Fairy!!"

Who could keep a straight face?

It's OOOOOver

And so it is. I will do what he asked- I will support him. And I will hope, wish and pray that he changes his moral view of life.



And might I add that I was never more impressed with a concession speech as what I heard last night. McCain was most gracious, humble and honorable- the man will always get my vote.

You're Needed

To say a prayer for baby Sarah and her family.

A Beary Good Halloween

Halloween was an amazingly busy day but an awesome one at that. Here is the photo recap.

St. Patrick gets ready to leave for his Saints party. What's he reading, you ask? Why,it's the bird field guide, of course.

St. Francis cannot stand still for a picture- he wants to get to the party!

Blessed Kateri loves her costume, so does her mom.

The weather was awful all day- pouring buckets to be exact. Late that afternoon, on our way home from the party, the sky opened, the sun began to break through and patches of fog crept in. It was perfect for Halloween night.

We hit a few houses in our neighborhood but being that we're the only kids around, we headed downtown where all the action happens. The kids were all fired up, singing and laughing when low and behold, in the midst of our low beams were two black bears running down the road. "Is that?!" we all yelled. Yes, it was. Either two really good and authentic costumes or .... We pulled over to take pictures, but all I got was my husband's face as he leaned out listening to the bears traipsing through the black berry bushes. Who woulda ever thought we would see them out trick or treating.

New Bumper Sticker

So I keep seeing the sticker Got Hope all over town.

All I can think of when I see it is one that should read Got Conscience?

Am I too late for the printers?

I Do It Every Year

The time change- I mess it up. This year I stayed up waaaay too late watching tv, got up too early to move a boy into my bed, and then couldn't fall back asleep. Seeing that the clock said almost 7, I got up and made some coffee. Might as well review the notes of what I need to teach at Sunday school, right?

But then, with coffee in hand, warm apple candle glowing and space heater humming, my eyes glance down to the lower right hand of my computer. What?! 6am! You mean I did it again? And I could still be sleeping with that snuggly little boy in my bed? Agh.

Perhaps I should fasting from sleep for my All Souls sacrifice? Or does it not count if you accidentally do it? Either way, have a wonderful finish to this weekend full of feasts from one very baggy-eyed mom!

Halloween Odds-n-Ends

Have you seen the ghost of John?
Long white bones with the skin all gone...
Ooooo ooo ooo ooo ooo ooo,
Wouldn't it be chilly with NO skin on?

Sing with me if you also learned this song in elementary school.

I have a cost efficient costume this year- Elvira with a little Frankenstein thrown in combined with a mummy. Huh? you ask?? Let me explain further- when one mommy goes to bed at 11 only to wake up at 1:20am and lay awake until her three year old comes to her bed at 5am... voila, instant scary costume. And my only excuse is that the costumes need to be finished, treats for the All Saints Party need to be purchased, the ballet bill is overdue, the dinner got left out in the stock pot, a very wet towel was left in the tub and will probably stink in the morning- do I need to go on?

On an upbeat note- it's Halloween and a busy one at that. Art lessons this morning, Saints party this afternoon followed by a wardrobe change and an evening full of tricks or treats. We've been decorating all week and having a blast. Here's one of our favorites- making a tasty jack-o-lantern treat.

Cut faces on a tortilla.
Brush with oil or spray.
Dip in a bowl of cinnamon and sugar.
Bake till flaky and browned.

The Long Prayer

Have you ever heard of a prayer shawl? I began this knitting project as a newbie last winter, knowing that I had to work fast for my husband's sick grandfather, George. With each stitch comes a prayer. It's almost like a meditation to focus on someone so intensely while your making this blanket. The three stitches I went over and over for months, for love, mercy and comfort, will be on my mind for a long time.

George passed away in the spring. His vibrant blue eyes would have stood out with this shawl draped lovingly around his shoulders. After he died I tucked away the blanket for a few months not sure of what to do with it.

Well, it's done. Finally, it's done. And it will be boxed up with a love note for grandpa George's sweet and lonely wife, Arlene. And in perfect time for All Souls Day this Sunday.

Memes and Stuff

Oh my, where is this week going? Thursday? Really?? Already???

Okay, before I need to slip away to a morning meeting, I must say thank you to Regina for making me squirm- I mean for including me in on the fun.

So here goes my musical meme (the shorter version)...

1. River, show me how to float
I feel like I'm sinking down
Thought that I could get along
But here in this water
My feet won't touch the ground
I need something to turn myself around

2. See the world in green and blue
See China right in front of you
See the canyons broken by cloud
See the tuna fleets clearing the sea out
See the Bedouin fires at night
See the oil fields at first light
And see the bird with a leaf in her mouth
After the flood all the colors came out

3. Take my hand
'Cause we're walking out of here
Oh, right out of here
Love is all we need here

4. Let's play Twister, let's play Risk. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
See you heaven if you make the list. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

5. Once upon a midnight dearie
I woke with something in my head
I couldn't escape the memory
Of a phone call and of what you said
Like a game show contestant with a parting gift
I could not believe my eyes
When I saw through the voice of a trusted friend
Who needs to humor me and tell me lies


And there it is, my predictable, quick version.

Fall Fell

We raked about ten tarps full of leaves yesterday for the compost pile. Not sure if you can tell in the pictures but a ginormous wind came up-knocking twice as many leaves off the trees, scattering all our work. I laughed, my husband "quit" and the kids played.

Super Sunday

Make that Saturday, too. The weekend was so wonderful- the weather, the beauty, the fun. My honey got home late Friday night from Alaska and had lots to share with us. Not getting much sleep, we got up early Saturday morning to host the running group we belong to at our house. That meant posting signs and color-coding maps to reflect three fall-filled running courses. Runners showed up like the cars in Field of Dreams. They just kept coming and coming down the long, lonely road. The kids had so much fun handing out maps and offering water bottles. As soon as everyone took off, I scooted to the kitchen to get breakfast going- I am amazed that we pulled off cooking for 25-30 people.

When the mess cleared we hopped into the car to the local farm and pumpkin patch to get some hot cider and freshly baked donuts. (Not recommended for the one who didn't run and stayed home to cook, oops!) We grew our own pumpkins this year but it's still fun to wander the patch.

And for the rest of the day, I got my much needed mommy break and went to a scrapbooking crop. Six hours of laughing and being creative did me just fine.

Sunday was a prize winner. Warmer temps and sun felt oh-so-good. We spent much of the day outside. My daughter and I had the best adventure walking down to the river and letting the dog swim. That is until Belle got a little too friendly with some fly-fishermen and we had to play Lewis and Clark trekking on river rocks to retrieve my non-obedient retriever. Our stint on the rocks found us hopping awkwardly over slippery stones a good distance until we found a new semi-cleared trail to get back to the road.

We made it back to find the boys having their own expedition in the creek. Sailing leaves down the fast current and collecting lady bugs seemed to be the theme. We stayed out for a few more hours working and playing until our neighbor beckoned us over for some lovely cheese and wine and to take in the sunset.

I know we're relishing all of these Autumnal days in fear that they're numbered and soon the rains will set in. Today is going to be another warm one- perhaps school should move outside??

There was quite a story that went with these leaves- I mean boats.

Now that's a pumpkin. My ninety-something year old neighbor grew this one in his garden. It's not for us-we just hitched a ride.

Okay, corn has been gone from our garden a long time- why does the farm still have it? Why haven't the raccoons got crazy over there?

Not sure if this is the right way to "pick a pumpkin"??

Halloween Houses- The Copy Cat Version

Loved this idea from the Crafty Crow- here's our rendition. They were fun to work on but the most fun was had by listening to "Sounds of the Seasons" on cable and laughing at the goofy music (some of it was not music- just screams). The favorite of the day...The worms crawl in, the worms crawl out... All this fun was backed up by mom opening the Halloween candy bag and allowing budding artists try it out.

What an awesome idea to tape the sides for a nice, clean border.

There were three spooky houses in the works but one artist abandoned his post. Flaky artists :)...

Writing Prompts

Sometimes you need to play in the leaves for hours on end (four for the record) in order to feel inspired. Coming in from outside, leaves tangled in her hair, my daughter quick grabbed a pencil and paper and went to work.

Leaves are beautiful yellow and brown,
Fall is no reason to wear a frown.
Playing and watching the leaves fly by,
Fall is the season for pumpkin pie.
Acorns and nutshells and squirrels in the trees,
Standing in Autumn's cold blowing breeze.
Jumping in leaves and for all of those reasons,
Fall is simply my favorite season.

Taken by my daughter while laying on the ground looking up toward the sky. I love a child's perspective.

Throwing leaves up over and over and over again. It never got old.

Another Delivery

I have this great neighbor who goes to eastern Washington to visit his children who, to my benefit, have fruitful farms. This time he brought back red pears. Red pears! I've never even heard of them before. And they are just as delicious as can be.

Harvest Time

After co-op yesterday we spent the afternoon in the garden harvesting squash, onion, carrot, pumpkin and corn stalks. These are beautiful days my friends...

I hate spiders but I still admire their work. Look at this sac!

Autumn Again

Yesterday the rains came hard at times. We all watched out the window as leaves swirled through the wind like magic. "Look, mom!" they yelled several times. Such an awesome sight to see gold and red flying all around with a dark sky backdrop. So while we kept shelter inside the entire day- I did snap these the other day while we planted tulip bulbs.