Advice in Proverbs

I enjoy the Writing Can Help penmanship series by Marie Picard.  Do my kids enjoy it?  Probably not as much, but they aren't getting a choice in the matter!  I believe handwriting is important; it's an art and I want my kids to be exposed and learn it.  As a result, their penmanship or cursive is becoming quite beautiful.  We still haven't transitioned to using it in all subjects ... for some reason they think 'it' tedious.  However, as they finish up their Penmanship books, I'll be asking that they use cursive more in other subjects (well, probably just one subject ... I need to figure out which subject would be best).

Dash just finished up the Writing Can Help: 5PR book today.  I didn't realize what a 'perfect' book this was for him at this time.  The entire focus is on handwriting with the proverbs.  Such a lot of good advice in short little clips.  At the end, he completed a brief test and then asked me to listen to the following excerpt from the bottom of the test page:

Handwriting is a "hollowed art" but "it destroys the craft not to learn it".  However, one is "never too old to learn" it and "patience gains all".  Handwriting will be "quick enough if it is good" since "speed and accuracy do not agree".  At least "a good beginning is half the work" and "Your handwriting IS the signature of your character".  Therefore, of your handwriting, make "your good be better and your better best" and do it "all for the love of Jesus".  Page 32 of Writing Can Help: 5PR

He thought it neat enough to bring to my attention.  I replied, "See, that's why I have you learn handwriting." 

"Really," said Dash, "that's why you have us write in cursive?"

"Well, yes.  There're a lot of good reasons in that paragraph, don't you think?" I said.

He agreed!  At least we can agree on something - this is a better day already.

Wordless Wednesday & Wacky Carrots!

Monday Daylook - September 28

For Today: September 28, 2009

Looking out my back porch... it is soooo windy!  The wind came up yesterday and stayed for today.  The air is cooler, definitely making it feel like FALL.  The square foot gardens are completely cleared.  Only tomatoes (which I will cover to protect - light frost predicted for tonight) and zucchini are left in my old-fashioned garden.  Thankfully all the bugs have been blown away, for now.

I am thinking... this is going to be a better week ... this is going to be a better week! 

I am thankful for... the fact that every Monday can be a fresh start, that I'm one week closer to the end of this pregnancy, and that Claratin keeps my allergies in check at this time of year.

From the sewing/craft room… the lace Regan sent is truly beautiful.  I absolutely love the larger lace and can't wait to use it.  I can see the smaller, oval shaped lace on a dress for Angelina. 

From the school room... my solemn prayer every Monday (well, probably every day!) is that each of my kids, who is able to read, will read the instructions/directions on their syllabus and thus prevent un-needed headaches (for them ... and eventually me) throughout the week.  It's a simple act of obedience; isn't it??  Zeke is starting to be more confident in his reading; I love the stage where they finally 'get it' and start to think 'hey, I'm pretty good at reading.'

From the kitchen... my menu for the week is planned.  Whether or not I stick to it will remain to be seen.  All the onions are on a rack in the garage.  They'll need to dry for a week or two before I'll trust their store-ability.

I am reading... the first chapter of Women of Grace so I'm prepared for the Lesson 1 meeting in October, which I can now attend. 

I am hoping... and praying that this baby doesn't follow in the footsteps of his/her siblings and decides to come right on (if this baby is ready a tish before the due date, that would be even better!) the agreed upon due date.

I am hearing... wind.  If I didn't know better, I'd say it sounds like a blizzard the way it's whipping around our home.

State of the house… if I close my eyes I can envision it as clean as I want it to be.  Oh to be oblivious to the dust bunnies on the floor and dust on the flat surfaces... but I'm not.  I just don't have the energy to keep up with what I want done, so the basics get done and not much more.  The basics are the laundry, keeping the kitchen clean, and making sure the homeschool room is tidy.  Otherwise I'm in 'mess prevention mode'.

A successful moment… we attended our first 4-H meeting for the new year this past Sunday afternoon.  Normally we'd try to avoid outside activities on Sunday, but whole families attend so this will be our exception once a month.  After the meeting we had a potluck; it was fun to get to know everyone better.  We planned half the upcoming year; that is a great accomplishment for a club that didn't hold a 'regular' meeting last year (our first year of membership).

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday:  Dash has a football game and Angelina has dance lessons tonight.  We'll probably stop at the library, in the town where Angelina has dance, to acquire a membership card.  My plan on Monday nights is to hang out at the library with the boys while Angelina is at class. 

Tuesday:  A bit of 'sweet' baking by Angelina & Dash to stock the freezer.  Pear sauce preparation by me??

Wednesday:  View the pictures we took last week and place an order.  The photographer's wife has assured me there are great shots of each of the kids, and she stated that it was a good thing we waited to do Angelina's because they turned out so nice.  I apologized for my mood last week, again; she's a very gracious and forgiving lady.  I'm also planning a library stop to pick out more kid books.

Thursday:  Nothing special - probably more baking and definitely some cleaning

Friday/Saturday/Sunday:  NDSU Homecoming over the weekend ... Go, Bison!!  Mass at the Cathedral of St. Mary on Sunday.

A look at my day, in pictures...

NDSU Homecoming 2006 - my sister was Homecoming Queen.  Now, she's married and has a sweet little baby boy.

The NDSU Homecoming parade is an annual event for our family.  Zeke (yellow coat) & Dash (blue coat), above, are waiting for the candy!

You never know what the weather will be like at the parade; 2006 was cool, so we were all dressed warm.  I'm in the background holding a 4mo Graham and Angelina is in the pink coat - waiting for the candy to fly!

Pictures on Wednesday

Just when you think you have everything under control ....

Yea, right!  On Wednesday, I scheduled pictures at 7:30p.  Yes, that's late, and I'd have never done that if I were still living in Fargo.  But, I don't live in the city anymore and football practice limits the time available during the day, not to mention I really didn't want to give up homeschooling time to travel 45 minutes one way & then back again for 'just pictures'. 

My main reason for taking professional photos was to get a picture of Angelina in her 1st Communion/Confirmation dress & veil.  You see, Grandma Golden Acres (my mom) made it for her and it's truly beautiful.  She - Angelina - looked beautiful in it, especially with her hair done up in ringlets. 

I also found similar dress for all the kids.  We hadn't taken head-shot photos since my sister's wedding in May 2008, so it was long overdue.  I usually try to do that every year - just like public/private schools.  It's a good record, ya know.

So, here's how Tuesday went...

3:20p drive to the corner to meet Dash's football carpool
3:40p back home and started curling Angelina's hair while the little boys played super-hero
4:20p Graham has an accident in underwear - and not just number one - uggghhhh!
4:30p back to curling Angelina's hair - it's beautiful, but did I mention it takes about a long time to do ringlets??
4:50p done with hair, time to press clothing, take out Angelina's dress & recheck, pack socks and shoes for Angelina's outfit, pack socks & shoes for Dash, asked Angelina to get dressed in 'red' outfit
5:00p everyone ate a couple slices deli meat and cheese, put a granola type snack in my purse for Dash - rested on couch!
5:20p asked Angelina to help carry backpacks and clothing to van, dressed little boys in 'red' outfits
5:40p mom and three kids into the van to travel to LaMoure and pick up Dash from football practice
6p leave LaMoure for Valley City - where the pictures were to be taken
6:55p arrived in Valley City - we drove around for a little while because I was slightly early for our 7:30p appt. - feeling real good about getting everything & everyone there!  Promise to eat out if all goes well at picture taking; rewards and bribery are not beneath me during photos.
7:15p parked by photo studio and asked Angelina to carry in her white dress and bag, Dash was to carry in his outfit and backpack

WHAT!  YOU DIDN'T BRING YOUR DRESS!!

(Icky word from me about now)

HOW COULD YOU FORGET YOUR DRESS ... THAT'S WHY WE ARE TAKING PICTURES!!

no response

"Well, that means we won't be eating out," says Dash.  I heartily agreed!

I was steamed & not afraid to show it.  We went into the studio because at least we could do the four in their 'red' outfits.  I checked in.  I called Eric to see if he was home, yet.  He wasn't.  I texted "She forgot the dang dress.  I'm ticked." 

A couple minutes later he returned my call to say he had just arrived home, and 'could he bring the dress to VC - he could be there in 30 minutes'.  Was it worth it??  I asked the photographer about his schedule and he said that if we could wait until about 8:20p, he'd be done with his next appt. and could fit Angelina 'in'.  There isn't exactly a whole lot of time left for reschedules and extra trips in our family life or this pregnancy, so, we did it.  Eric drove up and arrived about 8:20p.  I changed her into her dress, put in the veil, and she had her pictures taken.  She was beautiful in her dress ... she's very photogenic.

Then, we all went out to eat at Taco John's for supper at approx. 9p.  It was after 10p when we arrived home again.  What a day.  Since it was so late, I agreed to call later to schedule a viewing.  Need to remember to do that today.

*Angelina doesn't give me many moments of grief, but 'wow' when she does, they are perplexing.

Hedging...

This is a hedge apple.  It is purported that they will repell all kinds of creepy crawlies in your home.  I say 'purported' because I read in a magazine that this belief is 'commonly held in the midwest' .... as if no one else in the US believes these brainy looking balls actually work.  I placed four in the corners of my basement last year and never had a cricket.  We've been finding crickets, daddy long legs, spiders, beetles and lots of other crawlers for well over a month now.  So whether they work or not, at 79 cents each, I'm willing to try again!  For good measure, I purchased 6 this year.

Creepy Crawlies BE GONE!!

Monday Daylook - September 21

For Today: September 21, 2009

Looking out my back porch... it's a gloomy, cloudy day. 

I am thinking... I feel rushed and disorganized.  There's so much I need to get done this week; and I'm not sure there will be enough time.  Can I cut something???

I am thankful for... somewhat easy repairs on the van.  Earlier this week it started bouncing up and down ... the back shocks were shot.  It's a horrible way to drive when you're 8 months pregnant!  I hope the air conditioner will be fixed as well.  The van has been threatening to quit due to overheating because I've had the air conditioner running while driving in town.  Anyway, I'll be thankful for the cool and smooth ride that's coming my way.

From the sewing/craft room…  Regan sent me a package of beautiful lace; it arrived on Saturday.  Haven't had much time to sew & craft lately, though.

From the school room... the schedule needed to be adjusted a bit for Dash &; Angelina's writing/composition.  I think it'll go better this week and hopefully with less confusion for all.

From the kitchen... the pears NEED to be canned this week (probably Tuesday or Wednesday).

I am reading... Chapter 1 of "Simplifying Your Domestic Church: A Spiritual Journal to Help Declutter, Organize, and Systemize the Home" by Abby Sasscer.  CCM (Confraternity of Christian Mothers) is going through this book  - one chapter per monthly meeting.  I don't attend meetings, but can participate in the online chat group.

I am hoping... to find just a few minutes of quiet today; the laundry room is usually a good place.

I am hearing... the normal sounds of four kids in a school room.  Louder than I'd like, but normal. 

State of the house… did I do laundry last week??  I cannot remember, so I must not have done much.  I'm a litte scared to go into the laundry room today.

A successful moment… Graham's potty training is going very well.  He made it through the weekend without accidents!

A few plans for the rest of the week…
1. Canning pears & making a struesel pear pie
2. Catching up on laundry
3. The kids are having pictures on Tuesday evening.  I am finally having Angelina's First Communion/Confirmaton photos done.  My mom made her dress, so it's extra-special.  As for the boys, I haven't had pics taken since May 2008 - it's overdue.

A look at my day, in pictures... 

Graham went to the Zoo yesterday with Grandma Golden Acres.  So, today, I asked him to go through the animal flashcards.  He had fun laying them all out and was able to put away quite a few by himself.

One of those weeks

Yep, it's finally the end of the week.  But, we have a scheduled weekend, so there's no rest for the weary, nor those without ankle bones (I have ankle bones, but do you think they could show themselves???). 

Here's a little plug for my college alma mater (North Dakota State University) ...  Go Bison! ... first homegame on Saturday.  Normally we'd be in attendance, but I'm attending an ENDOW training workshop on Saturday morning.  Then, hubby and I plan to attend the Annual NFP meeting and banquet sponsored by our diocese.  The kids will be at the game, sporting green & gold, to cheer on the Bison.  They'll be supervised by Grandma Golden Acres, who is one brave grandma.

Accomplishments this week:
1. Thanks to the help of my sister, the whole lot of corn (it filled our second frig to the brim) has been frozen.  I have pics of the process and will post on my cooking blog later.
2. Schoolwork is corrected and we are officially ready for next week.
3. Dash's square foot garden is done growing/producing and is cleared for the year.
4. My to-do list and shopping list are much shorter after a couple days in Fargo.  Thankfully all the food and goods have been stored already, too.

Have a great weekend friends.  It's supposed to be another warm weekend - misearble for me! - but I know many of you are going to enjoy the warmth.

Monday Daylook - September 14

For Today: September 14, 2009

Looking out my back porch... the weeds in the tree rows have been mowed by Dash; it makes the 'yard' look so much neater.  The trees look amazing considering they were only planted a year ago; it's been a great year for newly planted trees and shrubs.  The onions have been harvested and are drying on a rack out by the square foot gardens.

I am thinking... where did September go ... it's already mid-way through the month!

I am thankful for... the fact that I'm another week closer to delivery.

From the sewing/craft room… I'm impatient.  The list of to-do's and errands for my next trip to town were really adding up, so I placed an online order for the supplies I need for a couple projects. 

From the school room... it's the second full-schedule week of school.  My plan to say the rosary - split out over the day - is going okay.  We really have a hard time remembering the mid-day decades, so we end up praying two in the morning and three before bedtime.

From the kitchen... tomorrow, I'm picking up a lug each of pears and peaches.  I only made one peach pie and one batch of jam from the other lugs and that is not enough!  The pears I plan to can and I always make at least one struesel pear pie.  Zeke's favorite fruit is pears (hes doesn't care for peaches).  My sister is bringing tomatoes, so I plan to make BLT's for lunch - probably on Wednesday.  Almost forgot ... I have a frig full of corn cobs that need to be prepped for freezing ... again.

I am reading... still mainly reading "It's So You!"  It's a light read and doesn't require long stretches of time.

I am hoping... I'm able to get all the produce preserved before the weekend.

I am hearing... the sounds of morning chores being completed - dishing being put away, drawers being opened & shut while the kids dress for the day, and idle chit-chat from the youngest two who are always talking about something.

State of the house… the bathrooms are clean and the laundry is done - at least for a few days.

A successful moment… the bathrooms are clean, the laundry is done, and my kitchen is clean and ready for the next weeks activities.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
*My sister and nephew are visiting for a few days.  I have pedicures scheduled for us.
*The kids and I plan to attend Big Iron on Thursday - me for the food and craft building; the kids for the food and machinery!
*Pie baking, jam making, and freezing corn.
*Eric and I plan to attend the annual NFP meeting and dinner, sponsored by the diocese, this weekend.

A look at my day, in pictures...

Over the past year, the window well in the school room has served as an observatory for a few different animals - cats, muskrats, and now a frog (or is it a toad - I'm not going to take the time right now to figure out the answer to that question).  Last week, I was certain there was a frog/toad in our basement because I could hear croaking and it sounded like it came from our basement.  Then, one evening, I shut the school room door and realized the croaking was coming from the window well.  I discovered this little creature, which has been in the window well for quite some time.  He must hide under the wood when he needs cover.

Triumph of the Holy Cross

The Cross of Rosano

7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

Today is the first/introductory meeting for Women of Grace at my parish.  In the past, I've been quite involved with the women's study groups.  This year, I'm taking a much needed break and am only helping set up childcare.  It feels good, yet very different and somewhat removed.  The women leading the group are amazing and the work will be fruitful.  The response to offering the program has been wonderful and more than expected signed up for the study.  I just know I won't be able to attend as often ... maybe it has something to do with being pregnant and living 100 miles away, now!!

--- 2 ---

I am craving Chocolate Frosted Maple Cookies.  Since it rained last night, I'm hoping that Dash or Angelina will want to do some baking today.  Besides, we could use some home-made treats in the house again.

--- 3 ---

I plan to have the kids clear out most of their square foot gardens this weekend.  We'll dry out the onions (red and yellow) for storage.  Angelina's peas have needed to be composted for at least a week; the rain has held us back from clearing them.  Graham, 6yo,  has taken it upon himself to be responsible for picking strawberries and raspberries in Grandma Green Acres' gardens while they are on vacation.  Last night, his dad helped him pick and they came back with enough raspberries to make a cream-covered bowl for breakfast.

--- 4 ---

The first full-schedule week of school has gone well.  Dash is adjusting to the extra work involved with being a 7th grader; Angelina is usually done early and off to her room to read; and Zeke's reading is improving.  He drags his feet a bit with Sound Beginnings, but he does well ... maybe if we tried doing that subject first??

--- 5 ---

My sister and her son (3.5 mo) are coming for a visit next week while our husbands work booths at Big Iron.  The kids and I plan to attend the event (free admission and parking) on the last day.  The boys love to see the equipment and spend the afternoon with Dad.  I'm not sure how Angelina feels about the experience, but she's never complained about being included.

--- 6 ---

The number of frogs and salamanders around the farm is incredible.  We have a pail in front of the garage for toads and frogs the kids have collected - complete with large rocks for sunning.  I had to remind the kids to wash their hands after picking up the salamanders (I seem to remember they have a poisonous secretion??).  I don't remember seeing this many salamanders since I was a kid in the 70's.  The kids found about nine in our window-wells earlier this week.  Did you know they can climb up cement??

--- 7 ---

I was woken up by a very loud thunder & lightning storm this morning at about 3a.  I'm always amazed that my hubby can sleep through these storms!  He eventually did get woken up by a particularly loud clap of thunder ... wish I had that ability to sleep.  The rain means I will probably NOT be picking the last of the corn today; I have a feeling it would be a bit too wet and muddy amid the rows.

To see more 7 Quick Takes

Thursday Daylook - September 10

For Today: September 10, 2009

Looking out my back porch... it’s sunny. My hubby turned over all the weeds again; and it rained on Tuesday, so the dirt is black and quite wet. The tomato plants are as green as ever, and the square foot gardens are starting to wind down.

I am thinking... I'm tired and today is not a nap day!

I am thankful for... time to just sit, because my feet need it! The swelling has no rhyme or reason …

From the sewing/craft room… nothing this week. I did made a list of supplies I need to purchase on my next trip to town, though.

From the school room... it is the first week of our full-schedule school year. So far, so good; just need to make sure the oldest two pay attention to their syllabi and actually read directions before starting the assignment.

From the kitchen... on Monday, I made plum jelly and syrup. The syrup looks a bit thin, but tastes wonderful.  Still need to get the corn done ... maybe this afternoon??

I am reading... ‘It’s So You!’ by Mary Sheehan Warren (and a few other titles as suits my fancy at the particular moment). I almost stopped reading this book because I thought ‘how can I possibly use any of this info during pregnancy’ … and then the author related a ‘dressing during pregnancy’ story. So, I guess it does apply.

I am hoping... for 70 degree weather and no early frosts this Fall (I really do want to harvest some tomatoes!!). I actually saw an orange shape under all the green, yesterday!!

I am hearing... blocks knocking together and cash register sounds from the toy/play room.

State of the house… no complaints today. The kids helped straighten a few hot spots.

A successful moment… I finished the first Rosary Book on Tuesday.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
* I plan to freeze the rest of the corn
* Religious education starts at our ‘new’ church this coming weekend – although I still need to call and officially start our membership – I’ve really been dragging my feet
*Finish the second, smaller Rosary Book

A look at my day, in pictures...

Read-Alouds

At night, the kids all gather around to listen to Dad read the latest book. You can see previous reads in my side-bar. But, I wanted to highlight the newest series because the kids, and my husband, are really enjoying it.

I picked up the whole series at the North Dakota Home School Conference in March earlier this year. It's been waiting for it's turn to be read ... the time has finally arrived. The series, titled 'Viking Quest', was written by Lois Walfried Johnson and is for children ages 10 & up.  The five books in this series have a Christian theme, so that makes them even more appealing to me.

Here's a description of the story in the first book, 'Raiders from the Sea':

In one harrowing day, Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them from their home in Ireland.  After the young Viking leader Mikkel sets Devin free on the Irish coast, Bree and Devin embark on separate journeys to courage.

The kids have really enjoyed the story line thus far and have begged their dad for 'one more chapter' since starting to read.  The print is bigger, so the books won't last long in this house of readers!

Rosary Book

For the larger Rosary Book, I purchased a post-bound 8.5"x10" scrapbook/photo album at Michael's.  The album does come with some top-load sheet protectors (I cannot remember how many), but I purchased extra to complete the project.  The weekly Michael's ad has great coupons ... I'm certain I used a 50% off one item coupon to purchase the album, and scrapbooking supplies are regularly on sale.

Sorry for the poor pictures.  Glossy sheet protectors don't make for great photos.

The title page - page 1.

The next two pages - pages 2 & 3 - are titled "Praying the Rosary" and "Schedule for Praying the Rosary". 

Pages 3 & 4 include a listing of the prayers need to pray the Rosary and page 4 is the title page for the Joyful Mysteries.  All of the mystery pages are similarly created and placed appropriately within the book.

Pages 6 & 7 are examples of what is contained in the remainder of the book.  The mystery and two different meditations are listed on the left and an 8x10 picture is shown on the right.  The first meditation is more teen/adult, while the second is written more for children.

The last page of the book show the prayer "Hail, Holy Queen."

I also plan to make a smaller Rosary Book - the blue album.  It's pages will hold a 4"x6" print/picture of each mystery.  It's nice to have two copies and the smaller book will be great for travel.

*If anyone is interested in making a Rosary Book, I'd be glad to email you the prayers & meditations.  It'll save you a bit of time!  You can always change the font or wording to suite your personal preference.

First Day of School

Lahlum Family - First Day of School 2009

Today is the day! It's our first official day of school. Each child's binder is ready and all the new books are on the shelves. 

Graham - 3yrs. (above) - Pre-School

Zeke, 6yrs. (above) - 1st Grade

Angelina, 9yrs. - 4th Grade

Dash, 12 yrs. - 7th Grade

I finally got the German schultütes made last night (a couple other bloggers have made these and they really looked fun).  Last spring, I found these cute cards with the kids' names, biblical meaning of their name and a bible verse ... I taped a card to the front of each schultüte. 

This is our proposed schedule for the new year ... we'll see how it goes.  We've been working to get the kids into a routine with morning chores, but the morning prayer and inclusion of the rosary throughout the day is new. 

The Lahlum Family

School Day Schedule for 2009-2010

5:30-6:30a Parent rising time
7:00-7:45a Morning Chores
7:45-8:00a Morning Prayer: Front of Basement Fireplace
          ** Include 2 decades of the rosary and one other favorite prayer**
          Monday Prayer Leader: Dash
          Tuesday Prayer Leader: Angelina
          Wednesday Prayer Leader: Zeke
          Thursday Prayer Leader: Graham (with Mom’s help)
          Friday Prayer Leader: Mom
8:00a-12:00p Official school hours
12:00-12:30p Dinner  
          ** After dinner prayers: 2 decades of the rosary**
12:30p-1:30p Afternoon Chores
1:30p-2:30p Finish up school work
6:00-6:30p Supper
6:30-7:30p Evening Chores
7:30-8:30p Reading Time & Prayers with Dad  
          ** Include 1 decade of the rosary and other favorite prayers**
8:30p Bedtime for Kids
10:30p Parent Bedtime

How it went ...


Everyone was up and morning chores completed in time for our morning prayers. 

The prayer time was a bit dis-organized, even though I'd asked Dash to prepare early.  I'm sure we'll get the hang of it with time.  I didn't get our rosary book completed for this morning ... I actually forgot to put it on the list until last night (I'm not good at remembering to do 'things' that aren't written down)!  I have all the supplies and the prayers/format is already on my computer (I gave one as a Christmas gift years ago and always meant to make one for school and a slightly larger one for our family's prayer table).  I'll show pictures in another post; I plan to finish at least one this afternoon.  They are really neat, eye-catching, and especially help younger kids keep focus.

Even though we have a weekly syllabus I print out, the kids tend to skim the directions.  Frustrating for me, generally extra work for me and eventually for the kids.  Hopefully a few commen sense lessons were learned today with regard to reading instructions before proceeding  ... one of my kids had to completely re-do an assignment because it was wasn't written in the notebook.

The teaching DVD's for Math-U-See and Institute for Excellence in Writing (the oldest two are doing the second half of IEW's SICC-A this year) are so wonderful!  Angelina and Dash actually laugh while listening to Andrew Pudewa on the IEW DVD.

I was able to correct assignments as we went along today.  This works well because the kids can correct mistakes immediately.  Dash needed to watch a DVD for poetry, so he didn't finish with schoolwork until 3:30p, but that won't be the norm.  Everyone else was done before dinner (noon). 

I forgot our mid-day decades of the rosary, so we'll recite those before supper.  Like I said, the routine will take a few days!!

It's a cloudy, rainy day.  Dash was supposed to have his second football game this evening, but it was postponed & practice was cancelled, too. 

Awe-summm!

Thanks for Sarah for this tag ... and here are the specs for the meme ...


1. List seven things that make you awe-summm!
2. Pass the award onto seven bloggers you read religiously.
3. Tag those seven bloggers.

My list of seven that make me awe-summm:
1. I love learning about my Catholic faith and creating opportunites for others to learn, as well
2. I do my best to make use of my talents (God-given) for work in and outside of the home
3. I make time for reading, crafting/sewing, and baking/cooking/food preservation
4. I'm organized and efficient ... in most things/works
5. I like to keep things simple and practical
6. I don't shy away from leadership & volunteer opportunities, even though I'm an introvert at heart
7. I realize that I am, and always will be, a work in progress in sight of Our Lord!

Seven blogs I read regularly:
1. Minnesota Mom
2. a place for everything
3. Jesus Take the Wheel
4. Living Waters
5. Lord, Make Me A Saint
6. Meet me at the gates
7. Life, Faith, Home, School
Some of the seven may have already been tagged (don't feel you need to do this again!), just know that I think you are pretty awe-summ and I enjoy reading.

Tutty Frutty & Veggie Mighty

It's been one of those weeks ... surrounded by peaches and produce ... what's one more fruit!!  I think I mentioned that I've been keeping tabs on the plums in the shelter belt of my in-laws' farmstead. 

My MIL checked earlier this week and thought they'd be ready for picking by Tuesday or Wednesday.  After school yesterday morning, the kids and I loaded up the van with buckets and ladders.  We only had to drive across the harvested wheat field alongside the house to find the plums (this pregnant mom wasn't going to cart everything and walk!!). 

Graham with most of the plum pickins'

Most of the plums were ripe, but I asked the kids to pick everything within reach because plums ripen well on the counter.  Dash and Zeke carted ladders to get at plums; Angelina, Graham and I kept our feet on the ground, satisfied with 'lower' pickings.  I'm sure by Monday most will be ready to be processed for jelly-making.  I was impressed with the number of plums, considering the trees are quite old.  Most have 'gone wild' and thus produce very small plums, but they add a wonderful tangy flavor to the jelly.

Dash - packing up to back to the house

Today's successes:

1.  Another 4 qts. of peaches were canned in the afternoon and 6 cups were sliced and frozen. 

2. I finally cleaned and snapped the beans from my garden.  After cutting and blanching, the yield was 13 cups for freezing.  The Food-saver is a wonderful product, IMHO!  Granted, mine is a much older model ... it still does the trick and prevents freezer burn.
3. The kids and Grandma Green Acres picked another load of sweet corn this afternoon.  I helped with the shucking, but decided that was enough doing for today.  It'll keep well in the frig until Monday when I'll have more time to cut, cook and eventually freeze.  Sweet corn for supper tonight and tomorrow!  Yummy!
4. The kids and I cleaned like crazy.  Some rooms (ie. kid bedrooms) were long overdue for a thorough clean/dust/vacuum.
5. Did a bit of food prep for tomorrow ... we're expecting company and are so excited to spend the day relaxing and visiting!

Four AM Fun

Is it fun to wake up at 4a??  Well, no, but if I'm going to be up, I might as well make myself useful.  Today, it was an allergic reaction that woke me up.  My throat and roof of my mouth were so itchy!  That happens to me this time of year - weeds are at their most potent, small grains harvest, and lots of dust.

But, I still can't get back to sleep after taking medication, so I might as well make myself useful.  I was planning to can peaches today anyway.  I just wasn't planning to start so early in the day.  It was actually quite nice: no interruptions, canning in my pj's, no shower (but still plenty of time to take one before the day really begins), 1/2 lug of peaches canned by 6:10a.

1.  Prep stage:  I'd washed the peaches last night, so just need to quarter/halve and peel.  The peeled peaches are in a water/lemon juice mixture to prevent browning during the prep stage.  I've also started water boiling in the canner, mixed the light syrup and started heating it, and placed the jars in the dishwasher so they are hot when I'm ready to pack.

2. Packing:  Half the peaches are cut and peeled (my bucket is full), so I packed about half the jars.  I like to put the jars in a towel covered pan.  My lids have been sterilized with boiling water and the rings (screw-bands) are nearby, too.  I was able to pack 4 quart jars, but decided to peel the rest of the peaches to see if I could fill the canner.



3. Canning:  The canner is filled and the jars are covered with about 1 inch of water.  Quarts are processed at a full rolling boil for 25 minutes.












4.  Done!  When the time is up, I remove the jars to a towel covered board.  The jars are supposed to sit out and cool for at least 24 hours.  At the end of that time, I remove the bands and clean the jars for storage in the root cellar.

Tuesday DayLook - September 1

For Today: September 1, 2009

Looking out my back porch... it’s sunny and the weeds are taller still! I may have to ask Dash to mow them down, for my peace of mind.

I am thinking... Happy First Day of September! Also, watching Dash’s first football game on Monday was much better than watching baseball. With only 12 players, he gets a lot of playing time.

I am thankful for... the ability to stay home and homeschool, our dedicated homeschool room, and the change in seasons.

From the sewing/craft room… not much sewing/crafting this week because of all the food preservation in the kitchen

From the school room... Zeke is in that in-between stage for reading. It’s both fun (when he remembers words from one day to the next) and hair-pulling (when he guesses at sounds and letters)!!

From the kitchen... this week I froze peaches.

I am reading... through all the titles little by little! I read what suits my fancy on that day. The women’s group I’ve been involved with at church is doing ‘Women of Grace’ this year. So, I’ve been itching to read through and look at the book and workbook.

I am hoping... the last two (plus) months of this pregnancy are uneventful and that I feel better than I have thus far.

I am hearing... water running to the outside hose – Angelina is watering my lone flower bed and the potted plants around the house.

State of the house… not too bad, although my kitchen is in various stages of clean because of all the food preservation methods. Making sure the kids help more during ‘each’ day of the week really helps us keep on top of everything.

A successful moment… the bake sale/fundraiser this past weekend was a success! Proceeds will be used to pay childcare providers during ‘Women of Grace’.

A few plans for the rest of the week…

•  We are having friends out for the day on Saturday … we’ve been looking forward to this visit for this last month & a half!
• I plan to can peaches at least one day this week = peach sauce for those cold winter months.
• The corn patch is ready for picking. My MIL and I plan to pick and shuck corn this afternoon. That means I’ll be cutting kernels off and prepping for freezing OR eating fresh corn on the cob later this week!! 

A look at my day, in pictures...

Pictures from Dash’s first football game – his team won!

Dash is #13.

Dash is third player (in black) from the left.