Tuesday DayLook: October 28, 2014

Picture:  Greg after the ND 9-man football playoff game -   LaMoure Loboes vs. Northstar Bearcats.  The Loboes came out on top 56 – 12.  It’s been an unexpectedly great season for the team and a lot of fun to watch.

Looking out my back porch... the day started out cloudy and it rained a bit.  It cleared for a while in the afternoon, but it’s cloudy once again.

I am thankful for... being able to be home!

I am reading… I’ve started to read a few other blogs.  I mentioned last week that I’d started to read Walking in Grace & Beauty, but I’ve also been reading 31 Days to a Clutter-Free Life.  The e-book is available on kindle, but the worksheets for each area are available for printing on each blog post.  Some can be skipped, but others have great tips.  I’ve actually saved a couple on specific topics, including digital photos and craft rooms.

I am praying for... a great outcome on the ballot measures which our state’s people will be voting on in the election this coming week.  GO VOTE…it matters!  Also praying that all the players on my son’s football team remain healthy and play with good sportsmanship in the quarterfinals this coming Saturday…win or lose.

A random thought… Make sure you vote next week.

I am hearing... the bubbling of the aquarium.

From the sewing/craft room… absolutely nothing has been started or finished!  However, I have been ‘pinning’ ideas for 4-H, Christmas and crocheting.

From the School Room... some days are good, some days stink. 

From the Kitchen...  before the home football game this past Saturday, we tailgated!  I made Mulled apple juice, Carol’s Caramel Corn, and Mom’s Pumpkin Pie Spice Chex Mix.

From the FarmYard… we STILL need to merge the two flocks of chickens.  There has just not been time to get the job done; it’s best done in the evening.

A successful moment…

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Tuesday: ortho & dance for Angelina, football practice for Greg (all week)

Wednesday: pumpkin carving

Thursday: dance for Angelina

Friday: It’s All Hallows Eve.  We typically don’t ‘celebrate’ this holiday, but I’ve become more ambivalent in the last few years.

Saturday/Sunday: ND 9-man quarterfinal football game, Bison home football game (we hope to watch the second half at home), annual Buffalo Supper at church

A picture memory...

Louis – June 2010

Monday DayLook: October 20, 2014

Looking out my back porch... it’s sunny today.

I am thankful for... good friends, my family’s good health, the fact that I can homeschool, living on a farm, fresh eggs.

I am reading… I’ve started reading this blog because while I’m not really into ‘fashion’, I would like to be able to combine what I have to make nice outfits.  I really appreciate Cyndi’s style…and she’s Christian.

I am praying for...  a young man who was in a serious car accident and has many months of recovery ahead of him.  Also praying our country’s leaders are able to make wise decisions and thus contain the Ebola virus that has now entered our country’s borders.

A random thought… I’d just like the members of my family, who are old enough, to pick up (and keep picked up) their OWN belongings.  Is this really such an impossible request/wish/want?

A favorite quote… “No one in the world can alter truth.  All we can do is seek it and live it."  ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe

I am hearing... the two youngest rolling around on their plasma cars.  This noise is worth it…yea, I know it can be hard on the floors, but my sanity and their ability to get out that extra energy is well worth it.

From the sewing/craft room… I’ve been thinking about Christmas & holiday crafts.  It seems early, but the time goes so fast.

From the School Room... we are pluggin’ away.  Graham and Zeke are staying on top of their subjects and doing great.  Angelina finds grammar, science (Biology), and Latin challenging this year, but I think it’s good for her to be challenged.  Most years, she doesn’t find the school work too hard.  Greg is does well, when he’s consistent in doing his work every day.  And therein lies his challenge! 

From the Kitchen...  I would so like to spend more time in my kitchen! I’m craving soups and baked goods.

From the FarmYard… we are almost ready to merge the chicken flocks.  This is probably the longest we’ve let the young flock stay in the Wahoo.  But, Fall has been so hectic.

A successful moment… making it through the month of September felt gratifying. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: stayin’ home, FB practice for Greg every day of the week

Tuesday: dance for Angelina

Wednesday: stayin’ home

Thursday: dance for Angelina

Friday:  NDSCS Diesel Days for Greg & the Bishop is in town to bless our newly remodeled rectory.

Saturday/Sunday: Football playoff game for Greg, 4-H Awards Program

A picture memory...

September 2011 – WOW…have they all changed.

What’s up?

Lots and lots of football games.

Greg is #69 and a lineman for the Loboes.  He looks huge in his gear.  I’m always amazed that he used to be my 9lb 1oz baby boy.  Crazy.  They are having a good year.

 

Zeke is #55 in the Wolfpack 4th-6th grade team.  He’s also a lineman.  He loves the tackling.  Their team is fun to watch.  Such enthusiasm.

 

Graham is also playing flag football.  They play a 15 min scrimmage during the half-time of a couple home games.  He’s the kid in the middle of the photo with dark pants.  These kids are just racing all over.  Lots of laughing parents.

 

So, yeah.  We’ve been going to a lot of football games.  Some Saturday and Monday, but pretty much every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday since the last week in August.  Schoolwork is still getting done (we started after Labor Day…that post may or may not ever get posted!)…RE started last week…Angelina started dance in September (that’s a month earlier than normal and has it ever impacted our schedule in a crazy way)…Eric’s been gone for two weeks…the tomatoes still need to be harvested…we had a nursery do a bit more landscaping/tree planting (LOVE IT!)…we are attending our first BISON game as a family on Saturday.  And that’s about it in a really small nut shell.

2014-15 School Year Summary

We started today! I’m excited to get going, but hope I have everything ready.  Anyway, here’s what’s up for this year for each of the kids.

GREG – 17yo and Senior

It’s Greg’s Senior year, so is bittersweet in some ways.  We are both ready for him to move along and head out to college.  We’ve knocked heads more than I care to remember!  However the past year was one of much growth for him.  Maybe we’ll enjoy this last year together more than we have since he was in single digits.

Greg’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), ND State 4-H Ambassador, member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA president & member, Crop Judging, Football (he was elected one of the team captain’s), wrestling, altar server, and teen ministry/study group at our local church.

MODG’s Catholic Doctrine using Following Christ in the World. 

Math-U-See Calculus (after we finish up the last couple lessons of Pre-Calculus)

MODG’s British Literature

MODG’s World Geography

American Government & Economics (he’ll be finishing up the last half of this class)

Exploring Creation with Physics (and he’ll also be finishing up the last few lesson of Exploring Creation with Chemistry)

MODG’s Health using the encyclical Casti Connubi

Physical Education – weight lifting twice a week

 

ANGELINA – 14yo and Freshman

Aaak!  Another high schooler!  Angelina will be a freshman this year.  I think she’s excited.  Well, she’s excited except for when Latin or piano are mentioned.  I’ve asked her to continue so that her language requirement can be met with Latin and without starting another language.  She didn’t have much to say.  I’ve asked a friend to help grade some of her papers so that she’ll have outside input on her writing.  She is the creative one in the family.  While organization of her room is not a priority, she can make just about any activity fun for her siblings or those around her.

Eva’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year member of the Catholic Youth Advisory Council, FFA member, Crop Judging, dance (two nights a week for ballet, tap & jazz), and teen ministry/study group at our local church.  We are unsure at this point, if she’ll be able to be a part of the Ballet Academy production, as lessons are to be held on Friday nights….it’s a possibility.

MODG’s Religion 9

Grammar & Composition 9 using Warriners English 3rd Course

Math-U-See Geometry

U.S. History & Geography

American Literature

Exploring Creation with Biology

Art: Drawing with Nature & Landscapes in Pencil

Music: Music of the Great Composers & Piano

Poetry

Latin: Fourth Form Latin

ZEKE – 11yo and Sixth Grade

Zeke is growing up so fast.  He’s fast approaching me in height; I have no doubt he’ll pass me in the next 2 years.  He’s a hard worker when he sets his mind to it and loves to be outside helping his dad in the field.

Zeke’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), Crop Judging, Wolfpack Football, possibly basketball, wrestling, altar server, and religious education classes at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 2

Math-U-See Pre-Algebra

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Phonetic Zoo Level A

Poetry

ND History & All Ye Lands

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art 7 For Young Catholics (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Piano & Ready to Use Music Activities

 

GRAHAM – 8yo and Third Grade

Graham is also a hard worker.  He’s determined and sometimes a little stubborn.  He has a twinkle in his eye when he smiles and always has such great enthusiasm.

Graham’s planned activities & extra-curriculars: 4-H member (in two different clubs), first year Crop Judging, Flag Football, wrestling, religious education (he’ll be studying for both Holy Eucharist and Confirmation) class at our local church.

St. Joseph’s Baltimore Catechism No. 1

Math-U-See Delta

CHC’s plan for Grammar/Composition/English & Spelling

Writing Can Help Book 3

Logic of English (plan to finish it up this year)

Poetry

CHC’s Tour a Country

Take it to Your Seat Geography e-book

Exploring Creation with Zoology 2

Prima Latina

Art Masterpieces (1st Semester) & Art Lab for Kids (2nd Semester)

Let’s Learn Music #2 & Piano

 

LOUIS – 4yo and Pre-School

Louis has an endless supply of energy.  He’s hardly ever in a bad mood and according to his sister, ‘says the most random things.’  He loves super heroes and especially likes to wear his Superman shirts.  He likes legos, Thomas the Train, Link, and being read to by anyone.

His day will consist mainly of play, but he’s also learning more about the letters and numbers.  He enjoys workbooks and art with his sister, who has been the one to lead him through the majority of his workbooks.

 

DAC – 2yo and Resident Toddler to be Entertained

Dac.  He’s a busy 2yo, but also knows how to entertain himself when needed.  He likes books, but doesn’t treat them the best, so we try not to leave him unsupervised with our favorites.  Colored rice and magnets are a favorite activity, but he pretty much likes to do anything Leo and his older siblings do.  He’s frightened of our puppy, Lily, because she’s about his height and tends to knock him over.  I have no set plan of activities to do with him this year, aside from the list of toddler activities that I printed out years ago.  We’ll see how it goes and adjust as needed.

Lily is HOME!

Around noon today, September 30, 2014, and 10 days after she went missing, Lily has been returned to us!  A neighbor’s son-in-law heard her whimpers and took the time to look around.  He saw her with her paws on the windowsill and head out the broken out window on the second story of an abandoned farmhouse.  This farmhouse was within our search area, but we didn’t hear or see her during the time we were in the area.

She is very thin, but was happy to be back on the farm.  We are all thrilled she’s back.  It’s definitely a lesson in not giving up hope.  Thank you to all the friends and family who kept up the prayers and for locals who kept their eyes and ears open. 

Monday DayLook: August 25, 2014

 

Looking out my back porch... mostly cloudy, breezy and it just looks cool.  The wheat field is very ready for harvest, but thanks to the rain this weekend, harvest will wait for a few days.

I am thankful for... allergy medicine, shop-vacs, bacon, fresh peaches, a functioning computer and napping toddlers.

I am reading… a mish mash of books, magazines and online articles. 

I am praying for...  a successful senior year for Greg and a successful year for the rest of my kids.  I am praying they all stay healthy in their sporting activities, as well.  I’m also praying that Religious Education will run smoothly and that we’ll find a cook for the college fraternity I advise.

I am hearing... honestly, in the couple minutes I’ve been writing this post, the boys have scraped a stool across the kitchen floor three times, Dak threw a plate on the floor for clattering effect, and the middle boys were having an argument over who should pick up a game they were both playing.  Mix in a couple screams of ‘Done, done!’ and you’ve put yourself in my chair.

From the Home Front…today has been a doozy of a morning.  Why is it that we cannot discover a problem with our septic pump until water is spilling into the homeschool closet or spilling over the toilet seat next door?  We’d meant to get a back-up pump, but just hadn’t gotten it done.  Of course, my husband thought he’d have more than a year to accomplish that task.  It seems we go through a pump a year.  I think he’ll be getting that done a little sooner than planned.  For now, we are pumping into the backyard…good thing we live in the country and thank goodness it’s windy today. 

From the School Room... assignments are being completed.  Greg and I determined that he’ll be re-taking the ACT.  Unfortunately, there is only one date that works and it’s next April.  He’s also signed up for career days at one college and we’re planning on two college tours, as well. 

From the Kitchen...  Sweet ‘n’ Sour Baked Beans in the oven and Raspberry Chipolte Bacon fresh out of the oven.

From the FarmYard… Lily, our 4mo black lab, went missing last Wednesday.  She hasn’t returned, and we don’t believe she will.  It stinks.  We went out searching for three days in the area where the dogs were last seen, to no avail.  It rained the three nights after she went missing, so the odds of her surviving with an injury are even slimmer.  Bella, our older dog, has been moping around.  We all miss Lily.  Each morning, I’ve woke up hoping that she’d be laying on the mat on the back porch. 

The last batch of hogs goes to the butcher tomorrow.  It’ll be nice to get the barn cleaned out for the winter.

We still haven’t had an opportunity to move the chickens.  The weather played a part in the delay.  Oh, well.  It’ll happen when it happens.

A successful moment… the pile of shirts & handkerchiefs to be ironed has been pressed and put away. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
*First varsity football game for Greg on Tuesday and his second game is  on Saturday

*Zeke’s first football game is Thursday

*Angelina has an ortho appt in Fargo on Wednesday

*Graham begins Flag Football practice on Thursday

*Family camping trip – last one of the year – begins Thursday night or Friday morning

*Grandma Green Acres plans to take Zeke, Graham, and Louis to see Bob!

*Final prep for our first day of class on September 2.

A picture memory...

 

From our trip through the Smokey Mountains in June 2006.  From left to right: Zeke, Graham, Angelina, Greg.  The pic up top is also from our trip through the mountains.

Monday DayLook: August 18, 2014

Looking out my back porch... It’s partly sunny and the wheat field is ripening.  Another couple years and the tree rows will block my view of the field…I don’t look forward to that day.

I am thankful for... living on the farm, cuddly two year olds, snuggly four year olds, chores to get the kids out of the house.

I am praying for...  insight into how to encourage good work ethic in my kids.

A random thought… my oldest son has his work space in our school room and my work area is in the schoolroom, but situated behind him so that I can see his computer screen.  He dislikes me working on my computer or being in the room behind him during school hours.  I think it’s because he feels guilty.  Maybe it’s because whenever I walk back into the room, after being gone, he’s not doing schoolwork and switches his screen??  Trust is earned my boy…it’s earned.

From the School Room... while the room is more organized than last week, it’s still not ‘there’.  Too many piles on the windowsill, dirty windows, old wall posters, remnants of summer that need to be stored away.

From the Kitchen...  peach crisp in the making thanks to Angelina.  If all goes as planned, she’ll be canning peach something for a 4-H project.

From the FarmYard… another load of hogs goes in to the butcher tomorrow.  We are also planning to move our older laying flock this week.  I plan to have the boys help me move two sets of nest boxes to the Wahoo and then we’ll move the flock.  Ya see, there are rats in the barn where they currently live and we want to get rid of the rats.  They eat the feed meant for the chickens and also drink the water, which prevents any poison from working properly.  It’s a big project, but hopefully one that will improve the property.

A successful moment… the basement is cleaned and a couple loads of laundry were taken care of this morning.  Went through a pile of magazines and papers to donate, store or throw.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Cleaning and organizing. 
Greg has practice every day this week. Football practice for Zeke on Tuesdays & Thursdays.
A massage and meeting in Fargo for Suzie!
Harvest of the wheat begins this week.

A picture memory...

The picture is from last August, but this little guy turned two last week!  And, he is little.  10% for weight and 25% for height…very different from how his older siblings grew.  But, much easier on his older mama!!

Update:  Since I couldn't quite figure out the whole google+ (I really just don't have the extra time), I shut off that feature.  I'm sorry to those who posted comments under google+ because your comments are now gone.  It's another of those tech quirks.

DayLook: Thursday, August 14, 2014

I am thankful for... the days of August when the weather is mild, kids enjoy being outside, chicken butchering is done for the year, and school hasn’t started yet.

I am looking forward to…Greg’s senior year of school and all that goes with it, football games for my boys and the NDSU Bison, camping one more time with family at the end of the month (never thought you’d hear me say that…for those of you who know me well!), and late Summer/early Fall colors in the flower garden.

I am reading… novels on my kindle.  Eric and I watched Divergent the other night, and while I’d read Divergent, I hadn’t read the other two books in the trilogy.  After watching the movie, I read the other books within the next two days.  I enjoyed the series for the most part.  I appreciated closure at the end, even if it’s wasn’t how I’d envisioned.

I am praying for...  a successful and uneventful harvest for our family and a smooth start to our school year.  October will mark one year since my dad’s accident.  I pray for him and everyone helping on my childhood farm as they enter harvest (and the combine) for the first time since my dad’s accident.

A random thought… another of my children has been diagnosed with shingles.  That’s right, I said another.  And they’ve both been 11 years old!  I find it interesting and maybe somewhat of a double standard that older persons who are diagnosed with shingles are not told to stay home and avoid people, but my two children…who both had the chicken pox at the ages of 3 and 1 years (not vaccine related)…were told to stay home and avoid contact with anyone.  I’d also like to see a bit more research on how/if the chicken pox vaccine is possibly related to an increase in the incidence of shingles in younger adults and children.

I am hearing... the ripple of the water from the aquarium.

From the School Room... slowly becoming organized for the coming year.  Still have last years completed work to sort through and file, but all the non-consumable texts and materials have been stored.  Supplies have been purchased and syllabi are updated.

From the Kitchen...  purchased two lugs of peaches earlier this week with the hope of canning at least one lug.  So far, we’ve only eaten them fresh, but they are delicious.  Angelina used up a zucchini by making chocolate chip zucchini cake; I frosted it with brown sugar frosting.  Very good recipe; even though I initially thought it would flop because she halved the pan size (didn’t read instructions carefully enough). 

From the FarmYard… chicken butchering was spread over three days on two different weekends.  It’s done for the year.  We’ve already started delivering some of the frozen birds to customers.  The laying hens continue to produce!  The newest layers will begin production as early as mid-September.  The sheep are done for the year, and the hogs are being taken in to the butcher in batches of 5 or 6.  It’s awesome to be able to produce so much of our own meat.  Just wish I was a little better about the garden…

A successful moment… both boys had physicals before football practice started, thank goodness.  I’d forgotten about that little, but major, requirement until two weeks ago.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
1. Mass to celebrate The Assumption.

2. Supper with friends.

3. Bills, bills, bills.

4. Trip to Fargo for a doctor appt. 

Picture memory...

Angelina’s dress for the 4-H Sew ‘n’ Show Contest.

 

Lily, purebred Black Labrador Retriever.  Newest addition to the farm and great fun.  She’s much bigger than this photo shows.  This was back in June 2014.

Sunday DayLook: May 18, 2014

Looking out my back porch... sun is setting & it’s slightly windy.

I am thankful for... the annual Father/Son Camping trip and easy to heat freezer meals.

I am reading… a few fluff books on Kindle, and pattern guides (it’s time to get those 4-H projects sewn).

I am praying for...  a peaceful, uneventful week with good travels.

A random thought… why is it every time I sit down to blog/read, the littlest figures that’s the perfect time to wake up from his nap.

I am hearing... the littlest squawking from his bed.

From the sewing/craft room… found time to sew several pairs of pajama pants for the boys.  Angelina is well on her way to completing her first dress; we’ll be waiting a few days for the zipper.

From the School Room... Greg still has a few subjects.  The room is a disaster area!  Needs a thorough cleaning and this years supplies need to be stored….another day.

From the Kitchen...  not much.  Thank goodness for frozen pizza and brats.

From the FarmYard… lots of feeding and cleaning.

A successful moment…

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Youth Ministry training in Fargo, Spring planting

Tuesday: Youth Ministry training concludes; Consumer Choices contest for Angelina, Zeke & Graham

Wednesday: home today

Thursday: dentist appointments for two boys & a shopping trip to Fargo

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Family wedding, family get-together, graduation open house

A picture memory...

July 2011 – Louis after his first haircut

Clean rooms…

In an effort to encourage my children to clean their rooms and then keep them clean, I created an award.  The award is a prize of their choice (parental approval required) won by having the cleanest room at the end of the week – provided the rooms are clean.  Some prizes necessitate winning twice.

Interestingly, the award has been won – two weeks in a row – by Graham, age 7, and Louis, age 4.  Graham needed two awards to win his Hexbug and Louis needed two awards to win a Link shield. 

There have been weeks when no one has won because the rooms were simply NOT clean! 

There has been some movement toward a cleaner room for Greg & Zeke, who share a room.  Angelina loves her piles, so is farther away from a solid win. 

AND, this past week, I completely changed it up again.  Zeke was moved in with Louis and Graham into the room with Greg.  Because…I’d been finding half empty cups of iced tea and chocolate milk on dressers (and behind clean towels in cupboards), bowls of food in drawers, under the sink in the bathroom, in storage tubs…it’s just plain GROSS!  Of course, no one fesses up to the empty bowls and cups.  So, my solution was to mix up the living arrangements so I could keep track of the offenders (yes, I do have an idea of ‘who’ is doing it, but they’d always blame the roommate).  And, yes, my kids get plenty to eat, just not that kind of junk whenever they want. 

It’s part punishment/consequence for poor decisions, part older sibling helping younger sibling learn to keep a clean room and make good choices.

I have no idea if it will work or even help, but something needed to be changed.  Here goes.

Thursday DayLook: April 24, 2014

Looking out my back porch... grass is greening and the sky clear and blue.

I am thankful for... family & friends, a home big enough to accommodate family for an Easter weekend gathering.

I am reading… ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying...  that we can end our school year early, that my chicks arrive safely next week, that the weather stays warm and we are done with snow until October.

A random thought… Greg turns 17 today. 

I am hearing... silly computer jargon from the game Graham is playing.

From the School Room... it was a slow start to school this week.  I like taking off Holy Week, but it’s not really a vacation because there is so much going on!  I’d really like to be done.

From the Kitchen...  I made a few new recipes for Easter and hope to post them later on my cooking blog so I remember them.  The one was a Cranberry BBQ sauce that was served over pork/beef/lamb meatballs.  Everyone liked it.

From the FarmYard… 6 sheep arrived on the farm.  The momma rabbit was disturbed by all the new additions to the barn and did not deliver a healthy litter.  We hope to try again later and hope she’ll deliver in July.

A successful moment… all of my siblings and their families stayed at our home over Easter.  My in-laws hosted my parents (who appreciated the quiet!). 

A few plans for the rest of the week… I will be headed to Fargo for meetings on Friday and Saturday.  The kids have outside cleaning to do and Spring’s field work will start up if it’s dry enough.  The guys will work on the machinery if it’s too wet in the field.

A picture memory...

Dac at the ND State Fair in July 2013

Monday DayLook: April 14, 2014

Looking out my back porch... it’s snowing.  Thankfully, though, it’s melting when it hits the ground.

I am thankful for... grandparents/parents, sunshine, and good medical care.

I am reading… ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying that...  my little Louis never has another anaphylactic reaction.  We spent Saturday night in the hospital for observation because his reaction couldn’t be controlled quickly enough with the medication administered in the ER.  And we were also told children have a tendency to relapse around 8 hours after their symptoms have been controlled.  We live 45 and 55 miles from the two nearest hospitals; that’s a long way to travel.

A random thought… we are fortunate to live in an area where our kids are welcome to participate in the local school sports and extra-curricular activities.  We probably wouldn’t have let the kids participate as much in Fargo, but I can’t say that definitively because we moved.  Recently, my husband was visiting with a friend who talked about another homeschooling family who was considering moving because they felt ostracized in the town where they currently live.  Very thankful for our location, just thankful.

A favorite quote… "No one in the world can alter truth.  All we can do is seek it and live it."  ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe

I am hearing... the vacuum.

From the sewing/craft room… last week, I finally made time to sew.  Of course, it helped that there was a deadline involved!  Greg needed the vest, bowtie or tie (he couldn’t make up his mind, so I made both) and pocket square by last Friday.  So, we have one vest that is too small and one that fits wonderfully.  Suffice it to say, when that little voice tells you to measure, you really SHOULD measure.  You shouldn’t talk yourself out of it by thinking that it’ll take too much time…NOT measuring definitely takes more time.  In fact, it takes the exact amount of time to make another vest AND measure twice to make sure you are right the second time around!

From the School Room... the younger kids finished up a lot of subjects last week.  We are taking Holy Week off from school, except that Greg will most likely continue to work in a lot of subjects.

From the Kitchen...  not much was planned over the weekend as we ate at our parish mission each evening.  This week, we have LOTS planned as we’ll be prepping for Easter and the arrival of family.

From the FarmYard… PIGS arrived last Thursday.  And they are so CUTE!!  They’re small, but they’re Spots (a breed) and they are seriously adorable.  The cousins are going to love seeing the animals during their visit.  Eric and the kids will be picking up more pigs at a sale this week.

A successful moment… the weekend activities are completed. 

A few plans for the rest of the week…
We are taking the week off from school.  Angelina & Graham have ortho appts in Fargo, so we’ll be able to stock up on food and supplies for the family gathering over the Easter weekend.  Our family is hosting this year and looking forward to seeing family.  Other than that, we look forward to Holy Week and all the activities that go along with this most Holy time in our Church.

A picture memory...

Greg will celebrate his 17th birthday later this month.  How he has changed.  The pic above is from 2008 when he celebrated his 11th birthday…a couple months later we moved out to the farm.  That was a year of big changes for our family!

Finished by Friday

Remember I’m the type who likes lists and crossing off each item?  Well, this is a short list of what’s been accomplished in our household/homeschool this week. 

1. Vest, tie, bowtie, pocket square all sewn for Greg…this week.  Pictures to come later.

2. Angelina finished History, Literary Analysis & Reading Comprehension. 

3. Zeke finished History. 

4. Graham finished poetry & religion.

Monday DayLook: April 7, 2014

 

Looking out from my back porch... snow is pretty much gone and the sloughs in the fields around the house are catching the melt.

I am thankful for... a warm home, little boys (the 19mo old sounds cute, anyone else is more of an elephant!) who run through the house, awesome diocesan programs/gatherings for our junior and senior high kids, ability to bulk shop

I am reading… ‘33 Days to Morning Glory,’ ‘The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling,’ and ‘Bought with a Price’

I am praying for... the parent of a good friend who has been ill and a friend of my dad’s who is nearing the end of his earthly life.

I am hearing... Graham practicing the recorder.  He’s better every day!

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… over the weekend, I finally cut out the pattern for Greg’s vest and tie.  I’m almost done sewing the vest…needs shoulder seams sewn, button holes & buttons and a final press.

From the School Room... very thankful the kids are finishing up quite a few subjects..just in time to send them out into the warm weather.

From the Kitchen...  over the weekend, I crock-potted two chickens.  I like to do two at a time so I have meat to dice and freeze.  So, we ate chicken a la king for lunch with enough leftovers for supper.

From the FarmYard… snow melt means mud and rubber boots and loads of muddy jeans coming my way.

A successful moment… school planning was finished on Friday and the kitchen stayed clean over the weekend..

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: staying home today & I’ll be sewing

Tuesday: potluck supper for Loboe Little Wrestlers and families

Wednesday:  my sister and her two boys are coming to stay overnight

Thursday: morning visit with my sister & boys

Friday: Greg is attending prom with a friend tonight, our parish mission is this weekend, Grandma Golden Acres is coming for a visit

Saturday/Sunday: parish mission

A picture memory...

Dac in April 2013.  Just reminds me how much all the boys look alike!

Finished by Friday

Remember I’m the type who likes lists and crossing off each item?  Well, this is a short list of what’s been accomplished in our household/homeschool this week. 

I forgot to post last week, so this is for the last two weeks.

1. Zeke finished music and religion.  Graham finished math & music.  Angelina finished Latin.

2. The stacks of rubber tubs in our guest room were stored out of sight.

3. Zeke & Graham completed their Journey Through Lent lap-books.

4. Angelina’s Ballet Academy presented their ‘Carnival of the Animals’ recital this past Sunday, thus closing the year on dance.

5. Greg finished a History paper!

6. Due to the Blizzard, Greg had time to install the TV mount (purchased 3, maybe more, years ago by Eric).  It works great!

7. The Dining Room is completely cleared of clutter.  I just hope it stays that way until Easter.