Wordless Wednesday

 

 

Crop Judging

Crop judging started up this past weekend.  Although it was blustery on Saturday morning, Eric, Dash & Angelina left at 7:30a to arrive in time for registration.  The contest started a half hour late to allow extra time to registrants to arrive.

Dash and Angelina have improved much compared to last year.  They were the only 4-Her’s at this contest (again!), so they judged with the FFA kids.  The FFA contest is a little more involved than a regular 4-H contest, but was good practice.

They received the 4-H team plaque and Angelina received the High Individual 4-H plaque.  (Yes, she’s a little proud of that … two years in a row … placing higher than her OLDER brother.)

Monday DayLook – February 8, 2010

For Today: February 8, 2010

Looking out from my back porch... more snow fell last week, so everything is covered with a fresh coat of white – it’s beautiful and quite deep in the backyard.  It’s still b lowing and snowing more this morning, too!

I am thinking… about this week.  Eric is gone until Thursday, it’s cold and snowy.  A long to-do list awaits me and a few of the items NEED to be completed.


I am thankful for... a smooth-running, reliable, winter-hardy vehicle.

I am reading… periodicals: Living, Parents (from my MIL), Parenting (it was free), National Catholic Register, Jamestown Sun, the local Chronicle and Bulletin.


I am hoping... to finish up my Christmas thank-you’s.  I’m sure saying it here will inspire the kids and I to finish writing and get them sent this week …. or else!!

I am hearing... mmmm… it’s actually pretty quiet … for the moment.

I am wearing… a pair of ‘they almost fit right’ jeans, a t-shirt and zippered hoodie.


From the school room... Angelina’s Latin workbook arrived, so I entered the lesson plans and will get her going today.  She’ll be using Italia – Little Latin Reader & workbook from CHC for the remainder of the school year.  The second reader and workbook are on hand if needed.

From the kitchen... I organized the ‘drawer’ freezer in the kitchen a couple weeks ago and found at least 10 bags of frozen bananas (they’re frozen in packs of 3, just enough for almost any recipe).  So, we’ve been trying to use them up in banana bread, bars, and cake!  Any other ideas??  Graham wants smoothies … somehow that just doesn’t seem like the right food for the season.

State of the house… way too many Legos.  We have so many that when spread out over the floor, they’ll actually cover half the little boys’ bedroom.  That’s way too many Legos for a mom to handle.  The boys were threatened with the ‘black bag of death.’ 

A successful moment… Zeke is reading more fluently, so he doesn’t have to sound out each. word. as. he. goes.  It’s so much fun to hear him read enthusiastically.

Another successful moment… in what I consider a major breakthrough with Dash on writing compositions/essay.  It’s hard to describe the problem, so I’m just going to be thankful for the solution and ‘light-bulb’ moment.

A few plans for the rest of the week…
Monday: Back to dance lessons tonight.  The boys and I will finally visit the library again!  Of course, all travel is contingent upon the weather – I have a feeling we’ll be staying home.



Thursday:   Dash is enrolled in an online internet safety/security course.  The first session (of six) is this afternoon.  Also, Eric will arrive home tonite … hopefully in time for supper.

Friday:  Dash and Angelina will be crop judging on Friday morning at NDSU’s Little I.  The homeschool groups’ annual Valentine Bowling party is in the afternoon. 

Saturday/Sunday:  Another crop judging contest is scheduled for Saturday morning.  The kids also have a 4-H roller-skating outing this weekend.  Happy Valentine’s Day!


A picture memory...

Reflections on Friday – February 5, 2010

Baby Louis is 3 month old today!  The days have passed so quickly since his birth.  He’s growing and changing quite a bit.  He had his well-baby check on Thursday (2/4):  weight is 18 lbs. 8 oz. and length is 26.5 inches.   If you think his cheeks are cute, you should see his chubby little thighs … I’m a goner for chubby baby thighs!!

 

 

I finally scheduled family pictures (and pictures for Louis). They were at 4pm this afternoon.  We invited Grandma & Grandpa Green Acres to the photo session.  It’s been a long time since we ‘recorded’ the Lahlum generations.  After the photos, we went out to eat with Grandma & Grandpa. 

Feast of the Presentation

Today’s Gospel:  Luke  2:22-40
When the days were completed for their purification
according to the law of Moses,
Mary and Joseph took Jesus up to Jerusalem
to present him to the Lord,
just as it is written in the law of the Lord,
Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord,
and to offer the sacrifice of
a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons,
in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.
This man was righteous and devout,
awaiting the consolation of Israel,
and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit
that he should not see death
before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.
He came in the Spirit into the temple;
and when the parents brought in the child Jesus
to perform the custom of the law in regard to him,
he took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go
in peace, according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him;
and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother,
“Behold, this child is destined
for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and to be a sign that will be contradicted
'and you yourself a sword will pierce'
so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
There was also a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

---------------------------------------------------------------

It is clear to me, as I read about and study the faith, how little I really know.  And, I’m responsible for teaching my kids??!!??  What a huge responsibility.  It would be completely overwhelming if not for my belief in God’s Grace … and His complete Forgiveness.  I fail every day to keep my temper in check, it seems.  I want demand ask perfection from my little flock of learners.  This has been a huge struggle during the past year.  Lent is coming … a time for change and a time for improvement and a time for sacrifice.  I have much I could sacrifice.

So, what do my earlier ramblings/confessions have to do with this feast day – The Presentation of Christ??  Probably not much, but just the word PRESENTATION caused me to stop and think about what I’m presenting to Christ.  What kind of home does he see, what kind of homeschool, what kind of prayer life, what kind of mother?  I could do better … I have much I could sacrifice.

Monday DayLook – February 1, 2010

 

Happy February 2010!

For Today: February 1, 2010

Looking out from my back porch... the white-frosted countryside.  Even the sky is white; it's snowing and blowing, again.

I am thinking about…  chickens!  It’s narrowed it down to three breeds:  Silver Laced Wyandotte, Speckled Sussex and Golden Laced Wyandotte.

I am thankful for... electricity and gas fireplaces/cook-tops.

I am reading… still have a stack of books in the pile, some with bookmarks.  It’s been so long since the bookmarks have moved that it may be time to  put the bookmarks on the first page!

I am hoping... this turns into a restful week.  I am also hoping that the temperatures allow the kids to spend some time outside.  They’ve been cooped up inside for the last couple weeks and their voices have grown very loud in that time!

I am hearing... the soothing hum of Louis' swing rocking him back and forth; Zeke talking to himself as he writes out his sentences for today.

From the sewing/craft room (aka. laundry room!)… really wanted to do this art project with the kids on Friday, but they were more interested in imaginary play and setting up 'camp'.  Maybe this week??

From the school room... the kids were diligent this past week.  I realized however, that all three will complete their current math books in March!!  The question now is … do I order the next book in the series or do we review.  I always lean toward ordering the next book in Math.  I hesitate to take time off because I don’t want the kids to ‘get rusty’ in using what they’ve learned.  And let’s face it, review is boring if not needed.

From the kitchen... as Eric was gone last week, cooking was kept simple.  Whole wheat bread is becoming a norm, though.  It’s just so refreshing and has become part of the week’s scheduled activities.  Broiled cheese-burgers for supper last night tasted so wonderful!

State of the house… my mom brought Angelina and me these really cool dust mop slippers – the bottom detaches so it can be washed – called Slipper Genie.  Not sure I want to wear them and see the pink turn to brown with dust bunnies attached.  Maybe I should dust the floor first.  Oh, but I can't!  The vacuum broke on Friday and I have to wait for a replacement part. 





A few plans for the rest of the week…

Monday: No dance class means we don't need to travel tonight, but I do need to remember to call and extend the check-out time for our library books.

Tuesday: LOST!!!!!  Will you be watching?

Thursday: Louis has a 3-month well-baby check-up today and I have a meeting tonight.

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: Dash and Angelina compete in their first crop judging meet of the year on Saturday.  Eric leaves for a week long ag-related trip on Sunday.  The kids and I might watch the Superbowl … not as big a deal now that our preferred team is not playing.

An accomplishment:  Louis rolled over (back to front) twice this morning... he was hungry and wanted to get closer to me... go figure!

A picture wish... Silver Laced Wyandotte chickens