Update

School is moving along, and I haven't been taking many pictures, so I tend to forget the things the are noteworthy.  Overall, things are happy and interesting.  Some of what we've been up to includes: lots of reading (shocker, I know), science experiments, Cub scout activities, pen-paling, and lots of discussion.  So, pretty much like normal, but normal is SO good.

These pictures are on our family blog, but they totally relate to school.  This gratitude tree was a school activity one day.

We also had our first snow day (where we skipped school to play in the snow) last week.  :)

Finally, we'd like to announce that our 'class' will be growing soon!

Fall Fun

We've been having a fantastic school year so far.  It always feels great to get back into our routine, and we are constantly having enjoyable learning moments.  School is FUN and learning with these kids is the BEST!

Based on photos, here are a few great moments:

We spent some time flying and learning about rockets.

We re-commenced cooking lessons.  I let Annie and Logan cook different items SIMULTANEOUSLY.  That is HUGE for me.

Of course, we're always reading around here.  We actually maxed out our library card last week.  Oops!

One afternoon I was feeling rather UN-inspired so we went outside to play a math game per request.  The kids liked it; I felt rather blah about it.  THEN we saw a neat looking caterpillar during our game, and then another different caterpillar.  This led to some research about what kind they were, and that led to hunting for more bugs and more research.  Before I knew it were having a really interesting lesson.  As if it couldn't get better, we found this toad just as we were winding down to go back inside.  That led to more research, of course, and before I knew it our morning was over.

 

At some point we started this science experiment.  We're testing to see what happens to jelly beans and smarties in different liquids.  Two weeks later, they're still sitting on the counter because we decided to give them longer to disintegrate.  I think I'll draw the line at three weeks.  LOL

 These pictures were after 24 hours. 

Alex has a head for numbers!  He's been requesting his own math lessons every day, so we've been playing with it.  I've been super impressed with this little guy.  He doesn't remember how to count above a certain number without help, so instead he groups things into smaller numbers to figure out how many there are or how many he needs.  I can give him a scenario and he'll add, subtract, or multiply objects to find the answer.  It's hard to describe without seeing him do it, but it's very abstract for such a little guy, and I didn't teach him to do it!  This picture was taken on a day we used Legos for math.  He LOVES it!

We've been going to the library almost every week this fall and have found many interesting things to learn about.

Our book collection is ever growing as well.  Yesterday I rescued a full set of Childcraft books for $3.75, and they were in perfect condition!  Yes!

We also had a field trip to a show about the Wright brothers.  It was really neat to learn about their lives and how they invented the airplane.  We had some great discussion afterward.  (Pardon my bad phone pictures; I wanted to document our day.)

Officially Back to School

Logan had the opportunity for a special visit in Colorado during the last month, so we put off 'officially' starting our school year until today.

This is what we did when everyone in our area had their first day of school (almost a month ago).

Another day we re-organized our school closet.  Jim added two shelves for this year, so everything fits very comfortably now.  This makes life so much easier!

We joined Logan in Colorado for a whole family vacation, and returned four days ago.  Last night we discussed the new school year in our family meeting.  The kids gave input for things they'd like to learn about and projects they'd like to work on this year.  They also requested the school store again.  So I sent them to bed promising the 'school fairy' would come overnight and have things ready for their first day of school.

The first thing the 'school fairy' completed were the guidelines for the school store.  Our school store has a few changes from last year, but is mostly the same.  It works as a motivator for areas in which we sometimes need an extra boost.

The 'school fairy' also prepped their 'surprise folders' for the day (explanation below) and their supply boxes (pencils, crayons, glue, scissors, etc.).  They were quite excited about them.  Simplicity works so well.  We had a special breakfast consisting of an oatmeal bar just for fun, completed our morning chores, and dove in.

The 'surprise folders' are a variation on the workbox concept.  I discovered last spring that I could use these as a self motivating and inspiring tool.  I put various activities in their folders like math games, writing activities, other educational activities (i.e. Mad Libs), and open ended options (i.e. 'Read something of your choosing, and then draw a picture or write about what you learned.'  'Choose something for Mom to read to everyone.'  'Explore a topic in the encyclopedia and share.'  'Select something from the school closet.'  Etc...).  The folders are a surprise because I fill them when they aren't around, and then they are only allowed to pull one file out at a time in the order I've placed them.  If an activity requires everyone (like a read aloud), we all stop what we're doing to join in.  That might sound crazy, but the kids all love it.  The 'everyone' activities tend to be the most fun and involve the most learning anyway.  I don't use the folders every day; much of the time we have lengthier activities that we work on all together that wouldn't allow for the folders.  I like the folders for days we need a little more enthusiasm, when I'm not feeling up to par, or when we don't have anything particular we are working on.  They take about five to ten minutes to prep total, so they are also an easy option.

Logan picked up right where he left off after our long break, and enthusiastically started his folder.  I was quite amazed at how quickly he flew through everything!  Once he was finished he decided to build a clock, and I finally remembered to take a picture.

Annie was almost as enthused as Logan.  She was a little stressed about certain things because she tends toward perfectionism.  I don't require perfectionism in their work because they are still so young, but she holds herself to a high standard AND she wants to do everything.  I can't count the number of times she's asked for 'harder math' only to cry because she doesn't like the way she writes her numbers.  The math isn't difficult for her, but she wants it to look perfect.  It's tricky finding a balance sometimes.  She was mostly fine, though, and really had a great day.  Her final folder had an art activity in it (pictured below).  I try to make the last activity one they will thoroughly enjoy; it serves as a motivator.

Alex flew through his folder.  I only gave him three activities because that was about right for his attention span the last time we did them.  I think he needs more next time.  He was really excited about this color and cut page I slipped in his folder today.  Jonah is his favorite scripture story.  He was also the most excited about his supply box. 

This little lady threw the biggest tantrum of her young life this morning.  It was incredible!  I have no idea what she was so mad about.  She continued being cranky for a long time after she stopped pounding the floor, so she spent most of our first school day in bed.  After a nice long nap she seems to be more herself.

After 'official' school activities, the kids have continued doing various things from the school closet all afternoon.  The school closet is off limits without permission, so the items in it are considered special.  It has art supplies, educational games/ activities, puzzles, messy creative items (play dough, clay, bubbles, etc.), school supplies, a few very special books, and various odd things (music maker, light bright, Bendaroos, etc.).  Our closet has served as a wonderful inspiration time and again.

Motherhood is HARD

I have been a stressed out momma lately and I've desperately wanted a break.  So last weekend, Jim and I left the kids with his parents and headed to Omaha for a little vacation.  It was wonderful and inspiring.  We attended an education conference during which we heard Nicholeen Peck speak.  Afterwards we participated in a session in the Winter Quarters Temple.  On Sunday we went to church and enjoyed the opportunity to listen to Nicholeen once more at an evening fireside.  On Monday we had some fun before heading home, and on Tuesday I was home without the kids for one final day. 

It was so EASY.  I didn't have little people arguing with me, screaming, or destroying my house for FOUR whole days.  I didn't have to cook or clean.  It was QUIET.  I could go somewhere at the drop of a hat, and accurately predict how much time I needed to get ready in the morning (which was surprisingly little).  Getting in the car took no time at all.  Bedtime was a breeze!  BUT, I missed my kids like crazy.  When a family with four kids sat next to us during church, and their little boy had to be taken out of the meeting repeatedly, I wanted my bunch.  I probably would have had to escape to the mother's lounge with a fussy baby as usual, but nevertheless, I wanted them.  When we listened to Nicholeen speak and inspire us about parenting, I wanted to rush home and be a better mother.  When we watched Mom's Night Out in the theatre, I cried and laughed to the point Jim was concerned; I intensely felt all of that 'mom stress', yet I couldn't wait to get back to my own family chaos.  On Tuesday I was amazed at how quiet our home was and how productive I could be without being pulled in twenty directions, but it was TOO quiet.

I rejoiced to have my kiddos back on Wednesday and we promptly went back to normal.  Last night I had my sleep interrupted for a bed wetting accident and then a teething baby.  Today I had cookie dough ingredients flung in a 5 foot radius all over my kitchen because someone turned the mixer on high and later tortilla chips purposely stomped on all over the rug.  I've cleaned vomit and had a half dressed four year old running around outside.  I've had the Frozen soundtrack blaring through the house while one child sang along at the top of her lungs, one child ran through the house making airplane noises, and another somehow did both.  I've been argued with, cried at, climbed on, jumped on, and whined at.  I've played referee and been interrupted dozens of times.  This motherhood thing is HARD.  It's EXHAUSTING.  It's pull-my-hair-out-can't-think-straight-crazy.  AND I LOVE IT.

Why?  Why did I intensely miss my kids during our wonderful get-a-way?  Why would I rather wrestle four kids through church than sit quietly and be able to listen?  Why am I happy today and can call this a good day?  It's because I am serving my FAMILY.  It's because families are the place we grow the most.  Families are the heaven on earth, tantrums and all.  There is nothing more important than the work I do within my own family, and there is nothing more exalting.  In families we come close to God.  In families we come to understand His love for us and how to love as He does.  My love grows as I serve my family members: sacrificing my sleep for their needs, cleaning our home, being calm through the tantrums and arguments, teaching and nurturing children, etc.  It IS a lot of work.  It is very difficult at times, but I wouldn't trade these little people for the world.

Many are the blessings (payoffs?) of motherhood: the snuggles, seeing the light in a child's eyes, watching a happy discovery, fun moments together, the smiles and giggles, the joy that comes from witnessing a good choice, the innocence and unrestrained love, etc.  Often these are the things that get me through the day.  I think the biggest blessing, though, is how I am allowed to grow.  Nothing stretches me like taking care of these kids.  Nothing else requires so much service.  It's in the most difficult moments that I'm learning to love the most, and getting through those moments are what refines my character and brings the most peace. 

I love a song the children are learning in Primary this year.  It's called The Family Is Of God, and I particularly love the third verse and chorus:

"A mother's purpose is to care, prepare, to nurture and to strengthen all her children.  
She teaches children to obey, to pray, to love and serve in the family.
God gave us families to help us become what He wants us to be.
This is how He shares His love, for the family is of God."

It's true!  It's oh so true!

Reading, Reading, Reading

I have little to say except that we're still reading, reading, reading around here.  And this baby is adorable.

Peaceful Moments

I really relish moments like these during our homeschool days.

On this particular day I was sitting on the couch reading when the kids joined me on the couch.  Logan was on one side reading scriptures and Annie and Alex on the other side reading scripture stories together.  I am so grateful I get to have so many moments like these with my awesome little people.  Sweet.  Peaceful.  Wonderful.

Cooking Curriculum

A couple of weeks ago I had an 'aha' moment.  Logan and Annie are mature enough to cook!  They aren't quite tall enough, but with our genetics we can't wait for that!  :)  They were very excited when I told them that they'd be learning to make meals by themselves.  We aren't doing it every day (because it takes a lot of patience for this Momma who dislikes cooking), but they've each learned to prepare a few meals already.  I'm teaching one kid at a time in order to preserve my sanity, and it has been wonderful!

Logan had the first lesson.  He made scrambled eggs 100% by himself.

He was so pleased with himself.  :)

 Annie's first meal was also scrambled eggs.

She also made breakfast hash that day.  I wish I could have recorded her excitement when she realized she was going to use a sharp knife to cut the tomatoes (which took a very looooong time).

Logan's second meal was a basic pasta and veggies with sauce.  He chose all of his ingredients and was incredibly pleased with the result.  He even made sure we saved some for Jim to try after work.

We've had a few other lessons since.  They love it and are sure to tell me who's turn it is to cook next.  I'm thinking I need to start a book or box for each of them to keep the recipes they've learned in.  I'm loving that they will be able to help more in the kitchen soon.  Already, Logan has made lunch for us one day withOUT my direct supervision.  It was heavenly.